Zoning commission approves Roosevelt Avenue rezoning to allow event center with live entertainment and bingo amid neighborhood objection

The City of San Antonio Zoning Commission voted to rezone 3371 Roosevelt Avenue from C2 Commercial District to IDZ2 (medium‑intensity infill development zone) with additional uses including party house, reception hall, meeting facility, bingo parlor and live entertainment without cover charges.

Staff and the applicant said the change would enable renovation of a long‑vacant commercial building, provide parking and jobs, and help revitalize a blighted corridor. "My client's name is Peter Garcia and owns a property at 3371 Roosevelt Avenue," said Mitsuko Ramos of Government Relations Group of Texas, representing Garcia Event Centers LLC. Ramos told the commission HDRC granted conceptual approval for facade and rooftop‑terrace elements and that the applicant proposes 160 parking spaces and rooftop music limited to no later than 10:30 p.m.

Opposition centered on noise, parking overflow and the effect on the Mission San Jose historic area. Jane Henry, president of the Mission San Jose Neighborhood Association, said her group "opposes outdoor music on rooftop decks, patios and parking lots" and opposed allowing bingo at the site. Henry noted the mission is part of a World Heritage buffer zone and warned of potential conflicts between rooftop music and Mission events.

Supporters — including nearby business owners and several residents — said the property is an eyesore and that redevelopment would increase safety and economic activity. In a voicemail played for the commission, Arthur Garcia, owner of a restaurant next door, said the building draws homeless encampments and that redevelopment would be "great for the community."

Commissioners asked staff about enforcement options. Staff and the World Heritage Office said existing noise and historic‑preservation rules remain in force; Colleen Swain of the World Heritage Office told commissioners that protections tied to the site's designation rely on following City rules and the historic‑preservation review process.

Commissioner Hinojosa moved to approve the rezoning as submitted; the motion was seconded by Commissioner Woodson. Commissioners debated whether to remove the bingo use; a suggested friendly amendment to strip the bingo use from the request was not accepted. On roll call, the motion carried.

The commission’s recommendation will go to City Council for final action.