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Residents oppose proposed commercial use behind homes, cite zoning and safety concerns
Summary
At the Jan. 29 Lancaster City Council meeting, resident Jose Bosque (statement read by Israel Gonzales) urged council to block proposed commercial activity accessed by Alleyway 59, saying the parcels are in an R‑3 residential zone and citing ordinance 8 20 25; Bosque also raised complaints about junk staging and safety near nearby schools.
At the Jan. 29 Lancaster City Council meeting, a written statement from resident Jose Bosque was read by Israel Gonzales urging council to reject any commercial activity behind homes accessed by Alleyway 59 in the R‑3 residential zoning district.
Bosque argued the properties "do not meet those zoning requirements, and approval would directly contradict recent legislative action intended to protect residential neighborhoods," referencing what he said was Ordinance 8 20 25 that removed self‑storage uses from R‑3 and R‑4 districts. He also told council there is "ongoing junk removal and waste staging activity occurring behind our homes," which he said raised "public health, sanitation, safety, and quality of life concerns, especially given the proximity to both an elementary school and a middle school." The statement was submitted for the record by Israel Gonzales on Bosque's behalf because Bosque said work constraints prevented him from attending in person.
"I'm here to formally object to any proposed commercial development or use at the properties located behind our homes and accessed by a residential alleyway, Alleyway 59," Bosque said in the text read to council. He asked council to enforce residential zoning so "the community we fought to build is not undermined." He offered to provide written documentation to staff; the council clerk was asked to receive submitted materials.
The statement also included a separate community announcement about a local fundraising push‑up competition to support longtime community member Frank Albright and fundraising connected to his daughter, Jenny Sotto Albright.
Council did not take immediate action on the zoning concern during the meeting. Council staff accepted Bosque's written materials for the record and no motions or votes addressing the zoning or alleged alley staging were made that evening.
What happens next: Residents who lodged objections can follow up with the city clerk and planning staff; Bosque said he has submitted documentation and requested clarity and coordination through administrative channels. The council did not discuss enforcement steps or schedule follow-up on Alleyway 59 during the Jan. 29 meeting.
