Zoning commission backs 75‑acre R‑4 rezoning at New Laredo Highway despite neighbors’ flooding, noise and industrial concerns

The City of San Antonio Zoning Commission voted on Feb. 3 to recommend rezoning a roughly 75‑acre tract along New Laredo Highway and Cassin Road from industrial and commercial districts to R‑4 single‑family residential, moving the project to city council for final action.

The developer’s representative, Emily Weisler, told commissioners the site can accommodate a mix of lot sizes and pointed to a preliminary layout that would provide multiple access points and detention areas to manage stormwater. “We will continue to engage with property owners and business owners in this community and the council office on peaceful coexistence,” Weisler said.

Residents who spoke at the hearing urged the commission to require stronger protections for existing nearby industrial uses. Marvin Hassani, who said he operates a recycling and salvage business near the tract, told the commission that heavy equipment and crushing operations generate loud noise and dust and that flooding in low‑lying areas has stranded vehicles and endangered people in the past. “I don’t want others to live there and have to face that pain later on,” Hassani said, arguing that homes built too close to active industrial operations could lead to conflicts.

Julie Mata, a neighbor who said she owns property on New Laredo Highway, cited traffic congestion and the area’s flooding history as reasons to be cautious about approving new residential development. Commissioners acknowledged those concerns and discussed the need for buffering, fencing and design measures to reduce conflicts between future residents and existing businesses.

Commissioner Pete Rodriguez, who moved to recommend approval, cited the amount of vacant land and the potential to add housing stock: the applicant estimated about 350 new homes on the site. Multiple commissioners noted the area is in transition, with new residential projects nearby, and said careful site design will be important to protect both new residents and existing businesses.

The motion to recommend approval passed on a roll‑call vote. One commissioner recorded a dissenting vote; the motion carried and the case will be forwarded to city council for final consideration.

Next steps: the zoning commission’s recommendation is advisory; city council will review the rezoning request in a later meeting and may adopt, modify or reject the recommendation.