Council postpones decision on Socorro Road rezoning after debate over parking, roundabout risk

The Socorro City Council on May 21 voted to postpone consideration of a rezoning application for 10199 Socorro Road after extended debate about parking, roadway geometry and potential TxDOT plans. Owner Jose Alejandro Lozano asked the council to allow small local businesses on the long-vacant lot; planning staff recommended denial because the lot is small and may not accommodate required parking or safe vehicle maneuvering. The Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended approval at its April meeting.

Several residents at the Planning and Zoning public hearing expressed concern that the parcel could become a liquor store; one speaker asked that liquor sales be excluded as a permitted use. The council’s historic preservation officer, Jake Loretta, said the applicant had revised design materials and that the Historic Landmarks Commission had cleared the design under its guidelines. Staff cited a conceptual TxDOT roundabout planning study at the intersection as a potential constraint, although officials said the roundabout remains conceptual and not yet designed or funded.

Council members debated whether the conceptual TxDOT project should block local development. Several members urged exploration of alternatives, such as demolition and rebuilding to create adequate parking or seeking a variance for reduced parking. One council member moved to table the item to the council's second meeting in June to allow the applicant time to revise plans and for staff to examine possible solutions; the motion passed by voice vote.

Next steps: the applicant will work with staff on revised site plans, potential variances, or other measures to address parking and circulation concerns; the item will return to council at the next scheduled meeting.