Commission approves Don Beto Drive rezoning over staff objection

The Laredo Planning and Zoning Commission voted to approve a request to rezone about 3.33 acres east of Don Beto Drive and north of Griselda Drive from R1 to R2 to permit multi-family residential townhomes.

Francisco Ramblas, a representative of Ramblas Engineering, told the commission the revised site plan adds a cul-de-sac and a turnaround to meet fire-department requirements and that the owners intend townhomes — not large apartment blocks. "We do have a cul-de-sac now proposed there because before we didn't have this cul-de-sac here at the end," Ramblas said while outlining the layout and access provisions.

Staff had recommended continuation and expressed concerns that an R2 rezoning could increase density on the small residential street, noting that townhomes and similar developments typically require an R2 base zone and a PUD overlay to shrink lots. Planners suggested a condominium approach under a conditional-use permit could address right-of-way and buildability issues without a full zone change.

Neighbors and developers described outreach efforts and design choices intended to limit traffic. Abe Gonzalez of Quantum Building Services said the proposal includes two- and three-bedroom homes with private driveways and parking to meet city code, and that neighbors were shown the plans in an April meeting.

Despite staff reservations, a commissioner moved to go against the staff recommendation and approve the amended ordinance. The motion passed.

The commission's approval allows the applicant to continue engineering and platting steps required to implement the project; the developer and staff will need to complete any remaining plat reviews and permitting steps before construction can begin.