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Neighbors press San Antonio zoning commissioners to reject a four‑unit conversion; motion to deny fails
Summary
A contested request to allow four units on a single‑lot R4 property drew strong neighborhood opposition over parking, safety and preservation concerns; commissioners debated triplex vs. quadplex outcomes, a motion to deny failed and the matter was continued for further consideration.
Neighbors and commissioners sparred over a request to allow a four‑unit conversion at a historic single‑family block, with residents urging protection of neighborhood character and commissioners debating appropriate scale.
Several neighbors, including Victoria Vázquez and Diana Vázquez, testified during the public comment period that converting the single‑family lot to a four‑unit property would set a precedent they opposed. "Nuestro vecindario es histórico ... cambiar la zonificación a multiinquilino ... va a cambiar la identidad de nuestro vecindario," Victoria Vázquez told the commission, citing concerns about parking, short‑term rentals and public safety.
Staff described the site's zoning history and explained that the city’s comprehensive plan and recent local plans prioritize lower‑intensity, mixed‑use or residential preservation in that area. Commissioner Georgia Hinojosa said she heard neighborhood opposition and moved to deny the conditional rezoning; she said residents "no lo quieren ahí" and supported the denial motion. Several commissioners expressed sympathy for housing goals and the need for smaller multiunit housing in some contexts, noting that a triplex or duplex might be preferable to a four‑unit conversion.
On the recorded vote the motion to deny did not receive sufficient support and failed; a subsequent motion to reconsider also failed and, under code, the item will be continued for two weeks. The commission instructed staff and the applicant to pursue further outreach and to prepare clarified conditions or alternatives for the next hearing.
