Planning commission denies rezoning request for 125 Stonewall Avenue

The San Antonio Planning Commission voted Feb. 25 to deny a request to amend the community perimeter plan for 125 Stonewall Avenue that would have permitted commercial use for vehicle parking and limited repair work.

Planning staff member Samantha Benavides told commissioners the parcel is currently designated low-density residential and that converting it to commercial would be inconsistent with the surrounding residential character; staff recommended denial. Benavides also said the department sent 30 notices for the proposal, recording one in favor and two in opposition.

Applicant Samuel Aguilar Vega told the commission he intended to use the corner lot for off-street parking "to keep the vehicles off the streets" and said the use would be limited to parking with no loud activities. "Mi intención es mover todos esos vehículos para este terreno y que haya mejor visibilidad en la calle Flores," Aguilar said.

Commissioners pressed for specifics about how the lot would be used, asking whether a conditional-use permit could restrict long-term storage or on-site repairs and whether required inspections and buffering were in place. Staff said long-term storage for repair operations could be problematic and noted that zoning and conditional-use procedures would apply if different uses were proposed.

Several commissioners and the record of neighborhood contacts raised traffic and safety concerns near residences and a nearby childcare; one commissioner characterized the request as effectively a zoning change rather than a plan amendment and said it was not appropriate for approval as presented.

Commissioner Profit moved to deny the request; Commissioner Bustamante seconded. Commissioners voted in favor of denial and President Peck announced the motion passed to deny the application for 125 Stonewall Avenue.

The commission moved on to other business at the close of the item.