San Antonio zoning panel delays decision on synagogue’s request to allow community kosher kitchen use

The San Antonio Zoning Commission on Tuesday voted to continue for four weeks a request to allow a conditional food‑service use at a property used by a Jewish congregation, after residents and city staff raised concerns about parking, emergency access and unresolved code violations.

Chair John Bustamante opened the public hearing on the item and staff planner Mike Escalante told commissioners the change would not increase impervious area and that staff recommended the conditional rezoning with standard conditions. "We reviewed the request located at 15511 Grove Drive and recommended approval of the recommendations in the staff report," Escalante said during his presentation. He also noted later in the hearing that the property had two pending code enforcement actions: operating without a certificate of occupancy and operating a restaurant in a residential district.

The applicant, Sara Baito Shoul, who identified herself as living at the property, told the commission the facility functions primarily as a congregational kitchen and dining space for members. "We have been operating as a nonprofit community Jewish kitchen; we never advertised as a public restaurant," she said, asking the commission to consider the use as religiously‑based community infrastructure rather than a commercial restaurant.

Neighbors and the Hill Sendale neighborhood association pressed a different view. Harrison Axon, speaking for the association, said Sundays and some religious gatherings already create heavy curbside parking that sometimes blocks emergency access. "The main issue is traffic congestion — vehicles park on both sides of the street and emergency vehicles have had trouble getting through," Axon said.

Several congregational leaders and community advocates told the commission the kitchen is a necessary, often unique resource for Orthodox and observant residents and for visitors who require kosher meals. "Without places like this, segments of San Antonio cannot fully participate in community life," said a Jewish‑community representative who identified himself as the head of a local federation.

Commissioners questioned how many people the operation serves on a typical day and whether mitigation measures — including limiting patrons, adding off‑street parking, or time‑of‑use restrictions — could reduce neighborhood impacts. Commissioner John Kelly said he had visited the site and asked for average attendance numbers; the applicant and rabbi said regular morning gatherings typically host about 10 people and four to five cars, with higher counts on Saturdays and holidays.

Code enforcement staff told the commission the city had opened citations in 2023 and the case remains pending in municipal court. Michelle Velázquez, a city code official, said enforcement had been active and warned that operating without a certificate of occupancy is not allowed whether or not the property claims a religious use.

After extended questioning and discussion, Commissioner Kelly moved to continue the case for four weeks to June 2 to give neighbors, the congregation and staff time to negotiate practical conditions — for example, parking management, clear limits on hours or the number of patrons, and to address outstanding code issues. Commissioner Hinojosa seconded the motion, which the commission approved by roll call.

The commission’s action was to continue the deliberation rather than make a final recommendation; the item will return to the zoning commission with any agreed conditions and updated staff analysis before a recommendation is forwarded to City Council. Chair Bustamante said the commission expects staff and the parties to meet in the interim and to report back at the continued hearing.