However, the ordinance “died” by lack of a motion.
How we got here
The applicant is Sergio Lozano Sanchez, who previously submitted an application that proposed the same zoning districts for the southern and northern areas of the property, which is owned by FM 1044 Real Estate LLC.
On Oct. 7, the planning commission reviewed concerns of surrounding neighbors, and Sanchez withdrew the request later that month at the Oct. 23 City Council meeting and resubmitted the revised proposal.
City staff recommended approval of the rezoning request at the planning commission’s Jan. 3 meeting as it was consistent with the city’s 2018 Comprehensive Plan, Envision New Braunfels’ Future Land Use and Regional Transportation Plans. However, the planning commission unanimously voted to recommend denial of the request to council.
Sameer Umatiya spoke on behalf of the property at the planning commission meeting, stating that they would be investing in almost $2.5 million on public infrastructure.
Another viewpoint
The city received a petition of 30 signatures from property owners in and around the proposed zone change opposing the rezoning application, according to agenda documents. Those in opposition of the proposed rezoning cite concerns with infrastructure, traffic and flooding.
Resident Ken Winslow, whose property would back up to the proposed development, voiced his opposition for the proposed rezoning change.
“This just doesn’t fit with our neighborhood,” Winslow said.
Another resident, Nashawn Meneley, has lived in her home for over 30 years and noted that, if rezoned, the development would be directly behind her home. Meneley said she was opposed to the rezoning due to fears of more traffic.
“It’s super, super dangerous to even get off our street right now,” Meneley said. “We’re not in agreement with any of it.”
There were zero responses received in favor of the rezoning application.
What council is saying
Council member Chirstopher Willis said he was not for the General Business District zoning request; however, it would be different if the request was to rezone Townhome Residential District to Neighborhood Business. The sentiment was echoed by council member Mary Ann Labowski.
New Braunfels Mayor Neal Linnartz said that zoning requests allowing for multifamily housing get resistance about every single time.
“While there’s resistance—nobody wants it near them—it’s also necessary to be able to house the people that are living in our community and serving us as teachers, police officers and firefighters,” Linnartz said.
What happens next?
Since the item was denied by lack of motion, the applicant has to wait a year before reapplying for the same request. However, the applicant can change their request and apply for something different at any time.
