A food trailer court and river tube rental business are in the works for a vacant used tire store at the intersection of Cheatham Street and Riverside Drive in San Marcos.
After hearing concerns from neighbors about the proposed Rio Vista Food Trailer Court, members of the San Marcos Planning and Zoning Commission voted 4-2 on April 23 to postpone a decision on the food court until the commission's next meeting.
"I would like y'all to meet with the neighborhood," Commissioner Kenneth Ehlers told the applicants, Hilda Gomez and Alfredo Lamas Leal, asking them to consider building a fence between the food court and homes on Sycamore Street.
"Give us a description of the lighting and what you'll do to keep it down and a game plan for trash and debris around the outside of your property line," Ehlers added.
Chairman Bill Taylor and Commissioner Chris Wood voted against postponing the decision.
City staff members are recommending a maximum of four food trailers on the property at 413 Riverside Drive, which is near Herbert's Taco Hut and Crook Park on the San Marcos River. The hours of operation would be limited from 9 a.m.–9 p.m.
Neighbors also expressed concern about an increase in vehicle and foot traffic, parking and noise as customers travel between the site and the popular tube chute at Rio Vista Park, less than a block to the west.
Paul Murray, secretary-treasurer of the San Marcos Council Of Neighborhood Associations, said the business owners and neighbors could reach a solution in the next two weeks.
"By the next session, I think they will have everything worked out, and it will be best for all concerned," he said.