On April 25, City Council held a public hearing for the rezoning of 12 properties on Main Street, located across the street from the H-E-B, which opened in January.
Director of Economic Development Kelsee Jordan Lee said the applicant originally submitted a rezoning request of community retail/service, which allows lodging, restaurants, family entertainment, etc.
In the new request, the applicants are looking to rezone to neighborhood commercial, which allows for neighborhood storefront retail, service, financial and office activities that are compatible and designed in scale with surrounding residential areas, according to the city Code of Ordinances.
Residents of surrounding neighborhoods voiced concerns during the public hearing about having commercial development back up to residential properties.
Among these concerns, residents noted commercial properties will cause an increase in traffic to Main Street, cause additional noise and potentially draw in wildlife with the addition of dumpsters in the development.
Resident Kara Latimer mentioned additional concerns with flooding as the area is backed up to a floodplain.
“The flood plain actually extends to where Apache Circle is, in the front yards of these homes, and extends all the way down to Buffalo Trail and actually comes back from Buffalo Trail,” Latimer said. “It is a significant flood plain in that area.”
Following the public hearing, City Attorney Frank Garza clarified to the public that City Council is not permitted to participate in discussions with the applicant during a pending council vote, and council is not permitted to consider the financial benefit of the rezoning to the applicant.
Council did not take any action on the rezoning of properties. Prior to the council decision, the Cibolo Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a meeting to discuss the rezoning and make a recommendation to City Council.
Additional public hearings will be held at future commission and City Council meetings.
