SCHERTZ, Texas – UPDATE: Following a vote late Tuesday night, the Schertz City Council ultimately moved to deny a zoning change request.
Homeowners had collected signatures against a developer’s plans to build rental housing near their homes. Concerns raised by residents include increased traffic on Savannah Drive and potential problems for existing residents.
---
(Original Story)
Kip Holmstead a resident of Kensington Ranch says he wants diversity in his community just not when it comes to the type of homes built around him.
“Let’s keep it the same, what we have here single-family homes. And that way we can continue to grow as a city,” he said. Holmstead is one of nearly 500 homeowners who have signed a petition against a proposed development across from his subdivision.
“It’s just going to cause a whole lot more problems for the residents here,” he said.
The proposed development of 44 acres of land on Savannah Drive between FM 1518 and Schertz Parkway. The property is currently zoned as Single Family Residential R-2, the developer is asking the zoning to be changed to Planned Development District. Residents worry Savanna Drive won’t be able to handle so many more drivers through it.
The developer has plans to leave 11 acres of the property as a green zone at the request of Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph. The latest plans are to build 297 single-family detached rentals.
Ken Brown with Brown & McDonald representing the developer says the plans have changed since they started working on it last fall. He says they have heard the concerns of the residents regarding density and have opted to go with fewer units.
During a March 6 Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, the board voted against the zoning change. Those in support of the plan say Schertz needs to diversify its housing options and build homes for those who can’t afford to buy.
The decision to change the zone will now be up to the City Council to decide, a first reading is set for April 2.