Blake M. Bonner

The board addressed several agenda items, including the approval of a permanent signage request for Quest Diagnostics. The board reviewed multiple demolition and compatibility requests for single-family residences on Argo Avenue, Lamont Avenue, Rosemary Avenue, and Morse Street, declaring them not significant and recommending approval for City Council consideration. Additionally, the board recommended approval for proposed improvements at multiple locations on Broadway Street and Tuxedo Avenue, as well as the proposed Alamo Heights District Community Center.

The key discussion topics for this regular meeting included public hearings, consideration, and action on several zoning and right-of-way cases. Case No. 456, regarding the closing, vacation, abandonment, and sale of a portion of public right-of-way at 401 Harrison Ave, failed to gain approval on a proposed motion, and is scheduled for City Council consideration. Case No. 457, concerning a similar right-of-way action for 213 Allen St, was recommended for denial. Case No. 462, a request to rezone property at 6715 Broadway St from Multiple-Family Dwelling District (MF-D) to Office District (O-1), was tabled. The Commission recommended approval for Case Nos. 459 and 460, which involved rezoning and replatting properties for Alamo Heights Independent School District to a Parking District (P). Case No. 461, concerning a Specific Use Permit (SUP) consolidation for properties along Broadway St and Tuxedo Ave, was tabled for a later meeting.

The Board of Adjustment meeting addressed numerous cases requiring variances for property modifications within the City of Alamo Heights. Key cases involved requests to allow non-compliant driveway widths, retaining wall heights, impervious cover percentages, side yard setbacks, structure heights, and curb cut widths for new construction, additions, and existing features at various addresses. Specific actions included approvals with revisions or modifications for several cases (e.g., 2454, 2463, 2464, 2465, 2466, 2467, 2471, 2472, 2473), denial of one variance in Case No. 2473, and rescheduling Case No. 2468. Additionally, an appeal regarding the denial of a rear yard fence permit (Case No. 2469) was upheld. The Board also considered an application for constructing an office building with multiple variance requests (Case No. 2470), which was approved.

The key discussion topic involves the final review for Case No. 1023F concerning the proposed Alamo Heights Independent School District Community Center located at 7001 Broadway Street. The proposed new construction, part of the 2023 Bond program, will serve as administrative offices, board rooms, and other district facilities. The design intends to unify the district properties by drawing elements from the existing high school architecture, utilizing materials such as blonde campus brick and anodized aluminum windows for the two-story structure. The plans must comply with MF-D zoning requirements and Specific Use Permit conditions regarding height limits, setbacks, and tree cover. Additionally, the agenda includes consideration for the Visitor Side Bleacher Replacement along Vanderhoeven, which involves new bleachers extending 36 feet above grade with associated field house amenities.

The key topics discussed during this meeting included announcements regarding the 36th Annual Alamo Heights High School Band Run to the Beat 5K. Action items approved by the council involved authorizing the purchase of a fire ladder truck and passing an ordinance declaring unopposed candidates in the May 2, 2026 General Election as elected to office, thereby canceling the general election. The staff report included a presentation of the Financial and Investment Report for the first quarter ending December 31, 2025. The council entered an executive session to consult with the attorney regarding water rights and to discuss a potential claim against the city, taking no further action in the subsequent open session.