[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6117121,"mediaKeyId","2730863-3bad09a6190d1de8f3017e538b071237","parentId",2730863,"title","Commission approves Vela Vista master plan with reduced railroad buffer after brief discussion","audioSeconds",325,"startMs",3240000,"endMs",3565000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2730863-3bad09a6190d1de8f3017e538b071237&start=3240&end=3565","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2730863-3bad09a6190d1de8f3017e538b071237/thumbnail_3240000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6117121/Laredo/Webb-County/Texas/Commission-approves-Vela-Vista-master-plan-with-reduced-railroad-buffer-after-brief-discussion","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6117121-c62ddb70f03684943d52c843e9e1133c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770958791&Signature=BLnxg2eplTAMxUOkMEUBc3CAsCbc9dFNSEaY~5UAgoqvKwAmPXdZdo~hAY3iaULJAaKiz97Dv4RW32HW1IEPVBz9Qs8pIAOQ6xvYayVBmneBrmvp~~eoO2ZinlkEgzwPS8QRR-m0Si5pZNRtV8a694AFq4MxYEEEUOKz59Pc-fxtEWf8WYvidmeyojzSavpx6oHlP30Vynb8R5fUNWy5gSdK2eSWEEp05Ck4g1IDOTm5upnH2hQJsvv-A3L11gwFZaBoTyffFGHtg7f6STPqMp1-rYkXSTA5xWnFwL-kNlOra4AdEDd5-gfKX2A-DAg3Vr-zMTpG8qBY-gy7f5tljQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Laredo, Texas","date","2025-03-22T00:33:12.93Z","article","The planning commission approved the Vela Vista subdivision master plan and accepted the applicant’s request to apply a 120‑foot buffer from the centerline of adjacent railroad tracks rather than the 300‑foot buffer listed in staff comments.

Project engineer Daniel Gomez told commissioners the submission was an update to a prior master plan that previously included a 120‑foot buffer, and the applicant asked that the commission allow that 120‑foot dimension to remain. The commission and staff discussed the ordinance language, which gives the commission discretion because the buffer requirement is phrased as a \"may\" rather than a mandatory standard.

Fire and other city departments reviewed the plan and did not identify any department‑level objections that would prevent approval. The applicant agreed to provide fencing and drainage and to limit access to the railroad. The commission moved to approve the master plan with the 120‑foot buffer requested by the applicant; the motion passed on a voice vote.

Why it matters: The commission’s action sets a consistent buffer for Vela Vista relative to the railroad and removes a potential constraint on lot layout the applicant said existed in the staff comment recommending 300 feet. The approval advances the project to subsequent platting stages where department comments and infrastructure coordination will be resolved.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting 032025","oneSentenceSummary","The commission approved the Vela Vista subdivision master plan, granting the applicant’s request to reduce the recommended railroad buffer from 300 feet to 120 feet (the applicant said a prior plan had a 120‑foot buffer).","taxTitle","Laredo, Webb County, Texas","taxId",2820,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6117127,"Commission approves R‑1A zoning for nearly 99‑acre tract at Cuatro Vientos after debate over buffer and commercial edge",1261,1855000,3116000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2730863-3bad09a6190d1de8f3017e538b071237&start=1855&end=3116","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2730863-3bad09a6190d1de8f3017e538b071237/thumbnail_1855000.jpg","/articles/6117127/Laredo/Webb-County/Texas/Commission-approves-R1A-zoning-for-nearly-99acre-tract-at-Cuatro-Vientos-after-debate-over-buffer-and-commercial-edge","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6117127-d7e411d5d3d6b60235c02c5dc18430f3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770958791&Signature=TwdefaiHAr4PcrmmsMYTh1ep~2CtCksRGIZZfbgUaPzyKrVZ1Mcm~~f0pPfUJ1rl3-rT5qq5uamNJVH7nA1Pwl7XPcuh2MpQcEF9aEIvFBCAoNXDNX-tC2xWwDIfGItmAfwzLPL8~UASNURJ5LfjIsyCk78kdjyEpzjoW2CdnlWIP7OOOcOrZQ1QH~uXFNrvKJSMy7NVunEu5yEwqlSKTmNaBsxnToHLyMNrrP8DLz1RWJQMO333ImZ5mdzLAgcKGx43qJCJStwVsugyL9L~0Olnpun7gWwZ1ApaSK9RgdfpENumxM~T2vqq3sp7S-8anGUSR78gznAU0q5Ia8Q-HQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The planning commission voted to approve a zone change to R‑1A for an approximately 98.89‑acre tract east of Cuatro Vientos Road and Boulevard, after a lengthy public hearing and technical discussion about noise, buffering and access.

Rhodes Development representatives (Miguel Jimenez with Haugen Engineering and Jacob Garlick with Rhodes Development) asked the commission to approve R‑1A across the entire tract, saying their planned product is residential and that design measures — walls, lot layout, and collector configuration — would mitigate highway noise. \"We're also looking at, you know, some walls and and other things to mitigate some of the concerns,\" Jimenez said.

Staff recommended a compromise: R‑1A for the bulk of the tract but a 250‑foot B‑3 buffer along the western edge adjacent to Cuatro Vientos to provide a commercial buffer and address traffic/noise concerns. Staff cited Cuatro Vientos’ traffic volumes (approximately 17,000 trips per day in the staff presentation) and said that a commercial edge could serve as a noise and access buffer.

Commissioners and applicants discussed setbacks driven by zoning: R‑1A minimum front setback 20 feet versus B‑3 at 25 feet, side setbacks changing from 5 to 10 feet under B‑3, and how those changes affect lot layout near the highway. The developer argued a B‑3 edge could make lots closer to the highway and produce awkward lot geometry; staff said the buffer was intended to protect future residents from noise and to provide space for potential commercial uses.

Following discussion about TxDOT coordination on frontage roads and the future roadway network, the commission moved to accept R‑1A zoning for the tract. The motion passed on a voice vote; no roll‑call tally is recorded in the transcript.

Why it matters: The decision clears the way for a large residential subdivision in an area adjacent to a major thoroughfare and frames future design requirements and traffic coordination with TxDOT and city engineering.","The commission approved rezoning about 98.89 acres east of Cuatro Vientos Road to R‑1A residential after staff recommended a mixed approach with B‑3 along the highway edge; developers said they plan an all‑residential project and raised concerns about setback impacts of B‑3 zoning.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6117130,"Commission approves two special‑use permits for restaurants serving alcohol at Fenwick Drive despite staff opposition",472,1108000,1580000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2730863-3bad09a6190d1de8f3017e538b071237&start=1108&end=1580","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2730863-3bad09a6190d1de8f3017e538b071237/thumbnail_1108000.jpg","/articles/6117130/Laredo/Webb-County/Texas/Commission-approves-two-specialuse-permits-for-restaurants-serving-alcohol-at-Fenwick-Drive-despite-staff-opposition","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6117130-8d7d88b90a1efb1c2b1f878a733e087a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770958791&Signature=Y4B-oljs1L0s-UGFJs22rdxlThi3PRZiIvhjtC3hutvcVS~iVu5pSPa~jvdVNvEypxCwxt7b0sMuffZIv2a~1ZIOrioEKyEZL-OlDLAy3Joa~SYeGYhDe0jB~YGq-ObZlukMhQn5VpVFH7Anf-A15dx2vjA4-2wmO1B62NsH2tqOCiSxNXliPZrHrnvbiAF13APdMYWWi164jUBKjJVfI37OXm8zXBlxVZLFmIjmCRXFUooW21pumsH~TfbbQCltlRKrN7YdJq0e7HzSLgJwBBFs9IHJ7LeorEBdwnND7t-KJNCH-~xRCEmka1fLEb9QqEoHTSs1fyxe6wkuVnMmXA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The planning commission approved special‑use permits allowing restaurants to serve alcohol at two tenant spaces in the Alexander Commercial Subdivision, 1119 Fenwick Drive (Suites 201 and 104).

Staff recommended denial for both applications on the grounds that each location fell short of the required distance from the nearest residential property line; staff measurements cited a 12‑foot shortfall for Suite 201 and a 5‑foot shortfall for Suite 104. The staff report noted the nearest residential property is an apartment complex and referenced the city’s distance measurement procedures.

Speakers for the applicants and supporters addressed the commission. Martin Briseno spoke in support of Suite 201 on behalf of family members opening the restaurant, saying the concept is a small healthy‑food restaurant that would sell minimal alcohol such as mimosas: \"They're opening a restaurant in Fenwick... It's gonna be a minor, you know, small amount of sales in that area,\" he told the commission. For Suite 104, Christian Castro representing Mula's said the business has operated at the site for three years as a food operation and seeks to add alcohol service to the menu.

Commission discussion focused on the distance calculation method (measured to the nearest property line, \"as the crow flies\") and whether the spirit of the law or the literal distance measurement should apply. Commissioners also noted the sites are on a major commercial arterial with other restaurant uses in the same shopping center.

After deliberation, commissioners moved to approve staff’s recommendation in the second case and, in both hearings, later approved the special‑use permits by voice vote. The transcript records affirmative ‘‘Aye’’ votes and that motions passed; the record does not include a roll‑call tally by name.

Why it matters: The approvals allow two restaurants in a prominent shopping center to serve alcohol. Staff had denied the permits because each site fell short of the residential‑distance standard; commissioners applied discretion and approved the special‑use permits, creating an operational change for the businesses and the complex’s retail mix.","Two businesses in the Alexander Commercial subdivision at 1119 Fenwick Drive received special‑use permits to serve alcohol after the commission voted to approve the requests despite staff recommending denial on distance criteria to nearby residences.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6117135,"Commission approves conditional use permit for mobile‑home dealer near US‑83",177,773000,950000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2730863-3bad09a6190d1de8f3017e538b071237&start=773&end=950","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2730863-3bad09a6190d1de8f3017e538b071237/thumbnail_773000.jpg","/articles/6117135/Laredo/Webb-County/Texas/Commission-approves-conditional-use-permit-for-mobilehome-dealer-near-US83","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6117135-c15be7217db13db982fbd450008363a6/orig.mp4?Expires=1770958791&Signature=gEjt5t9UeZOqiV1BGaSXwjPtsL-ZMXsj~rZRZkeFOI~9oce6lcTxwyfIrw4vAeNed5Wq6~uGu2nEJ75lHAt2O1MbNRZgQj6zGU4mMgvR5Osu4FVAyHMR0B0-vKynA014o52-5eZC4JfzO9YqjVRMXXCpPa3Lsaykvutt5hYwz3ofMmmYPw4qiV3nqIMBKFdLcZue8ZSa1NPS2KfNPrvUX4XzKblY6cWGQQ4oIOHOVGHBrB7ZD9dSes3FxVFadzXaCG-7d5AvtJLg6RALaJGZ6wWnBYWi8u4xNTgnJUKM-Oin~4rCoRHBGRq-RLtfcKA3v6YtVOg0-je1bPvKAVJT6g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The planning commission approved a conditional use permit for a proposed mobile‑home dealer (sales only) on roughly 5.1 acres north of Volta Boulevard and west of U.S. Highway 83.

Staff presented the application and said the property owner is HAPO Holdings LLC and the applicant/engineer is Wayne Nance with Nance Engineering (representing the applicant). Staff recommended approval of the CUP, and Wayne Nance told the commission the applicant accepts the proposed CUP conditions: \"We agree with staff's recommendations and moving forward with this,\" Nance said.

The planning record shows the underlying zone change for the larger area previously passed first and second readings (ordinance 25‑O‑46) but had not yet been executed; the current CUP application limits uses to mobile‑home display and sales only, a constraint staff supported to ensure development controls. No written opposition letters were noted in the staff presentation.

The commission closed the public hearing and approved the staff recommendation by voice vote.

Why it matters: The CUP allows a commercial, sales‑only mobile‑home use on a corridor near a major highway; the CUP’s conditions will govern site layout, signage and operations during permitting and development.","The commission approved a conditional use permit (CUP) allowing mobile‑home sales-only on about 5.1 acres north of Volta Boulevard and west of US Highway 83; staff recommended approval and the applicant agreed to CUP conditions.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6117140,"Commission approves rezoning of 8207–8209 San Lorenzo Drive over staff objection",482,278000,760000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2730863-3bad09a6190d1de8f3017e538b071237&start=278&end=760","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2730863-3bad09a6190d1de8f3017e538b071237/thumbnail_278000.jpg","/articles/6117140/Laredo/Webb-County/Texas/Commission-approves-rezoning-of-82078209-San-Lorenzo-Drive-over-staff-objection","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6117140-8dacb488cd96b15df9bda258f77f5cce/orig.mp4?Expires=1770958791&Signature=Vt6Zkjr4Pm~286SYQn8tnrVIo1WIUANJj8G1hLp-LSXQIaaK53enPO5bJW86qc0k~yCbK8nSjBkjva~C-dG~1x27KvQsxi0sTIDdL2LSETPQ~mO0bUD71qE9f5gWXjvVxWu0R~44CW2J3zEgaA7woqq5fznH~OKNHLuwpIS~hV7Ap5B2jonzynMnyveeD0cVDlwLRsJHFczNgB5tgKyUXi-YI9PST2rYwQuuOYD6VHpfALlTOcks13WNAwnnj-iYgqzgj4NTncuD-DQtqgwuRRxCLQtZR62vs5ZD1vvB61U~jqZml35cmz09a000GvoYHVvPInLXFd7xpWkReYau6A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The City of Laredo Planning and Zoning Commission voted to approve a zone change for Lot 1, Block 1, Pena Plat — an approximately 0.40‑acre tract at 8207 and 8209 San Lorenzo Drive — from R‑2 multi‑family residential to B‑3 community business.

The request came from owner Juan Alfonso Pena with Francisco Ramos listed as the applicant. At the public hearing, an engineer representing the applicant, Francis Coramos with Ramos Engineering, said the property is already being used for a business and the applicant wants the zoning to match existing use: \"He's actually running a business there,\" Coramos said, adding the owner plans a small office building on the other lot.

Staff told commissioners it did not support the zone change, saying the B‑3 designation would create an isolated commercial pocket amid industrial (M‑1) uses and could mix passenger traffic with 18‑wheelers on an industrial collector. \"The B 3 would create a little bit of an isolated zoning district,\" a staff member said, noting concerns about traffic conflicts between passenger vehicles and heavy trucks.

Commission discussion raised the property’s context — commissioners observed M‑1 industrial zoning on three sides and open green space and creek to the rear — but also noted the lot’s mismatch with surrounding zoning. After public comment and discussion, a motion to oppose staff’s recommendation and allow B‑3 carried without a recorded roll‑call tally; the commission announced the motion passed.

The commission’s action approves the requested B‑3 community business designation; planning staff’s written recommendation opposing the rezoning remains in the meeting record. The applicant’s stated next step is to proceed with platting and development under the new zoning.

Votes at a glance: A motion to approve the B‑3 rezoning was made and seconded during the meeting and the chair called the motion passed following an affirmative voice vote. The transcript does not record a roll‑call tally by name.

Why it matters: The decision legalizes commercial operations already on the site and changes the allowed uses and development standards for two lots in a corridor surrounded largely by industrial zoning, raising the possibility of further commercial development in the immediate area.","The planning commission voted to rezone two lots on San Lorenzo Drive from residential to B‑3 commercial despite staff recommending denial, citing existing business use and surrounding industrial zoning.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission approves Vela Vista master plan with reduced railroad buffer after brief discussion

Commission approves R‑1A zoning for nearly 99‑acre tract at Cuatro Vientos after debate over buffer and commercial edge

Commission approves two special‑use permits for restaurants serving alcohol at Fenwick Drive despite staff opposition

Commission approves conditional use permit for mobile‑home dealer near US‑83

Commission approves rezoning of 8207–8209 San Lorenzo Drive over staff objection