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.