The San Antonio Zoning Commission on May 6 recommended approval of a rezoning request to convert the Studio 6 extended-stay motel at 11221 San Pedro Avenue into a 117-unit, 100% affordable multifamily property under an MF-50 zoning designation.

Applicant representatives said the project is an adaptive reuse: the building footprint and height would not change, but interiors and amenities would be upgraded to create stable, long-term studio housing (mostly single-occupancy) targeting 30%–80% area median income (AMI) levels. The project team said roughly 75% of units would be at 80% AMI, 20% at 60% AMI, and about 5% at 30% AMI; the project would partner with the San Antonio Housing Trust to own land and preserve long-term affordability.

Staff noted the site’s proximity to the San Antonio International Airport and nearby industrial uses, and recommended denial on the basis that the request is inconsistent with surrounding low- and moderate-intensity land uses. The aviation department submitted written comments stating the property is outside the 65 dB DNL contour and did not object to the zoning request; the applicant said it would sign an avigation easement if required.

Neighbors and property owners in nearby Harmony Hills and Beacon Hill business park spoke in opposition, citing concerns about noise from aircraft, traffic and parking, lack of grocery and park access, and impacts on nearby industrial businesses. Dozens of voicemail comments were submitted in opposition.

The applicant said the site has existing on-site amenities (pool, gym) and Via transit stops nearby and that adaptive reuse enables delivery of affordable housing faster and more cheaply than ground-up construction. The applicant also said parking and property-code requirements must be met before certificates of occupancy; if parking requirements cannot be met, the project team said it would pursue appropriate steps during development review, including potential variances to be addressed at later hearings.

After deliberation, Commissioner Daniel Kellum moved to approve; Commissioner Taylor Watson seconded. The motion passed 9–2. The project will move forward to City Council; staff and commissioners urged the developer to continue community engagement and to provide parking and sound attenuation details during permitting.