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Lindsey Hill plans up for initial vote tonight

Planning & Zoning
Tuesday, August 14, 2018

An update on the proposed Lindsey Hill development is on the agenda for the Planning and Zoning Commission tonight.

At its 6 p.m. meeting, the commission is set to “receive an update and provide direction to staff” regarding the Preferred Scenario Amendment application for 500 W. Hutchison, site of the old Lamar campus that previously served as San Marcos High School, and site of the Coronal Institute. The high school was among the first in the state, if not the first, to desegregate. The Coronal Institute was a coeducational facility founded in 1868 that operated until 1917. Some members of the community want to see the site preserved for its historical significance, while others believe it would be better to use the site for residential and commercial purposes. The developers, Guadalupe RE, are requesting a change from Area of Stability-Existing Neighborhood to Growth Area-High Intensity. The applicant also is requesting a zoning change from Public and Institutional to Planned Development District (PDD) with Mixed Use base zoning. The zoning change request has been in process since 2015. 

The developers held an informational public meeting about Lindsey Hill at the Price Center several weeks ago and laid out their plans for the development, including plans to honor the historical significance of the site and repurpose the old auditorium and gymnasium buildings. The hotel that was part of their original vision for Lindsey Hill was nixed from their plan after members of the community spoke out against it. The current plans include condominium apartments that will be for sale, a public space called Poets Corner, some retail space, parking and some apartments that will be for rent. It is part of the developers’ agreement with the city that student housing will not be part of Lindsey Hill. Debates broke out not just between audience members and the developers but among members of the public with strong opinions on both sides of the issue. 

The Preferred Scenario Amendment and zoning change are not up for approval tonight. The rest of the process for those requests involves an update to the Neighborhood Commission on Wednesday, an update to the city council on Aug. 21, action by Planning and Zoning on Sept. 25, further discussion in council on Oct. 16, action by council on Nov. 7 and reconsideration by council on Nov. 20 (dates are subject to change based on the negotiation of the PDD). 

The city posted a notice of potential quorum for the city’s Ethics Review Commission and Historical Preservation Commission for the P&Z meeting. That means a majority of those commissions might be in attendance tonight, but neither commission can take any action. 

In other business, the commission will hold public hearings regarding the sale of alcohol at Jack’s Roadhouse, Komal Latin Kitchen and Bar, and Black’s Barbecue. P&Z will also hold public hearings on zoning changes at 128 Windmill Drive, 128 Spring Road and 1520 Old Ranch Road 12, and a replat request. 

Planning and Zoning will meet at 6 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall, 630 E. Hopkins St. P&Z meetings are also streamed online.

San Marcos Record

(512) 392-2458
P.O. Box 1109, San Marcos, TX 78666