East Austin Street rezoning

Spoke in favor of rezoning Rebecca Rather's property, saying it's no longer a functioning residence.

Argued traffic density, whether vehicle or pedestrian, cannot legally be the basis for a zoning change.

Owner of 413 East Schubert, directly behind an applicant property, opposed the rezone as spot zoning, citing lack of buffering, dumpsters, noise, and 70% opposition among immediate neighbors.

Opposed the rezone, saying spot zoning sets a dangerous precedent and Town Creek already provides a natural barrier.

A woman (likely one of the registered letter-writers) argued the Rather property is effectively commercial already and owners deserve to sell at commercial value.

Asked the council to deny the rezoning, citing encroachment on residential homesites and warning that new zoning could allow bars or late-hours businesses next to longtime homes.

Called the CBD application 'patently ridiculous' for three houses and complained there was no public notice that C-1 zoning was being considered; urged outright denial with proper re-noticing if the applicants refile.

Argued 'sleepy' isn't a zoning standard, compared foot traffic near schools, said STRs are reverting to residential citywide, and warned the rezoning would put commercial right against Schubert back fences.

Called the request spot zoning, warned it could cascade to Travis Street, and said the late Catherine Harrison of the Hill Country Historical Foundation would have opposed it.

Applicant co-owner said he's owned his property seven to eight years, envisions a law firm or boutique, and pushed back on 'dumpster' fears given the city's strict code enforcement.

Supported the rezoning, saying change is already here, the area is effectively commercial, and owners should be able to do what neighbors are doing with their property.

Urged the commission to plan for the worst-case CBD uses and cited an economic development official's warning against more wine tasting downtown.

Said she and her husband have defended their Schubert Street property three years running; CBD would allow bars, restaurants and smelly dumpsters that would hurt the quaint neighborhood and property values.