Developers got the go-ahead from the Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday to move forward with plans for a multifamily development at Stonecreek Crossing.
Commissioners approved a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to allow multifamily apartments, with a density limit of 24 units per acre, to be built on an approximately 16.7-acre tract within the Stonecreek Crossing Planned Development District (PDD). When the PDD was approved in 2008, city staff said, conditions were set to allow apartments to be developed under a CUP. The base zoning of the PDD is Mixed Use and General Commercial. Developers intend to set aside about 4 acres for commercial development and build apartments on the remaining acreage, which is surrounded by Barnes Drive, Spec’s Wine and Spirits, the railroad tracks and Milagros.
Commissioner Lee Porterfield recused himself from the discussion and vote because the property is next to a property where his family owns a business. Indeed, the one person who spoke during the public hearing was Linda Porterfield, co-owner of Gulf Business Forms, who spoke against the development.
“We are just a few yards from the proposed site referred to as Stonecreek Crossing Apartments,” Linda Porterfield said.
Many Gulf Business Forms employees use Barnes Drive to get to work, so the roadway already sees heavy traffic from workers, shoppers and 18-wheelers delivering and picking up goods from businesses in that area.
“The additional traffic will undoubtedly create use on our private road,” she said, “and it was not built for the public’s traffic.”
P&Z Chair Jim Garber noted the characteristics of the proposed development that make it attractive — particularly its proximity to the interstate for commuters, its location a walkable distance to restaurants, shops and workplaces.
“It’s by no means typical,” he said. “It looks sort of like the kind of product we don’t offer.”
Commissioner Mike Dillon noted that does sound unique and that only one neighbor spoke out in opposition to it, but he felt that the process seems “a little quick.”
Commissioner Betseygail Rand brought up the need for affordable housing in San Marcos as a reason to approve the multifamily development.
“I don’t know that we’re desperate for apartments but we are certainly desperate for affordable apartments,” she said, “and one of the few ways we have to drive down the cost is to increase supply.”
Dillon cautioned against building too many apartments.
“It’s not pretty when you’re overdeveloped for apartments,” he said. “They become dangerous, and then they become slums.”
Rand countered, “Do they become slums or do they become affordable housing that city code is then not properly taken care of?”
Developers Doug Lacey and David Strauss answered commissioners’ questions about rent amounts, apartment sizes, amenities and other factors. The developers said rent would average about $1,100 a month, with smaller apartments renting for less. The average apartment size would be about 824 square feet, they said.
“Our market studies show there is an appetite for this product in this location in this price range,” Strauss said.
