They didn’t do it because they were “inexperienced”
March 16, 2008
Last month, City Council members shrugged off the recommendations of three advisory panels and city staffers as they granted a developer’s rezoning request to build a subdivision just over a mile from the center of Toyota’s pickup plant on the South Side.
And the council members thought this was a good idea because …? Given Earl’s arguments, maybe the owners of Boobbie Rock should have hired him to deal with Diane Cibrian.
Earl, the lobbyist, scoffed at the idea that the manufacturer should have any sway over how or whether nearby property owners develop their land.”
What gives them the right to tell my client what they can do on their property, a mile from the plant?” Earl said. “Have they bought an easement? No. Have they paid my client for their property? No.”
Ultimately, I’m not sure this is the result of terms limits and subsequent council inexperience in the way some people believe.
Wolff blamed the move on the council’s inexperience, with eight of its 11 members having held office for less than a year.
I think it has more to do with some council members looking forward to their post-city council employment opportunities. Should their aspirations continue to be in the political arena cooperating with David Earl would benefit them more than trying to accommodate Toyota.
Jaime Castillo’s column makes some very interesting observations regarding the situation including that:
Former Mayor Ed Garza, who chairs the City South Management Authority, said Earl could’ve received permission for that kind of use under the city’s conservation ordinance.
Yet, Earl pushed for and received an “urban district” rezoning classification, which opens the door for other land uses.
“Basically, what the council gave him, he can do half-acre lots,” Garza warned, “but he can also do high density, if he wants.”
It seems pretty obvious to me why Earl pushed for the urban district classification. Who do you think it would be easier to sell to: families interested in paying for houses on large lots within a mile of the plant or singles or young couples who can’t afford a house but want to live closer to where they work?
I think the council members understood exactly what they were doing when the voted to reclassify the land. David Earl has a lot more to do with their long term interests than any of the voters of their council districts.
Technorati Tags: San Antonio City Council, South Side Toyota, zoning changes, David Earl, Harry Hausman, Diane Cibrian, Philip Cortez
Posted in David Earl, Diane Cibrian, Harry Hausman, Philip Cortez, San Antonio city council, South Side Toyota, zoning changes
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