The San Antonio Zoning Commission meeting on August 5, 2025, featured significant community opposition to a proposed zoning change for a property located at 419 East French Place. Residents voiced their concerns regarding the potential establishment of a bar in the area, citing issues related to public safety, noise, and the preservation of their historic neighborhood.
Multiple residents, including Chris Vonn and Greg Bronson Carson, expressed their strong objections, highlighting a history of problems associated with alcohol sales in the vicinity. Vonn noted that the community has faced violence and disturbances, urging the commission to prioritize resident interests over business interests. Carson shared personal experiences of threats from the property owner, emphasizing the negative impact on the neighborhood's safety and quality of life.
Other residents echoed these sentiments, detailing incidents of public intoxication, vandalism, and inadequate facilities at the proposed bar site. Concerns were raised about the lack of parking and restroom facilities, which they argued would exacerbate existing issues in the area. Jason Liman and J. Lehmann pointed out that the neighborhood has already been struggling with disturbances since the COVID-19 pandemic, and the introduction of a bar would further complicate their efforts to maintain a peaceful environment.
The overwhelming sentiment among callers was a plea for the commission to deny the zoning change, reflecting a unified community stance against the proposed development. As the commission considers the feedback from residents, the outcome of this case could significantly impact the future of East French Place and its historic character.