Entertainment venue denied zoning change after San Angelo churches object

SAN ANGELO — City Council denied a zoning change requested by a company seeking to create an entertainment venue in San Angelo's Southland neighborhood. 

The project was strongly opposed by nearby church parishioners.

Planning & Development Services Director Jon James told the council company representatives wanted a place "built for family entertainment" at 4382 Southwest Boulevard, a site once occupied by All About Signs, which officials noted has been vacant two years.

Plans for the facility included an outdoor recreation area with children's playground equipment, outdoor games, and a small event stage to feature acoustic performances on weekends.

The site plans also included space for food trucks, a patio bar to serve beer and wine, along with an indoor area with more games and seating.

Members of the Green Meadow Church of Christ who attended Tuesday's city council meeting were adamantly against the venue, citing concerns about noise, parking and traffic congestion.

Several members wrote letters in opposition.

"I oppose the rezoning because of the admitted loud noise from this new venue," wrote Don Knight, who also raised parking and traffic concerns.

Paul Shero, a Southgate Church of Christ minister, wrote to express his objection citing concerns in allowing an establishment to serve alcohol near an adjacent apartment complex.

"These apartments are full of families with children. Outdoor music production and the availability of alcohol is not a good idea," Shero wrote. "No amount of revenue is worth endangering these children by putting such a venue across the street from their homes."

Other members of the community were in favor of the entertainment facility.

"For years, the community has needed a fun place for parents to take their children to run around and play," said Brittney Schniers, owner of Reflections Salon, directly across from the proposed venue.

Verba Pape of Wile Rye Trail wrote that the building had been left disheveled and the venue would "benefit the neighborhood and the community greatly." 

Bryan Benson, a venue representative, said he and his partners were trying to meet the concerns expressed by church member by not playing music after certain hours and increasing the number of parking spaces from 15 to 26.

"We're open to ideas. ... We want to be a good neighbor. We want to bring a family atmosphere," Benson said.

Benson told council he wanted to create a place for San Angelo parents to eat, drink and interact, while allowing their children a place to play.

"We have great weather in San Angelo ... and these kinds of facilities are getting popular in other places," Benson said.

District 3 City Councilman Harry Thomas appeared to approve of the concept, remarking on a recent visit to a similar venue in Fredericksburg, but said the proposed proximity to the church was of concern. 

"Having a place where the family can go and let the kids play ... and still sit down and enjoy a beer or glass of wine I think is something you're going to see grow in this particular community," Thomas said. "Now, maybe this is not the right place because it's near the church."

Thomas also noted the need to get vacant buildings occupied to increase tax revenue. 

District 6 City Councilwoman Billie DeWitt said she didn't feel like the business was a good fit for that particular neighborhood after visiting the property and hearing opinions from people in the area. 

"I understand (Thomas') point about getting vacant buildings filled and back on the tax rolls, but I think we have to be prudent in consideration for what businesses go in what location," DeWitt said.

A motion denying the zone change was passed 4-3, with councilpersons DeWitt, Lane Carter, Tom Thompson and Tommy Hiebert voting against. Lucy Gonzales, Harry Thomas and Brenda Gunter voted in support of the change.

Officials said the venue could return for consideration with a modified business plan. 

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