Zoning Commissioner Urged to Step Aside from Toyota Case Amid Alleged Misconduct

San Antonio’s Planning Commission found itself embroiled in controversy this week as it deliberated on a proposed land use plan encompassing an industrial overlay around the Toyota manufacturing plant on the city’s South Side. The draft plan, known as the Texas A&M-San Antonio Area Regional Center Plan, initially included language supporting the implementation of an industrial overlay aimed at managing development around the plant.

However, the approval process took a contentious turn when John Whitsett, a relatively new member of the Zoning Commission, raised objections both in public hearings and through multiple letters to city officials and Toyota executives. Whitsett voiced concerns that the proposed industrial overlay would unfairly burden local landowners, potentially stymieing future development opportunities, including affordable housing initiatives. He emphasized his belief that Toyota should bear the cost of acquiring the land it seeks to control rather than placing restrictions on nearby property owners.

Whitsett’s vocal opposition prompted calls for his recusal from the zoning commission, citing what some termed as “questionable actions” due to his public stance against the proposed plan. Despite efforts by the Planning Commission to adjust the language surrounding the industrial overlay to assuage some concerns, Whitsett remained steadfast in his critique, arguing that the interests of approximately 3,000 affected residents should not be sacrificed for the benefit of corporate interests.

The controversy has spurred increased public engagement, with a scheduled public input meeting set for July 2 at Texas A&M-San Antonio. This meeting follows a push from the zoning commission in response to significant community opposition expressed during previous hearings.

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The proposed Industrial Compatibility Overlay District (ICOD) is designed as a zoning tool to mitigate potential conflicts between heavy industrial activities and neighboring residential and commercial uses. Similar overlays already exist near sensitive areas such as the River Walk, military installations, and the airport. In this case, the ICOD would encircle the Toyota plant, establishing a 2-mile buffer where only industrial activities would be permitted, without affecting existing land uses.

City officials, including Rudy Niño from the planning department, defended the ICOD as a necessary component of the regional center plan, addressing concerns raised by stakeholders throughout the planning process. However, critics like Andrew Nicholas, whose property falls within the proposed overlay but outside the plan’s defined boundaries, expressed frustration over what they perceive as vague and potentially far-reaching implications for landowners.