Residents say new ownership and building changes threaten the character of the historic region.
SAN ANTONIO — A longtime auto shop operating near Mission San José is at the center of a dispute between a neighborhood association and a new business owner, with the final decision now in the hands of the San Antonio City Council.
An auto repair shop has operated for decades just feet from the historic mission along Roosevelt Avenue. While the business itself was not new to the area, neighbors say recent changes sparked concerns about compatibility with one of the city’s most significant historic landmarks.
Residents began raising alarms about a year ago after noticing construction at the property and the addition of two smokestacks. The shop had been sold to Joel’s Collision Center, which also operates another location off SW Loop 410.
“The previous owner had a building that was one story. It didn’t appear to be conflicting with the beauty of the surrounding area, which is Mission San José,” said Brenda Pacheco, a member of the Mission San José Neighborhood Association.
The association contacted code enforcement, which issued 10 citations for work performed without the proper permits or zoning. City officials later told the business owner the shop could move forward if the property was rezoned.
The city’s Zoning Commission approved the rezoning request on Nov. 18, but attached several conditions. Those include limited weekend hours, a ban on temporary signs, downward-facing lighting, no outdoor music.
The appearance and aesthetic of the building will also require approval from the Historic Design Review Commission.
Even with those restrictions, neighbors are still in opposition.
“We keep getting disrespected by the city,” Resident Kevin Sekula said.
Residents attended a neighborhood association meeting Tuesday night to voice their objections ahead of Thursday’s City Council vote. They argue the issue goes beyond a single business and reflects a lack of city investment in protecting and promoting the historic site.
“No other UNESCO site in the world will have a bingo hall or a paint body shop across the street,” Sekula said.
District 3 Councilwoman Phyllis Viagran said her office has been working with code enforcement to address the neighborhood’s concerns.
She released this statement:
“The District office has been working with Code Enforcement to properly address this item. The City of San Antonio’s goal through code enforcement is to bring properties/businesses into compliance. These are tools available to property owners through the City’s public process to identify workable resolutions . Additionally, this case has been canvassed by multiple city departments, and City staff along with the Zoning Commission have recommended approval.”
A manager with Joel’s Collision Center declined to comment, but said representatives will attend Thursday’s City Council meeting.
City Council is expected to take up the item at the zoning and land use session, which begins at 2 p.m.
