Neighborhood News Neighbors Up in Arms Over Planned Development on Katherine Court BY RON AARON EISENBERG
Trebes Sasser Jr., Ridgemont Properties, is proposing to build a threestory, multi-family-apartment building on properties his firm acquired at 111, 119, 131, and 135 Katherine Court in Alamo Heights. The initial proposal called for more than 60 rental units. Several neighbors claim the project is totally out of character for the neighborhood. One neighbor, whose property would be adjacent to the apartment complex, says it would dwarf her home. Other neighbors say the building will generate too much traffic on their street, while some neighbors suggest the proximity to Incarnate Word University will attract students who will be disruptive to the neighborhood’s tranquility. The developers and their architects have met with neighbors and have proposed a new use for the property -- a three-story multi-family building with on-site parking located in the rear. The new development will follow the planning standards for character, height, setbacks, planting, and impervious cover. It will feature fewer rental units. Alamo Heights city council member Lynda Billa Burke told 78209 Magazine that she thinks the project could be good for the neighborhood, although she has some concerns.
Bottom line, council member Billa Burke said, “Thanks to the Texas State Legislature, local governments have no authority whatsoever to intervene in projects like this one. And the developer doesn’t have to talk with the neighbors, although Ridgemont Properties has chosen to do so. She added, “Neighbors should understand that ‘no’ is never an answer. They should develop a plan A and a plan B to present to the developer as a constructive way to discuss their concerns and ideas for the neighborhood.” But just opposing a project – saying “no” – is counterproductive.
Low Hanging Branches Damaging AHISD School Buses in Olmos Park Olmos Park Public Works Director Gilbert DeLeon recently alerted residents, “We have received complaints from the Alamo Heights School District regarding many low hanging branches causing damage to school buses. He urged homeowners to make sure trees and branches comply with city ordinance 18-67, Prohibition (d): Overhanging limbs. It shall be unlawful for any person or his agent, owning, renting, or having under his control any lot or premises, whether vacant or improved, within the city to permit trees to overhang Olmos Drive, Devine Road, and McCullough Avenue any less than 15 feet as measured above any drivable portion of the roadway. All other streets must maintain, measured as above, a minimum clearance of 13 feet. The public works director also reminded residents, “When hiring to have brushes or trees trimmed, please follow City 26 OCTOBER 2021 | 78209magazine.com
Ordinance 28-4: Collection of garbage, brush, and other waste materials. d) Trimming by Commercial Tree Services: A commercial landscaping service, whether an individual or a company, shall remove all branches, cuttings, or debris produced by their work. City employees shall not be required to collect or remove limbs or cuttings left in the city by commercial tree trimmers, regardless of the amount. “All brush and large trimmings not in containers shall be prepared, placed along the curb line, and city hall notified that it is ready for collection. Trees or limbs to be collected by the city cannot exceed three inches in diameter or six feet in length, with all lateral branches trimmed. This service shall be provided at least once weekly. The removal of a large volume of brush and trimmings exceeding 250 cubic feet in volume shall be the responsibility of the owner.”
