As a concerned resident of Helotes, I strongly oppose the request for a Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning designation from MNO Partners, an Austin-based real estate development firm. The firm’s request to rezone three tracts of land (BCAD Property ID Nos. 242100, 1097255, and 242130) from commercial to mixed-use to build a massive apartment complex with apartment amenities offers no value to the City of Helotes and its residents.

The "Trailhead at Helotes" development would be located across the street from the heart of our community in Old Town Helotes and below several homes in Helotes Park Estates. To rezone 21.7 acres to cram 366 apartments – 22 units per acre – into Helotes will surely lead to increased traffic, pedestrian accidents, crime, noise, and transient renters who are less connected to Helotes than its residents. The result would be an end to the small-town charm and unique qualities that Helotes has to offer.

The developer, MNO Partners, is deliberately misleading the Helotes City Council, Planning & Zoning Commission, and residents of the concept of a mixed-use development. Moving apartment amenities such as pickleball courts, food trucks, and a splash pad toward the front of the apartment complex and saying it's "park-like retail" does not qualify as retail.

The developer's plan would significantly reduce the green space we appreciate in Helotes without any benefits. Making room for 3-story and 2-story tall apartment buildings does not preserve the natural environment of this property. The developer's claim of a so-called "… 40' tree preservation and greenway trail system…" to surround part of the development would include a paved walking path. Including some small lawn areas between large apartment buildings isn't creating green spaces – it's just grassy areas that residents will walk through on their way to their cars, and their dogs will use.

All this developer is interested in is building apartments that account for 90% of the acreage they would like to purchase for what they describe as a "…mixed-use commercial and residential village…." It's a large apartment complex spanning nearly one-quarter of a mile with "amenities" no one in Helotes needs.

I am counting on all members of the Helotes City Council to deny MNO Partners' PUD zoning designation request. You have a legal right to reject it and a responsibility to uphold our zoning ordinances and preserve Helotes' small-town charm.

[UPDATE: In order to ratify this petition with the City of Helotes, please email your full name and street address to Sabrina McGowan at spandmcg@gmail.com.]