San Antonio Councilman’s Tactic Backfires, Truck Dealership Plans Fall Apart
In a surprising twist, a plan to bring a new truck dealership to San Antonio has hit a major snag, thanks to a controversial move by District 2 Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez. The councilman had been attempting to prevent the establishment of Doggett Freightliner near the busy intersection of Interstate 10 East and Loop 1604, but his strategy may have backfired spectacularly.
What Went Down
During a recent council meeting, McKee-Rodriguez expressed that his actions were a “one-time thing” and a “last resort” aimed at protecting his community from unwanted developments. He had informed Ken Brown, the land use attorney for Doggett Freightliner, that the scheduled vote for the dealership’s proposal on October 17 would be postponed. Instead, McKee-Rodriguez sought to annex the property into city limits without granting it the zoning approval needed for the dealership.
Had his approach succeeded, it would have effectively squashed both the company’s plans for a new dealership and a backup strategy to use adjacent undeveloped land for semi-truck parking. Residents from the nearby Paloma subdivision had voiced their opposition to both proposals, worrying that a dealership would decrease their property values and come with noise and air pollution.
The Council’s Decision
Despite the councilman’s tactics, the city council voted 6-4 to postpone the issue to a later meeting on November 7. However, many speculate that it’s unlikely the matter will be revisited. With McKee-Rodriguez’s intentions now laid bare, it appears that Doggett Freightliner is preparing to withdraw its application entirely. As a backup, they’re considering moving their plans to a different, smaller property they own nearby, preserving the Far East Side neighborhood from the impending dealership but not from the future truck parking.
Community Concerns
This situation has generated a whirlwind of emotions within the community. Speaking on behalf of fellow residents, Monica Klemp expressed heartfelt concerns about living next to a Freightliner dealership. “That’s not what I want in my backyard,” she stated candidly during the council meeting, echoing a sentiment shared by many. Residents have raised alarms not just about potential disruptions but also the long-term effects on their neighborhood’s growth and attractiveness.
After the council meeting, McKee-Rodriguez maintained that his efforts were made to safeguard his community. “It was a last resort for me, and I did it to protect my community,” he explained to reporters, emphasizing his desire to ensure that residents were not taken advantage of in the planning process.
The Bigger Picture
Doggett Freightliner has been seeking approval to convert a 35-acre property at Weichold Road and I-10 into a sprawling new dealership since at least August 2023. Their proposal included plans for a substantial 168,000-square-foot building complete with numerous parking spaces and service capabilities.
Interestingly, much of the property is already within San Antonio’s city limits, with only a 16-acre section remaining in Bexar County. This has complicated the approval process, as local zoning regulations and community sentiments have come into play.
Looking Ahead
As the situation unfolds, it’s clear that both the local council and residents will need to navigate the tricky waters of development and community interest. While the dealership plans may have shifted, the larger question of how to balance growth with neighborhood needs remains at the forefront of San Antonio’s development discourse.
For now, the residents of the Paloma subdivision can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that their voices were heard—at least for the time being. As Doggett Freightliner evaluates its next steps, one thing is certain: the community’s concerns will continue to play a significant role in shaping the future landscape of San Antonio.
