By Tony Cantú
Contributing Writer

With the hiring of a director of community development last year, Alamo Heights alerted residents of efforts to draw up a blueprint of sorts as a template for future growth. And with the launch of community meetings on the process, the initiative has begun in earnest.

The first of seven community meetings on the city’s Comprehensive Plan was staged in late October. Designed with an eye toward transparency, the meetings are being specially staged for members of the public to provide their input in the process.

The meetings are being spearheaded by Ann Benson McGlone, who was hired this past summer after 15-years with the city of San Antonio’s historic preservation office. Her arrival as a member of city staff came at a time of growth in the city – including an increased trend of residential demolition of some of the city’s venerable homes in favor of more modern replacements.

In a June interview with the North San Antonio Times, McGlone hinted at the complexity of drafting a master plan for the community: “It’s not one size fits all. We’re talking about traffic, drainage, commercial challenges along Broadway, dealing with the demolition delay ordinance and multi-family ordinance.”

Just last week, McGlone put one of those options into practice, arguing successfully to City Council members for a 90-day moratorium on demolition of 222 Primrose Place – a Depression-era home its owners seek to demolish in favor of a modern version. McGlone argued for a reprieve as the city determines the historic significance of the structure, once inhabited by members of the Menger family, founders of the namesake landmark hotel in downtown San Antonio.

Presciently, McGlone also said in the prior interview that community input would be sought as the city develops a vision for growth: “I don’t know what the answer is yet. I haven’t been out there to hear people talk and articulate what their vision is for Alamo Heights.”

That articulation began Oct. 29, with the first community meeting staged at the H-E-B Central Market that focused on Mont Clair and Madeline Terrace portions of the community. A pair of meetings followed in early November that dealt with Sylvan Hills, the Cambridge Oval/Patterson Loop and Bluebonnet Hills.

Those interested in attending future meetings will have several more opportunities. The remaining meetings through this month include:

Commercial owners are invited to a meeting specially tailored to their issues as proprietors, scheduled Friday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Central Market at 4821 Broadway. On Monday, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., the cottage district will be the focus of a meeting scheduled at City Hall.

The city has also scheduled a make-up meeting for Nov. 20, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at City Hall. Residents needing more information can contact the city at 822-3331.