While one neighborhood vies for less development in an area they say is already plagued by traffic, a developer requests a new zoning category that could facilitate more building in the region, a request the City Council granted at its Monday meeting.

City officials, however, were assured that the new zoning category won’t force a rezoning of the Seneca West neighborhood, which wants to limit its zoning to only single-family zoning (R-1), removing “garden home” zoning (R-6).

A petition of 132 signatures was delivered to the Leon Valley development office, requesting that the rezoning be considered.

It’s a “unified front for what they want for their neighborhood,” said Mayor Chris Riley.

The zoning and land use board, which reviewed the area in August, will submit its recommendations at the Dec. 4 City Council meeting.

The new zoning category, R-7, is a middle-density category of development, in this case allowing for 55 feet of frontage and 6,050 square feet minimum for lot size. This would yield approximately 352 homes at a density of 5.04 homes per acre.

The Schrader Group requested the new zoning category, citing the current housing market.

“There is nothing in between that addresses a reality in the marketplace and a legitimate fear of residents for the higher density that R6 permits,” the real estate agent said in a memo to Leon Valley. “R7 zoning is a compromise between the builders and developers because it recognizes the economic reality of development’s costs and land use and protects the citizens from a maximum density application that would add to traffic problems and increase the burden to the city and infrastructure.”

Laura Cardenas, a Seneca West resident for more than 30 years, fears more traffic in an already congested area that sits right where a flyover lane is currently being eyed by the Texas Department of Transportation. She adds that drivers cut across her curbside constantly.

“We’ve been in discussions for at least a year, and we’ve come before the council numerous times,” Cardenas said. “Our concern is the density.”

Neighbor Beverley Freeman concurs, adding that building out her neighborhood could mean 325 more homes at two to four cars per household.

Meanwhile, real estate agents, such as Daniel Bee, lament the current zoning parameters. He said that several undeveloped lots in the neighborhood have had no change for more than 15 years, and that selling in that area is no easy feat.

“It took me 13 years to sell those lots, and I had to sell them one by one,” he said, adding that developers wouldn’t touch the lots for a subdivision. “It was just not a desirable zoning district.”

For Seneca West to become zoned for R-7, the zoning and planning commission would have to approve it, and then it would have to undergo the council’s scrutiny. Members appeared reluctant to approve such a measure.

“This is making me a little nervous,” said Leon Valley Councilman Phillip Manea. “I understand the need for it, but I feel like it’s going to go back to Seneca West.”

The mayor and Councilman Jack Dean remarked that the neighbors have been heard loud and clear.

“That’s the only way I’d be able to say yes to this.” Councilwoman Cathy Nelson replied.

Seneca West is a largely undeveloped area, consisting primarily of low-density housing. It is also partially in the flood plain.