Commission approves multiple rezonings and permits including Neptune Street rezoning and Pershing parking reduction

At its Jan. 29 meeting the El Paso City Plan Commission approved several staff‑recommended items with limited debate.

Jose Beltrano presented a rezoning for parcels on Neptune Street (about 0.94 acres) from R‑4 to A‑2 apartment to allow multifamily use; staff noted 45 notices were mailed and no comments were received, and commissioners approved the request with the staff‑recommended landscape buffer condition.

The commission also reconsidered a previous rezoning at 529 Schwab Street after staff discovered the previously approved rezoned area was larger than intended. Alejandra Gonzales said the map has been corrected to match prior approvals; the applicant confirmed agreement with staff and commissioners approved the corrected rezoning. Commissioners discussed FEMA flood maps and one member suggested voluntary elevation of finished floors by one foot above the anticipated floodplain as a design consideration.

For a special permit at 2000 Grand View to allow an infill duplex with reduced lot standards, staff recommended approval and commissioners agreed; the applicant joined the meeting and confirmed consent to the conditions. Commissioners commented that filling an underused, long‑vacant lot was positive.

Saul Pina presented a request for a substantial parking reduction (about 67%) at 2928 Pershing Drive to support restaurant and retail uses within an existing 10,347 sq ft building. The applicant supplied a parking study showing on‑street spaces to supplement on‑site parking. Staff recommended approval and the commission voted in favor with no recorded opposition.

Each approved item will proceed to any required subsequent steps (binding site plan processing, building permits, or city council review where applicable).