Commission approves GR‑CO rezoning for Hancock Drive commercial site with conditional overlay

The commission approved a request to rezone a 1.47‑acre property on Hancock Drive from Limited Office (LO) to General Retail‑Conditional Overlay (GR‑CO), allowing a broader range of neighborhood‑serving commercial uses while prohibiting higher‑intensity uses near adjacent single‑family lots.

Cynthia Hadrian of Austin Planning summarized the case (C142026112825), noting the existing building and parking lot would remain and that staff recommended GR‑CO after the applicant amended an earlier, broader CS request. Ferris Clements, the applicant’s representative, said the request is meant to allow restaurants and retail that fit the surrounding commercial context.

Supporters in the public record — including a neighborhood land‑use commissioner representing the Baja Allendale area — said site‑plan review can address specifics like safe routes to school and sidewalks. Some neighbors opposed the request, raising traffic and height/privacy concerns; the applicant said no demolition is planned and that compatibility standards would apply if redevelopment occurs.

The commission closed the public hearing after limited debate and approved the GR‑CO request as recommended by staff.