Council approves rezoning for women's transitional housing at 4215 Armstrong Street

On May 21 the San Angelo City Council voted 7–0 to approve a plan-development rezoning (PD-24-1) for 4215 Armstrong Street to permit a transitional housing facility for women.

Aaron Venoy, director of Planning and Development Services, explained the request would change the property's underlying RS-1 single-family zoning to an RM (low-rise multifamily) plan development. The applicant plans to use roughly half the former nursing-home building for transitional housing with a phased program and conditions that limit on-site services (for example, substance-use treatment would be provided off-site by partners).

Maria Mahia, executive director of Cono Valley Turning Point (the nonprofit proposing to operate the site), described the program's operations and partnerships. "We do transitional housing and re-entry and just try to set them up for self-sufficiency," Mahia said, adding that the organization links residents to counseling, employment assistance and partner agencies to obtain IDs and other supports.

Planning staff noted mailed notices to nearby property owners and said Planning Commission had approved the rezoning recommendation by a unanimous vote. Council asked about capacity and program details; Mahia said the operator currently houses a small number of residents and expects to expand consistent with the site's configuration and the approved conditions.

After public comment from nonprofit leaders, program alumni and community supporters, Councilmember Tom moved approval; the motion was seconded and carried 7–0.

What happens next: The applicant must obtain building permits, a change of occupancy, and comply with the four conditions attached to the PD approval before full use as transitional housing begins.