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Oct 20 2019

Camelot’s Catastrophic Communication Calamity; Compliments of President Grabill

September 2019; Neighbors Unsuccessfully Request Meeting

Neighbors in September were asking why we hadn’t had a neighborhood meeting in quite a while:

Camelot 1 Neighbors were requested a meeting in September, but were told all board members were too ill to hold one.

Even with a president, vice president and 2nd vice president, no meeting was held during September. President Gordon Grabill was aware of the zoning issue, yet chose not to inform residents of Camelot 1. This was and is very disappointing as the proposed zoning change area is within the Camelot 1 Neighborhood Plan. Part of the purpose of our “Camelot 1 Neighborhood Association” or “C1NA”, is to:

To keep members educated and informed regarding those issues and problems which affect themselves or the Camelot 1 Neighborhood.

Camelot 1 Neighborhood Association Bylaws; page 2

Obstruction, Opposition and Outrage in October 2019

Oh no! There’s opposition? | October 8, 2019

President Gordon Grabill doesn't understand why residents in Camelot 1 don't want more multifamily housing.
President Gordon Grabill doesn’t understand that other residents of Camelot 1 might have a different opinion or belief than he does. He’s all about himself; not the people!

Problems with Grabill’s Views

  • Just because Gordon doesn’t oppose the requested zoning change, doesn’t mean that other Camelot 1 residents do not. Prior to our neighborhood meeting, he had not made any effort to inform Camelot 1 residents other than his immediate board members. (And, that’s “if” he actually met with/informed them.) This seems inherently wrong and against C1NA’s bylaws. He could have chosen to inform everyone in Camelot 1 and listened to what residents had to say for or against. He chose not to.
  • His statement, “not section 8 housing – but individually owned” is inherently flawed as the property developer/home builder is not necessarily the end property owner. The property investor who purchases the duplexes in order to rent them out would be the person who decides whether or not they are designated Section 8 housing.
  • While Gordon is trying to talk about “Section 8” housing, the real problem is that we already have a disproportionate amount of multifamily housing on the Northeast side and more multifamily housing is clearly not in agreement with the Camelot 1 Neighborhood Plan.

Did I mention, don’t forget C1NA’s Neighborhood Plan….

“Due to the number of declining businesses, vacant lots, and a substantial amount of multifamily housing, the community wishes to focus on more diverse development to balance the uses in the area.  To support more diverse development, this land use update recommends the following:

  • the inclusion of Low Density Mixed Use land use particularly along Walzem Road
  • adding Business Park and Low Density Residential land uses along Walzem Road 
  • and increasing Low Density Residential land uses along Eisenhauer Road.” 

Sharing Info with Neighbors | October 11th, 2019

After not getting any support from Gordon regarding giving all residents of Camelot 1 a “voice” to be heard for or against, I posted the following on nextdoor.com:

The date of this post was originally October 11th, 2019 and has been updated to the best of my ability with any new information.

Missing in Inaction | October 14th, 2019

Trying agin to reach Gordon Grabill regarding Zoning case Z-2019-10700192.
October 14th, 2019; 2:00 PM
Finally a response from the missing in inaction President Grabill
Finally a response from Gordon on October 14th, 2019 at 5:32 PM
Even though he says he agrees the neighborhood members need to be informed,–he did not inform them.

Obscure October 14th, 2019 Email to Attorney, James Griffin

Camelot 1 Neighborhood Association President Gordon Grabill pushing for a response from Attorney James Griffin no later than Tuesday evening, October 15th.  Why?
Without letting any of Camelot 1 residents know!

Under the Table

With your acceptance, no later than Tuesday evening, October 15, I can notify the District 2 councilwoman Jada Andrews-Sullivan, of this decision – to allow the Camelot 1/City of San Antonio Development Plan – be modified per your client’s request.

President Gordon Grabill of Camelot 1 Neighborhood Association

Why was Gordon in such a big hurry for Attorney James Griffin, (on behalf of his client), to accept this by Tuesday evening,October 15th? Why was Gordon pushing this through without any input from residents in Camelot 1? Why would Gordon not wait until after the neighborhood meeting?

Offended in October

On the 15th of October, I was accused by President Gordon Grabill of “personally attacking” him. Apparently, if anyone challenges his decisions, he considers it a personally attack,–yet he can yell “SHUT-UP” at me during the neighborhood meeting, and this is not considered a personal attack?!? Go figure.

October 15, 2019 Emails

10-15-2019; 4:31 PM
10-15-2019; 4:34 PM

It is sad that most C1NA residents choose to avoid the issues of our area.

Gordon Grabill, President of Camelot 1 Neighborhood Association (C1NA)

How are the residents of Camelot supposed to get involved with the “issues of our area” when they are not told about them?!?

Gordon Grabill Feels Personally Attacked

Camelot 1 Neighborhood President Gordon Grabill says C1NA residents don't care and feels I have personally attacked him.
10/15/2019; 5:28 PM But, if decisions are always best made with residents speak, then why weren’t they given the opportunity?

No Personal Attack on Gordon

No, there was no personal attack on Gordon Grabill.  He just did not like being called out on his dishonesty.
10/15/2019; 6:06 PM

The No Notification Neighborhood Meeting on October 17th, 2019

I suppose it might not be a big surprise that the Camelot 1 Neighborhood Association meeting on Thursday, October 17th, 2019 was a disaster. (Actually, that might be the understatement of the year!) Due to President Gordon’s failure to mail the postcards out on time, many people in the neighborhood had NO IDEA there was a neighborhood meeting. If a Camelot 1 resident didn’t happen to see Gordon’s post about the neighborhood meeting on nextdoor.com the day before, (October 16th), they were out of luck. While there are some neighbors on nextdoor.com, the majority of them are not. With no notification, how were the residents of Camelot 1 supposed to express their opinion regarding the upcoming zoning changes? Yet, Gordon feels free to insult the neighbors by saying “It is sad that most C1NA residents choose to avoid the issues of our area.“

Crime & Safety

Instead of posting the Camelot 1 Neighborhood meeting under “Events”, Gordon posted it in the “Crime and Safety” section of nextdoor.com. I can understand someone posting a crime under “Crime and Safety”,–but a neighborhood meeting that was supposed to inform neighbors about zoning issues? That, I do not understand, unless Gordon was intentionally trying to obfuscate information. The day OF the meeting, he posted that the time was incorrect in the “General” category. I tried my best to help by posting the meeting in the “Event” category,–but as this was a same day posting by Gordon, I doubt it did much good.

Why would someone post an “EVENT” under “Crime and Safety” unless it was…
President of Camelot 1 Neighborhood Association failed to mail out the postcards on time or put the correct date on them.
I tired to help “boost” this post by creating an event,–however, many neighbors are not on nextdoor.com and the postcards Gordon mailed out did not arrive on time to neighbors and even if they did, the time of the meeting was incorrect.

No Postcard for C1NA Secretary Either by Date of Meeting; October 17th, 2019

I guess the secretary didn’t mail the postcards out if she didn’t receive one.

Terrible Timing Times Two

Not only were the postcards not mailed out in a timely manner, the time printed on the postcards that were mailed out was incorrect. It stated the meeting was at 6:00 PM, instead of 7:00 PM. Therefore, I imagine the few people who did receive a postcard prior to the evening of the 17th, got tired of waiting at the place where nothing was happening.

The postcards that showed up too late for most residents and had an incorrect time printed.
The postcards that showed up too late for most residents and had an incorrect time printed.

Our C1NA bylaws state that “Special meetings may be called by the President with notice of the meeting given to Association members at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting.” (source) This meeting was supposed to be our regular general meeting,–and yet the majority of neighbors weren’t notified until after the meeting had been held.

Meeting Melee

As one attendee said, “Too bad no one Facebooked this live”. Amen. It might have gone viral, even if there were only about 25 people or so who attended. But, I will try to describe in my own words how it went….

When I arrived, I was asked by Gordon if I would mind giving Attorney James Griffin of Brown and Ortiz the floor first. Of course, I had no problem,–I am no public speaker, but I AM passionate about letting the people of my entire neighborhood know what’s going on.

While I tried my best to let people know what was going on, I was yelled at by President Grabil and told to “SHUT UP!” The meeting sort of went downhill from there. (Actually, there really was no “uphill” in the entire meeting.) A couple of people left in disgust.

In the middle of the melee, he yelled out, “Let’s have a vote!” This was against bylaws and a Kangaroo court if there ever was one. Hopefully this “vote” will never stand up as being a true representation of the people in Camelot 1 for zoning approval.

Questions and Answers

Q. Is there anything we can do to stop this zoning change from being approved?

A. I asked Attorney James Griffin if there was anything we could do to stop this zoning change from being passed and his response was, “I can’t answer that”. (Keep in mind, Gordon already had given Camelot 1’s approval prior to the meeting.)

Q. Were there actually any, (specifically no section 8 housing), deed restrictions put in place on the property if the zoning does go through?

A. No one knows as Attorney James Griffin was never asked to produce any kind of documentation. All we know is Gordon supposedly asked for this.

Q. Are deed restrictions or covenants “air-tight”?

A. No. Take note, people, “The easiest way to elude the requirements of a restrictive covenant is to simply ignore it.” (source) Another source says, “In general, deed restrictions protect property owners and property values. If you are purchasing property in a deed restricted development or community, the deed restrictions represent somewhat of a guarantee that certain matters will not occur. As with any contract, however, deed restrictions are not infallible.” We should think carefully before putting too much stock in any deed restriction(s) as we can’t even figure out how to have a civil neighborhood meeting. Quite frankly, if Gordon can’t figure out how to get the time correct on his neighborhood meeting postcards or when to mail them out, I certainly don’t trust him to make decisions for our neighborhood.

Neighbors in Camelot 1, we need help and to work together!

What you can do to help:

Sign and Share the Petition in Opposition of Zoning Case Z-2019-10700192

For those who are opposed to the rezoning plan, please sign the petition located here: https://www.change.org/p/city-of-san-antonio-development-services-sustain-economic-growth-revitalization-for-camelot-1-walzem-rd-area.

Write a Formal Letter of Protest

You may also write a formal letter of protest and send to the following physical address or email Orlando Ramirez:

Claude Black Community Center Field Office
2805 E. Commerce
San Antonio, TX 78203
Attn: Orlando Ramirez

Attend the November 7th Public Hearing

Attend the public hearing on Thursday, November 7th, 2019 at 9 AM. Arrive by 8:30 AM if you wish to register to speak. Hearing location is downtown in the Municipal Plaza Building.

Biggest Question of All

Why is Gordon Grabill so intent on getting this zoning changed? What makes a grown man so desperate he has to yell at someone to “SHUT UP” because he doesn’t want the truth to be told? As my mom always used to say, “Where there’s smoke; there’s fire”, and I’m smelling a whole lot of something…..

Written by San Antonio Business Connector · Categorized: Camelot 1 · Tagged: Brown and Ortiz, C1NA, Camelot 1, Gary Cain, Gordon Grabill, IWanta Oil, James Griffen, Michael White, San Antonio, WEDC, WEDCO, Z-2019-10700192

Oct 07 2019

Calling Camelot 1 & Walzem Road Neighbors

Zoning Shoo-In November 7th, 2019

Well, not much of a surprise,–this zoning case was truly decided even before President Gordon Grabill gave his unilateral approval. Guess the city will make more money ultimately by collecting taxes. Would love to have an attorney volunteer some time and look into what kind of kickback Grabill, (and others), might have received. An attorney who will look back into WEDCO, Gary Cain and Michael White and the adjacent properties to Dial Ike and Walzem Road area. There is a reason when a grown man has to shout at a women to “SHUT UP” in order to prevent his own words in his email, (approval to attorney James Griffen of Brown and Ortiz to go ahead with zoning change), from being read. I know it’s silly of me, however, I love truth and justice. It’s always sad when the people in power care more about money than the actual betterment of the people. Instead, they prosper at the expense of the people. People on my side of town that is, (Northeast),–not people living in Shavano Park or Castle Hills, etc.

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing.

Edmund Burke (1729-1797)
Really.

Public Hearing Thursday, November 7th; 2:00 PM

For all concerned residents of Camelot 1 and Bryce Place, please attend the public hearing scheduled for Thursday, November 7th, 2019 at Municipal Plaza at 2:00 PM. Please arrive well before 2:00 PM as you must sign up prior to the cutoff time of 2:00 PM. (Leave time for finding a parking place as well as time to get through security.) Plan Amendment #PA-2019-11600055 and Zoning Case #Z-2019-10700192. See meeting agenda here: https://sanantoniotx.s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/Hearings/Agenda+2.pdf.

Update: Kangaroo Court Held in Camelot 1

A note to all neighbors in Camelot 1:  As President Gordon Grabill failed to mail out postcards in time for all of our residents to receive prior to our neighborhood meeting on the 17th of October, many residents did not receive notification.  Therefore, many residents did not show up.  (See one complaint on nextdoor.com about not receiving a postcard) and keep in mind we have many residents who are NOT on nextdoor.com who never received an invitation or notice prior to the meeting.)

Read About the Meeting Here

I feel this is especially devious on Grabill’s part, as unbeknownst to me, (and I am a member of C1NA and was told by Gordon there would be NO vote on this zoning matter), he decided to hold kangaroo court yesterday evening,–even allowing those who were not a member of C1NA to vote.  While this is against C1NA’s bylaws, I would have been in full support if ALL of the neighbors in Camelot 1 would have had a chance to vote, however, that was not the case.  IMHO, this man needs to be replaced as President of our neighborhood association.  Even though he “gave me the floor” to speak after the attorney for the land developers, (James Griffin of Brown and Ortiz), he yelled at me to “SHUT UP” as he really, really did not want me to read what he wrote in an email to the attorney.  This matter had already been decided under the table before last night.  Read the emails here.  As neighbors living in Camelot 1, our only hope at this point is to petition Councilwoman Jada Andrews-Sullivan to deny this zoning request as Gordon has already given his vote of approval.  If you are in opposition, you can sign this petition, and/or write directly to her office at:  Claude Black Community Center Field Office, 2805 E. Commerce, San Antonio, TX 78283. Send to the attention of Orlando Ramirez and he said he will make sure she gets the information.  You may also email Orlando at orlando.ramirez@sanantonio.gov.  

According to Gordon Grabill, he cannot be removed as President of our Neighborhood Association as HE has the ultimate say-so.  This man is truly unbelievable and , again, IMHO, needs to be voted out before he does more damage to our community.  He has accused me of “personally attacking” him just because I have repeatedly asked about giving the residents of Camelot 1 a voice.  See emails here,–I have made additional comments in red. https://c1na.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/10-15-2019-Re%3A+Zoning+Vote-Email.pdf 

Please help by signing, sharing and contacting our District 2 Councilwoman, Jada Andrews-Sullivan.  While she cannot remove Gordon Grabill from his office as “President of C1NA”, she can stop this zoning project.

Caring About Our Community

Everyone is busy, so if you’re reading this post, thanks for taking the time.  For all neighbors and businesses who exist in the effected Walzem Road area, including Windcrest, Camelot 1, and Bryce Place, there is a proposed zoning change that will effect our community that is not in agreement with the Camelot 1 Neighborhood Plan, the Walzem Road Area Business District Strategic Revitalization Plan or COSA.  Keep in mind, these plans have been thoughtfully designed and created by people and entities who have taken the time to study demographics, infrastructure, housing, business, economics, etc. in order to understand and enhance our communities. 

Gordon Grabill, President of Camelot 1 Neighborhood Association, has stated, “It is sad that most C1NA residents choose to avoid the issues of our area.” Let’s prove him wrong! Why can’t we have a vote? (Of course, it’s difficult to get people to care when you withhold information and no one has a voice when a “kangaroo court” is held!) Have your voice heard by signing the petition here: https://www.change.org/p/help-support-economic-growth-revitalization-for-camelot-1-walzem-rd-area

What defines Camelot 1?

“The Camelot I Neighborhood Plan planning area is bound by Walzem Road to the north and east, Eisenhauer Road to the south, and the City of Windcrest to the west. The area is a mix of residential, commercial, public institutional and vacant lots.” (Source: Camelot 1 Neighborhood Plan 02/2010) 

Goals of Camelot 1 Neighborhood Plan

Due to the number of declining businesses, vacant lots, and a substantial amount of multifamily housing, the community wishes to focus on more diverse development to balance the uses in the area.  To support more diverse development, this land use update recommends the following:

  • the inclusion of Low Density Mixed Use land use particularly along Walzem Road
  • adding Business Park and Low Density Residential land uses along Walzem Road 
  • and increasing Low Density Residential land uses along Eisenhauer Road. 

Proposed Zoning Change From Commercial to Medium Density Residential

The proposed zoning amendment seeks to change certain areas, (NCB: 16927 – Block 2: lots 2, 3, 5, 6, & 7 – Block 3: lots, 2, 3, 4, & 5), from Commercial to Medium Density Residential, (MF-18).  This requested change, as noted in Zoning Case #Z-2019-10700192, is NOT consistent with our current adopted land use designation.  Therefore, it is necessary that the potential buyer/developer submit a Property Amendment (#PA-2019-11600055).  The definition of MF-18 is as follows: Multi-family dwelling, single-family dwelling, (detached, attached or townhouse), two-family dwelling, three-family dwelling, row-house or zero-lot line dwelling, with a maximum density of 18 units per acre, assisted living home, skilled nursing facility, foster family home, public and private schools.

Zoning Case Z-2019-10700192 | Dial Ike and Walzem Road Area
Dial Ike & Walzem Road Area (Area in red is approximate proposed building site for 44 duplexes; total of 88 housing units)

While Camelot 1 has had prior changes to its Neighborhood Plan, they have been somewhat consistent with the overall land designation goals of promoting diverse development,—specifically promoting more businesses. 

Due to the number of declining businesses, vacant lots, and a substantial amount of multifamily housing, the community wishes to focus on more diverse development to balance the uses in the area.

Camelot 1 Neighborhood Plan; February 2010

This was also consistent with the Walzem Road Area Business District Strategic Revitalization Plan.

In October of 2012, Camelot 1 Neighborhood Plan was updated with ordinance 2012-10-18-0835, changing land zoning from Low Density Mixed Use and Parks/Open Space to Business Park, which was in support of promoting more businesses and less multi-family housing as is still current.

The Business Park land use classification is compatible with adjacent commercial uses and is anticipated to pose a minimal impact to those properties. Additionally, the request is compatible with both the Camelot I Neighborhood Plan and Walzem Road Area Business District Strategic Revitalization Plan’s focus on commercial development throughout their respective planning areas.

Camelot 1 Neighborhood Plan; October 2012

Currently, a developer has made the purchase of the above referenced land contingent upon the requested zoning change.  The developer is planning on building 44 duplexes on 8.005 acres. (Latest update,–developer has reduced 88 units to 78 units).  The developer is not usually the “end property owner/landlord” and has no control over housing designation.  Unless there are special restrictions/clauses put into the purchasing agreement expressly prohibiting section 8 housing,–it would always be a possibility.

However, regardless of whether or not the duplexes are “Ritz Carleton” or “Motel 6”, the point here is that this is NOT in agreement with ANY of the plans referenced above.  (In fact this new request is an about face regarding the ordinances adopted in 2012, i.e. changing the zoning from Low Density Mixed Use, Parks/Open Space to Business Park.)

Additionally, while the zoning case manager claims to have notified 11 property owners, none of my neighbors in Camelot 1 were notified,—and, as best I can understand, neither was Windcrest or Bryce Place.  A Windcrest neighbor discovered a small, sign placed near the property for part of a day.  Even though case manager Patricia Franco was only legally required to let neighbors or registered and recognized neighborhood associations know within 200 feet of the project, Director of Zoning, Orlando Ramirez said he asked her to let other adjacent neighborhoods know as a courtesy. Apparently this did not happen.

San Antonio Rezoning Sign #Z2019-10700192
The zoning sign that a neighbor in Windcrest happened to spot when driving by.

While this is just my opinion,—it seems rather underhanded not to inform the neighbors/neighborhoods that are nearby.  I DO know for a fact that there were emails of opposition to the plan amendment and zoning case sent to Patricia Franco which were NOT disclosed.  The record reflects that there was no one opposed.  Apparently, if no one asks if she was emailed, she does not have to disclose it to anyone.   So, “zero in opposition”, isn’t really the truth.  

Sign the Petition in Opposition of Zoning Case Z-2019-10700192

For those who are opposed to the rezoning plan, please sign the petition located here: https://www.change.org/p/city-of-san-antonio-development-services-sustain-economic-growth-revitalization-for-camelot-1-walzem-rd-area.

Write a Formal Letter of Protest

You may also write a formal letter of protest and send to the following physical address or email Orlando Ramirez:

Claude Black Community Center Field Office
2805 E. Commerce
San Antonio, TX 78203
Attn: Orlando Ramirez

Attend Public Hearing

Attend the public hearing on Thursday, November 7th, 2019 at 2 PM. Arrive by 12:30 PM if you wish to register to speak. Hearing location is downtown in the Municipal Plaza building.

Has the Case Already Been Decided?

I discovered an online article online, “San Antonio-Omaha Developer Shelves Business Park Plan for Multifamily” dated September 18, 2019. (source) To quote the article:

Land use and zoning attorney James Griffin of the Brown & Ortiz law firm requested and obtained a zoning change Tuesday from the Zoning Commission. 

San Antonio-Omaha Developer Shelves Business Park Plan for Multifamily

Comment from C1NA President:

One Last Chance to be Heard

At this time, (unless this case is has already been decided), there will be one more opportunity for your voice to be heard.  On November 7th, 2019 there will be a public hearing held at 2:00 PM. If you wish to speak, please arrive prior to 12:30 PM as the cutoff time to sign up to speak is 2:00 PM. 

You can also contact Councilwoman Jada Andrews-Sullivan’s office via her webpage:  https://www.sanantonio.gov/council/d2 where snail mail addresses are listed as well. You can also email Orlando Ramirez here as he is the Director of Zoning.

Embracing Transparency

As neighbors, let us not let a select few who choose to hide rather than embrace transparency, (whether intentional or unintentional), set a precedent that we cannot go back and undo. We need more diversity and businesses; not multi-family housing.

Meeting Agenda: https://sanantoniotx.s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/Hearings/Agenda+2.pdf

Windcrest, San Antonio, and Bexar County have demonstrated an ability to work together. The Business District benefits from the support and resources of multiple jurisdictions. One of the focuses of WRAR and the Business District will be to find new ways to leverage the resources of the jurisdictions and bring even greater cooperation. This planning process has shown us that business owners and other area stakeholders are united by common interests that cross jurisdictional boundaries

WRAR (Walzem Road Area Revitalization)

Letter From Tommy Calvert About Northeast Side

A great example as to what could be done with the above referenced property up for rezoning, is expressed in this letter written by Tommy Calvert, (about a different project). Fantastic ideas and plans; it is worth investing a few minutes of your time to read. Read it here.

Questions and Answers

Q. Your arguments against the zoning change are sound.  The potential problem I envision is a sharp attorney pointing out we already have apartments located off Walzem (behind the YMCA) and duplex housing units on Gawain St, in Camelot 1.  How do we make a case against that reality? 

A. I’m pretty sure this question just enhances the case against building MORE multi-family housing.

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Written by San Antonio Business Connector · Categorized: San Antonio Neighborhoods · Tagged: Brown & Ortiz, Bryce Place, Camelot 1, Dial Ike, Dial Ike and Walzem Road Area, District 2, Gary Cain, James Griffen, Michael White, WEDCO, Windcrest, ZONING CASE Z-2019-10700192

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