DEPARTMENT: Center City Development and Operations
DEPARTMENT HEAD: John Jacks
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 1
SUBJECT:
Resolutions recommending the authorization of a Joint Use Agreement and a Temporary Construction Easement between the City of San Antonio and the San Antonio River Authority (SARA) to construct a water line and lift station necessary for the San Pedro Creek Improvements Project (a collaborative effort between Bexar County and SARA), in Council District 1.
SUMMARY:
The Planning Commission shall consider the following resolutions authorizing agreements between the City of San Antonio and the San Antonio River Authority (SARA) for real property interests necessary to complete critical improvements related to the San Pedro Creek Improvements Project:
A. A resolution recommending approval of a Joint Use Agreement for use of a 0.037 acre (1,632 square foot) variable width tract out of NCB 929, which is City-owned property located along the San Antonio River upstream from Arsenal St.
B. A resolution recommending approval of a temporary construction easement for use of a 0.086 acre (3,728 square foot) tract of City-owned property located in NCB 929, which is City-owned property along the San Antonio River upstream from Arsenal St.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Bexar County and SARA have a cooperative agreement to complete the design and construction of the San Pedro Creek Improvements Project (the “Project”). SARA is the project manager. The estimated project cost is $175 million. SARA entered into a contract with Sundt Davila Joint Venture for the construction of Phase I and 2 of the Project.
The Project will revitalize a two (2) mile segment of the creek through downtown San Antonio beginning at the IH-35 flood tunnel inlet near Fox Tech High School to the confluence with Alazan and Apache Creeks at IH-35 near the stockyards. The Project is expected to enhance the containment of the 100-year floodplain, restore and improve water quality, reconnect people to a storied and historic natural resource, and catalyze economic growth and drive revitalization efforts. The total length of the improvement area is 2.2 miles. There are a total of four phases to the Project, with Phase I currently under construction. The first segment of Phase I, from the tunnel inlet to Houston Street, is expected to be complete by the city’s Tricentennial celebration in May 2018.
ISSUE:
The above real property interests, currently owned by the City of San Antonio, have been identified as necessary to construct a water line and lift station that will circulate water from the San Antonio River to upstream of the tunnel outfall at Guadalupe Street and San Pedro Creek during times of low flow and for irrigation purposes.
ALTERNATIVES:
Planning Commission could choose not to recommend approval of the resolutions, however, that would prevent the San Antonio River Authority from constructing essential components of the San Pedro Creek Improvements Project and meeting the timeframe to complete the first segment of Phase I by the City’s 2018 Tricentennial Events.
RECOMMENDATION:
This action is consistent with City Codes and Ordinances which require Planning Commission review and City Council approval for the disposition of city owned, or controlled real property. City departments and utilities have been canvassed and have approved of the agreement and easement.
Staff recommends approval of the agreements as part of the City of San Antonio’s contribution towards the San Pedro Creek Improvements Project.