DEPARTMENT: Center City Development Office
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Lori Houston
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Council District 1
SUBJECT:
Alamo Plaza Master Planning Process
SUMMARY:
This ordinance approves a process, strategy and next steps for the development of a comprehensive master plan for Alamo Plaza and the surrounding area, to include the establishment of a 21 member Alamo Plaza Advisory Committee. Alamo Plaza is located in Council District 1.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On November 19, 2013, a Council Consideration Request was submitted by Councilman Diego Bernal. The CCR requested that staff recommend a process, strategy, and next steps for a comprehensive master planning effort for Alamo Plaza that is respectful of the Plaza and the Alamo's history.
In December 2013, City staff provided a briefing to the Governance Committee on proposed next steps. City staff was then directed to brief the Quality of Life Committee, on February 18, 2014. The Quality of Life Committee then directed City staff to proceed to City Council for consideration.
A comprehensive master plan will be the guiding document for the redevelopment of Alamo Plaza and its surrounding area. The master plan will identify physical improvements to Alamo Plaza as well as the facilitation of development that would respect the history of the Plaza and the Alamo. The master plan will address interpretation opportunities, signage, traffic calming, design guidelines, zoning overlays, as well as other strategies that promote its development.
In 1994, an Alamo Plaza Study Committee was formed and a report completed. That report will serve as a framework for the master plan development. The 1994 report identified 5 interpretive themes and goals for Alamo Plaza that share the story of the people and their culture, provides the history of Texas and the City of San Antonio, and symbolizes man's quest for self-determination. The Report also provides a work plan that supports such themes and goals, as well as identifying opportunities for museums and history centers, living history exhibits, street closures, a management plan, and interpretive methods.
For the purpose of aiding in the development of the master plan , City staff is proposing the creation of a 21-member Alamo Plaza Advisory Committee. City staff is proposing eleven members to be appointed by the Mayor to include 3 tri-chairs and 8 members representative of the following categories:
(1) member from the 1994 Alamo Plaza Study Committee Report;
(3) members from the fields of History and Archeology;
(1) member representing the State of Texas;
(1) member representing the Federal Government;
(1) member representing Private Property Owners; and
(1) member from the field of Tourism.
Additionally, City staff is also recommending each City Council District appoint an at large member to the committee.
The Committee's purpose would be to: 1) assist with the update of the 1994 Alamo Plaza Study Committee Study Report; 2) create a vision and guiding principles for the redevelopment of Alamo Plaza and surrounding area; 3) assist in the development of the scope of work for the master plan; and 4) provide general oversight of the development of the master plan.
Upon appointment of the Committee by Mayor and City Council, the Committee would initiate the update to the 1994 Alamo Plaza Advisory Committee Report as well as the creation of the vision and guiding principles for the redevelopment of Alamo Plaza. These items will be used to develop a scope of work for advertisement.
City Staff will return to City Council in early 2015 with a recommendation for a master plan team. The development of the master plan will take approximately 6 months and staff will return to City Council in early Fall 2015 for the adoption of the master plan.
ISSUE:
City staff will present proposed next steps regarding the development of a comprehensive master plan for Alamo Plaza to include the creation of an Alamo Plaza Advisory Committee and timeline for the development of a comprehensive master plan for Alamo Plaza.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council could recommend an alternative process or that no action be taken to develop a comprehensive master plan for Alamo Plaza.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This ordinance approves the recommendations and next steps for the development of a comprehensive master plan for Alamo Plaza and the surrounding area. Funds to develop the comprehensive Alamo Plaza Master Plan are available from the 2012 Bond Program. A master plan is an eligible expense and funding in the amount of $1 million is currently available. Staff will return to City Council in early 2015 with a recommendation for the master plan team and the execution of a contract.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the proposed process for the development of an Alamo Plaza Master Plan and composition of the Alamo Plaza Advisory Committee.