DEPARTMENT: Transportation & Capital Improvements
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Razi Hosseini, P.E., R. P. L. S.
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Council District 2
SUBJECT:
Disposition: Close, Vacate and Abandon a section of Burnet Street for Lockwood and Dignowity Park (2017 Bond Project)
SUMMARY:
An ordinance authorizing to close, vacate and abandon 0.532 of an acre of improved right-of-way known as Burnet Street located between North Hackberry and North Olive Streets in Council District 2 as requested by the Petitioner, City of San Antonio, in conjunction with the Lockwood and Dignowity Park, a 2017 Bond Program project.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On May 6, 2017, San Antonio voters approved the $850 Million 2017-2022 Bond Program. As part of the Bond Program, improvements are planned at Lockwood/Dignowity Park which includes general park improvements to include the closure of Burnett Street and the development of public plazas. The park project plans call for the closure, vacation and abandonment of the improved portion of Burnet Street public right-of-way between North Hackberry and North Olive Streets. Currently, Burnet Street divides Lockwood Park and Dignowity Park. The closure would combine the two parks and create a cohesive nine-acre green space for the community. The vacated Burnet Street will be memorialized as an access path within the Lockwood/Dignowity Park Bond Project, as recommended by the Historic and Design Review Commission (HDRC).
This request has been canvassed to all City departments and utility agencies. Approved through the canvassing process, notification signage has been posted for public notice of the proposed City Council date. Property owners within a 500-foot radius have been notified this item will be presented for discussion by City Council. Costs associated with the closure will be paid for from the Lockwood & Dignowity 2017 Bond Project. The requested closure is supported by the Dignowity Hill Neighborhood Association.
ISSUE:
This ordinance authorizes the closure, vacation and abandonment 0.532 of an acre of improved right-of-way known as Burnet Street located between North Hackberry and North Olive Streets in Council District 2 as requested by the Petitioner, the City of San Antonio, in conjunction with the Lockwood and Dignowity Park, a 2017 Bond Program project.
As part of the City’s 2017 Bond Program, the Lockwood/Dignowity Park Project requires the closure, vacation and abandonment of an improved portion of Burnet Street public right-of-way between North Hackberry and North Olive Streets.
Currently, Burnet Street divides Lockwood Park and Dignowity Park. The closure would combine the two parks and create a cohesive 9-acre green space for the community. The vacated Burnet Street will be memorialized as an access path within the Lockwood/Dignowity Park Bond Project, as recommended by the Historic and Design Review Commission (HDRC).
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council could choose not to approve this request; however, if not approved, the pending Lockwood/ Dignowity Park Bond Project would not proceed as planned which includes combining the parks into one cohesive space.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This ordinance authorizes the closing, vacating and abandoning 0.532 of an acre of improved right-of-way known as Burnet Street located between North Hackberry and North Olive Streets in Council District 2. The closure of Burnett Street is a City-initiated request and ownership of the land will remain with the City. A recording fee of approximately $36.00 for the closure will be paid for by the 2017-2022 Bond Project for Lockwood & Dignowity Parks and included in the 2019-2024 Capital Improvement Program Budget.
RECOMMENDATION:
The City of San Antonio Planning Commission recommended approval of this request at its regular scheduled meeting on April 10, 2019.
Staff recommends approval to close, vacate and abandon an acre segment of Burnet Street right-of-way located between North Hackberry and North Olive Streets in Council District 2 as requested by the Petitioner, the City of San Antonio, in conjunction with the Lockwood and Dignowity Park, a 2017 Bond Program project.