DEPARTMENT: Center City Development and Operations
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Jim Mery, Deputy Director
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 1
SUBJECT:
River Walk Donation/Maintenance Agreement, Pedestrian Easement, and Temporary Right of Entry for Construction
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes a Donation/Maintenance Agreement, Pedestrian Easement, and Temporary Right of Entry for Construction of public improvements on River Walk property adjacent to the development project at the northwest corner of S. St. Mary's Street and Cesar Chavez Blvd. by CRP-GREP Elan Riverwalk Owner LP.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Elan Riverwalk project is under construction at the northwest corner of S. St. Mary's Street and Cesar Chavez Blvd. by CRP-GREP Elan Riverwalk Owner LP. The project is a residential-commercial development that will include 350 apartments, street level retail, and a parking garage.
On December 18, 2013, the Historic & Design Review Commission approved Case 2013-126, which included a design proposal to install new landscaping, staircases, patio spaces, and flower beds on City-owned River Walk property between the San Antonio River and the Elan Riverwalk property. In addition to installing the improvements and transferring ownership of the improvements to the City upon completion, CRP-GREP has agreed to maintain the improvements and to grant the City the right to allow the public 24/7 pedestrian access to the newly constructed walkway on Elan Riverwalk property that will connect the sidewalk on the north side of Cesar Chavez Blvd. to the River Walk sidewalk. The agreement provides Elan Riverwalk a temporary right of entry on City property in order to construct the improvements. CRP-GREP's commitment to maintain the improvements and the City's right to cross CRP-GREP's property shall continue for so long as the improvements are maintained.
Transportation and Capital Improvements Department's Floodplain Management Division approved the proposed enhancements on February 5, 2014.
ISSUE:
CRP-GREP, the developer of the Elan Riverwalk residential-commercial development project, is seeking to enhance City-owned River Walk property between their site and the river. In exchange for this opportunity, CRP-GREP is proposing to undertake improvements to City-owned River Walk property, to transfer ownership of improvements to the City, and to be responsible for maintenance of the improvements.
ALTERNATIVES:
The City may elect not to allow CRP-GREP to undertake improvements to City-owned River Walk property, but the public will then lose the value of such improvements.
FISCAL IMPACT:
If approved, this agreement will have no fiscal impact.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of a Donation/Maintenance Agreement, Pedestrian Easement, and Temporary Right of Entry by CRP-GREP Elan Riverwalk Owner LP for construction of public improvements on River Walk property adjacent to the development project at the northwest corner of S. St. Mary's Street and Cesar Chavez Blvd.