DEPARTMENT: Neighborhood and Housing Services Department
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Verónica R. Soto, FAICP, Director
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 1
SUBJECT:
An Ordinance approving the execution of a Chapter 380 Economic Development Program Grant Agreement between the Houston Street TIRZ Board of Directors, Centro San Antonio, and the City of San Antonio for funding for an amount not to exceed $500,000 for the Downtown Shade Plan in Council District 1.
SUMMARY:
The Downtown Shade Plan aims to reduce temperatures along downtown sidewalks and mitigate the urban heat island effect along various downtown streets within the boundary of the Houston Street TIRZ. The Downtown Shade Plan is broken down into three projects.
The first project will be a Shade and Use Study. This study will help determine where the strong shade opportunities exist and where the new shade is needed most. The study will include computer-based simulations, field measurements, policy review, and design guideline recommendations.
Centro San Antonio, in partnership with American Institute of Architects San Antonio (AIA San Antonio), conducted a design contest to identify projects that could bring innovative shade structures to the downtown area. Two winners were selected, and these projects will be designed, constructed, and installed. The ‘Sombra de la Acacia’ by Guy Hundere & Sprinkler Co. project will be modular shade structures placed at various downtown locations. These structures can increase in size so they can reach across both sides of a street to cover the sidewalk “canopy” area. The structures will contain solar panels on the “leaves” and will also have changeable color LED lights that will illuminate the entire structure at night.
The ‘Growing (SA)hade’ by Campbell Landscape Architect will consist of installing native, drought tolerant trees to minimize water needs and maximize shade. The trees will be planted in durable, modular quatrefoil planters reminiscent of the City’s brand and will be adorned with handmade glazed tiles. These planters will be designed to be movable.
The Shade and Use Study is projected to commence in May 2021 with projected completion by July 2021. Following the Shade and Use Study, the production and installation of the two shade structure plans will commence and follow the guidance of the Shade and Use Study. The installation of these structures is projected to be completed by December 31, 2022.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Houston Street TIRZ Board approved funding for the Downtowns Shade Plan on September 4, 2019 for an amount not to exceed $500,000. On February 25, 2021, the Board approved a Chapter 380 Economic Development Program Agreement with Centro San Antonio to administer the project. Centro San Antonio will also contribute up to $250,000 to the project as part of the matching grant requirement.
ISSUE:
City Council consideration is requested for the approval of a Chapter 380 Economic Development Program Grant Agreement for an amount not to exceed $500,000 for the Downtown Shade Plan.
ALTERNATIVES:
If City Council chooses not to approve the Agreement, Centro San Antonio will need to seek an alternate funding source. This could potentially delay or jeopardize the Downtown Shade Plan moving forward.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding for this agreement is available through the tax increment produced by the Houston Street TIRZ #9. There will be no impact to the General Fund.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the Chapter 380 Economic Development Program Grant Agreement with the Houston Street TIRZ Board of Directors, Centro San Antonio, and the City of San Antonio for funding for an amount not to exceed $500,000 for the Downtown Shade Plan.