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 an unimproved portion of public right-of-way at Essex and San Salvador Streets
SUMMARY:
An ordinance authorizing to close, vacate and abandon Lot 26, NCB 2918, a 2,250.41 square foot of unimproved right-of-way along San Salvador at Essex Street in Council District 2 to adjoin with Petitioner’s abutting property as requested by the Petitioner, Olga and Baldomero Nino, Jr. for a fee of $3,084.00.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The 24-foot strip of land was dedicated as public right-of-way to the City in 1946 authorized by Ordinance 3363. The City accepted the dedication to enable the extension of public utilities (water and sewer) to the small neighboring homes. At the time, the City Commissioner accepted the dedication with the provision that the land would not be improved nor maintained as a City street.
This request has been canvassed to all City Departments and utility agencies and the petition was accepted with standard conditions of retaining existing easements and re-platting the property, if improved. The petition is supported by the surrounding neighbors. The Petitioner has maintained the grassy strip since they purchased their adjoining property and the property owner intends to assemble the grassy strip with his existing property to extend his side yard. The fee established for this request is $3,084.00, which is based off of assessed land values determined the Bexar County Appraisal District. The Denver Heights Neighborhood Association Executive Board reviewed and approved the sale of this property.
ISSUE:
This ordinance authorizes the closure, vacation, and abandonment of Lot 26, NCB 2918,a 2,250.41 square foot unimproved right-of-way along San Salvador at Essex Street in Council District 2 to adjoin with Petitioner’s abutting property as requested by the Petitioner, Olga and Baldomero Nino, Jr. for a total fee of $3,084.00.
The unimproved strip was dedicated to the City in 1946 as right-of-way to allow the extension of public utilities, but with the provision the dedication would not be improved or maintained as a City street. The Petition is supported by the surrounding neighbors. The Petitioner has maintained the grassy strip since they purchased their adjoining property and the property owner intends to assemble the grassy strip with his existing property to extend his side yard. The fee established for this request totals $3,084.00. Funds generated from this sale will be deposited into the General Fund.
This action is consistent with City Code and Ordinances, which require City Council approval for the sale or disposition of City-owned or controlled real property.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council could choose not to approve this request; however if not approved, the property would be underutilized and not generate property tax revenue for the City of San Antonio as well as other taxing entities.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The fee established for this request is $3,084.00 which is the assessed value of the unimproved property. The fair market value of the unimproved property was determined utilizing Bexar County Appraisal District assessed land values as provided by Chapter 37, Section 2(g)(ii) of the City Code. Funds generated from this sale will be deposited into the General Fund.
The property will be placed on the tax rolls, which will generate revenue for the City of San Antonio as well as other taxing entities.
RECOMMENDATION:
The City’s Planning Commission approved this request at its regular scheduled meeting on April 10, 2019.
Staff recommends approval to close, vacate and abandon 2,250.41 square feet of unimproved right-of-way on Essex and San Salvador Street in Council District 2 to adjoin with owner’s abutting property as requested by the Petitioners, Olga and Baldomero Nino, Jr.