DEPARTMENT: Transportation and Capital Improvements
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Mike Frisbie, P.E.
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Council District 1
SUBJECT:
Disposition: Closing, vacating and abandoning improved West Park Avenue and Maverick Street Public Rights of Way
SUMMARY:
An ordinance authorizing the closure, vacation and abandonment of 1.022 acres of improved West Park Avenue and Maverick Street Public Rights of Way, in Council District 1, as requested by Alamo Colleges District.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Alamo Colleges District, Petitioner, is requesting the closure, vacation and abandonment of improved portions of West Park Avenue and Maverick Street public rights of way located between San Pedro Avenue and West Evergreen Street as shown on attached Exhibit A. The Petitioner owns all the abutting property. The total acreage for these rights of way is 1.022, which translates to 44,504 square feet. The proposed closures would provide for and facilitate the future expansion of San Antonio College (SAC).
SAC was first established as a junior college in September 1925. In January 1951, SAC moved to its present location on San Pedro Avenue with an enrollment of less than 500 students. Since then SAC has grown to become one of the largest single-campus community colleges in the state and nation, with approximately 20,000 students enrolled every semester, awarding 5,000 degrees and certificates every year.
The planned expansion of the current SAC campus off of San Pedro includes a 4-story residential housing structure and a 5-level parking garage as shown on attached conceptual plan. The proposed right of way closures would support the expansion and provide controlled accessibility.
Signs have been posted and notices have been mailed to property owners within a 500 foot radius of the proposed closures. The Planning Commission considered this request at its regular meeting on September 26, 2018.
ISSUE:
This ordinance will close, vacate and abandon 1.022 acres of improved West Park Avenue and Maverick Street Public Rights of Way, in Council District 1, as requested by Alamo Colleges District.
Alamo Colleges District, Petitioner, is requesting the closure, vacation and abandonment of improved portions of West Park Avenue and Maverick Street public rights of way located between San Pedro Avenue and West Evergreen Street as shown on attached Exhibit A. The Petitioner owns all the abutting property. The total acreage for these rights of way is 1.022, which translates to 44,504 square feet. The proposed closures would provide for and facilitate the future expansion of the SAC campus.
The planned expansion of the current SAC campus off of San Pedro includes a 4-story residential housing structure and a 5-level parking garage as shown on attached conceptual plan. The proposed right of way closures would support the expansion and provide controlled accessibility.
Under Chapter 272.001(j) in the Local Government Code, the City may donate or convey real property to an institution of higher education to promote a public purpose related to higher education. In return, Alamo Colleges District has agreed to negotiate by providing additional training courses at no cost to the City. The Alamo Colleges District has helped the City in the past in areas such as training our commercial drivers within our Solid Waste Management Department.
In accordance with Chapter 37 in the Municipal Code, signs were placed at the proposed street closures, and letters were sent to property owners identified within a 500 foot radius, to provide notice and public hearing dates of the proposed closures.
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 and in accordance with State Code, which permits the donation or conveyance of property to an institution of higher education so long as Alamo Colleges District continues to promote higher education for a public purpose.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council could choose not to approve this request; however, if not approved, this would impede plans to develop and provide housing and parking for the ever growing campus of San Antonio College.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Administrative costs to process and record the transfer of ownership totals $210.00.
Under Chapter 272.001(j) in the Local Government Code, the City is conveying the rights of way to Alamo Colleges District, on behalf of SAC, for the administrative processing fee of $210.00. SAC is an institution of higher education that promotes a public purpose related to higher education. In return, Alamo Colleges District has agreed to negotiate providing additional training courses at no cost to the City. The revenue will be deposited into the General Fund in accordance with FY 2019 Adopted Budget.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this request to close, vacate and abandon improved segments of West Park Avenue and Maverick Street Public Rights of Way, in Council District 1 to facilitate the future expansion of San Antonio College (SAC).
The Planning Commission considered this request at its regular meeting on September 26, 2018.