DEPARTMENT: Transportation & Capital Improvements
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Mike Frisbie
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Council District 1
SUBJECT:
Blanco Road Business Utility Assistance Pilot Program
SUMMARY:
The City of San Antonio has developed a business utility assistance pilot program for businesses experiencing significant business downturn as a result of the construction activity associated with the 2007-2012 Bond Program's Blanco Road Improvements Project. The pilot program would offer eligible businesses an economic development loan to be used for the purpose of paying a portion of the businesses utility bills from April 2014 through the completion of the Project which is estimated to be in August 2014.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Blanco Road Improvement Project is a $21.8 million 2007-2012 Bond Program project that is reconstructing and widening Blanco Road from San Francisco to Edison and El Monte to Olmos Creek with curbs, sidewalks, driveway approaches, turn lanes at major intersections, and necessary drainage and traffic signal improvements. The Project commenced in September of 2012 and is anticipated to be completed by August 2014.
There are over 100 businesses located within the Project's boundaries. As a result of the ongoing construction, the businesses have been economically impacted and some have approached the City seeking assistance in maintaining their business within the boundaries of the Project while construction is still ongoing.
ISSUE:
In order to stimulate and retain business and commercial activity in this area, which contributes to the local economy by providing taxes and jobs, City staff has developed the Blanco Road Business Utility Assistance Pilot Program (the "Program") for businesses immediately adjacent to the Blanco Road Improvement Project that are experiencing significant business downturn as a result of the construction activity.
The Program would offer eligible ...
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