DEPARTMENT: Parks & Recreation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Xavier D. Urrutia
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Council Districts 2 and 8
SUBJECT:
Acquisitions of Property for Linear Creekways Development Project
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes the acceptance of property donations totaling approximately 18.6 acres of land located along Salado Creek in NCBs 10573 and 12175 in Council District 2 and NCB 17180 in Council District 8 for the voter-approved Linear Creekway Development Project. These properties are within the San Antonio city limits or extraterritorial jurisdiction, Bexar County, Texas and are primarily located within the 100 year floodplain.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The proposed land acquisitions are in support of a growing network of interconnected hike and bike trails, known as the Howard W. Peak Greenway Trails system, which is funded through sales tax initiatives approved by voters in 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2015. The objectives of the program are to acquire and preserve open space along San Antonio creekways and to develop multi-use hike and bike trails, trailheads, signage and associated amenities for use by San Antonio residents and visitors.
These properties consist of a total of approximately 18.6 acres of land located along Salado Creek in NCBs 10573 and 12175 in Council District 2 and NCB 17180 in Council District 8 and are within the San Antonio city limits or extraterritorial jurisdiction, Bexar County, Texas. The acquisition of these properties is pursuant to implementation of the Linear Creekway Parks Development Project. The estimated total fair market value of the land for these acquisitions is $94,500.00. These properties are primarily located within the 100 year floodplain.
These acquisitions are consistent with policy adopted by the City Council for the acquisition of properties along San Antonio creekways funded by sales tax initiatives and the adopted Parks and Recreation Strategic System Plan. The acquisitions are also consistent with Natural Resource and Urban Design Goals of the San Antonio Master Plan Policies.
ISSUE:
The proposed property donations are to be accepted in support of the Howard W. Peak Greenway Trails system. The multi-use hike and bike trails and associated amenities will provide for outdoor recreation and an alternate means of transportation. The ability for bicyclists and pedestrians to travel between connected destinations is essential to the concept of the greenway trail system. Projects in support of the Howard W. Peak Greenway Trails system typically consist of multi-use hike and bike trails, trailheads, signage and associated amenities for use by San Antonio residents and visitors.
ALTERNATIVES:
These acquisitions are necessary for the city-wide system along San Antonio creekways through which multi-use trails and related park improvements will be/have been constructed. Should these acquisitions not proceed, it could cause the project to be incomplete due to gaps within the system.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The estimated total fair market value of the 18.6 acres of donated land is $94,500.00. There will be minimal annual operating, security and maintenance expenses for these undeveloped properties. Associated expenses for operations, maintenance and security will be addressed upon project development, implementation and completion. The projects associated with these acquisitions are scheduled to be constructed between 2016 and 2021.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of these property donations for the Linear Creekway Development Project. The Planning Commission has recommended approval of these proposed property donations.