DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Janet Martin
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 9
SUBJECT: Parks and Recreation - Land Acquisition
SUMMARY:
Acquisition by the Parks and Recreation Department of approximately 214 acres of land known as the Classen-Steubing Ranch located in northern San Antonio for protection of the Edwards Aquifer and future development of a park. The property will be acquired in two phases:
A. Phase 1: The acquisition of approximately 175 acres of land for open space and recreational park purposes using existing Proposition 1 Edwards Aquifer Protection Venue Project funds in addition to other City funds identified in the 2016 Capital Budget.
B. Phase 2: The option to purchase approximately 39 acres of land for recreational park purposes prior to March 30, 2018, pending identification and approval of future City funding.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The purpose of the Edwards Aquifer Protection Program (EAPP) is to protect the quality and quantity of water recharging into the aquifer. In May 2015, Proposition 1 was placed on the election ballot in which voters approved the 1/8-cent venue sales tax generating $100 million for continued expansion of the EAPP. The EAPP efforts include obtaining real estate interests by fee-simple purchase, conservation easements or donations of land over the sensitive zones of the Edwards Aquifer.
In January 2012, the Classen-Steubing Ranch landowners initiated contact with the City to gauge interest in acquiring a portion of the property. Due diligence performed under the EAPP determined it would be beneficial to the aquifer to acquire the portion of the Classen-Steubing Ranch available for sale since it exists directly over the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone. Additionally, a small portion may be developed as a park thus providing access to public green space in a dense urban environment. The two-phased purchase of the 214 acre property includes an allowance of up to 39.75 ac...
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