DEPARTMENT: Transportation & Capital Improvements
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Mike Frisbie, P.E.
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Council District 2
SUBJECT: Disposition: ROW Closure (unimproved portion of June Avenue)
SUMMARY:
S.P. 2028 - A Resolution recommending the closure, vacation and abandonment of a 0.2834 acre (12,345 square feet) unimproved portion of June Avenue located between Dignowity and Runnels in Council District 2 as requested by University Health System.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Bexar County Hospital District (petitioner), doing business as University Health System, is constructing a new 25,000 square feet clinic located on two acres near Interstate 35 and Walters. Construction began in October, 2016 and the clinic is scheduled to open this fall, 2017. The proposed level of investment for the top-of-the-line health clinic is $5 million.
The clinic is named for the late Dr. Robert L.M. Hilliard, an eastside obstetrician with long-term ties to the community. The project is the result of a partnership between the San Antonio Housing Authority, the NAACP, the hospital system, the county hospital district and the commissioners court. The clinic will provide primary care for adults and children to include immunizations, cancer screenings, women’s health and mental health. Specialists will rotate through the 16 to 20 exam rooms.
The land was acquired from the San Antonio Housing Authority and abuts an unimproved (paper) right-of-way, June Avenue. The plans include the use of the unimproved right-of-way for parking. The abutting property owners on the other side of June Avenue have consented to the closure. The University Health System understands it must negotiate with the other abutting property owners to utilize the entire right-of-way if its closure is approved.
Petitioner requests the closure, vacation and abandonment of a 0.2834 acre (12,345 square feet) unimproved portion of June Avenue right-of-way so it can be incorporated within the footprint of the new clinic.
ISSUE:
This resolution will recommend the closure, vacation and abandonment of a 0.2834 acre (12,345 square feet) unimproved portion of June Avenue right-of-way so it can be incorporated within the footprint of the new clinic. Per Chapter 37, signs need not be erected, and letters need not be sent for undeveloped (paper) public right-of-way closures.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Planning Commission could choose not to recommend this request, however if not approved, the unimproved right-of-way will remain underutilized and the project will need to be redesigned.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this request to close, vacate and abandon a 0.2834 acre unimproved portion of June Avenue right-of-way.