DEPARTMENT: World Heritage Department
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Colleen Swain
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 3
SUBJECT:
Consideration of two Ordinances authorizing the closure, vacation, abandonment, and transfer of a portion of San José Drive to the National Park Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of the Interior, and an Economic Development Grant Agreement with Mission Heritage Partners, a 501(c)(3) official friends’ group of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. [Lori Houston, Assistant City Manager; Colleen Swain, Director, World Heritage Office]
SUMMARY:
This item is a consideration of two Ordinances authorizing the following:
A. An Ordinance authorizing the closure, vacation, abandonment, and transfer or exchange of 1.168 acres of city right-of-way currently known as San José Drive to the National Park Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of the Interior, to enhance the visitor experience, pedestrian safety, and connectivity between the San Antonio River, the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, and Mission Drive In.
B. An Ordinance authorizing the execution of an Economic Development Grant Agreement with Mission Heritage Partners, a Texas nonprofit and official friends’ group to the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, in amount up to $119,000 from the FY 2017 Center City Development and Operations General Fund Budget for design and construction work for the closure of San José Drive.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Following Congress’s passage of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015, that expanded the boundary of the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park to include City-owned property within the former Mission Drive-In Theatre, the National Park Service requested from the City to permanently close, vacate, abandon, and transfer or exchange appoximately 835 feet of San José Drive to the National Park Service. The street circles Mission San José beginning at the intersection of Roosevelt Avenue and San José Drive and goes eastward intersecting east Pyron Avenue, ending at Napier Avenue. The portion of San José Drive requested for closure starts at the intersection of San José Drive and Roosevelt Avenue, and continues southeast for approximately 835 feet. The total area of the proposed closure is 1.168 acres.
According to the National Park Service’s Long Range Plan, the street closure is necessary to enhance the visitor experience for all guests and San Antonio residents by restoring the former street to parks/open space. Additionally, in 2012, the Mission Drive-In Theatre Site Master Plan Framework, recommended the closure of San José Drive to support pedestrian connectivity from Mission San José to Mission Drive-In. The proposed street closure will help ensure pedestrian safety and connectivity for visitors who access the Mission-To-River Trail from Mission San José to the San Antonio River. Currently, visitors have to cross San José Drive with oncoming traffic and tour buses in both directions. This street closure will improve an unsafe cycle and pedestrian crossing. The completion of the right hand turn lane on Napier and Roosevelt will also improve vehicular safety in the area. Since 2012, there have been 17 accidents at the intersection of Roosevelt and San José Drive. These actions are essential due to the anticipated increase in the number of visitors as a result of the 2015 World Heritage Site designation from the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Mission Heritage Partners, formerly Los Compadres de San Antonio Missions, a Texas nonprofit and official friends’ group to the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park requested $119,000 in funding to restore the former street to parks/open space on behalf of the National Park Service. The funds are to be used solely for design and construction-related activities associated with this specific project to include the (1) removal of asphalt roadway and replacement with seeded grass surface to expand the Park’s existing open space; (2) permanent closure of the east and west ends of the demolished road with bollards; and (3) design of a section of trail that completes the Mission-To-River Trail with a connection to the Harvey E. Najim Family YMCA. The completion of this project will provide a pedestrian and cycle connection between the San Antonio River Walk Mission Reach and Mission San José Church, as well as the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park to Mission Marquee Plaza, Mission Branch Library, and the Harvey E. Najim Family YMCA.
On May 25, 2016, the Planning Commission approved a resolution in support to close a portion of San José Drive and transfer the closed portion to the National Park Service. City staff has briefed the following stakeholders South Central Alliance of Neighborhoods that consists of Mission San José, Hot Wells, East Pyron-Symphony Lane, Villa Coronado, Harlandale Park, and Roosevelt Park neighborhood associations. Additionally, the City has received letters of support for the street closure project from the South Central Alliance of Neighborhoods, San Antonio River Authority, and Mission Heritage Partners (formerly Los Compadres de San Antonio Missions). City staff also briefed the Mission San José Parish and the Archdiocese of San Antonio.
On May 12, 2017, the City mailed out notices to property owners within 500 feet of the street closure and signs were placed along the proposed closed portion of San José Drive. Both notices and signs invited property owners and residents to provide feedback to the City and notified them of the June 15, 2017 City Council meeting. Additionally, Mission San José Parish placed a notice in the parish bulletin on May 21 and May 26, 2017.
The street closure will not occur until the right hand turn lane on Napier Avenue is completed and notice will be provided in advance of the closure.
ISSUE:
Approval of this Ordinance adheres to the City’s commitment and partnership with the National Park Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Interior, to continuously enhance and improve the resident and visitor experience for all visitors to the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park, a World Heritage Site and Mission Marquee Plaza.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council may elect not to support action for this item as requested by the National Park Service. In doing so, this would counter local neighboring support from residents and coordination with the National Park Service and Mission Heritage Partners.
FISCAL IMPACT:
This Ordinance authorizes an Economic Development Grant Agreement between the City of San Antonio and Mission Heritage Partners, a Texas non-profit, in an amount up to $119,000 for the San José Drive Street Closure Project. Further, staff is recommending a waiver of fees associated with the street closure and property conveyances since they are required to comply with federal statute and help promote the City’s partnership with the National Park Service for the benefit of citizens and visitors to the World Heritage area. Funding in the amount of $119,000.00 is available from the FY 2017 Center City Development and Operations General Fund Budget.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of items related to this Ordinance, including the waiver of fees.