DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Xavier D. Urrutia
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Council District 2
SUBJECT:
Acceptance of Land Donation from ChildSafe for Linear Creekway Parks Development Program
SUMMARY:
This ordinance authorizes the acceptance of a property donation from ChildSafe of 21.371 acres of land out of NCB 10677 located within the 100-year floodplain, adjacent to the Salado Creek Greenway Trail in Council District 2.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Childsafe works with partners in San Antonio and Bexar County in law enforcement, the judicial system, and social services to provide expert care and specialized services to children and teenagers who have been traumatized by abuse, neglect, or sexual abuse. Childsafe is planning to move its headquarters from West Highway 90 to a new facility to be constructed on land adjacent to East IH-10 and Martin Luther King Park, just north of the Salado Creek Greenway. Childsafe has purchased approximately 40 acres of land for the new facility, which includes 21.371 acres of Salado Creek floodplain land that they have proposed to donate to the City.
The proposed land donation provides an opportunity for a future trail connection to the Salado Creek Greenway Trail System that will enhance bike and pedestrian connectivity and park access for adjacent residents. The property is located within the 100-year floodplain, adjacent to the Salado Creek Greenway Trail in Council District 2. This action is consistent with the City’s objectives to acquire and preserve open space along San Antonio waterways and to develop multi-use hike and bike trails, trailheads, signage and associated amenities for use by San Antonio residents and visitors.
This land donation is consistent with policy adopted by the City Council for the acquisition of properties along San Antonio waterways funded by sales tax initiatives and the adopted Parks and Recreation Strategic System Plan. This acquisition is also consistent with the Growth and City Form, Transportation and Connectivity, Jobs and Economic Competitiveness, Community Health and Wellness, and Public Facilities and Community Safety goals of the SA Tomorrow Comprehensive Plan.
ISSUE:
The acquisition and preservation of open space along San Antonio waterways and construction of multi-use hike and bike trails 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 Linear Creekway Parks Development Program.
ALTERNATIVES:
The proposed land donation is in support of the city-wide system along San Antonio waterways through which multi-use trails and related park improvements will be/have been constructed. Should the land donation not be accepted, opportunities to provide bicycle and pedestrian connectivity at this location will not be available.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The estimated total fair market value of the 21.371 acres of donated land is $160,000. There will be minimal annual operating, security and maintenance expenses for this undeveloped property. Associated expenses for operations, maintenance and security will be addressed upon project development, implementation and completion.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of this land donation in support of the Linear Creekway Parks Development Program. The Planning Commission has recommended approval of this proposed property donation.