DEPARTMENT: Development Services Department
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Michael Shannon, Director
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 5
SUBJECT:
An Ordinance authorizing the creation of a memorial designation of “Victoria Robles Memorial Way” on a portion of Brady Blvd. between S. Zarzamora and S. Calaveras.
SUMMARY:
On August 29 2017, District 5 Councilwoman Shirley Gonzales sponsored a Council Consideration Request (Exhibit “A”) to create a Memorial designation along one block of Brady Boulevard to Victoria Robles Memorial Way between S. Zarzamora and S. Calaveras (Exhibit “B”). The request was initiated to commemorate the life of Victoria Robles, who passed away on September 6, 2016, along with two young children, in a traffic accident. Victoria is the eldest daughter of Annette and Jimmie Robles, founder of Last Chance Ministries which is located on Brady Boulevard.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On September 6, 2016, Victoria Robles and two young children lost their lives in a traffic accident after returning from a short trip. Victoria is the eldest daughter of Annette and Jimmie Robles, founders of Last Chance Ministries. Last Chance Ministries is a faith-based organization that provides resources to thousands through programs like their Summer Food Program. Along with her family, Victoria Robles’s mission in life was to help her community. The memorial designation will serve to honor the life and legacy of Victoria’s lifelong commitment to those in need.
The following timeline summarizes the notification and outreach process facilitated by the Development Services Department upon receiving this request.
Community Meeting held on November 6, 2017 at Last Chance Ministries.
- 5 Notices mailed to property owners abutting the segment of the street proposed for the memorial designation.
- Notice was sent to the San Juan Gardens/Collins Gardens Neighborhood Association.
- No written responses were received in opposition or in favor.
- 17 members of the community attended the meeting. All were in favor of the designation.
Planning Commission Hearing held on November 13, 2017 - Planning Commission recommended approval.
- 5 Notices mailed to property owners abutting the segment of the street proposed for the memorial designation.
- Notice was sent to the San Juan Gardens/Collins Gardens Neighborhood Association.
- No written responses were received in opposition or in favor
Analysis:
This memorial designation was processed in accordance with Chapter 6 Section 672(b)(3) of the City Code that states choices for a names are unlimited, names generally should be chosen to reflect Memorials to San Antonio or local leaders or public figures. This request is to commemorate the life of Victoria Robles, a local leader and prominent figure of her community.
This is a Memorial Designation only. This is not a Street Name Change, and no addresses will change.
City Council Public Notification:
- 5 Notices mailed to property owners abutting the segment of the street proposed for the memorial designation.
- Notice was sent to the San Juan Gardens/Collins Gardens Neighborhood Association.
The Brady Blvd. memorial designation segment consists of approximately seven hundred and fifty (750) linear feet. Two (2) ground mounted signs will be placed along this segment of street. The properties that abut this street consist of both commercial and residential properties, in addition to a school. No addresses will need to be changed with this memorial designation request.
Inter-jurisdictional Technical Review:
• Bexar County (Public Works and Appraisal District)
• Bexar Metro 9-1-1 Network
• San Antonio Independent School District
• City Public Service Energy (CPS)
• San Antonio Water System (SAWS)
• Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT)
• United States Postal Service (USPS)
• VIA Metropolitan Transit; and
• Alamo Regional Mobility Authority
The City of San Antonio did not receive any objections or concerns to the proposed memorial designation from these agencies. In addition, the United States Postal Service approved the proposed memorial designation on October 27, 2017 in accordance with Chapter 6 Section 675 of the City Code and Chapter 35 Section 506(h)(1) of the Unified Development Code (“UDC”) (Exhibit “C”).
Inter-departmental Technical Review:
All City Departments reviewed the proposed request in accordance with Chapter 6 Section 675 of the City Code. The Office of Historic Preservation reviewed the project and approved of the memorial designation. There were no other objections or concerns to the proposed memorial designation from other City Departments.
ISSUES:
This request will not impact the current street name or require changes to any addresses.
ALTERNATIVES:
Council’s decision to deny this request will effectively cause the identified segment of Brady Blvd. to remain unchanged.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The anticipated costs for the project for this action prior to City Council consideration totals $1,412.25. This includes an application fee of $1,000.00, estimated notification fee of $27.00 (6 x $4.50), and COSA sign manufacturing and installation cost of $385.25 (for two (2) stand-alone ground mounted signs x $174.00, plus one (1) 12” x 9” commemorative sign for $37.25). The costs will be paid out of the Council District 5 NAMP funds.
RECOMMENDATION:
This proposed memorial designation meets the criteria of Chapter 6 Section 672(d) of the City Code and staff recommends approval of the proposed memorial designation of “Victoria Robles Memorial Way” on Brady Blvd. between S. Zarzamora and S. Calaveras.