COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 2
SUBJECT:
S18-001 Street Name Change of North and South Rio Grande
SUMMARY:
Street Name Change Case S18-001 (District 2): A resolution recommending approval to change North and South Rio Grande Street to N and S Mel Waiters Way, between Larry Street and Ranger Street.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Being the site of many of the earliest African-American neighborhoods in San Antonio, the Eastside exhibits the human creative and cultural brilliance in both tradition and history. Perhaps most notably is the love and appreciation for the musical arts. Generations of Eastside natives are bound together by the sounds of Rhythm and Blues, Gospel, Soul, and Hip-hop. With the changing demographics of the Eastside, it is imperative that we recognize and memorialize native artists, such as Mel Waiters, and his musical contributions known around the world. Mr. Waiters is perhaps best known for his hit songs, ‘Hole in the Wall’ and ‘I Got My Whiskey’. In addition to recording albums with multiple record labels, he also launched San Antonio based record label, Brittney Records, signing multiple local acts and independently releasing music. In addition to his many accomplishments and works, Mr. Waiters was able to achieve a personal dream of performing at the world-famous Carnegie hall in New York City.
Mr. Waiters was raised by his grandparents, Samuel and Vivian Waiters in the East Terrace Courts off N. Rio Grande Street. He developed his love for music in the Jacobs Chapel United Methodist Church, singing in the youth choir, and later was a proud graduate of Highlands High School. From his time at KAPE radio to his 7 year residency at the NCO club at Fort Sam Houston, Mr. Waiters was a permanent fixture on San Antonio’s music scene.
Community Meeting Date: March 15, 2018 held at Claude Black Community Center
- 68 Notices mailed to property owners abutting the segment of the street proposed street name change.
- 3 Notices mailed to the Harvard/Eastlawn, Jefferson Heights, and Denver Heights Neighborhood Associations.
- 9 members of the community attended the meeting. 7 were in favor and 2 were in opposition.
Historic Design Review Commission consideration was held on March 21, 2018 and they recommended approval.
Planning Commission Public Hearing and Notification: April 11, 2018
- 68 Notices mailed to property owners abutting the segment of the street proposed street name change.
- 3 Notices mailed to the Harvard/Eastlawn, Jefferson Heights, and Denver Heights Neighborhood Associations.
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Analysis:
This street name change was processed in accordance with Chapter 6 Section 672(c)(3) of the City Code that states although choices for 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 Mel Waiters, a local leader, philanthropist and prominent blues artist who grew up on South Rio Grande Street.
This is a Street Name Change, and would require an address change to 17 properties as follows: 8 commercial lots, 6 single-family homes, 1 community center, 1 school, and 1 apartment complex with 40 tenants.
The segment consists of approximately seven thousand four hundred and fifty-five (7,455) linear feet. 27 ground mounted signs, 2 ILSN (illuminated signs), and 2 overhead static signs at signalized intersections will be replaced along this segment of street.
Inter-departmental Technical Review:
All City Departments reviewed the proposed request in accordance with Chapter 6 Section 675 of the City Code. The technical review included:
• All City Departments
• Alamo Regional Mobility Authority
• Bexar County
• Bexar Metro 9-1-1 Network
• CPS Energy
• Development Services
• Office of Historic Preservation
• San Antonio, ISD
• San Antonio Water System (“SAWS”)
• Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT)
• Transportation & Capital Improvement
• United States Postal Service (USPS)
• VIA Metropolitan Transit
The City of San Antonio did not receive any objections or concerns to the proposed street name change from these agencies. In addition, the United States Postal Service approved the proposed street name change on February 23, 2018 in accordance with Chapter 6 Section 675 of the City Code and Chapter 35 Section 506(h)(1) of the Unified Development Code (“UDC”).
ISSUES:
This request will impact the current street name and will require an address change on 17 properties, one of which is an apartment complex with 40 tenants.
ALTERNATIVES:
A recommendation of denial
FISCAL IMPACT:
The anticipated costs for the project for this action prior to City Council consideration totals $9,939.50. This includes an application fee of $1,000.00, estimated notification fee of $319.50 (71 x $4.50), and COSA sign manufacturing and installation cost of $8,620.00 for twenty-seven (27) stand-alone ground mounted signs, 2 ILSN (illuminated) and 2 overhead static signs at signalized intersection. The Council Office has approved funding from NAMP Funds to cover the costs.
RECOMMENDATION:
This proposed street name change meets the criteria of Chapter 6 Section 672(d)(7) of the City Code and staff recommends approval to change North and South Rio Grande Street to N and S Mel Waiters Way, between Larry Street and Ranger Street.