DEPARTMENT: Development Services Department
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Michael Shannon
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: 2
SUBJECT:
An Ordinance authorizing the street name change of North and South Rio Grande Street to N and S Mel Waiters Way, between Larry Street and Ranger Street.
SUMMARY:
District 2 Councilman William Shaw requested Development Services Department (DSD) to rename North and South Rio Grande Streets to N and S Mel Waiters Way.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
As the site of many of the earliest African-American neighborhoods in San Antonio, the Eastside exhibits both tradition and history to include 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, the community has expressed that native artists, such as Mel Waiters, be recognized for his musical contributions known around the world. 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. Mr. Waiters was also 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 Rio Grande Street. He developed his love for music in the Jacobs Chapel United Methodist Church, singing in the youth choir, and 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 continual presence on San Antonio’s music scene.
The following summarizes the notification and outreach process facilitated by DSD upon receiving this request.
Community Meeting held on March 15, 2018 at Claude Black Community Center.
- 68 Notices mailed to property owners abutting the segment of the street proposed for the street name change
- 3 Notices mailed to the Harvard/Eastlawn, Jefferson Heights, and Denver Heights Neighborhood Associations
- No written responses were received in opposition or in favor
- 9 members of the community were in attendance - 7 in favor and 2 in opposition
Historic Design Review Commission consideration was held on March 21, 2018 and they recommended approval.
Planning Commission Hearing held on April 11, 2018 - Planning Commission recommended approval.
- 68 Notices mailed to property owners abutting the segment of street proposed for the street name change
- 3 Notices mailed to the Harvard/Eastlawn, Jefferson Heights, and Denver Heights Neighborhood Associations
- One written response was received in favor
- 11 members of the community were in attendance - 7 in favor and 4 in opposition
Analysis:
This street name change was processed in accordance with Chapter 6, Article XVI: 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 Rio Grande Street.
This street name change will require 57 total addresses to be changed:
• 8 commercial sites
• 6 single family homes
• 1 community center
• 1 school
• 1 apartment complex with 40 tenants (Spring View Manor)
The segment consists of approximately 7,455 linear feet. Twenty-seven (27) ground mounted signs, two (2) illuminated signs, and two (2) overhead static signs at signalized intersections will be replaced along this segment of street.
Interdepartmental Technical Review:
All city departments reviewed the proposed request in accordance with Chapter 6, Section 675 of the City Code. These departments include:
• All City Departments
• Alamo Regional Mobility Authority
• Bexar County
• Bexar Metro 911 Network
• CPS Energy
• Development Services Department
• Office of Historic Preservation
• San Antonio Independent School District
• San Antonio Water System
• Texas Department of Transportation
• Transportation and Capital Improvements
• United States Postal Service
• 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 (Exhibit “A”).
City Council Public Notification:
- 68 Notices mailed to property owners abutting the segment of the street proposed for the street name change
- 3 Notices mailed to the Harvard/Eastlawn, Jefferson Heights, and Denver Heights Neighborhood Associations
ISSUES:
This street name change will require 57 addresses to be changed.
ALTERNATIVES:
Council’s decision to deny this request will effectively cause the identified segment of North and South Rio Grande to remain unchanged.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The 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, notification fee of $319.50 (71 x $4.50), and COSA sign manufacturing and installation cost of $8,620.00 for 27 ground-mounted signs, two (2) illuminated signs, and two (2) overhead static signs at signalized intersection. The costs will be paid from Council District 2 Neighborhood Access and Mobility Program funds.
RECOMMENDATION:
This proposed street name change meets the criteria of Chapter 6 Section 672(d)(8) of the City Code. Staff recommends approval of the proposed street name change of North and South Rio Grande Street to N and S Mel Waiters Way, between Larry Street and Ranger Street.