DEPARTMENT: Neighborhood and Housing Services Department
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Verónica Soto, Director, AICP, Director
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Council District 3
SUBJECT:
Ordinance approving an amendment to the Funding Agreement between the Mission Drive-In TIRZ and the City's World Heritage Office for the River-To-Mission Connection Project, located within the World Heritage Buffer Zone at 6701 San Jose Drive for an additional $100,000.00 in TIRZ funding, for an amount not to exceed $250,000.00, to be used for public improvements and eligible project costs.
SUMMARY:
City Council is being asked to consider an ordinance approving execution of an amendment to the existing Funding Agreement for the River-To-Mission Connection Project in reimbursable TIRZ funds, located at 6701 San Jose Drive.
The River-To-Mission Connection Project is located within the World Heritage Buffer Zone in City Council District 3. This project focuses on the City’s efforts to enhance the visitor experience for both residents and tourists that visit the San Antonio Missions, a World Heritage site. The connection project consists of two phases: Phase 1 - the construction of a right turn lane on Napier Avenue; and Phase 2 - the construction of a hammerhead/turn-around easement on San Jose Drive. Following the completion of the right turn lane on Napier Avenue, the City will close a portion of San Jose Drive and transfer it to the National Park Service. Once the street is closed, the City will move forward with construction of the hammerhead/turn-around easement. Ultimately, both phases are part of a larger strategy to promote access to adjacent community assets, such as Mission Marquee Plaza, Mission Branch library, Harvey E. Najim Family YMCA, and the trail leading to the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On October 19, 2017, the City’s World Heritage Office, through Ordinance No. 2017-10-19-0820, and the Mission Drive-In TIRZ entered into a funding agreement for the River-To-Mission Connection Project in the amount of $150,000. Initially, cost estimates for the Napier Avenue Right Turn Lane was $100,000 and the San Jose Drive Hammerhead/Turn-Around Easement was $50,000. During an extended land exchange process with the National Park Service from late 2017 to December 2018, the contractor changed as did pricing for the project. EZ Bel Construction was selected in November 2018 to complete several City infrastructure projects, including the River-To-Mission Connection Project. Given that the design process was initiated earlier, as well as other pre-construction activities and cost estimates associated with a new contractor, the cost for the project increased, by an additional $100,000.
The River-To-Mission Connection Project is also aligned with the National Park Service Long Range Master Plan for the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. This master plan includes the street closure of San José Drive, street removal and repurpose into Parks/Open Space, and a proposed trail within the park.
ISSUE:
The Mission Drive-In TIRZ Board approved the amendment to the existing Funding Agreement with the City’s World Heritage Office for the River-To-Mission Connection Project for an additional $100,000 in TIRZ funding, for a total amount not to exceed $250,000, on July 16, 2019. This Ordinance authorizes the execution of the amendment to the Funding Agreement between the City’s World Heritage Office and Board of Directors of the Mission Drive-In TIRZ to address public infrastructure improvements.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council could decide not to approve the ordinance approving execution of an amendment to the existing Funding Agreement between the Mission Drive-In TIRZ Board of Directors and the City’s World Heritage Office. If so, this action could negatively affect the River-To-Mission Connection Project.
FISCAL IMPACT:
If approved, this action for the River-To-Mission Connection Project is paid solely from the tax increment generated, with no impact to the General Fund.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of an Ordinance authorizing the execution of an amendment to the existing Funding Agreement with the City's World Heritage Office for the River-To-Mission Connection Project.