DEPARTMENT: Public Works
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Razi Hosseini, P.E., R.P.L.S.
COUNCIL DISTRICT IMPACTED: Council District 2
SUBJECT:
Real Estate Disposition: Street closure of an improved portion of Aransas Avenue public right-of-way
SUMMARY:
An ordinance approving the closure of an improved portion of Aransas Avenue public right-of-way (ROW) to vehicular travel to reconfigure the public ROW and repurpose the area to include pedestrian facilities, a median and green space as part of the 2017 Bond Pedestrian Mobility and Street project in Council District 2.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The City of San Antonio (Petitioner) is requesting to close an improved portion of Aransas Avenue public ROW to vehicular travel located within New City Blocks 1598 and 1607 in Council District 2. The portion requested for closure to vehicular travel will be repurposed to include pedestrian facilities, a median, and green space. This project is part of the District 2 Pedestrian Mobility and Streets 2017 Bond Program project.
This project will redirect westbound vehicular traffic on Aransas Avenue to Porter Street eliminating the existing five-way intersection and allowing for the creation of a four-way intersection at Porter Street and Pine Street. The reconfiguration as part of the project will increase public safety for both vehicles and pedestrians in the neighborhood.
On February 5, 2020, a community meeting was held to present the proposed design and closure of Aransas Avenue. Citizens’ concerns and suggestions were heard and will be considered in the final design of the reconfiguration of the intersection. Per Chapter 37-11 under the Municipal Code, signs were posted and letters were mailed to property owners within 500 feet notifying them of the proposed closure.
The City of San Antonio's Planning Commission recommended approval of this request at its regular meeting on March 11, 2020.
ISSUE:
This ordinance approves the closure of an improved portion of Aransas Avenue Public Right-of-Way for vehicular travel to reconfigure the Right-of-Way and repurpose the area to include pedestrian facilities, a median, and green space. This project is part of the District 2 Pedestrian Mobility and Streets 2017 Bond Program project and requested by the City of San Antonio Public Works Department.
This project will redirect westbound vehicular traffic on Aransas Avenue to Porter Street eliminating the existing five-way intersection and allowing for the creation of a four-way intersection at Porter Street and Pine Street. The proposed reconfiguration will repurpose underutilized and underdeveloped existing right-of-way by adding sidewalks allowing for a safer path of travel for pedestrians. The existing five- way intersection configuration creates a hazard for vehicles and pedestrians as vehicles use the area for unsanctioned purposes such as a parking area or a place to make U-turns. The reconfiguration as part of the project will increase public safety for both vehicles and pedestrians in the neighborhood.
This action is consistent with City Code and Ordinances, which requires City Council approval for street closures that affect public travel. Per Chapter 37-11 under the Municipal Code, signs were posted and letters were mailed to property owners within 500 feet notifying them of the proposed closure.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council could choose not to approve this request; however, if not approved, the City of San Antonio would be unable to move forward with the proposed project as part of the 2017 Bond Pedestrian Mobility and Street Project in Council District 2.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this city-initiated action.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the closure of an improved portion of Aransas Avenue public right-of-way to vehicular travel to reconfigure the right-of-way and repurpose the area to include pedestrian facilities, a median, and green space as part of the District 2 Pedestrian Mobility and Streets 2017 Bond Program project, as requested by the City of San Antonio Public Works Department.
The City of San Antonio's Planning Commission recommended approval of this request at its regular meeting on March 11, 2020.