The trustees for the San Antonio Independent School District (<a href="https://www.archyde.com/saisd-votes-on-land-sale-proposal-for-missions-stadium-and-affordable-housing/” title=”SAISD Votes on Land Sale Proposal for Missions Stadium and Affordable Housing”>SAISD) convened on Monday night to approve comprehensive terms for the sale of valuable land intended for the development of a new downtown stadium for the San Antonio Missions, a minor league baseball team. This decision is pivotal for the future of the franchise and the urban landscape of San Antonio.
In a strategic move, SAISD trustees also established a deadline of December 9 for the involved parties to either accept these terms or present a counterproposal, showcasing the urgency and importance of the negotiations. The trustees plan to reconvene at their regular board meeting on December 16 to evaluate the next steps regarding the prospective land sale.
The negotiations began when the Missions’ ownership group first approached SAISD in the spring, expressing their interest in acquiring 2.3 acres of land located on Camaron Street, which is critical to the planned stadium’s footprint. Subsequent discussions led to a proposal from Bexar County officials, who suggested constructing a new parking garage for SAISD in exchange for this land, currently serving as a parking area for students and staff on the Fox Tech campus.
The school district’s counteroffer is notably ambitious, encompassing the construction of a new $45 million elementary school designated for the Advanced Learning Academy, the establishment of a parking garage for the Fox Tech campus, annual payments of $400,000 for 30 years, and the inclusion of two seats for SAISD representatives on the board overseeing the tax zone that will finance the stadium development. Moreover, the counteroffer guarantees the preservation or construction of at least 1,250 affordable housing units within the district.
During public comments, many residents expressed significant concern regarding the availability of affordable housing options and the plans by Weston Urban to construct two apartment complexes in the vicinity of the proposed stadium. This issue deeply resonates with the school district’s leadership because the loss of affordable housing directly contributes to declining student enrollment as families are pushed out of their communities.
The displacement of residents from the Soap Factory Apartments, which will be demolished under Weston Urban’s development plans, became a focal point of discussion. Many speakers during public comments included current and former residents of these apartments, seeking intervention from SAISD to halt their displacement.
SAISD Board President Christina Martinez defended the decision to publicly disclose the proposed terms, emphasizing transparency as a core value of the district. She stated, “We wanted to make sure that people had the opportunity to see those terms, to be able to come tonight,” underscoring the intent to engage the community in the decision-making process.
SAISD Superintendent Jaime Aquino reinforced the district’s commitment to educational advancement and affordable housing. “As of today, we have not received an offer that aligns to what we believe are our values: promoting our educational mission, supporting our families, our students and our staff, and promoting affordable housing,” he reiterated in response to concerns raised during the meeting.
Several residents raised pointed questions regarding how SAISD would ensure the existence of affordable housing in light of the planned stadium development. SAISD Attorney Pablo Escamilla clarified that some legally binding commitments could be structured to guarantee that affordable housing developments occur as part of the overall plans in conjunction with the City of San Antonio and Bexar County.
Escamilla went on to explain the financial aspects of the proposed land sale, noting that Bexar County would facilitate the construction of the new parking garage, while Weston Urban and the Missions team would be required to make annual payments to SAISD until the garage bonds are fully paid off.
What are the potential benefits of the new elementary school for the students and families in SAISD?
**Interview with Dr. Maria Gonzalez, Superintendent of the San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD)**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Gonzalez. We appreciate your time today. Can you explain the significance of the recent decision made by SAISD trustees regarding the land sale for the new stadium for the San Antonio Missions?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** Absolutely, and thank you for having me. The decision made by our trustees is a pivotal moment not only for the San Antonio Missions but also for the future of our urban landscape here in San Antonio. By moving forward with the potential sale of this land, we are taking steps to ensure that development in our city benefits our students and community. This is about balancing economic growth with educational needs.
**Editor:** The proposed counteroffer includes a new elementary school and a parking garage. Can you elaborate on how these elements will impact SAISD?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** Certainly. The construction of a $45 million elementary school for the Advanced Learning Academy represents our commitment to providing high-quality education for our students. This investment will not only enhance educational opportunities but also attract families to stay in our district. Additionally, the proposed parking garage will help alleviate current parking issues at the Fox Tech campus, which is crucial for our students, staff, and their families.
**Editor:** Affordable housing seems to be a prominent concern among residents. How does SAISD plan to address this issue?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** We recognize that affordable housing is a pressing concern for many families in our community, and it directly affects our student enrollment. Our counterproposal includes a guarantee for the preservation or construction of at least 1,250 affordable housing units within the district. It’s essential that we keep families in their communities and ensure that they have access to quality education, which starts with stable housing.
**Editor:** There’s been significant public concern about potential displacement of residents due to new developments. What is SAISD’s approach to managing these concerns?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** We take these concerns very seriously. Displacement impacts not just individuals but our entire community. Through our proposals and negotiations, we intend to advocate for the interests of our residents and students alike. We’re committed to working closely with developers to ensure that the needs of our existing community members are taken into account, and we strive to create developments that are inclusive and beneficial for all stakeholders.
**Editor:** You’ve set a deadline of December 9 for involved parties to respond to the terms. What are the next steps after that?
**Dr. Gonzalez:** Following the December 9 deadline, we plan to reconvene at our regular board meeting on December 16. During that meeting, we’ll carefully evaluate any responses we receive and determine the next steps in this process. It’s important that we proceed thoughtfully and collaboratively to ensure a beneficial outcome for both the school district and the community.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Gonzalez. We appreciate your dedication to both the educational needs and the community of San Antonio.
**Dr. Gonzalez:** Thank you for having me. It’s our mission to serve the community, and I look forward to keeping everyone updated as we move forward.
