Cities & Counties
City Council pushes back against SAWS’ rate hike proposal
By Edmond Ortiz San Antonio Water System officials have voiced urgency in having City Council pass a proposed water rate hike in order to quickly begin generating revenues to support a series of much-needed infrastructure improvements. But many city leaders say they and their constituents first need proof that the city-owned water utility can better…
Project Marvel: City weighs downtown mobility, Alamodome, convention center studies
By Edmond Ortiz City officials overseeing the advancement of Project Marvel are turning their attention to feasibility studies focused on downtown accessibility and mobility, and needs at the Alamodome and the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. What you should know City staff briefed City Council June 17 on the latest developments concerning the planned multi-billion…
Zoning panel denies South Side bar proposal as neighbors push city to clean up area
By Edmond Ortiz A prospective bar owner’s rezoning request in a South Side neighborhood is failing with the city, but neighbors say crime in the area in question needs more attention from local authorities in order to promote positive redevelopment. What is happening The San Antonio Zoning Commission voted June 16 to reject Mark Anthony…
Runoff elections: Garcia claims ACD board seat; challengers win New Braunfels
By Edmond Ortiz Voters taking part in June 13 runoff elections tapped a business owner for an Alamo Colleges District board post, and ousted New Braunfels incumbent mayor and one council member. Alamo Colleges District Accountant Robert Garcia won a runoff election for ACD District 9 post, receiving 57% of the vote against Carolyn DeLecour,…
June 13 is Runoff Election Day in Alamo Colleges District, New Braunfels
By Edmond Ortiz Contests for an Alamo Colleges District board seat, and two New Braunfels City Council posts, including the mayor’s office, will be settled at the polls June 13. Alamo Colleges District June 13 is Election Day in the ACD District 9 runoff election between accountant Robert Garcia, and Carolyn DeLecour, a past ACD…
City Council ponders a slightly smaller water rate hike proposal
By Edmond Ortiz City Council will meet June 18 to mull the San Antonio Water System’s proposed four-year rate plan that includes a nearly $4 monthly increase on the average SAWS customer’s bill. Even though the proposed rate hikes are now slightly lower than what SAWS initially unveiled, a few council members are worried that…
Infrastructure fixes highlight Fair Oaks Ranch’s new strategic plan
By Edmond Ortiz A push to support $7 million in more water and wastewater infrastructure improvements emphasizes top priorities contained in Fair Oaks Ranch’s recently adopted updated strategic plan. Enhancing water, wastewater systems City Council voted June 4 to pass a resolution stating the city’s intent to issue $7 million in certificates of obligation in…
Ocean preservation lab, dog park open doors in central San Antonio
By Edmond Ortiz While separate initiatives, two nature-driven destinations recently unveiled in Midtown San Antonio are meant to encourage environmental preservation and animal welfare. Engaging coral restoration at the San Antonio Zoo June 1 was both World Reef Awareness Day and opening day for the San Antonio Zoo’s Brewer Ocean Conservation Lab. Zoo officials said…
Economic development corporations under scrutiny in 2 North Side cities
By Edmond Ortiz One north San Antonio-area suburb is eliminating its economic development corporation, and residents of a neighboring town are petitioning to propose an election to dissolve their local EDC. Hill Country Village City Council voted May 21 to pass a resolution to terminate that city’s economic development corporation. The council vote realizes an…
Early voting happening for runoff elections in Alamo Colleges District, New Braunfels
By Edmond Ortiz Early voting began June 1 and continues through June 9 ahead of June 13 runoff elections that will settle one board race in part of the Alamo Colleges District, and two city council contests in New Braunfels. Alamo Colleges District Business owner Robert Garcia, and Carolyn DeLecour, a past ACD professor and…