By Edmond Ortiz
This early fall edition of News Briefs is all-San Antonio, where two newly awarded and historic federal grants will advance large-scale airport projects, and where an advocacy organization has formed toward helping to preserve and maintain the nation’s second oldest public park.
Also, the city is introducing a series of public meetings in neighborhoods that will afford residents more opportunities to provide input on city issues and operations.
San Antonio International Airport officials announced Sept. 29 that the Federal Aviation Administration had awarded the facility two grants totalling $43.2 million – the largest single Airport Improvement Program (AIP) award in the airport’s history.
According to a press release, the new monies will fund drainage airfield improvements in support of the ongoing construction of a new terminal complex.
The drainage upgrades are part of the airport’s larger Airfield Safety Enhancement and Improvements Program (ASEIP) meant to modernize the North Side facility’s airfield infrastructure.
The project will include the construction of a new underground stormwater system to carry water from the airfield and new terminal development area to Salado Creek, resulting in more stormwater capacity, the release stated.
According to local officials, these improvements will also help eliminate standing water on the airfield, reduce conditions that can attract wildlife and raise the risk of bird strikes, and better protect airfield and terminal operations during major rainfall events.
“A project like this may happen largely behind the scenes, but its benefits will be felt throughout the airport,” Jesus Saenz, director of airports, said in a statement.
City leaders and inaugural board members of the San Pedro Springs Park Conservancy gathered Sept. 23 for an event to kick off the organization’s mission, which is to preserve the history and character of Texas’ oldest municipal park, and to care for its long-term vitality, according to a news release.
The near-downtown park’s origins date back to the 1690s when early Spanish settlers of the community that became San Antonio immediately placed value upon the San Pedro Springs.
In 1729, as Spain’s King Philip V granted six leagues of land to San Antonio de los Llanos, the springs and surrounding area were formally declared public land to benefit all settlers.
The city took ownership of the public parkland in 1891. Located across from San Antonio College, San Pedro Springs Park now features a swimming pool, library, McFarlin Tennis Center, and the San Pedro Playhouse, a nearly century-old structure that houses the Classic Theatre of San Antonio troupe and other performing arts and events.
The founding board of the San Pedro Springs Park Conservancy includes:
- Christina Wright, chair
- Asia Ciaravino, vice chair
- Luis Miguel Martinez, vice chair
- Ryan Reed, secretary
- Doug McMurry, treasurer
- Hector Cardenas
- Rebecca Comeaux
- Bruce Buescher
- Rob Barnett
- Jacob Berger
- Taylor Allen
“San Pedro Springs Park is more than a historic place,” Wright said in a statement. “It’s a living part of San Antonio’s story, and with the conservancy, we have an opportunity to honor what makes it so special while helping ensure it remains a place where people can gather, connect, and experience what makes San Antonio a true destination.”
Beginning Oct. 14, the city will activate City Hall for All, a pilot program where residents in neighborhoods throughout San Antonio can offer public comment at a place within their own community rather than travel to City Hall downtown.
District 5 City Councilmember Teri Castillo filed a council consideration request for the city to develop a rotating set of neighborhood venues and opportunities for residents to share ideas, feedback and questions concerning city business.
Until now, residents wanting to give public comments to council members would have to attend a 5 p.m. Wednesday session at the council chambers, or take part in the full council meeting held each Thursday morning.
The new City Hall for All public comment sessions will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesdays at the following locations:
Oct. 14 – Normoyle Senior Center, 700 Culberson Ave.
Dec. 16 – Walker Ranch Senior Center, 835 W. Rhapsody Drive
Jan. 20 – Wheatley Heights Sports Complex, 200 Noblewood Drive
Other public comment sessions are scheduled for Oct. 28, Nov. 4, Dec. 2 and Jan. 6 at the council chambers. At each gathering, council members listen to public comments but not respond to or discuss comments during the session.
Advance sign-up is required. Residents may sign up online in advance or in person 15 to 45 minutes before the meeting begins. Residents who arrive at the start of the session without having signed up will not be able to speak.
