San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) trustees have moved closer to approving a new Missions ballpark in downtown San Antonio. Yesterday evening, the SAISD Board voted 5-1 in favor of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that could transfer a 2.3-acre parking lot on Camaron Street, currently owned by SAISD, to Bexar County, according to Texas Public Radio.
The MOU, a nonbinding agreement was described by SAISD Superintendent Jaime Aquino as a signal of conceptual alignment among the involved parties, which includes the ownership group of the San Diego Padres' AA-affiliate and their development partner Weston Urban, as well as the City of San Antonio and Bexar County. Despite being nonbinding, the document is seen as a framework for future contractual negotiations. However, Aquino didn’t shy away from acknowledging that "There’s a lot of things that could actually accelerate this deal or derail the deal," in a statement reported by KSAT.com.
The negotiated exchange includes SAISD receiving donated land by Weston Urban for a new Advanced Learning Academy building and a parking garage. Additionally, San Antonio and Bexar County have agreed to adopt 5-year housing goals which involve the creation of at least 1,250 affordable housing units in the city’s urban core. In return for SAISD's cooperation, they will gain a seat on the San Antonio Housing Trust, focusing on the commitment to affordable living spaces rather than the Houston Street Tax Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ).
Tension surrounding the deal stems from the fate of the 381-unit Soap Factory Apartments, which, while not directly in the ballpark’s projected area, face the reality of being demolished to make way for the stadium's surrounding development. The public expressed vocal concerns during a two-hour comment session, with opponents like Graciela Sanchez, director of the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center, harshly criticizing the deal. She told KSAT, "This deal is one that only Scrooge or Mr. Grinch would support. Or, in this case, Graham Weston, Randy Smith, and partners of the Designated Bidders LLC."
In contrast, proponents of the deal argue that it could lead to overall benefits for the city's downtown area. Supporters cite the potential for revitalization and growth, which was exemplified by John Beauchamp, chair of the board of Centro, a nonprofit funded by downtown business owners, who stated in the Texas Public Radio interview, "I truly believe that what’s good for downtown San Antonio is ultimately good for the school district."
Although the board's vote indicates progress, the finalization of the deal is contingent on further legal and administrative negotiations. SAISD board president Christina Martinez anticipates at least a preliminary contract by their January 21 meeting.
