Southwest Community Association

Mayor Garza's South Side Balanced Growth Initiative

Aug 27, 2002

If you haven?’t heard about this, you should?—it could affect YOU. The Express-News is providing more details regularly.
At this time, what we know is that Mayor Garza is suggesting a special financing district (which would have to be approved by the state legislature when it convenes in Jan) to provide money to finance infrastructure to better develop the area. ?“the area?” is south of the southern loop of Loop 410, from Old Pearsall Road, east to Southcross. Development would fund projects which already have been studied and proposed (such as: Mitchell Lake Development and Medina River Park). It also includes things that have not yet been defined (Texas A&M south of Old Pearsall Rd and a Land Heritage Institute of The Americas).
A key point is the Mayor?’s suggestion that the southside school districts (including Southwest ISD) turn over much of their land so the city can build a new city school district. Mayor Garza doesn?’t think the current school districts can do enough to alter the perception that education on the south side is inferior. If that happens, it would mean that just as development would increase the tax base for these south side school districts?—they would lose the money needed to better their schools! (Supposedly, Mayor Garza recently told the SWISD, that he was no longer considering this. However, we have not heard it officially and he could change his mind again.) SWISD has set up an action team, which has been meeting weekly. If you would like to know the latest, or be involved with this team, contact SWISD Board President, Mike Frazier, 622-3266.
At last week?’s City Council meeting, the city included the land south of the southern Loop 410, between IH-35 and IH 37, as part of its Limited Purpose Annexation plan?—to support the ?“Southside Initiative?”. Too many details to include here, but there will be a public meeting to specifically discuss that area on Mon, Sep 9, 7 PM, at the SA Police Academy (Loop 410 @ Morsund). Other public meetings on the entire annexation plan will be in City Council Chambers, 6 PM, on Thus, Sep 5th & 12th.
We?’ll attempt to keep you posted, but each of you must learn what you can about this idea. Contact Councilman Martin at 207-7281, FAX 207-7027, or e-mail: district4@sananotnio.gov?”. Contact Mayor Garza at 207-7060, FAX 207-4077, or e-mail ?“mayoredgarza@sanantonio.gov?”.