Vance Jackson Neighborhood Association

Union Pacific Park Proposal

The letter below has been sent to Union Pacific to request permission to establish a linear park along the UP right of way. If you support this initiative please write or call Mr. Tice at the address and phone number provided in the letter
5 March 1999

Alex Tice, Director Community Relations
Union Pacific Railroad
1416 Dodge St.
Omaha, NE 68179
402-271-5461

Dear Mr. Tice

I live in San Antonio Texas. You have an active right of way that goes through my part of town. I am interested in contacting the office or individuals who could/would be able to grant a beautification lease to the City of San Antonio.

Prior to the RR right of way being purchase from Southern Pacific there had been discussions on the process. SP had indicated they would grant the lease to the City as lone as the City would indemnify the RR. The City Attorneys Office unfortunately took too long to resolve the issue and the project went by the wayside.

We would like to put in a series of hike and bike trails along the RR right of way from the Point where it intersects Huebner Road to the Point where it intersects Jackson Keller. The run is about 4 miles long.

The area is already used as a defacto park. People commonly walk on the trail/access road the RR has adjacent to the track. We would like to develop a trail system further from the tracts and do minor improvements. Nothing we would propose would in anyway affect the UP access to the land.

When we discussed the issue originally with SP they were hesitant because of concern that the neighborhoods would like to shut down the line all together. This was and is not the case. There is broad-based support for this project. There are a number of cities across the country that have granted these beautification leases to municipalities.

Respectfully

Todd G. Usnik
tgusnik@aol.com