San Antonio City Council to Vote on New Baseball Stadium Plan
In the heart of San Antonio, excitement is building as the City Council prepares to vote on a significant development plan. This Thursday morning, council members will weigh in on a proposal to transform several downtown blocks along San Pedro Creek, which includes a new minor league baseball stadium for the San Antonio Missions.
A $160 Million Vision
The ambitious plan involves a total investment of $160 million. The centerpiece will be a state-of-the-art baseball stadium, but that’s not all. The proposal also outlines the development of the surrounding area, which currently includes the budget-friendly Soap Factory Apartments. Local officials are optimistic that the new tax revenue generated from the development—projecting up to 1,500 new housing units—will help cover the costs associated with constructing the stadium.
The financing strategy is quite intriguing. Besides the expected rise in tax revenue, the stadium will also rely on a lease payment from the Missions and a small $2 ticket fee for fans attending games. If everything goes according to plan, there’s hope that the new stadium would be ready in time for opening day in April 2028. However, the council’s vote this Thursday is crucial for setting these plans in motion.
Next Steps and Challenges
While the initial vote is focused on broadening the deal with Bexar County, downtown developer Weston Urban, and the Missions’ ownership group, there are still multiple steps to navigate before construction can begin. Leading the charge are Randy Smith and Graham Weston, the co-founders of Weston Urban, who also play critical roles within the Missions’ ownership group known as Designated Bidders.
Over the past month, the council has been briefed twice regarding the proposal. However, the biggest point of contention has been the impact on residents living in the Soap Factory Apartments. This 381-unit complex, while classified as market-rate, offers more affordable options compared to other downtown choices. The residents are understandably apprehensive, as they could face displacement in waves over the upcoming five years as the new project takes shape.
Residents Voice Concerns
Many residents are raising their voices, hoping the council will reconsider moving forward without a clear path for those who might need to find a new home. They worry about losing what is considered a viable option for affordable living in a bustling downtown area. In light of these concerns, city officials and Weston Urban have put forth plans to assist the displaced residents. Options that are being considered include relocating them to income-restricted apartments at other sites managed by Weston Urban, as well as helping them secure housing at mixed-use properties offered by Opportunity Home throughout the city. Plus, residents can expect assistance with “housing navigation” to ease the transition.
Current Stadium Situation
The current home of the Missions at Nelson Wolff Municipal Stadium, located far on the west side, doesn’t meet recent standards set by Major League Baseball. As a result, the team has a pressing deadline—October 15—given by MLB to solidify the preliminary terms of a deal for a new stadium.
In summary, all eyes are on the San Antonio City Council as they prepare for a pivotal vote that could reshape not just the baseball scene but also the community surrounding it. As the area looks towards a future that includes new housing and recreational opportunities, it’s clear that the decisions made this week will have lasting impacts for years to come.
