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SAN ANTONIO • A news conference to kickoff a campaign, A.C.T. for San Antonio, was held Feb. 11 at Concepción Park to show widespread support for the visitor tax initiative, which proponents say will benefit children and the community. A.C.T. stands for Athletics, Culture, and Tourism, all venues that will benefit from the bond package, according to the campaign’s supporters.
On election day, May 10, voters will be asked to extend the visitor tax, which is paid through a 1.75 percent hotel occupancy tax and a 5 percent short-term motor vehicle rental tax. There will be no property tax increase and no sales tax increase.
As part of the A.C.T. initiative, $80 million has been preliminarily designated for youth and amateur athletic facilities. Included in that package is $16 million for the Mission Concepción Park Athletic Complex, which will be run under the auspices of the Archdiocese of San Antonio CYO.
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The 100-acre complex will feature a gym consisting of six basketball courts and 12 volleyball courts, a youth baseball four-plex, track/football field and a one-mile cross country track.
“The Archdiocese of San Antonio is grateful to have its South side Mission Concepción Park Athletic Complex project included in this important initiative. This will be a welcome resource for the South side and will especially make available much needed gymnasium facilities for the whole community,” said Deacon Pat Rodgers, archdiocesan director of communication, in opening remarks at the press conference. “We recognize that this is a once in a generation moment in the history of our community. Our multi-sports complex will address the great recreational needs for youth on the South side of San Antonio, giving them a sign of hope and respect.”
A dozen other facilities are also receiving funds as part of the $80 million in athletic expenditures, including a UTSA sports complex, a 4,000 seat Olympic-sized aquatics center for the Northside Independent School District, an NCAA Division II outdoor sports complex for St. Mary’s University and a baseball academy for the San Antonio Missions Double A baseball team.
“I personally listened to the many projects that were presented and recognized how difficult it was to make a limited choice among so many worthy efforts,” Rodgers added. The deacon thanked the Bexar County Commissioners and in particular Precinct County 1 Commissioner Sergio “Chico” Rodriguez for the invitation to participate in this community wide effort.
The largest portion of funds are proposed for the San Antonio River expansion and improvements project. Over $125 million has been designated to connect the river from Brackenridge Park to Mission Espada, to restore the natural course of the river downtown, plan 24,000 native trees and acres of native grasses and build 13 miles of hike and bike trails to unite the city’s North and South sides.
Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff said the river improvement project will open up the four missions to the downtown area, and described the entire ballot initiative as an economic boon to the community, particularly the south side, which is the largest and fastest growing precinct in the county. “San Antonio is ready to take the next step to be a world class city,” he said. “I’ve been dreaming about this for a long time.”
After addressing flood control and providing recreational amenities, $110 million is tentatively allocated for performing and cultural arts facilities. Among the projects in this area, the historic Municipal Auditorium will be transformed into a 2,000 seat multi-use performing arts center, the former Hertzberg Circus Museum will be renovated into the Briscoe Western Art Museum, and the Alameda Theater will be revitalized in partnership with the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Lastly, $100 million is being requested for community arenas and rodeo grounds enhancements. Concourse plazas and other areas of meeting/exhibit space at the AT&T Center will be expanded, the lower seating section of the Freeman Coliseum will be replaced, and climate-controlled spaces will be created in the exhibition and stock show facilities.
“It is important to remember that none of our projects stand alone. Together they hold promise for every part of town, crossing economic and social boundaries,” Rodgers said. “In the A.C.T. for San Antonio initiative we are given the uncommon opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of so many, most especially our children. The Archdiocese of San Antonio is grateful to be considered among this group of distinguished and forward looking organizations that will enrich our community for generations.” |