Several two-day workshops moderated by the architect firm Able City and the City of San Antonio are scheduled through early July.
SAN ANTONIO — Excitement and skepticism filled the room of a Wednesday workshop on the east side as residents spoke up about Project Marvel, San Antonio’s ambitious venture to establish a massive sports and entertainment district.
Dozens of District 2 residents gathered at the Wheatley Heights Sports Complex prepared with input and questions about the vast multi-billion dollar project, which features plans for an expanded convention center, upgraded Alamodome and new San Antonio Spurs arena.
Julia Domaradzka is thrilled about the prospect of a Spurs arena while also expressing caution about how the city will address transportation issues down the road when development begins.
“As someone who’s a resident, I will be able to see the new arena from my front porch, so for me I think that’s fantastic,” Domaradzka said. “I would love to see what benefit our neighborhood could get in terms of greater connectivity to downtown. If you’re five blocks from where the arena is, you’re going to be impacted by what’s happening. There’s going to be more traffic, there’s going to be more people. I don’t want it to be an oversight.”
The proposed district would be funded primarily through tourism taxes, developers, the Spurs organization, and private corporations. Still, many attendees wanted to better understand how the project could impact their day-to-day lives, especially their finances.
Gordon Benjamin, who lives in Denver Heights and serves as the neighborhood association’s vice president, raised concerns about potential increases in property taxes and home values.
“If their houses are going to be impacted, if their tax rates are not going to go down, these things are what people depend on,” Benjamin said.
Benjamin also recommended proactive parking solutions, anticipating the influx of visitors during major events.
“Signs that say event only, no parking during events, that would eliminate the cruisers who are looking for parking spaces in our neighborhood.”
City officials noted the ongoing forums are key to shaping the final vision of Project Marvel with community voices at the forefront.
City leaders have also discussed plans for a bond amounting to at least $250 million, which would pay for different infrastructure projects associated with the overarching vision of the sports and entertainment district.
More workshops are scheduled through July. Go here to learn more about when and where the workshops set to take place.