Other items for public input include improvements to Freeman Coliseum and San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Facilities
SAN ANTONIO — Several residents spoke out at the Commissioner’s Court meeting Tuesday on the future of Freeman Coliseum, the Frost Bank Center, and a potential new Spurs arena.
This was the first county-wide discussion since the Spurs announced they’d invest $1 billion for a new stadium.
The Bexar County Commissioners asked for public comment on tax dollars to go to these developments or if they need to look at other funding options.
If there is public support, the Commissioner’s Court would call for a venue tax election in November.
Venue taxes are made through hotels and tourism sales, and it would go towards improvements on the Freeman Coliseum, Frost Bank Center, and San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo facilities. The rest would help make a new multipurpose arena for the Spurs.
The maximum Bexar County can give to these projects is $450 million dollars. In March, County Commissioner Grant Moody says they need to make a decision if this will go on the ballot 90 days before the November 4 election.
At the meeting Tuesday, many residents were against using the venue tax for this purpose.
‘It is unconscionable that you want to give this money for an arena when we have people dying from infrastructure or lack thereof,” said Renee Oden from Macedonia Baptist Church and COPS Metro, referring to deadly floods in San Antonio in June. “Today you have a choice and it is simple…greed or the citizens of San Antonio.”
One resident was not opposed to the idea of a new Spurs arena, but said it should not include public funds.
“No Project Marvel doesn’t mean no Spurs arena, it means don’t do it the way the city wants to do it with public funds.” said Steve Versteeg. “Private businesses should fund their businesses with private funds.”
Some residents did speak up in favor of the plan, including the downtown development it will bring.
“This kind of a growth is exactly what San Antonio needs to continue thriving as a vibrant, forward-moving city,” said Carolina Calderon, who lives and works in downtown San Antonio. “I’m excited for what this means for our future, from job creations to increased tourism, to more reasons for residents like me to stay invested in a long-term place we call home.”