Bexar County residents voice concerns ahead of a vote on venue tax funding for a new Spurs stadium.
SAN ANTONIO — Residents are asking questions and voicing their concerns ahead of a vote in November on a Bexar County venue tax to partially fund the new Spurs stadium downtown.
The plan to build the new stadium as well as create a larger entertainment district along Cesar Chavez Boulevard downtown is part of Project Marvel, which has been heavily debated over the last several months. Supporters say it will bring critical economic development and tourism to San Antonio, while opponents say they would rather see such a large investment spent on tackling other issues and problems in San Antonio, such as infrastructure and affordable housing.
As part of a venue tax, which county officials say will only apply to visitors to San Antonio, not local residents, it will include both funding for Project Marvel and money for upgrades to the Frost Bank Center, Freeman Coliseum and the Expo Center. These upgrades could cost up to $193 million, coming out of the venue tax.
At a public forum held on Friday, some residents expressed concerns about the transparency of the funding process.
“Are we going to have restaurants there? Are they going to put a vet school or is there going to be housing? We need some details, not just, ‘let’s get the foundation built and then we may discuss the details with you,'” Gwen Bolden, from the Coalition of Northeast Neighborhoods, said.
KENS 5 spoke with Bexar County Judge Peter Sakai after the town hall meeting and he said it is important to keep the Frost Bank Center updated even if the Spurs do leave and play their games at the new downtown facility. He says he believes the community will benefit from the economic opportunity the change could bring.
If the ballot measure passes, the maximum Bexar County can give to these projects in all is $450 million. Election Day is Nov. 4.