San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones, center, speaks during a City Council meeting.
In its first session since summer recess, City Council on Thursday voted 10-1 to create a District Community Advisory Committee for the proposed $4 billion downtown sports-and-entertainment district known as Project Marvel.
The committee will bring together 33 residents for monthly meetings to seek public input and report back to council on how people think the city should spend the $75 million it’s receiving from the San Antonio Spurs as part of a community-benefits agreement.
“While there is much to be determined with the sports and entertainment district, it is now certain that our residents will have an active and ongoing role in ensuring there is meaningful public engagement, transparency, and that this project benefits our community,” said District 5 Councilwoman Teri Castillo, one of the three council members who filed the memo requesting the committee’s formation.
“Community-negotiated benefits agreements are critical to providing a return on the public’s investment of their dollars, like affordable housing, living wages for workers, and support for local artists,” Castillo added in an emailed statement.
The committee comes as San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones calls for a citywide vote on San Antonio’s $489 million contribution to a new Spurs arena, which will serve as the centerpiece of the Project Marvel district.
In exchange for that publicly financed sum — which Spurs Sports & Entertainment (SS&E) maintains will be repaid through sales and hotel taxes collected from tourists — the franchise offered the city $75 million over 30 years with no strings attached.
District 2 Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez was the only member of the dais to cast a vote against the committee’s creation.
During Thursday’s meeting, McKee-Rodriguez argued that Council Districts 1, 3 and 5 should chair the committee, since the downtown project has the greatest impact on those districts.
Even so, Castillo said inclusion of people from across the city offered the optimum participation.
“The District Community Advisory Committee was carefully constructed to provide maximum participation and representation by various community stakeholders from around the city,” Castillo said. “Community is now driving the conversation, and I look forward to their guidance as we develop a strong, enforceable Community Benefits Agreement that works for our residents.”
Mayor Jones to host 3 listening sessions about citywide vote on San Antonio Spurs arena
Mayor Jones to host 3 listening sessions about citywide vote on San Antonio Spurs arena
Centro San Antonio CEO calls mayor ‘toxic’ as concern rises over possible second Project Marvel vote
Centro San Antonio CEO calls mayor ‘toxic’ as concern rises over possible second Project Marvel vote
San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones wants city taxpayers to have vote on Project Marvel
San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones wants city taxpayers to have vote on Project Marvel