What's being done
San Marcos City Council approved a resolution supporting a Chapter 380 incentive agreement for a grocery store development on May 7.
The incentives will consist of property and sales tax abatements starting at 80% for a span of five years.
The New Braunfels and Kyle areas have previously approved economic incentive agreements with H-E-B and Sprouts.
“We would like to see enhanced architectural design; however, we will entertain any and all offers,” Mayor Jane Hughson added.
Council members also said they did not want to offer a cash grant up front.
Current situation
The city has two H-E-B locations along with Target, Sam’s Club, Walmart and a recently opened Poco Loco Supermercado.
According to agenda documents, city staff are preparing promotional materials to market directly to grocers in hopes of expanding grocery options in the city.
The resolution of support will also be included in the promotional materials to encourage grocery retailers to develop in the area.
Although there are several neighborhood convenience stores throughout the city, San Marcos is looking to attract a grocery development that “serves customers beyond the neighborhood level,” according to a presentation.
Offering input
Mayor Pro Tem Alyssa Garza said she wanted to see a grocery store on the east side of San Marcos—one that would bring "good jobs."
"I think food deserts is an inaccurate way to describe what our neighbors are going through. It's an oversimplification because food insecurity doesn't equal mere lack of access to food like the socioeconomic factors are, too, like, can they afford it? And folks need jobs to afford stuff," Garza said.
