SA to consider relief for small businesses affected by construction
On March 19, the San Antonio City Council received a briefing from the Economic Development Department on the proposed Construction Mitigation Grant program, which will provide relief for small businesses affected by construction.
According to city documents, the program that will assist small businesses in select commercial corridors affected by city-related construction projects.
Development of the program will be funded by $1.4 million that City Council earmarked in the FY 2024-25 General Fund Budget.
Based upon feedback from stakeholders, the EDD proposed that the program be divided into three categories, which will target six construction corridors in San Antonio.
Read more by Reporter Parks Kugle.
Google Fiber expands into Shavano Park
On March 18, Shavano Park City Council celebrated the onset of Google Fiber’s installation in the city with a groundbreaking ceremony at City Hall.
John-Michael Cortez, head of Government and Community Affairs at GFiber, said the option for residents to use Google Fiber will add to the community’s overall quality of life.
“For a community that prides itself on quality of life, which you have in abundance here in Shavano Park, this is just another element of that, for people to have choices for internet service that meet their needs in their household or small businesses,” Cortez said.
Cortez said the installation process for Google Fiber is designed to be as minimally disruptive as possible.
Read more by Reporter Parks Kugle.
VIA adds new transit options ahead of Green Line construction
As the VIA Rapid Green Line moves from the final design phase into construction, VIA is implementing a new program in the downtown corridor to help improve connectivity.
Known as VIA Link, VIA officials said riders can use the VIA Link app to book a ride in specially designated vans which will drop them off anywhere within the downtown corridor. Rides cost $1.30 per ride and riders can request a free transfer if transferring to a VIA bus. According to VIA officials, VIA Link is designed to give riders a greater array of options.
The Green Line, which will run north-south along San Pedro Avenue, from a station near the San Antonio International Airport to the historical missions area is estimated to be completed in 2027.
The Green Line includes several infrastructure improvements to give pedestrians greater mobility throughout the city, such as four miles of new and repaired sidewalks, over 20 intersection upgrades, 26 new bus stations and 66 bus friendly traffic signals.
Read more by Reporter Parks Kugle.
Crowded field vies for San Antonio City Council seats
As the May 3 election approaches, North San Antonians will have to wade through a packed race of candidates to determine three local council seats.
In districts 8 and 9, council members Manny Pelaez and John Courage have termed out of their respective seats and are running for mayor. This change leaves a field of six candidates vying for the District 8 seat and seven candidates running for District 9. In District 10, incumbent Marc Whyte is running for re-election against four other candidates.
On top of the three local council races, as outgoing Mayor Ron Nirenberg completes his final term as mayor, 27 candidates have entered the mayoral race, which has attracted individuals from a variety of professions, according to city candidate applications.
Nirenberg said the candidates will have the potential to reshape the direction of the city when it comes to multiple issues, including major development projects in the works in the city and investments in infrastructure.
Read more by Reporter Parks Kugle.
