While many smaller cities in the San Antonio Metrocom are growing, the city of Selma is 5.5 square miles and is landlocked between other city boundaries with no more room for expansion, according to city staff.
Due to the size and the growing population and businesses in the area, City Administrator Johnny Casias said Selma is anticipated to reach full build-out within the next 10 to 15 years.
As major projects move into the city to fill the undeveloped areas, city staff and City Council are planning for the city’s build-out, which will be focused around industrial development, Casias said.
The city defines industrial as warehouses, distribution centers, logistics, factories or manufacturing that provide a high number, high quality and high-paying jobs, Casias said.
With this focus on industrial growth, Casias anticipates that Selma will cap its population between 15,000 and 20,000 residents.
“The city of Selma currently does not have any property in its city limits that is zoned or planned for future residential subdivisions,” he said. “We do have some multifamily apartment complex developments on the horizon, but mainly, our final stretch of growth will be in the industrial sector.”
A history of growth
Since its incorporation in 1964, Selma has grown alongside surrounding cities, with early development focused on homes, Casias said.
“For the early part of my 15 years here, it was predominantly residential growth,” Casias said. “I think [it was] the same as you see in Schertz, Cibolo and New Braunfels. We were basically adding the same amount of residents each year, but we only had the 5.5 square miles.”
In 1995, Selma became the home of Retama Park, which attracted events and fans of horse racing, and in 2000, the Forum opened, which created retail spaces and business opportunities for the cities of Selma, Universal City and Live Oak.
Casias said the focus for filling out Selma was to create a diverse city that welcomed new residents but also provided shopping and entertainment options for residents and visitors.
“I think our current elected officials and past elected officials saw an opportunity for, albeit—a city that’s only 5.5 square miles—to be positioned as one of the more diverse cities in Texas,” he said. “We have options for residents and visitors for shopping, dining, retail, top-notch employers, great parks and trails, and entertainment options with Retama Park and outdoor concerts at the Real Life Amphitheater and the legendary Blue Bonnet Palace dance hall.”
The city also has a rich music history, being home to Real Life Amphitheater, formerly Verizon Amphitheater, and Blue Bonnet Palace.
Due to this history in music, the city was declared a Music Friendly City in October by the Office of the Governor.
In an Oct. 17 release, District 118 state Rep. John Lujan, R-San Antonio, congratulated Selma, commending the city for its dedication to the music industry.
“Congratulations to the city of Selma for their recognition as a Music Friendly Community,” Lujan said in the release. “This designation will allow Selma to showcase local talent and businesses while helping further music education. ...”
While the city focused on diversity, the current zoning of remaining areas to build out are for industrial development, which will be the city’s focus moving forward as it prepares for the continued growth.
New developments, including industrial projects will contribute additional property taxes, which in turn contribute to the city’s revenue, Casias said.
Incoming industrial
While moving toward full build-out, the city is anticipating over 2 million square feet of industrial development.
One of the major upcoming projects is a more than 600,000-square-foot hospital from University Health. The hospital will be located at the corner of Lookout Road and Retama Parkway on 42.5 acres, which were acquired for $11.6 million.
No official date for the construction of the hospital has been announced, but with the construction, Casias anticipates ancillary medical facilities around the hospital as a result of University Health’s presence.
Despite being mainly focused on industrial growth, the city also anticipates a new elementary school and multifamily projects in the coming years.
With the passing of the Judson ISD bond package in November, a new $62.91 million elementary school will be built on district property located off Lookout Road. No start date has been announced, but Judson ISD Communications Director Nicole Taguinod said the project is expected to be put to bid in 2023 and be approved by the Board of Trustees by the end of the year.
“We intend to get those bids and have a schematic and architect selected for recommendation to the Board before the end of January 2023,” she said. Place 4 City Council Member Kevin Hadas said the development along I-35 has helped push Selma toward filling out and that the council is looking for the best strategies for the city.
“The growth in Selma has been phenomenal as well as the rest of areas along I-35,” he said. “We are really good at planning and implementing our strategies.”
Hadas said the council is looking forward to the next five to 10 years in search of industrial development and partners that will add to the diversity and economy of the city. He said the goal is to have good economic development that helps keep taxes reasonable for those in Selma.
“The most important thing is that we are trying to be as smart as possible moving forward with what is available for our real estate and bringing partners in that are [the] best for the city,” Hadas said.
Preparing for business
To prepare for the additional business growth, city officials said they are prioritizing infrastructure.
Casias said projects on the horizon include road improvement of Retama Parkway and additional improvements to Lookout Road, including a new traffic signal at the intersection of Lookout and Mount Crest Drive.
“Growth always has its challenges, and we are no different,” Casias said. “Prioritizing needed infrastructure will be essential as Selma reaches full build-out. With the ensuing arrival of University Health System, we are now focused on beginning a road improvement project to Retama Parkway in 2023.”
In the coming years, the city will focus on Lookout using funds allotted by the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization.
“These improvements will include pedestrian and street improvements to the southern portion of Lookout Road that will connect the majority of our residents and will be a continuation of a linear park by way of sidewalks, bike lanes and trails,” Casias said.
Alongside road improvements, the city has purchased backup generators for two water sites and has been able to provide premium pay for employees with American Rescue Plan Act funds.
“Anticipated projects to be funded using these ARPA funds include stormwater drainage improvements in Olympia Hills Subdivision and expanded broadband at the Stage Stop Park,” Casias said. “And work on our Heroes Memorial in front of City Hall is still underway and anticipated to be completed by next year.”
With the infrastructure needs and industrial growth, the city still has the goals of maintaining its small-town charm and diversity—traits the city has built upon since its incorporation, according to Casias.
“We are looking to be as strategic as we can with the little amount of real estate that is undeveloped in Selma, and an eye on keeping as much of the small-town flair that is attractive to our current residents, future residents and visitors,” Casias said.
Hadas said city leaders will continue prioritizing growth that benefits the economy in Selma as it builds out.
“Responsible growth has always been a priority and will continue to be a priority moving forward,” Hadas said.
