Council member Phil Vaughan was the single dissenting vote.
Vaughan told Community Impact he voted against the item because it requires a lot of rezoning and forces some businesses out which makes him uncomfortable.
"We're spending a lot of money on those properties and we're just hoping and praying that there's [going to] be a developer that's [going to] something magical with it and without those clear ties to a developer I'm just a little bit uncomfortable with spending the money," Vaughan said.
What residents need to know
The purchase is part of the city's Aviation District Masterplan—a 10-15 year plan focused on redeveloping the East Aviation District—which serves as a commercial thoroughfare that is South of Pat Booker Road and a gateway into Randolph Air Force Base. The goal of the plan is to provide a vibrant public realm anchored with a well-defined town center and open spaces according to previous reporting by Community Impact.
Universal City’s Economic Development Corporation, or EDC, negotiated the purchase of the property in November 2020, according to agenda documents. If the city closes on the property, it will allow it to consolidate another lot into a larger area, making it more viable for a mixed-use development, Michael Cassata, development services and economic development director said.
"It's one key component to bringing the master plan to fruition," Cassata told Community Impact.
The property could be used for commercial services, residential, commercial retail or public parking, Cassata added.
One more thing
The item will come back for final consideration on May 20, according to agenda documents.
If the council approves the item on second and final reading, the property will be purchased using annual funds from the EDC, however, the city is not authorized to share the cost of the project, Turner said in an email to Community Impact.
