Universal City looks to purchase property for Aviation District revitalization

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, City Manager Kim Turner said in an email to Community Impact.