INDEX:
Next StepsVehicles for Making Charrette Participants' Vision a Reality
As an outcome of the Charrette several key concepts directed towards making the Charrette visions a reality have emerged. We found that individuals who participated in the Charrette could assist in the investigation of these concepts. The Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, The Nature Conservancy and Texas Parks and Wildlife have all indicated that they are willing to participate or assist in the exploration of these vehicles. Vehicles for Making Charrette Participants' Vision a Reality
We respectfully request that SAWS evaluate the following issues which should maximize the value of this land to the System. These opportunities will need to be reviewed prior to seeking a Declaration of Surplus from City Council, since some options may be foreclosed once such a declaration is complete.
1. COLLABORATIVE PARTNERING: Investigation of collaborative partners for management and disposition of property in the area. SAWS should provide information on the full range of opportunities in the area to the Texas P&W Department, Bexar County, City of San Antonio, San Antonio River Authority and area non-profits which could hold and manage the preserved river corridor. The highest value of disposition by SAWS may come with allowing time for more partners and resources to be identified.
2. MITIGATION BANKING: SAWS should review the future habitat mitigation value of the area for future water development projects, retention/detention flood control structures and other mitigation requirements incurred by SAWS or other agencies. SAWS should explore the legal aspects of this opportunity before further "Declaration of Surplus" is sought since it may affect SAWS ability to use the land for future mitigation needs. The value of an assembled mitigation area is tremendous and may be marketable at values far surpassing the price of land disposed of in a piecemeal manner to the highest bidder. The Texas Nature Conservancy has expressed interest in assisting the SAWS evaluation of this opportunity.
3. CONSERVATION EASEMENTS: Should SAWS decide to pursue immediate disposition of the property, SAWS should preserve the river corridor and protect the future water quality of the Medina River by placing Conservation Easements on the property before sale, or by retaining public ownership and use of the river frontage area. A consortium of interests, including local agencies and non-profits have expertise to share with SAWS, should it pursue this option.
4. AGRICULTRAL DEMONSTRATION / RESEARCH: Already the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station of the Texas A&M System in Uvalde has expressed interest in pursuing a consortium of organizations to develop a Land and Man Center for agricultural research, demonstration, development and production. Several potential Consortium interest have been identified including TPWD, Texas Agriculture Extension, Archeological Conservancy, and the Conservation Society.
5. LAND LEASE/ PHASE OUT: SAWS should pursue a disposition strategy that creatively addresses the desire of former landowners who wish to continue agricultural production on their former lands. SAWS should consider the short term revenues of land leases and a "phased" disposition approach.