City Council A Session - 2026-02-19
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The San Antonio City Council approved two community land trust designations (Mexican American Unity Council and Cultura Lingua) to advance affordable housing goals, while a resolution supporting a 65-unit affordable housing development at 9600 Block of Gilboa Road passed 8-3 despite strong neighborhood opposition. The council also authorized eminent domain for CPS Energy's Rancetown to Talley Road transmission project and accepted $2 million in Texas Parks and Wildlife grants for Woodlawn Lake Park improvements.
Key Decisions (8)
CPS Energy Rancetown to Talley Road Transmission Easement Acquisition
Authorized use of eminent domain on behalf of CPS Energy to acquire 17 permanent electric transmission easements and two temporary construction easements on privately owned property in northwest Bexar County for the Rancetown to Talley Road transmission project, running from State Highway 16 along State Highway 211.
Resolution of Support for Nuestra Tierra Affordable Housing at Gilboa Road
Approved resolution supporting VBGSA 26 LP's application for 2026 competitive 9% housing tax credits from TDHCA for Nuestra Tierra, a 65-unit affordable housing development at 9600 Block of Gilboa Road in District 7. Developer Bassino Group proposed units at 30-50% AMI with reduced building height near homes and removed windows facing adjacent properties.
Mexican American Unity Council Community Land Trust Designation
Designated Mexican American Unity Council Development Fund as a community land trust per state statute and city policy to provide permanently affordable housing opportunities for households at 30-50% of area median income in northwest San Antonio.
Cultura Lingua Silk Road Community Land Trust Designation
Designated Cultura Lingua as a community land trust to provide permanently affordable homeownership opportunities to low and moderate income individuals in Northwest San Antonio, covering Districts 1, 6, 7, and 8. Supported by Methodist Healthcare Ministries, San Antonio Area Foundation, and San Antonio Housing Trust.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Grant for Woodlawn Lake Park
Accepted $2 million in grant funds from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department for Woodlawn Lake Park improvements in District 7, bringing total investment to $6.5 million including previous federal funding of $3.25 million. Funds will complete bike path around the lake.
City Tower Elevator Rehabilitation
Approved rehabilitation of city tower elevators to address ongoing breakdown issues affecting city staff.
Redmond Road and Gibbs Sprawl Railroad Crossing Design Funding
Approved $6.3 million for design of raised intersection across Redmond Road and Gibbs Sprawl, including $4.8 million federal grant. Design to begin 2026 and complete by fall 2028.
Fire Station 33 Service Alley Acquisition
Approved acquisition of service alley as key piece for reconstruction of Fire Station 33 in District 5.
Development Activity (4)
Nuestra Tierra
65-unit affordable housing development, 4 stories reduced to 2 stories near existing homes, units at 30-50% AMI, 1.5 parking spaces per unit, 2.34 acres
Silk Road Community Land Trust
Community land trust for permanently affordable homeownership opportunities for low and moderate income individuals
Mexican American Unity Council Community Land Trust
Community land trust providing housing for households at 30-50% of area median income
Woodlawn Lake Park Improvements
$6.5 million total investment including splash pad, fishing nodes, terrace seating, and complete bike path around lake
Market Signals (5)
Housing Demand
District 7 is one of the smallest by land area and second most populous, making it the most densely populated district in San Antonio.
Housing Demand
Senate Bill 840 now allows C-3 commercial zoned properties to be developed as multifamily housing by right without council approval, reducing local input on development.
Sentiment
Strong neighborhood opposition to affordable housing near single-family homes citing traffic, privacy, and property value concerns, with 919 signatures collected against the Nuestra Tierra project.
Housing Demand
Stevenson Middle School near proposed Gilboa Road development has 47% economically disadvantaged students and 52% at-risk of dropping out, indicating demand for affordable housing near schools.
Infrastructure
City investing $6.3 million in railroad crossing elimination design at Redmond Road/Gibbs Sprawl with goal of shovel-ready project, indicating infrastructure investment in transit corridors.