A Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) is being created by the City of San Antonio in neighborhoods adjacent to River Road. CoSA representatives described the TIRZ plan, which will be submitted to the City Council on 12/11/08. Although not officially part of the TIRZ, River Road may be able to take advantage of some of the funding (e.g. for drainage projects), as long as our request affects the TIRZ area and the TIRZ Board agrees to it. Improvements will be coordinated with River Road neighborhood plans already in existence.
Mulberry Ave. Sidewalk — After much back and forth, the RRNA has been assured that a sidewalk WILL be built on the south side of Mulberry between the Catalpa-Pershing ditch and Avenue A, using monies from the recent bond issue. The Board passed a motion to encourage the use of existing sidewalk plans created for the 2003 Brackenridge Park improvements project.
Community Garden and Trees — The RRNA has obtained three trees from the City and planted them along River Road. A compost pile has been constructed in the community garden, and the next project will be the creation of raised beds.
Drainage — The Bexar County Infrastructure Services Department convened a meeting on 11/20/08 to discuss drainage issues in this part of the city. Representatives from Capital Improvement Management Services, the CoSA Parks Dept., Broadway property owners, San Antonio River Oversight Committee, and engineers attended, among others. Larry DeMartino represented the RRNA. The good news is that a comprehensive study of drainage in the area of the Olmos Dam and Hwy. 281 is planned, and that new bridges at Millrace and on Mulberry will help water flow unimpeded. However, because water from the Olmos Dam and two watersheds affect our neighborhood, and because of increasing changes in the watersheds (e.g. Brackenridge Garage, golf course renovation, drainage from Alamo Heights), the RRNA will continue to be vigilant and lobby for ways to reduce water coming into the River Road neighborhood.
Christmas Party December 20 — The RRNA Christmas Party will be hosted by the Schweers; volunteers are welcome. Neighbors will be asked to bring a children’s book to donate.
THERE WILL BE NO BOARD MEETING IN DECEMBER — SEE YOU AT THE CHRISTMAS PARTY!
