Tagged: urban revitalization

The City of San Antonio’s Inner City Reinvestment/Infill Policy for several years has focused on reinvesting in neighborhoods, businesses and properties, particularly in urban areas that have gone untouched for decades.

But now the program is expanding, and District 5 Councilman David Medina couldn’t be more excited.

Center City, a city department with the goal of developing and revitalizing neighborhoods, businesses and cultural resources in the Inner City Reinvestment Zone, is taking a hard look at West Commerce Street.

Director Lori Houston said it’s an area that was once full of life, but now lacks shops, restaurants and other businesses to cater to a myriad of people.

"The goal is to really create a vibrant, walkable, livable downtown area," said Tom Kennely of UTSA's Institute of Economic Development, who could be talking about any city in the United States, or even San Antonio.

Located on Hwy. 87 east of San Antonio, La Vernia is a community of about 1,000. UTSA is working with the City of La Vernia to bring people back to the community's downtown area, and the university also offers business development and community development for 79 counties from its San Antonio office.

Members of the Hays Street Bridge Restoration Group lined the steps of San Antonio City Hall Monday to demand a public vote on the use of the vacant land adjacent to the historic bridge. The group wants a park in the open space, not a brewery.