AGENDA CAPTION:
Title
Receive a presentation and hold discussion regarding options for the use of City-owned property at 214 E. Hutchison Street, and provide direction to Staff.
Body
Meeting date: September 20, 2016
Department: City Manager
Funds Required: N/A
Account Number: N/A
Funds Available: N/A
Account Name: N/A
CITY COUNCIL GOAL: N/A
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN ELEMENT(s): N/A
BACKGROUND:
On August 17, 2010, City Council adopted a Resolution approving a Chapter 380 Economic Development Incentive agreement between the City of San Marcos and Trico Partners, LLC concerning the property located at 214 E. Hutchison Street, providing an amount not to exceed $50,000 for the demolition of structures on the property in conjunction with participation in the TCEQ Dry Clean Remediation Program, providing for a five year lease of the property to the City for Public Parking purposes for a base monthly rental amount of $1,750.00, and providing an option for the City to purchase the property within three years for a price of $216,576.00, less any amounts provided under the Chapter 380 Economic Development Incentive.
The property was remediated in accordance with TCEQ standards and then purchased by the City on January 1, 2012. It was subsequently used as a staging area for the Downtown Improvement Project Phase I. The property is currently graded and vacant, with no public access.
As part of the 2016 Capital Improvements Plan (CIP), Council approved the construction of a surface parking lot on the property, authorizing $85,000 for the project. Subsequently, several Council Members expressed interest in the potential use of the property as a “mobility hub,” accommodating multiple modes of transportation, including public transit, and providing public facilities such as restrooms, drinking fountains and bicycle storage. The attached exhibits provide an overview of opportunities that may be further explored, should Council provide revised direction to staff.