Fields of Dreams or Nightmares: San Antonio's Stadium Proposal and Housing Crisis
*The plan aims to create a $160 million stadium for the San Diego Padres' AA affiliate along San Pedro Creek in downtown San Antonio. The stadium is slated to be finished for opening day in April 2028.
As a Texas Realtor, my love for the Lone Star State runs deep, rooted in childhood memories of summer visits to see my dad and my stepmom. Every year, my mother would put me on a Southwest Airlines flight from Oklahoma City, and I'd eagerly anticipate those honey roasted peanuts and the cherished pilot's wings!! I can still recall the thrill of being invited into the cockpit – the special treat they would give to us divorced kids flying solo back in the day that's sadly no longer possible. These formative experiences sparked my passion for Texas, ultimately leading me to call San Antonio home. I’ve been to the Alamo more than most normal people. Spoiler alert, there is no basement.
Today, I witness San Antonio as a city on the rise y’all, with our vibrant culture, a growing economy, and a rich history that continues to captivate both residents and visitors alike. However, beneath the surface of this bustling metropolis lies a stark reality: an affordable housing crisis is gripping the Alamo City, leaving many residents struggling to keep a roof over their heads. As a realtor deeply connected to this community, I'm committed to addressing this challenge and helping my fellow Texans navigate such a complex housing market.
The city’s current situation brings to light a critical question faced by growing urban centers across the nation: how can cities prioritize economic development while also ensuring the well-being and stability of their residents, especially those most vulnerable to displacement?
The ongoing controversy surrounding a proposed baseball stadium project in San Antonio provides a compelling case study of this complex balancing act, let’s take a look at this big stadium project idea that’s shaking up The Lone Star City.
A City in Crisis: The State of Affordable Housing in San Antonio
San Antonio is currently grappling with a severe shortage of affordable housing options. The crisis affects both renters and homeowners, as evidenced by the statistic that half of all renters and a quarter of homeowners in San Antonio are considered “housing cost-burdened,” meaning that they spend at least 30% of their income on housing. The monetary strain can trigger a domino effect on people and households, compromising their capacity to cover essential expenses, set aside funds for upcoming needs, and play an active role in stimulating the local economic landscape.
Rising costs are a primary driver of the crisis we face. Coupled with the scarcity of deeply affordable housing options, this trend is pushing many residents to the brink of financial instability. Families are often forced to relocate to more affordable areas, even if it means leaving their communities and support networks behind.
A Home Run for the City? The Proposed Baseball Stadium Project
At the heart of this controversy lies a proposed $160 million baseball stadium and entertainment district project. Designated Bidders LLC, the entity that owns the San Antonio Missions baseball team, is spearheading the project, with the aim of constructing the stadium near the San Pedro Creek Culture Park.
The City Council and Bexar County Commissioners Court have already approved the project's financing plan, which includes $126 million in city bonds, $34 million from the Missions owners, and anticipated revenue from a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ). The projected economic benefits, including revitalization of a previously neglected area, job creation, and the establishment of a new community asset, have fueled support for the project.
However, the project faces a significant hurdle: land acquisition. The proposed stadium requires a 2.3-acre parcel currently owned by the San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) and used as a parking lot for Fox Tech High School.
A Strike Against Affordable Housing? The Soap Factory Apartments Controversy
A major point of contention surrounding the proposed development is the planned demolition of the Soap Factory Apartments, a 381-unit complex offering relatively affordable housing in downtown San Antonio. This decision has sparked outrage among residents, housing advocates, and community leaders.
Sarah Honeycut, a tenant of the Soap Factory Apartments, was quoted saying, "It's disheartening to know you are so easily sacrificed on the altar of the almighty dollar." The planned demolition highlights a key concern shared by many: that the pursuit of economic development is coming at the expense of those who can least afford it.
The potential displacement of hundreds of tenants raises serious concerns about exacerbating the existing affordable housing crisis and potentially increasing homelessness in San Antonio. Although relocation assistance is being offered, critics argue that the proposed $2,500 rental relocation packages are insufficient to address the long-term needs of displaced residents, especially given the already limited availability of affordable housing in the city.
SAISD Steps Up to Bat: Leveraging Land Ownership for Community Benefit
In a move that has injected further complexity into the situation, SAISD is leveraging its ownership of the necessary land parcel to push for substantial community benefits. Superintendent Jaime Aquino has outlined stringent terms for the land sale, including the following demands:
Construction of a $45 million building for the Advanced Learning Academy
A guarantee of at least 1,250 affordable housing units within SAISD boundaries
$400,000 in annual compensation for forgoing a competitive bidding process
A seat for Aquino on the TIRZ board overseeing the stadium project
A new parking garage with 250 spaces for Fox Tech High School
SAISD is emphasizing that affordable housing commitments are non-negotiable, arguing that the district has a responsibility to prioritize its educational mission and support its students and families, many of whom are struggling with the affordable housing crisis.
Deputy Superintendent Patti Salzmann stated that “[SAISD officials] believe that having the superintendent serve as a representative on the TIRZ board would protect SAISD’s long-range master plan and interests, and mitigate or avoid further declines in enrollment.” This comment highlights the district's belief that the lack of affordable housing is directly impacting its student population.
A High-Stakes Game: The Path Forward
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The proposed baseball stadium project has ignited a heated debate in San Antonio, pitting economic development against the urgent need for affordable housing. With SAISD's bold demands on the table, the project's future hangs in the balance. Designated Bidders faces a December 9 deadline to present a counteroffer to SAISD, and the SAISD board is scheduled to vote on the proposal on December 16.
The outcome of this negotiation will have far-reaching consequences for the city. If the stadium project moves forward without adequate provisions for affordable housing, it could exacerbate the existing crisis, displacing residents and further straining an already burdened system.
On the other hand, if SAISD’s demands are met, the project could serve as a model for equitable development, demonstrating that economic growth and social responsibility can go hand in hand.
Conclusion: A Call for Comprehensive Solutions
The San Antonio Missions ballpark project presents a complex dilemma, one that reflects a broader national conversation about the challenges of balancing economic development with the need for affordable housing. SAISD's assertive stance highlights the critical role of community stakeholders in shaping development outcomes and holding decision-makers accountable.
Ultimately, the project's fate hinges on the willingness of all parties to find a solution that balances competing interests and prioritizes the needs of San Antonio residents.
The situation is one that should give us pause for thoughtful debate, and emphasizes the need for comprehensive affordable housing policies that go beyond the scope of individual development projects. San Antonio, like many other cities grappling with similar challenges, must prioritize the creation and preservation of affordable housing as a cornerstone of its urban development strategy.
Councilmember Teri Castillo's proposed housing policies, the CLT Tiered Affordability and Stay SA initiatives, offer potential solutions. These policies focus on promoting community land trusts, streamlining affordable housing production, and preserving the existing affordable housing stock.
While the powers that be don't offer details on their implementation or potential drawbacks, these policies, if effectively implemented, could represent a significant step towards addressing San Antonio's affordable housing crisis and ensuring that all residents have access to safe, stable, and affordable housing.
