Civic responsibility in San Antonio
John Schaefer says he doesn’t need the city telling him how to build a new neighborhood.
San Antonio officials say Schaefer needs to follow city rules that govern streets and drainage.
On Tuesday, lawyers representing both sides clashed in court in a case being closely watched by the real estate industry, environmentalists and the Texas Municipal League.
If Schaefer, a longtime real estate developer, wins his case at the 4th Court of Appeals in San Antonio, it will be much easier for property owners across Texas to avoid modern ordinances under the state’s “vested rights” law, a lawyer for the city told the court justices.
So Schaefer argues that he should be allowed to develop the property based on a blank 1971 plat and let the city pick up the tag sometime in the future.
But even with the $300 million for new streets and sidewalks, Public Works Director Tom Wendorf estimates $1 billion to $3 billion in unmet street paving needs and storm drain improvements remain. Those problems will continue to fester and could cost more to fix down the road.
I’m sure Schaefer is one of those dedicated citizens that supports bond issues and even goes out of his way to back necessary tax increases.
Yeah, right.
Amazing isn’t it? We can reach back 30 years to ensure a profit but can’t look ahead the same amount because someone else might also get the benefit.
This is San Antonio, why am I not surprised.
Technorati Tags: John Schaefer, Windcrest Heights, En Sequido, vested rights, real estate developer, David Earl, Jane Webre, public works
Filed under: David Earl, En Sequido, Jane Webre, John Schaefer, Windcrest Heights, public works, real estate developer, vested rights
