Implementation
Plan Purpose
This Plan proposes a medium-term vision, recommendations, and strategies for improving and developing the UTSA Area Regional Center over the next ten years. The Plan is an implementation component of the City of San Antonio’s SA Tomorrow Comprehensive Plan. Adopted in 2016, the Comprehensive Plan is the City’s long-range land use and policy plan that is intended to be a blueprint for future growth and development through the year 2040. The UTSA Area Regional Center Plan is an implementation-oriented Sub-Area Plan that will further develop recommendations from the SA Tomorrow Comprehensive Plan to improve quality of life for San Antonio residents, guide growth and development that accommodate projected housing and employment increases, and to fulfill other Comprehensive Plan goals and policies through a community-based planning process. The Regional Center Plan provides an equitable path for all neighborhoods to participate in planning, to create priorities, and to advocate for implementing their priorities in the future.
Intent of the Plan
The UTSA Area Regional Center Plan will be the essential tool to guide future development and City investment in the plan area based on the vision and goals for the UTSA Area. A diverse assemblage of stakeholders met for a series of ten planning team meetings over 21 months to make recommendations that support both the policy direction of the Comprehensive Plan as well as the community’s aspirations. This work culminated with achievable recommendations and strategies that will be utilized by City Departments, partner agencies, private entities, and community partners to guide policies and investments that implement appropriate and desired development patterns as well as the creation and support of livable, complete neighborhoods.
How to Use This Plan
The vision for the UTSA Area Regional Center can be realized through implementation of the Plan Framework, with recommendations and strategies related to the following topics: Land Use, Focus Areas, Mobility, Amenities and Infrastructure, Housing, and Economic Development. These recommendations and strategies include policy and regulatory matters, partnerships, and investments. Plan recommendations are written to provide actionable specificity while still allowing the flexibility needed to adapt to unforeseen challenges or opportunities.
Coordination with Adopted Plans
The UTSA Area does not encompass any areas that have a previously adopted Neighborhood or Community Plan. However, the UTSA Area Regional Center Plan was developed to complement and contribute to the implementation of the following regional and city-wide plans:
- SA Tomorrow Multimodal Transportation Plan
- SA Tomorrow Sustainability Plan
- VIA’s Vision 2040 Plan
- SA Corridors Strategic Framework Plan
- San Antonio’s Housing Policy Framework
In implementing the UTSA Area Regional Center Plan, further consideration should be given to the recommendations of emerging and ongoing planning processes and initiatives, including but not limited to:
- VIA’s Rapid Transit Corridor planning
- SA Climate Ready
- San Antonio’s Housing Policy Framework implementation programs
- San Antonio Parks System Strategic Plan
- San Antonio Sidewalk Master Plan
- Vision Zero San Antonio initiative
- Connect SA
Statutory Requirements
Once adopted by City Council, the UTSA Area Regional Center Plan becomes a component of the City’s SA Tomorrow Comprehensive Plan. Where the previously adopted North Sector land use plan is contained within or partially overlaps the UTSA Area Regional Center Plan, the Sub-Area Plan will be the plan of reference for land use designations. Similarly, where a previous plan and the UTSA Area Regional Center Plan have conflicting policies or priorities within the adopted boundary of the UTSA Area Regional Center Plan, the Sub-Area Plan will be City policy.
By virtue of the plan adoption process, all proposed projects must be found to be consistent with the SA Tomorrow Comprehensive Plan, and as such, the UTSA Area Regional Center Plan must be consulted when proposing a public investment or a land use project that requires deviation from current entitlements.
Plan Framework Recommendations
Implementation - Land Use
Recommendation #1:
Improve access to housing options, including options for first time home buyers.Strategy #1
Regulatory + Policy
Partnerships
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Strategy #2
Regulatory + Policy
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Strategy #3
Regulatory + Policy
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Recommendation #2:
Encourage mixed-use development on and around the UTSA Campus, including retail and denser housing which serves students and residents in the area.Strategy #1
Regulatory + Policy
Partnerships
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Strategy #2
Regulatory + Policy
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Strategy #3
Regulatory + Policy
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Strategy #4
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Strategy #5
Regulatory + Policy
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Recommendation #3:
Ensure that future land use development activity near the Camp Bullis military installation is compatible with base missions and operations.Strategy #1
Regulatory + Policy
Partnerships
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Strategy #2
Regulatory + Policy
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Recommendation #4:
Encourage transit-oriented development and complete streets, particularly along UTSA Boulevard and Vance Jackson Road.Strategy #1
Regulatory + Policy
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Strategy #2
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Strategy #3
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Recommendation #5:
Anticipate life cycle impacts of quarries in the UTSA Area Regional Center.Strategy #1
Regulatory + Policy
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Strategy #2
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Strategy #3
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Strategy #4
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Implementation - Focus Areas
Recommendation #1:
Update zoning and design standards to support the unique vision for each focus area and mixed-use corridor, create high-quality places, support transportation choices, and avoid impacts to sensitive natural features.Strategy #1
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Strategy #2
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Recommendation #2:
Ensure focus areas, mixed-use corridors, and area amenities are easily and safely accessible by all modes of travel, including pedestrian, bicycle, and transit options.Strategy #1
Regulatory + Policy
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Strategy #2
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Strategy #3
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Recommendation #3:
Ensure that new and infill development is organized around existing and proposed open space and trail systems to preserve green space, increase recreational opportunities, and increase connectivity within the trail system.Strategy #1
Regulatory + Policy
Partnerships
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Strategy #2
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Strategy #3
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Recommendation #4:
Encourage new development and infill projects to contain a mix of uses that will serve as residential, commercial, and entertainment destinations.Strategy #1
Regulatory + Policy
Partnerships
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Strategy #2
Regulatory + Policy
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Implementation - Mobility
Recommendation #1
Continue implementing the San Antonio Vision Zero Action Plan.Strategy #1
- UTSA Boulevard from Roadrunner Way to Ximenes Avenue.
Additional analysis of pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle crash data, along with community input, also identified the following intersections as priorities, particularly as these areas are developed with more intensity and serve a greater number of users:
- I-10 and La Cantera Parkway;
- Loop 1604 and Chase Hill Boulevard;
- Loop 1604 and Babcock Road;
- Loop 1604 and Vance Jackson Road;
- Vance Jackson Road and UTSA Boulevard;
- UTSA Boulevard and I-10;
- Babcock Road and Hausman Road;
- Hausman Road and JV Bacon Parkway; and
- De Zavala Road and Vance Jackson Road.
Coordination with Bond projects, regular Improvement Management Plan (IMP) projects, and partner agencies such as Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the San Antonio River Authority (SARA) is encouraged.
Regulatory + Policy
Partnerships
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Strategy #2
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Strategy #3
The Mobility Recommendations Map indicates priority locations for application of this strategy, for example, De Zavala from I-10 to Vance Jackson Road and from West Golden Lane to Cimarron Path; and I-10 Frontage Roads from University Heights Boulevard to De Zavala Road. These high-speed roadways have numerous curb cuts, creating unsafe conditions for bicyclists and pedestrians.
Regulatory + Policy
Partnerships
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Recommendation #2
Complete the multimodal layered network and trail system and work with partners to establish new connections.Strategy #1
- Babcock Road from Loop 1604 to De Zavala Road;
- UTSA Boulevard from Babcock Road to Vance Jackson Road;
- Vance Jackson Road from Loop 1604 to De Zavala Road; and
- Hausman Road from Babcock Road to I-10.
Regulatory + Policy
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Strategy #2
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Strategy #3
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Recommendation #3
Alleviate congestion with multimodal solutions including targeted interventions for more efficient transit operations.Strategy #1
- De Zavala Road from Autumn Vista Street to Vance Jackson Road;
- I-10 Northbound Frontage Road at Loop 1604; and
- Loop 1604 Frontage Roads from I-10 to La Cantera Parkway.
Potential multimodal improvements that would require study before implementation include:
- Peak hour or school zone bus-only lanes that give priority to buses in times of heavy traffic;
- Special event priority lanes that prioritize buses during traffic surges of planned events;
- Grade separated railroad tracks; and
- Bus bulbs to allow buses to pick up passengers without entering/exiting traffic.
Regulatory + Policy
Partnerships
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Recommendation #4
Support VIA Metropolitan Transit Rapid Transit Corridor service by prioritizing transit supportive policies and infrastructure near transit stations.Strategy #1
- I-10 Frontage Road and Hausman Road;
- UTSA Boulevard at the future University Village Development;
- UTSA Campus on Bauerle Road; and
- La Cantera Parkway and I-10 Northbound Frontage Road.
Regulatory + Policy
Partnerships
Investments
Strategy #2
- Density - Increased neighborhood amenities and destinations near stations and stops influence the type of transit services offered in an area. Transit frequency is directly dependent on density as the more people and jobs within an area, the more transit frequency is justified.
- Design - Buildings designed for the pedestrian; placed and oriented along the front of the street with parking on-street, placed behind or structured, and with direct access to first floor building activities are vital components of transit-supportive design.
- Mix of Uses - Providing a mix of residential, employment, and retail uses within walking distance of a transit stop or transit station is beneficial to the community and make walking and riding transit more efficient choices for meeting daily needs.
- Walkability - Pleasantly designed, walkable places are attractive areas where people desire to travel on foot or by mobility device. Active streets that have development that is continuous along many blocks encourages economic activity. Investments to improve the pedestrian realm include streetscape enhancements in public spaces, such as continuous level surfaces, street furniture, lighting, landscaping, and shading devices, where applicable.
Regulatory + Policy
Partnerships
Investments
Implementation - Amenities and Infrastructure
Recommendation #1
Increase the amount and connectivity of natural and built green infrastructure in a manner which increases active and passive recreational opportunities.Strategy #1
- Ensure all existing and new open spaces meet ADA standards for accessible and universal design to the extent possible.
- Provide additional active and passive recreation features such as benches, view overlooks, and picnic areas in existing open spaces.
- Provide shade at and near picnic areas and play areas in existing and new open spaces.
Regulatory + Policy
Partnerships
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Strategy #2
- Develop multi-use paths within the public rights-of-way where feasible.
- Include native plants, bioswales, other landscaping and shade features, and recreational amenities in streetscape design and construction.
- Enhance areas where “green streets” and natural drainage ways intersect to improve water quality and tell the story of integrated stormwater management in San Antonio and the UTSA Area Regional Center.
Regulatory + Policy
Partnerships
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Strategy #3
- Work with the development community to establish parameters for privately-owned open spaces.
- Establish a system of incentives in return for community benefits such as the provision of publicly accessible, but privately owned open spaces.
- Investigate risk mitigation strategies for private property owners granting public access to their open space.
Regulatory + Policy
Partnerships
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Recommendation #2
Improve identity and wayfinding with gateways, public art, signage, and unique landscaping and architectural design treatments.Strategy #1
- Fund street trees and landscaping for new streetscapes, encouraging the use of native plants. ,
- Incorporate “grow zones” where mowing is avoided along creeks to maintain a buffer, allowing stormwater runoff to be filtered before it enters the creeks.
- Update street design standards to improve pedestrian environment requirements, art, and identity features along major thoroughfares.
Regulatory + Policy
Partnerships
Investments
Strategy #2
- Determine location requirement(s) for eligible projects.
- Explore appropriate entitlement bonuses, infrastructure offsets, or other incentives.
Regulatory + Policy
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Strategy #3
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Recommendation #4
Promote more active and diverse employment and residential areas with new community gathering spaces.Strategy #1
- Determine location requirement(s) for eligible projects.
- Explore appropriate entitlement bonuses, infrastructure offsets, or other incentives.
- Work with the Parks and Recreation Department and Transportation and Capital Improvements (TCI) to program trail connections and public gathering spaces as part of the Infrastructure Management Plan (IMP) and as candidates for future bond projects.
Regulatory + Policy
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Strategy #2
- Perform a land suitability analysis for land designated as future mixed-use.
- Map potential public spaces and investigate mechanisms to secure and improve public spaces.
Regulatory + Policy
Partnerships
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Implementation - Housing
Recommendation #1:
Increase the diversity of housing options within the UTSA Regional Center to support a more diverse population.Strategy #1
Regulatory + Policy
Partnerships
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Strategy #2
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Strategy #3
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Strategy #4
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Strategy #5
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Recommendation #2:
Integrate student housing in the surrounding community to support commercial areas and mitigate impacts of student population by decreasing dependence on automobiles to access campus and commercial areas.Strategy #1
Regulatory + Policy
Partnerships
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Strategy #2
Regulatory + Policy
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Implementation - Economic Development
Recommendation #1:
Continue to invest in infrastructure and amenities that support the development of mixed-use centers and corridors in the UTSA Area.Strategy #1
Regulatory + Policy
Partnerships
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Strategy #2
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Strategy #3
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Strategy #4
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Recommendation #2:
Develop a strategy for attracting and retaining small and mid-sized businesses and business support services to the UTSA Area.Strategy #1
Regulatory + Policy
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Strategy #2
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Strategy #3
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Recommendation #3:
Support the growth of the UTSA Campus and leverage the university’s programs, research and students to generate and attract economic activity.Strategy #1
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Strategy #2
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Strategy #3
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Implementation - Catalytic Projects
Recommendation #1:
Support the establishment of a residential/retail/service mixed-use development and multi-use greenway trail on the southwest corner of the UTSA Campus.Strategy #1
Regulatory + Policy
Partnerships
Investments
Strategy #2
- Evaluating potential impacts of increased traffic on the surrounding neighborhoods;
- Engaging with local partners such as the San Antonio River Authority (SARA) and other City departments to develop a site plan that preserves green space, protects water quality, encourages preservation of the floodplain and encourages outdoor recreation, especially along Babcock Road;
- Identifying and engaging partners to further develop the concept for an outdoor education space that can be used by the University and the community; and
- Supporting an appropriate mix of land uses and community amenities.
Regulatory + Policy
Partnerships
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Strategy #3
- Conduct market analysis to determine the feasible scale of commercial development that can serve the student and community audiences;
- Develop comprehensive parking and transportation demand management (TDM) strategies for the development to optimize provision of parking and ensure emerging transportation technologies are considered and integrated; and
- Encourage the integration of public art and gateways into the development.
Regulatory + Policy
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Recommendation #2:
Support intensive mixed-use development with enhanced transportation, recreation, and natural system connectivity to the surrounding area at the southeast corner of La Cantera.Strategy #1
- Use the exercise performed during the planning process to communicate community priorities for this important piece of land;
- Identify “quick wins” and short-term projects that can be implemented in the near term, before the overall plan for development is complete (e.g., green infrastructure, trails, etc.).
Regulatory + Policy
Partnerships
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Strategy #2
- Identify resources needed to supplement City staff and engage partners and consultants as needed; and
- Identify specific capital projects and determine estimated cost and best mechanisms to fund priority projects or portions of projects.
Regulatory + Policy
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Strategy #3
- Take cues from existing nearby development to ensure appropriate and attractive transitions and context sensitive design.
- Use site planning, building programming, native landscaping and/or parking to mitigate the impacts of the freeways;
- Utilize dense development with smaller footprints in order to preserve the maximum amount of adjacent greenspace and necessary flood areas;
- Maximize views for tenants without blocking views for others entirely, by exploring a variety of strategies that may include point or needle towers;
- Integrate podiums within new development with green roofs and other amenities;
- Ensure stormwater runoff is managed utilizing green stormwater infrastructure and low impact development (LID) best management practices; and
- Integrate trail and pathway connections through the existing open space, as well as to and through the development site.
Regulatory + Policy
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