The San Antonio Independent School District board of trustees will meet on Monday to discuss a proposal for selling land crucial for a new baseball stadium, focusing on a non-binding memorandum of understanding with conditions that allow for further negotiations before finalizing the agreement.
The land in question is located on Camaron Street and represents the last piece required for the proposed Missions baseball stadium. The stadium project had received prior approval from the City of San Antonio and Bexar County, with plans indicating a seating capacity of 4,500 and the ability to accommodate up to 8,000 people. The stadium is expected to be completed by the spring of 2028.
SAISD had previously communicated its terms to developer Weston Urban. These terms included a seat on the San Antonio Housing Trust, funding for a new Advanced Learning Academy, and a new parking garage for Fox Tech High School. An annual payment of $400,000 was also requested, along with a guarantee for the construction of 1,250 affordable housing units within the district. The district has been firm in its stance, indicating that it will not sell the land unless these demands are met.
Recent negotiations have introduced changes to some conditions. Weston Urban would donate land for the development of a new building instead of providing a fully-funded Advanced Learning Academy campus. The developer would also consult on repurposing the Advanced Learning Academy Euclid campus to create a revenue stream for SAISD. Some costs initially demanded by the district will be covered by bonds or by granting the district access to certain facilities.
These proposed changes are part of the agenda for the upcoming board meeting, where trustees will determine whether to accept them. The board has been actively seeking public input to guide its decision-making process, with recent meetings dedicated to engaging stakeholders and community members.
Opponents of the land sale have expressed concerns about the impact on Soap Factory tenants, should the baseball stadium project not proceed. The sale of the land is a critical component of the stadium’s development, and any disruption could affect the planned construction timeline and associated community benefits.
San Antonio ISD has been evaluating the best use for the land, considering both financial and educational gains. The board’s decision on the proposed MOU could influence not only the district’s financial health but also its ability to provide enhanced educational facilities and opportunities for students.
The meeting will take place at SAISD headquarters, located at 514 W. Quincy Street, and is open to the public. Community members are encouraged to attend and provide their perspectives as the board considers this significant decision.