We previously reported that the City is planning to expand the Convention Center south of San Antonio Avenue and into the Union Plaza neighborhood. The City has been aggressively purchasing properties and sending letters to property owners that include the threat of eminent domain.
Now we are learning that the so-called “Convention Center Master Plan” will have a larger footprint than previously announced.
The City just published its agenda for the City Council Meeting planned for November 4. Items 15-17 call for purchasing 311 and 315 W. Overland Ave. and a lot along W. San Antonio Ave. for $3,173,791 from Lynx Industries, Ltd., which is owned by Mike and Justin Churchman.
311 and 315 W. Overland Ave. are historic buildings eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The Churchmans renovated no. 315 at a cost of hundreds of thousands of dollars and it was nearly fully leased. They had planned to renovate 315 as well.
But now the City is about to pay the Churchmans $3,173,971 for three properties that are appraised for $876,354, according to CAD. That is a 362% mark-up!
For those of you who followed the Arena debacle from beginning to end, the foul smell emanating from this project will be very familiar.
Like the ill-fated arena, the City’s current project is shrouded in secrecy, with taxpayer-funded property acquisitions and plans for mass demolition.
Who stands to benefit?
We all know perfectly well.
Please write to the Mayor and City Council Reps and plan to speak to agenda items 15-17 on Tuesday.