SAN ANTONIO – District 2 City Councilman William Cruz Shaw said he hopes the recent opening of the first Starbucks on the city's East Side will provide an economic boost similar to a java kick.
The Starbucks opening off Interstate 10 near the AT&T Center was among the topics of discussion at the quarterly meeting Wednesday of the Members of San Antonio for Growth, which focuses on growth in that area of the city.
Another key point brought up was the $27 million for infrastructure improvements in District 2 from the recently-approved city budget and how that investment will support long-term residential and business growth.
Cruz Shaw said SAGE is also working with the city on a pilot program to sell vacant lots on the East Side by making them more affordable by getting rid of liens and property titles.
Architect Andrew Douglas brought his firm to the East Side five years ago because he believes in the area.
Douglas said residential growth in St. Paul Square has plenty of potential and hopes the area will flourish.
"St. Paul Square has recently been acquired by Reata Real Estate and they are looking to infuse quite a bit of new retail in the area, start adding new venues and really make it known in the downtown like what's happened at the Pearl," Douglas said.
Shaw also announced that an H-E-B distribution center will soon open in District 2 on Foster Road and Interstate 10 that will bring 300 jobs to the area.