In a further attempt to save the Texas Pavilion at Hemisfair, former home to the Institute of Texan Cultures, the San Antonio Conservation Society has filed a lawsuit alleging that the City of San Antonio and the UT System mishandled procedure when approving the demolition. The suit aims to stop any and all demolition work on the Texas Pavilion until the required procedure is followed, preventing the City of San Antonio and the UT System from entering any new contracts related to the project.
The lawsuit asks that the City of San Antonio and UTSA halt all demolition procedures until a required federal review of the demolition plans can be completed. Additionally, the San Antonio Conservation Society is requesting that it be included as a party in any memorandums of understanding or agreements regarding the demolition of the pavilion. The society also emphasized the need for public input regarding the demolition.
“This is public land. Public money should have public input, which hasn’t really happened,” Conservation Society President Lewis Vetter said in an interview with The Paisano.
According to Vetter, the Texas Pavillion’s notable significance, the wavering public support for Project Marvel and the uncertainty behind the construction of a new Spurs Arena are some of the motivating factors behind the lawsuit.
“What is the rush to tear down this building? There are so many undecided issues
about Project Marvel, including public financing, the existing Spurs lease at the Frost Bank
Center, tepid public support for Project Marvel and uncertainty of state and federal
transportation funds,” Vetter said in a press statement regarding the lawsuit. “This demolition is premature until a plan and financing are in place.”
The lawsuit, which was filed in a state district court, names UTSA and the City of San Antonio. According to KSAT 12, the suit alleges that the City of San Antonio improperly used UTSA to receive the demolition permit, forgoing a required federal review process for the demolition of the pavilion.
However, it appears that this lawsuit has done little to deter the City of San Antonio from moving forward with plans for a new entertainment district — and a new Spurs Arena. On Friday, the City of San Antonio and Spurs Sports and Entertainment signed a memorandum of understanding regarding the new district.
“This agreement to pursue a downtown sports and entertainment district that includes the Spurs represents a shared commitment to the future of our community,” San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said in a statement to KSAT 12.
This is a developing story. For more updates, visit Paisano-online.com
English
Spanish