San Marcos — The San Marcos City Council took its time about it, but finally decided against offering financial incentives for the redevelopment of Springtown Center as an entertainment venue.
In an executive session that lasted past midnight, council members unanimously voted to deny Austin developers a $5 million interest-free loan to develop the property, which has been largely vacant since anchors Bealls, Target and JC Penney moved to StoneCreek Crossing late last year.
The proposal had been listed as an addendum to the agenda but was moved up after numerous residents, mainly downtown business owners, objected.
Theresa Knight, who with her husband owns the Sylvan Learning Center located in Springtown, urged the council to deny the redevelopment.
“I don’t know what should happen to Springtown mall but I would hope consideration is given to those of us there,” she said. “I would hope we would be able to remain where we are and bring more businesses into that location so we can continue to support the community and education issues.”
“We need to focus on retaining businesses,” said Lisa Marie Coppeletta, a former council candidate. She noted that residential areas including those for senior citizens are in close proximity to Springtown and would be impacted by the redevelopment as planned.
“Your focus should be not to compete but rather complement pre-existing businesses,” she continued. “I stand firm against the item.”
Gary Gibson, owner of a new sandwich shop in the downtown area, said he decided to locate on the square because the council “was supporting the downtown district.”
“This seems to be a sudden shift in lack of support for the downtown district,” he said.
“All the businesses that are located downtown are in need of help. We’ve been in need of help for years,” said Nathan Todd, owner of Tantra Coffee House.
Todd said he was “very concerned” that there “may be a $5 million loan with zero interest given to national chains to come into our city when people like myself could use that help.”
The developers had said an Alamo Draft House would be part of the new Springtown.
Jordan Stewart, a graduate student and downtown resident, touted San Marcos’ “strong local economy” that doesn’t need chain businesses. “We have things in San Marcos that are San Marcos things. You can’t find them anywhere else.”
Kyle Maysel, a downtown business owner, characterized Springtown as a Phoenix that will rise again. “Let business take care of itself and you’ll see Springtown come back like the Phoenix it is. The people paying taxes will see a reason they don’t want it vacant.”
Many of those who spoke felt the council hadn’t adequately discussed the issue; however Mayor Susan Narvaiz and council member John Thomaides pointed out that the issue has been around since the fall of 2008; though many of the discussions were held in executive session.
Council member Bose called the whole exchange “horse trading.”
“They’re horse trading right now, going back and forth.” He urged the council to “walk away,” noting that “If they really want to come to us, they will.”
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