The Fate of Chrome-plating on Southcross

On June 23rd, the San Antonio Zoning Commision has denied the requested zoning change to the chome-plating facility located on the southeast side of East Southcross Boulevard near Roosevelt Avenue. The company involved in chrome-plating was seeking a zoning change to bring their business into compliance. Chrome-plating, a heavy industry requiring dangerous chemicals, will not be allowed in this area of San Antonio.

Following are excerpts from the city record of the Zoning Commission Hearing.

CASE NO: Z2010045

The subject property is located within the South Central Community Plan. The requested zoning change is inconsistent with the Future Land Use Plan, which designates the subject property as "Mixed Use". The requested zoning will require amending the plan to a "Heavy Industrial" land use designation.

Mission Reach Concessions Public Workshop

Seed Collection and Storage Workshop

Gardeners!

Here’s your chance to learn another way to save resources and money. Green Spaces is holding our second work(ing)shop of the year.

Seed Collection and Storage

Saturday, May 8, 2010 from 9am to 12pm

Community Gardens of St. Therese

906 W. Kentucky Avenue (behind the Basilica of the Little Flower, near Zarzamora and Culebra)

At this workshop, we will have Josh Greene from the St. Andrew’s Seed Bank with us to discuss:

1. the philosophy and reasons for saving seeds;

2. how to ensure good quality seeds;

3. common techniques for preparing seeds for storage; and

4. best storage practices.

The presentation will include hands-on opportunities for you to

1. identify seeds that are ready to harvest;

2. select seeds from various vegetables, herbs and flowers;

3. remove seeds from pods, fruit, etc.;

4. start the cleaning process for the various types of seeds;

5. start the drying process for seeds; and

6. figure out which simple tools you already have for proper storage.

As donations come in, participants may go home with seeds, seed saving envelopes and containers.

We look forward to spending time in this garden with representatives from all 25 community gardens.

Pass the word. Everyone must RSVP for this free and open-to-the-public workshop!

ANGELA@GREENSPACESALLIANCE.ORG

The Garden Workout

New Year's Resolution to Eat Right and Exercise? Do Both in the Garden!

By John Hershey
Freelance Writer

The seasons change in the garden, but the debate over health care reform still rages on in Washington. For all the complex proposals to "bend the curve" of the unsustainable increases in medical costs, nearly everyone seems to tacitly acknowledge that this is very difficult to do by tinkering with the kind of incremental reforms you have to settle for to get Joe Lieberman's vote. There is one thing that would probably make huge difference: a massive nationwide shift toward healthy living, so we would need less treatment for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and other health problems in which lifestyle can be a factor. But there is really not much the government can do to affect people's eating and exercise choices. This conundrum probably makes our policymakers frustrated and depressed enough to binge on a quart of Ben & Jerry's.

The government has plenty of programs to promote wellness. One hopes they do some good, but efforts like the confusing food pyramid ("Ooh, sweets and fats are right at the top — they must be the most important things to eat!") don't inspire much confidence. And of course the federal government could change the system of subsidies that promote bad eating by making processed food cheap, so we should keep pushing for that. But Congress can't legislate healthy diets. The President isn't going to issue an executive order mandating 30 minutes of daily cardiovascular exercise. The best thing our leaders can do is probably just set a good example,

16th Annual Basura Bash

Saturday, March 27, 9 am
Meet in Blue Star Arts Complex parking lot

Join King William Association, Brackenridge High School Environmental Club, and Mission Trail Rotary Club members and friends for this annual San Antonio River clean up. We'll pick up litter along the riverbank. It will only take about two hours to finish the work. Work gloves and sturdy shoes are required. Meet in Blue Star Arts Complex parking lot.

For more information, please contact Robin Raquet, Zone Captain, Section 1, at rockinrobinr@sbcglobal.net or 224-4541, or visit basurabash.org.

San Antonio River Authority and Archdiocese Reach Agreement on Sale of Property

The San Antonio River Authority (SARA) and the Archdiocese of San Antonio have reached an agreement for the sale of 11 ∏ acres that will be utilized in the Mission Reach Ecosystem Restoration and Recreation Project. Per the agreement, SARA will pay the Archdiocese $450,000 for the property and guarantee the Mission Concepcíon Multi-Sports Complex vehicle access to Theo Ave.

Responding to the day’s outcome, Father Martin Leopold, Moderator of the Curia for the Archdiocese of San Antonio said, "I am pleased that the mediation succeeded so quickly and that we can move forward in the same spirit of cooperation that has existed throughout this process. I am grateful for the goodwill effort and hard work on the part of both parties.”

“The San Antonio River Improvements Project has been under development for many years and SARA has represented the public interest in other similar routine property negotiations,” said Suzanne Scott, SARA’s General Manager. “The mediation process worked well as both parties negotiated in good faith and we were able to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement. We are pleased with the outcome and are ready to continue the construction of the Mission Reach project.”

A new look for South Presa?

A new look for South Presa?

Leila Walsh of WOAI reports on Councilwoman Jennifer Ramos' goal of rezoning Presa Street, similar to the way we added zoning to Roosevelt last year.

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Public Meeting - Theo Avenue Realignment and Archdiocese Regional Sports Complex Development

When: Thursday, January 21, 2010 6:00 PM-8:00 PM (GMT-06:00) Central Time (US & Canada).
Where: SARA Board Room (100 E. Guenther)

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There will be a public meeting regarding the realignment of Theo Avenue and the development of the Archdiocese Regional Sports Complex in coordination with the Mission Reach Ecosystem Restoration and Recreation Project.

Mission Reach Construction Tour

Walking tours of the MIssion Reach San Antonio River Improvements.

When: Friday, January 29, 2010 8:30 AM-10:00 AM (GMT-06:00) Central Time (US & Canada).
Where: MRPO; 310 W. Mitchell St.

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The January 15th Tour has over 20 signed up!

An additional tour is being planned to accommodate the growing interest!

RSVP REQUIRED

Walking tour, please come prepared.

Required attire:
Closed toe shoes, good for walking
Long pants

HARD HAT and SAFETY VEST PROVIDED