Government
BY AMIRA VAN LEEUWEN
Universal City purchases property for Aviation District plan
an email to Community Impact . The UCEDC negotiated the purchase of the property in November 2020, according to agenda documents. The purchase allows the city to consolidate another lot into a larger area, making it more viable for a mixed-use development, said Michael Cassata, development services and economic development director. “It’s one key component to bringing the master plan to fruition,” Cassata told Community Impact . The property could be used for commercial services, residential, commercial retail or public parking, Cassata said. How we got here Following a May 6 executive session the dais approved the purchase of the property with a 5-1 vote. Council member Phil Vaughan—who had been the single dissenting vote—said it would require a lot of rezoning and force some businesses out, which made him uncomfortable.
Next steps The city will conduct a boundary survey and get an environmental assessment of the property, Turner said in the email. “We will get a title commitment to ensure there are no liens against the property or any unknown easements or conditions on the property that would prevent us from developing it in the future,” she said.
Universal City is one step closer to redevel- oping its East Aviation District after the City Council unanimously approved the purchase of 116 E. Lindbergh Blvd. on nal reading May 20. What residents should know The purchase is part of the city’s Aviation District Masterplan—a 10-15 year plan focused on redeveloping the East Aviation District. The East Aviation District serves as a commercial thoroughfare that is South of Pat Booker Road and a gateway into Randolph Air Force Base. The goal of the plan is to provide a public realm anchored with a well-dened town center and open spaces, according to previous reporting by Community Impact . The property is being purchased with annual funds from Universal City’s Economic Develop- ment Corporation, or UCEDC. However, the city is still in negotiations and not authorized to share the project cost, City Manager Kim Turner said in
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