San Antonio could become the fifth largest city by population in the country by 2020 if they annex five key Bexar county areas. The proposal was made last Wednesday by John Dugan, the head of the Department of Planning and Community Development, to city council.
Currently seventh in the country with 1.3 million residents, the proposal would add 66 sq. miles and about 200,000 people. In less than 10 years the city would be around 1.7 million according to city estimates. The annexation would represent the biggest addition to the city in nearly 20 years.
The areas identified area along major travel corridors like Interstate 10, Highway 1604, 151, and US Highway 281. Growth in the areas have been large and would contribute a net gain of $70 million to the tax base.
The five areas are the first recommendations in a 10-year assessment on annexation and city growth.
Annexations are often contentious issues. Many people moved into outlying neighborhoods to avoid city tax rates, which could be 20-25 percent higher. Some communities like that of Oakland Homeowners Association don't necessarily see the benefits.
According to Michael Smith, president of the association, they are gated community with access to a volunteer fire department and they have few complaints about the Bexar County Sheriffs.
Guests:
- Vianna Davila, transportation reporter for the San Antonio Express-News
- Michael Smith, president of the Oaklands Home Owners Association, which is included in the annexation proposal
- Mike Gallagher, district 10 city council member
