‘Lots Along the River’

For LePak, the two top issues facing San Angelo that he as a city council member can influence are completing the proposed River Stage renovation and generating more revenue for the Parks Department.

LePak began his answer mentioning the proposed $1 million Riverstage renovation plan. Then he dove into his signature proposal he called “Lots.”

LePak stated, “Nine months of the year outside of Christmas, the river front is available for something else. The City can incorporate (raising money through) rent from businesses along the river.” He suggested attracting vendors like food trucks, bands, and artists, and other concessions. All would pay rent to the City for each business’s temporary spot along the Concho River, he said.

“If the City can have a walkway (sidewalk) down Knickerbocker Road all the way to Lake Nasworthy, I think it can have a ‘lots along the river’ where the city can have income,” LePak said. “And that income can also help pay for the…. (He was cut off by the bell. The assumption was he intended to say the rental income will pay for the River Stage renovation.)”

LePak did not provide any estimates of how much revenue renting lots along the river in the downtown district will generate.

Hiebert said the top issue is to retain sustainable and reliable sources of water. Hesse-Smith said she agreed that water was important but added that the City needs a plan for the development of “community.” What she meant by community was development of additional green spaces, parks, ADA compliance, and passing a landscaping ordinance. She did not elaborate on what the landscaping ordinance will enforce. She added that TIRZ money could be used for community development projects.

Thomas echoed that water was most important. He added another issue: Streets.

“We are 8 years into a 10 year plan to fix streets and water lines,” Thomas added. Thomas warned that the City is no where complete with the streets plan and said that tough decisions are ahead for the council to address those shortcomings.

The question and answer forum was attended by 16 voters and five or six news media reporters including us. The forum lasted for about an hour and the moderator collected audience questions but did not ask them since all were directed at one candidate or another. He said forum attendees should reach out to those candidates individually after the event.

The forum was one of many early appearances of the possible candidates for the 2025 mayoral election. Mayor Brenda Gunter is term limited. The word on the street is that Hesse-Smith and Hiebert are eying a mayoral run. Insurance man Trey Holmes was also in attendance and rumors are he is also contemplating running.