Opinion

Annexation plan key for smart growth

Activist Lucy Adame-Clark talks to the city planning commission regarding the annexation of land on the South Side. Activist Lucy Adame-Clark talks to the city planning commission regarding the annexation of land on the South Side. Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News Photo: Tom Reel, San Antonio Express-News Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Annexation plan key for smart growth 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

SAN ANTONIO — Annexation is a bit like having a tooth pulled. It's usually not easy or painless, but on occasion, it is a necessary procedure.

There's usually a reason why people have chosen not to live in the city — lower taxes, fewer regulations, permitting. But as growth continues to explode beyond San Antonio's boundaries, it must be managed.

As the Express-News' Eva Ruth Moravec recently reported, the city of San Antonio is crafting a 10-year annexation program, which will outline growth goals and be updated every two years.

It's not binding. Just because a community is included in the program does not mean it will necessarily be annexed. Communities initially left out of the program, may eventually be included.

But this could serve as a roadmap for managed growth, outlining what must be done before the city annexes an area with 100 or more homes.

State law requires a three-year process for annexations to ensure a fair process and adequate services.

Many people are drawn to unincorporated Bexar County for its lower taxes, scenic beauty and rural lifestyle. Problems do arise, though, when too many people are drawn to unincorporated Bexar County.

The rural lifestyle very quickly morphs into a suburban slog with few services and crowded roads.

About 400,000 people live in unincorporated Bexar County, Moravec reported. More are on the way.

Of course, what really drives annexation is sales tax revenue. This is the crux of the dispute between the city and Sandy Oaks, which is attempting to incorporate.

Meanwhile in City South, which is also up for annexation, some residents have expressed concern about the impacts on business and increased taxes.

These are justified concerns, but growth must be managed, particularly in the fastest-growing outlying areas.

It's important to note: San Antonio Water System and CPS Energy provide service beyond city boundaries. Their revenues are crucial to the city budget. Put another way, residents in unincorporated Bexar County are supporting services they don't receive.

While residents of unincorporated Bexar County may dislike annexation, they can at least take solace knowing that they receive better services and full representation as city residents.