Recently, the Hemisfair Park Area Redevelopment Corporation (HPARC) opened a time capsule placed in the ground by Leon Valley Elementary Students in 1989. The capsule, which was full of letters, collages, photos and magazine clippings was intended to be opened in 2014 and shines a light on what 4th graders in the late 80s valued.

The answer? Mostly pizza, bicycles and s mutual confusion regarding the other gender, as you might imagine. There are deeper insights including opinions on local politics ("the mayor is boring"), popular fashion ("baggy sweatsuits with puff paint on them"), and musical preferences ("I like soft rock."). 

Now, Hemisfair is trying to track down the students. If you, or someone you know, attended Leon Valley Elementary in 1989 as a 4th or 5th grader, please get in touch with Drew Hicks, Communications Manager for HPARC at drew.hicks@hemisfair.org.

Leon Valley Proposed Silo Park Public Hearings

The City of Leon Valley has acquired a 3.839 acre parcel of land in the 7500 block of Huebner Road. The land was donated to the City of Leon Valley by the developer. A portion of the parcel was developed into a detention pond; however, there are approximately 1.439 acres remaining that may be developed into a pocket park.

In order to determine how citizens would like to see this area developed, a survey was sent out and two public hearing have been held. One more public hearing is scheduled:

• Monday, March 9, 2015, 7:00 pm, Leon Valley City Council meeting, Leon Valley City Hall, 6400 El Verde Road

Please make plans to attend and offer your opinions on the development of this latest addition to our park system!

The Leon Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC) will accept applications for the Façade and Signage Program February 1st through March 15th.  Sales tax-generating businesses and property owners with sales tax-generating tenants in Leon Valley are eligible to apply.  The Façade and Signage Program provides matching funds up to 50% (up to $10,000) of money expended by qualified businesses on façade improvements or sign refurbishing/replacement.  The applying businesses may not expend funds until after the LVEDC Board approves the grant.  The funds are given on a reimbursement basis after applicants have provided copies of invoices and proof of payment.

For more information, visit the Economic Development page:  http://www.leonvalleytexas.gov/government/economic_development/leon_valley_economic_development_corporation.php 

OR, contact Claudia Mora, Economic Development Director, at (210) 684-1391, extension 231.

On July 14, 2014, the Leon Valley City Council appointed a group of prominent and civic minded citizens to study the City's governance structure. The Home Rule Commission consists of the following members: Chairman Arthur "Art" Reyna, Vice Chairman Jack Dean, Commissioner Rudy Garcia, Commissioner Kathy Hill, Commissioner David Jordan, Commissioner Liz Maloy, Commissioner Mike McCarley, Commissioner Darby Riley, Commissioner Victor Rodriguez, Commissioner Manuel Rubio, and Commissioner Al Uvietta. 

The Commission was tasked with reviewing and developing a governance structure for the City through a Home Rule Charter. The Commission has completed their work and on January 7, 2014 approved a Home Rule Charter that was presented to the City Council at the February 9, 2015 meeting of the City Council.   It is the Home Rule Charter Commission recommendation to place the Home Rule Charter on the ballot for consideration by the citizens at the May 9, 2015 general election.

Following is the approved Home Rule Charter. Click the following link to view the document:    

• Proposed Home Rule Charter. 
• Carta Orgánica de Gobierno Autónomo Propuesta.
• Home Rule Charter Fact Sheet.