The company that operates T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and Home Goods, is eyeing a 200 acre site in far south San Antonio for a $150 million distribution center that would employ up to 1,000 people, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
The site being explored by TJX Companies, Inc. is east of Mission Espada, south of Loop 410, according to the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation.“We are continuing to build on our momentum of connecting more San Antonians to prosperity. Now, TJX, a global Fortune 100 company, has chosen to significantly invest in South San Antonio through partnerships that promote balanced growth and availability of employment opportunities in the City, while protecting our Missions and connecting our greenbelt and creekway system,” said San Antonio Mayor Ivy R. Taylor.
The EDF says the location of the distribution center would also enable the construction of more than 50 miles of hike and bike trails, and would also provide 15 to 20 acres of land for the Southside ISD for construction of a new school.
In addition to incentives, the city would agree not to annex the area, which is located in San Antonio's extra territorial jurisdiction. That would save the firm a lot of money on property taxes
.As part of the deal, the EDF says the master plan calls for a 'development buffer' around Mission Espada, which is part of the recently declared World Heritage Site zone, and development agreements on 1,000 acres west of Mission Espada which would be owned by TJX.
“The prospect of 1,000 new jobs that provide eligible full-time employees access to benefits is critical to raising strong, healthy families in San Antonio. I am pleased that a global company with the financial strength and corporate brand of TJX is investing in our communities and creating opportunities for our workforce. Through their partnership with Workforce Solutions Alamo, Goodwill Industries, and Southside ISD, TJX is showing a commitment to building a workforce that is skilled and ready to work on the City’s South Side,” said San Antonio District 3 Councilwoman Rebecca Viagran. "They listened to my request to incorporate community-strengthening components and worked with me to come up with creative options for our streets and land use. I am excited about this opportunity for the South Side and for all San Antonians."
The project, if it moves forward, would also continue the accelerated growth of the South Side, which has seen major development thanks to Brooks City Base and Texas A&M San Antonio, and is expected to further benefit from the World Heritage Site designation.
IMAGE: T.J. MAXX