Universal City’s Economic Development Corporation, or EDC, unanimously accepted a 2.5-acre land donation during a regular meeting on Nov. 13.

The property is located on the city’s east side at 3600 FM 1518 N. near the Orchard Park subdivision.

What it means: The land donation puts Universal City in control of the property and allows the city to decide whether to use it for public or private purposes, said Michael Cassata, Universal City's development services and economic development director.

“I think it’s another asset for the city and the EDC that could be used for public purposes that are undetermined at this point,” Cassata told Community Impact.

What’s next: The land donation will be presented to the Universal City Council for final approval in December or January, Cassata told Community Impact.

A local State Farm representative is celebrating its 5-year anniversary in Northeast San Antonio.

The gist: State Farms' Schertz location at 6000 FM 3009, Ste. 204, celebrated its 5-year anniversary in November, according to The Chamber (Schertz-Cibolo-Selma Area). The location is led by Nate Obregon and offers car, homeowners and life insurance policies.
The Schertz location opened in November 2020, according to Obregon’s biography webpage.

Obregon serves all of Texas; but specifically works in Northeast San Antonio and other nearby cities like New Braunfels, Seguin and San Marcos.

• 6000 FM 3009, Ste. 204, Schertz

As part of the ongoing Loop 1604 North Expansion project, the Texas Department of Transportation is opening two new flyover ramps at the Loop 1604 and I-10 interchange by Nov. 17.

These flyover ramps will connect eastbound I-10 to both directions of Loop 1604.

In a nutshell: According to a news release from TxDOT, these two newly opened flyover ramps bring the total to seven over the last 11 months.

The background: Once complete, the five-level interchange will consist of eight flyover ramps, roundabouts, a high-occupancy vehicle lane and other interchange improvements.

Jennifer Serold, public information officer for TxDOT's San Antonio district, said the first level of the interchange will consist of roundabouts at the ground level, providing access to adjacent properties. On the first level, new turnarounds and sidewalks will be added along I-10. Additionally, the existing VIA Park and Ride facility will be modified to fit underneath the new interchange.

Hotel Emma, a boutique hotel located within the Pearl, is celebrating its 10th anniversary on Nov. 14.

The details: According to its website, Hotel Emma is a 146-room hotel with seven top-floor suites that include a club room and a bar. The hotel also includes a pool, seven venue spaces that are available for rent, such as the Elephant Cellar, Swiggle Key room and the courtyard; and three eateries: the Larder, Sternewirth and Supper.

Hotel Emma was also one of three Texas hotels that earned a two-key rating from the new Michelin Key hotel guide, which recognizes excellent hotels worldwide.

• 136 E. Grayson St., San Antonio