Council approves study and local district support for Mercadillo Azteca community facility on Sacate Creek

Council members voted Oct. 20 to approve study and planning steps for the Mercadillo Azteca property, a long‑vacant city asset on Sacate Creek in the El Azteca neighborhood. The motion directs district staff and community development to explore renovation needs, partner organizations, and funding opportunities to reactivate the property as a community facility.

Council members and community speakers described the site as an underused asset that local volunteers and nonprofit partners want to rehabilitate for community programming and food‑access work. Roca Haynes and Maria Salinas of the Sacate Creek Green District Coalition told council their coalition and neighborhood residents have been restoring Las Palmas Nature Trail and expressed interest in coordinating programs at the Mercadillo site.

The motion passed by voice vote. Council asked staff to compare the building conditions identified in an earlier feasibility study with the engineering department’s assessment, to identify potential partner organizations or operators, and to outline grant and philanthropic options to offset renovation and operating costs. Council members indicated that district funds could be applied but asked staff to prepare an itemized cost and funding plan for future consideration.