SAN ANTONIO — The City of San Antonio, Alamo Trust, Texas General Land Office and the Cantu family met on Wednesday on negotiations to reach a deal on the fate of Moses Rose's. The Texas General Land Office is the lead party in the negotiations.
Moses Rose's is the last business standing in the way of a multi-million dollar Alamo Museum and Visitor's Center project.
This has been years of back and forth, between the parties. Last month, San Antonio City Council voted to use eminent domain to get over this lingering hurdle. However, Vince Cantu the owner of this family-owned business is standing his ground.
He in 2020, asked for $17 million for his business. Last month, he said he's open to starting around $8 million. The latest offer from the Alamo Trust was $3.5 million.
Cantu and his lawyer, Dan Eldredge, were present during negotiations. They were not able to disclose what was discussed Wednesday, but said the mediation was 'unsuccessful'.
"We will continue to fight for fairness," Cantu said. "As a Cantu and the Canty family, we will continue to fight for fairness and respect and at least an equal deal. I think because of the confidentiality I am not allowed to speak numbers."
LULAC also wants the City of San Antonio to delay using eminent domain to take the Moses Rose's Hideout bar.
The City of San Antonio released the following statement to KENS 5 Wednesday night:
"Mediation was unsuccessful but the Alamo Project Team is open to further discussion," according to a statement from the City of San Antonio.
Previously, Alamo Trust Executive Director Dr. Kate Rogers sent KENS 5 a statement, which can be read below.
"On January 26, the City of San Antonio City Council authorized the use of eminent domain to acquire the final property necessary for the construction of the Alamo Visitor Center and Museum -- the culmination of 10 years of planning and community input. After 3 years of appraisals, declined offers and failed attempts to negotiate the purchase of Moses Rose's Hideout from Mr. Vince Cantu, we are pleased he has now agreed to discuss the acquisition of the property by Alamo Trust, Inc. We are optimistic that we will reach an agreement on a reasonable purchase price, making the use of eminent domain by the City of San Antonio unnecessary."