The City of San Antonio and Google have agreed to remove a 'Google Hut' from tiny Haskin Park on the city's northeast side, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
Concerns raised by neighbors that the 'hut,' which is really a fairly large building, was taking up almost the entire 'pocket park' off Eisehnauer Road that raised questions about a City policy of 'giving' Google park land to build the infrastructure for Google's high speed fiber Internet service. Many people asked why a huge, private for-profit corporation was being 'given' City park space, instead of being required to lease commercial property like every other corporation.
After the controversy, the city decided to deny Google access to parks, but will continue to allow 'huts' to be built on city property occupied by police and fire stations and libraries.
"We've enjoyed a strong relationship with Google Fiber and appreciate their willingness to continue to work with us to create a fiber network that fits out community," Mayor Taylor said.
Officials said the decision will not affect the timetable for Google fiber, but will make the construction 'more efficient and less disruptive.'