Alamo eminent domain dispute draws political group’s protest

Decrying the “immoral use of eminent domain,” the Libertarian Party of Bexar County will stage a protest Saturday in Travis Park in opposition to the city’s plans to acquire Moses Rose’s Hideout for the construction of a new Alamo museum and visitor center.

The protest, set to start at 5 p.m., will feature “a lineup of speakers on the subjects of property, liberty and honor,” the party stated in a release. The event will move to the sports bar at 516 E. Houston St. at 7 p.m.

The libertarian group said Moses Rose’s owner Vince Cantu is being unfairly portrayed as “extorting the city for personal gain.”

“Any reasonable Texan can see the value of a prime property such as Mr. Cantu’s and would never walk away from it except at the barrel of a gun,” the party stated.

Cantu, faced with a 30-day deadline to decide, turned down a Feb. 20 offer of $4 million for the property with an option to relocate. The offer is a step in the eminent domain process, city officials said. The city is partnering with the Alamo Trust and General Land Office to expand the historic site.

Alamo Trust officials, noting that an independent appraiser has estimated the value of the bar at $2.1 million, have called the offer generous. They’ve said the property is needed to provide adequate loading, utility, retail and event space.

But Cantu questioned the consultant’s estimate and said he should be compensated for lost revenue he and his family would otherwise earn if they continued operating next to the new museum, set to open in 2026. He has asked for $17 million and has said his property is worth at least $8 million.