Cities & Counties
Bexar County leaders OK projects on Blanco Road, Southwest Side park
By Edmond Ortiz Bexar County Commissioners took action Jan. 20 to approve a large-scale road widening project and a park improvement initiative, with both efforts designed to positively impact opposite parts of the county. Blanco Road Commissioners awarded a $28.2 million bid to the construction firm Dan Williams Co. to oversee the expansion of Blanco…
San Antonio leaders begin weighing the city’s next potential bond package
By Edmond Ortiz According to some San Antonio officials, an increase to the city’s property tax rate might be needed to support the city’s next potential bond issuance before the end of this decade. What you should know. City Council was briefed by top city staff Jan. 21 on the city’s next bond cycle, where…
San Antonio panel advances Hemisfair, South Side construction projects
By Edmond Ortiz The San Antonio Historic and Design Review Commission recently approved a new commercial development at Hemisfair, and a new public swimming center for the city’s South Side. Hemisfair On passage of the Jan. 21 meeting consent agenda, the HDRC recommended conceptual approval of a project at 400 E. Market St. at the…
How the San Antonio area is preparing for the big freeze
By Edmond Ortiz San Antonio-area authorities and nonprofits are getting their community members ready for what meteorologists are calling one of the more major winter weather events to hit the region in recent years. What is happening The approaching storm, called Winter Storm Fern by the Weather Channel, is due to affect more than 200…
San Antonio leaders pledge transparency after tense meeting about local ICE operations
By Edmond Ortiz An oft-heated, six-hour San Antonio City Council meeting ended with local officials pressing the need for transparency and additional discussions regarding the federal government’s immigration enforcement tactics in town. What is happening Nearly 180 people signed up to speak at the special council meeting that addressed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) increasing…
New affordable apartment complex opens in Tobin Hill
By Edmond Ortiz Local officials and affordable housing advocates say a newly opened apartment complex in the Tobin Hill neighborhood can help people seeking affordable housing options just north of downtown. What you should know City officials and leaders from project partners gathered for a Jan. 21 ground-breaking ceremony for the Four25 San Pedro Apartments…
News Briefs (Jan. 21): Student-run general store opens at Helotes school; SAISD set to close West Side campus; pet-focused programs start in San Antonio, Converse
By Edmond Ortiz Today’s rundown of San Antonio-area news briefs include the opening of a Helotes school-based general store run by agriculture students, and a San Antonio school district’s final decision to close a West Side campus. Also, Converse rolls out a program for shelter animals, and two local organizations launch a program to keep…
Former Hollywood Park official arrested for alleged scheme against town
By Edmond Ortiz Hollywood Park officials on Jan. 20 announced the arrest of ex-City Secretary Patrick Aten, who is alleged to have organized a non-violent attack against his former employers. What is happening According to a press release, Aten’s arrest was the result of an investigation led by the Hollywood Park Police Department in coordination…
News Briefs: San Antonio breaks ground on South Side police station; Judson ISD board president under fire; New Braunfels-area district boosts projects
By Edmond Ortiz The launch of development of a South Side police substation, the advancement of Brackenridge Park improvements, and the painting of rainbow sidewalks at local Planned Parenthood facilities highlight the latest bits of news from around San Antonio. Also, members of a Northeast Side school district are petitioning for the removal of their…
San Antonio panel denies Guajolote Ranch petition, but what comes next for the developer?
By Edmond Ortiz Representatives for a Florida-based company still face overwhelming opposition – at least at the local level – in their efforts to build a 3,000-home, master-planned community in northwest Bexar County. Despite opposition from environmental organizations, grassroots groups and area elected officials, representatives for Lennar Corp. say they still have the legal authority…