During a recent city council meeting, discussions centered around a proposed baseball stadium and accompanying multifamily housing development in downtown San Antonio, which aims to introduce approximately 1,500 new housing units. Lisonbee Cohen, manager of government relations for the San Antonio Apartment Association, voiced strong support for the project, emphasizing its potential to catalyze growth in the downtown area.

However, the meeting also highlighted significant concerns from residents regarding the development's impact on existing communities. Brooklyn Ramos, a resident of So Factory Apartments, expressed frustration over the rushed nature of the planning process, stating that residents had insufficient time to review the proposal and were not adequately consulted. She criticized the lack of transparency and the absence of formal meetings with developers, urging the council to involve tenants in discussions that directly affect their lives.

James Bauscher, another resident and student, echoed these sentiments, questioning the proposed compensation of $2,500 for qualifying tenants affected by the displacement plan. He pointed out that this figure had not been agreed upon by the tenants and criticized Western Urban for shifting responsibility to the city while failing to adequately support its residents.

The meeting underscored a growing tension between development initiatives and the need for affordable housing in San Antonio, as residents called for more inclusive decision-making processes. The council members were urged to consider the broader implications of such developments on the community, particularly in light of the ongoing housing crisis.