During a recent city council meeting, residents voiced their concerns regarding rising rents and the impact of new developments on affordable housing in San Antonio. One resident highlighted a troubling trend, noting that their rent had doubled from $500 to $1,000 in recent years. They urged the council to ensure that a proposed 1,500-unit apartment complex, set to replace the Soapworks Apartments, includes affordable units, particularly for students.

Ariel Sol Alvarez, a former resident of the Soapworks Apartments, shared a personal account of her family's struggles and the importance of affordable housing in the community. She criticized the investments made by Western Urban, the developer behind the new project, arguing that they have not benefited local residents. Alvarez expressed concern over the loss of homes and the negative effects of real estate monopolies on the community, emphasizing the need for the city to prioritize its residents over corporate interests.

The meeting underscored a growing tension between development projects aimed at revitalizing downtown San Antonio and the need for affordable housing solutions. Residents called on city council members to reconsider their support for such projects and to invest in resources that would benefit the local community instead.