During a recent meeting of the San Antonio Building Standards Board, significant concerns were raised regarding a property at 136 Eronique Street, currently occupied by Pedro De Luna, a disabled veteran. The discussions highlighted the challenges faced by De Luna, who has been living in unsafe conditions and is struggling to manage the property due to health issues and a lack of support.
Officer Evans from the San Antonio Police Department reported numerous complaints about the property, including high foot and vehicle traffic, noise disturbances, and even incidents of violence. Since June 2023, there have been 32 calls for service related to this address, raising alarms among neighbors, particularly those with children attending nearby schools.
De Luna's situation is complicated by his status as a tenant rather than the legal owner of the property, which has been classified under an estate. This legal ambiguity has hindered his ability to access assistance programs offered by the city and the Veterans Affairs (VA). While the VA has reached out to provide services, De Luna has not yet accepted them, partly due to his mental health struggles following a recent hospitalization.
The board discussed the need for a resolution that would allow De Luna more time to address the property's issues while ensuring the safety of the surrounding community. His representative emphasized that De Luna is willing to work with the VA and other agencies to improve his living situation but requires additional support and understanding of his legal standing regarding the property.
As the meeting concluded, board members expressed concern for De Luna's well-being and the safety of the neighborhood. They acknowledged the importance of connecting him with the necessary resources to facilitate a safer living environment and to address the ongoing disturbances affecting the community. The board's next steps will focus on finding a balance between supporting De Luna and ensuring the safety of the neighborhood.