The San Antonio Construction Standards Board convened on May 1, 2025, to address pressing community concerns regarding several properties in disrepair and their impact on neighborhood safety. The meeting featured testimonies from residents who expressed their fears and frustrations about crime and safety issues linked to these properties.
The first speaker, a resident from 214 de Drive, shared her distress over the neighborhood's decline since her mother purchased their home two and a half years ago. She reported frequent criminal activity, including drug-related incidents, and noted the presence of suspicious vehicles, which she believed were stolen. Her primary concern was the safety of children in the area, as they often pass by these properties.
Following her, Amy Nichols, another resident from 214 Soulson Drive, voiced her support for the demolition of a nearby property, citing its dangerous condition and proximity to Olmos Olymerich School. She highlighted the property's role as a hotspot for crime and expressed disappointment over the lack of action taken to repair it. Nichols presented a Google Maps image to illustrate the property's location and its surrounding issues.
Angélica Regalado, who chose not to disclose her address, recounted a personal tragedy linked to one of the properties. She revealed that her father was found deceased behind a property that had been a site of concern for law enforcement. Regalado emphasized the need for property owners to adhere to safety codes and maintain their properties, urging the council to consider demolition as a viable solution.
The meeting concluded with no further public comments, and the council members expressed their condolences to the residents affected by the properties in question. A motion was made to address the issues raised, reflecting the board's commitment to community safety and property standards. The discussions underscored the urgent need for action to improve neighborhood conditions and ensure the safety of residents, particularly children.