[{"_1":2,"_87":-5,"_88":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6542099,"mediaKeyId","3789306-f2c80f9775095ff028901a15cf9c5c6c","parentId",3789306,"title","Public testimony splits as San Antonio staff seek two‑year pilot to allow digital signage; final council vote not recorded in transcript","audioSeconds",1099,"startMs",2981000,"endMs",4080000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3789306-f2c80f9775095ff028901a15cf9c5c6c&start=2981&end=4080","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3789306-f2c80f9775095ff028901a15cf9c5c6c/thumbnail_2981000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6542099/San-Antonio/Bexar-County/Texas/Public-testimony-splits-as-San-Antonio-staff-seek-twoyear-pilot-to-allow-digital-signage-final-council-vote-not-recorded-in-transcript","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6542099-7ad664ffabfdbf0fe3861059eca40485/orig.mp4?Expires=1770417669&Signature=IXsPOPolhn7N2E72UoEQrzG-dpbsUZ1yiWvggdslOy2Ej024tF20~Qa7jMv3fO3CbA2JJJQVKbTM2YUgW8QQDCO6rh4b5yECiV2d8jvzTxHMSeZRHaqdgcYUETNNN5NM~3XBjIbUw0lwgdaz0U4pOfqcioLwdfzCeRlavnOuYIHuititI-LHU9ilcTvYRIX5hBRWvRKK8CujjOoq6a1lMtDZYxktwtlgy1AkB4Ygxgs8F0e12qhZweMahyV7TV4Q6obGNjNAKBPdhIQJlE-REHQtptL0ggGY8sJGSvE6VJnBJqF8uZNdrNAyYLoTVr9MqetM2bfZLYKxchZkaKvuLQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","San Antonio","date","2025-06-12T00:00:00Z","article","City staff presented a proposal on June 12 to create a two‑year pilot program permitting digital display signs (advertising and curated art) in specific areas of San Antonio. The Development Services presentation outlined size and location limits, community protections and a revenue model; numerous members of the public offered testimony both for and against the pilot. The transcript for this meeting does not record a final council vote on the measure.

Why it matters: the proposal would change sign regulations (City Code, Chapter 28) to allow screens in limited locations, including parts of the urban core and several designated districts, and could affect the historic character of downtown tourism areas while generating new city revenue and a funding stream for public art.

Staff presentation and proposal details
Amin Tomás of the Department of Development summarized the staff recommendation: a two‑year pilot with a maximum of 10 digital signs citywide, up to three signs per designated area, and a size limit tied to building façades (the presentation referenced up to “25 percent of a building façade” as a maximum). Staff proposed an initial revenue‑share model that would give the city a minimum 10 percent of gross revenue from the program (the presentation cited examples from other cities and local variations) and noted that, under certain conditions, that share could increase (the presentation referenced a 15 percent possibility if the pilot were extended). The proposal also described a one‑time permit payment by the private company (presented as $100,000 per permit) intended to fund initial artist valuation, installation and maintenance; staff said the company would also provide $5,000 per minute for certain municipal messaging use. Staff recommended OHP (Office of Historic Preservation) and HDRC review for signs near historic resources and proposed exclusions for the River Walk and designated historic structures.

Public testimony: preservation concerns and artistic arguments
Public commenters were sharply divided. Several speakers who identified themselves as long‑time San Antonio residents, tour guides and preservation advocates urged the council to reject the pilot, saying digital billboards would damage the historic character that draws tourists. One opponent, who identified himself as the president of a local association, told the council, “I ask that you vote no,” and argued the program would invite large commercial displays that would change visitors’ impressions of the city.

Other speakers supported the pilot as a way to create new opportunities and funding for local artists. One proponent, who described experience working with arts programs in other cities, said such programs can “support artists and public art” and create opportunities for media artists to present work on a larger platform. Speakers raising concerns asked about maintenance obligations and whether the pilot included adequate community review; several asked how the city would enforce brightness and safety standards and what protection would be provided for historic districts.

Staff said the proposal had undergone outreach (a stakeholder process in 2024, earlier code‑review work in 2023 and coordination with TxDOT where appropriate) and that the pilot would include size, location and content restrictions: neutral colors, brightness limits, a cap on the number of signs in each area, and restrictions excluding the River Walk and historic‑designated structures. The presentation listed potential locations across the city, including Brooks, Port San Antonio and up to three areas in the central business district, and noted that the initial program design capped the citywide total at 10 signs.

Action on the docket and next steps
A motion to approve the item was made and seconded during the meeting, but the transcript excerpts provided do not record a final roll‑call or voice vote on the ordinance amendment; the outcome is not recorded in the transcript. Staff said the pilot would return to council for review after two years for evaluation and possible extension.

Authorities cited: staff said the item would require amendments to City Code Chapter 28 (sign code) to allow off‑premises digital displays under the pilot and noted that the Office of Historic Preservation and HDRC would review proposals affecting historic resources.

What to watch: if the council ultimately approves the pilot, expect a subsequent permitting process, OHP/HDRC reviews for applications affecting historic areas, and a future council report at the two‑year mark evaluating community impacts, revenue and artist usage.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","San Antonio - Junta de Normas de Construcción Jun 12, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City staff presented a proposal on June 12 to run a two‑year pilot allowing limited digital display signs in designated areas; public commenters split between preservation concerns and support for artist funding.","taxTitle","San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas","taxId",2771,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6542103,"San Antonio code board orders demolition or repair of multiple hazardous houses, citing safety risks near schools",1957,434000,2391000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3789306-f2c80f9775095ff028901a15cf9c5c6c&start=434&end=2391","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3789306-f2c80f9775095ff028901a15cf9c5c6c/thumbnail_434000.jpg","/articles/6542103/San-Antonio/Bexar-County/Texas/San-Antonio-code-board-orders-demolition-or-repair-of-multiple-hazardous-houses-citing-safety-risks-near-schools","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6542103-d94e7ccf99841068f7814f41da2f02ca/orig.mp4?Expires=1770417669&Signature=fbkgvpujqEkD5pgMJKSLqShEgJp7xbrH8sA1QFCnvq~REo4txbtTGm6vGFWN31zwZdFujEsLm7lDkeKX1dbXoF-IqStF6uNPaZdHQW-tYvTVkWs9HtXfcf836XK7gAis8Un65NNoS6GzEfoxntNC-iUlTYDf2rqcXw8YZvgK7dZcIRUiu9t90XNiRq1ragAZJuzNIx1kg01BCbyziaOrBatz-e3BVeluluMCYNHV7neUiBBIYG-xl76F1BdXDa7on2tqylRQB0en3xq4ohomZVtREkSkuV6~kI9Qu01dY8eOjjsNnWLY1q-DeLZMVJ1GmWtzsBXmDaigvBRC7unSsQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Construction Standards Council on June 12 declared several residential properties “public nuisances” and ordered demolition or repair after staff and police testimony documenting fire damage, severe structural decay and evidence of illegal occupancy that council members said posed a safety risk to nearby neighbors and, in some cases, to nearby schools.

Council staff presented photos, inspection findings and a series of recommended actions for properties including 9530 WikiUp (recommended: repair of the primary structure and demolition of the accessory structure, with evacuation and securing), 310 East Drexel Avenue (recommended demolition), 1035 West Malone Avenue (recommended demolition), 159 Day Road (recommended demolition), and 5339 El Paso Street (recommended demolition and securing). Council members voted on several of those recommendations and approved demolition or other required actions, typically with unanimous votes.

Why it matters: council staff said the properties present immediate hazards — open holes in floors and roofs, exposed wiring, evidence of fire and smoke damage, accumulation of combustible debris, and illegal occupancy in some accessory structures. Police and neighborhood witnesses described drug activity and frequent calls for service at some sites. Several properties are within about 1,000 feet of elementary schools, increasing council members’ concern about public-safety risk for children walking in nearby streets.

What the council heard and decided
- 9530 WikiUp Street: Cristi Garza, a dangerous‑properties officer with Development Services, presented photographs showing extensive rot, broken windows, exposed wiring and interior debris, and said the primary structure did not meet multiple code subsections and that the accessory structure had evidence of current occupancy. San Antonio Police Officer José Peña described repeated calls, arrests and observed drug activity at the location and told the council the site posed a public‑safety problem. The council moved and approved a finding that the property was a public nuisance under City Code (Chapter 6, Article 8) and ordered both structures demolished within 30 days; the motion included evacuation and securing of the property and passed unanimously.

- 310 East Drexel Avenue: Crystal Town, dangerous‑structures officer, presented photos documenting extensive interior and exterior damage, unauthorized additions, missing flooring and evidence of on‑site drug use and prostitution. Several neighbors testified about ongoing criminal activity. The council approved a motion to declare the property a public nuisance and to demolish it within 30 days; the motion passed 5–0 on a roll call.

- 1035 West Malone Avenue: staff said the house had suffered fire damage and extensive smoke and structural deterioration; neighbors reported the structure had been abandoned for years. The council found the property a public nuisance and ordered demolition and securing within 30 days; the motion passed unanimously.

- 159 Day Road: staff reported foundation failure, severe rot and interior hazards. The council voted to declare the property a public nuisance and ordered demolition within 30 days; the motion passed unanimously.

- 5339 El Paso Street: staff described repeated delays in resolving title issues, interior destruction, evidence that transient occupants had been using the property, and hazardous openings in flooring and walls. The council approved demolition of both primary and accessory structures within 30 days and included a directive that utilities remain disconnected; the motion passed unanimously.

Several other properties were presented with staff recommendations (for repair or further action). One property, 5618 Summer Fest Drive, was presented with a recommendation for repair rather than demolition; no final council action on that property is recorded in the meeting transcript excerpts provided.

Direct testimony
Officer José Peña, San Antonio Police Department, described repeated calls and arrests connected to 9530 WikiUp and told the council: “It was a public‑safety problem.” Cristi Garza summarized the condition of 9530 WikiUp: “The property is not complying with the applicable codes and presents hazards that make it not habitable.” (All quotes are translations from testimony taken in the public hearing.)

Votes at a glance
- 9530 WikiUp Street — declared a public nuisance; both structures to be demolished within 30 days; evacuation and securing ordered; vote: unanimous (voice) (5–0 where roll call used).
- 310 East Drexel Avenue — declared a public nuisance; demolition within 30 days; vote: 5–0 (roll call).
- 1035 West Malone Avenue — declared a public nuisance; demolition within 30 days; vote: unanimous.
- 159 Day Road — declared a public nuisance; demolition within 30 days; vote: unanimous.
- 5339 El Paso Street — declared a public nuisance; demolition within 30 days; utilities to remain disconnected and property secured; vote: unanimous.

What the orders require next: for properties ordered demolished, the council’s actions require demolition within 30 days of the hearing date, evacuation where specified, securing of the site and, in at least one case, explicit direction that utilities remain disconnected. Owners can appeal the council’s decision within 30 days, and staff said they had provided relocation resources to occupants when appropriate.

Background and context: council staff repeatedly cited City Code, Chapter 6, Article 8, as the authority for declaring properties public nuisances and for ordering repairs or demolition. Staff also said the Office of Historic Preservation had reviewed several cases and found the properties ineligible for historic designation. Several speakers and staff representatives emphasized that the properties had recurring police calls, evidence of drug activity, or previous fires that left structures unsafe for habitation.

Closing note: council members who voted in favor did not record dissenting votes in the provided transcript. Several enforcement presentations included documentation of inspections, photographs, and follow‑up efforts by development‑services staff to offer relocation resources to occupants when the department believed occupants were eligible for assistance.","The Construction Standards Council voted unanimously on June 12 to declare several properties public nuisances and to require demolition or repair within 30 days for multiple addresses after staff presentations documenting fire damage, structural decay, and evidence of illegal occupancy near schools.","actionData","errors"]

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Public testimony splits as San Antonio staff seek two‑year pilot to allow digital signage; final council vote not recorded in transcript

San Antonio code board orders demolition or repair of multiple hazardous houses, citing safety risks near schools