City Of San Antonio: District 8 Councilman Statement On 2022 Bond Program Proposal, Ordering Bond Election

Press release from the City of San Antonio:

Thursday, February 10, 2022

CONTACT: Erin Nichols, 210-207-2881
Erin.Nichols2@sanantonio.gov

SAN ANTONIO (February 10, 2022) — Today, City Council voted to approve the bond program recommendations and order the General Obligation Bond Election for May 7th, 2022. Following the vote, Councilman Pelaez issued the following statement:

“Shaped for the community, by the community, this $1.2 billion dollar bond package will provide infrastructure and facility construction for the residents of District 8 and all our neighbors across San Antonio--if approved by voters in the May special election.

Among the District 8 projects that will be on the ballot, the community can expect to see $15 million in district-based parks and recreation improvements, including a new park in the heart of the South Texas Medical Center, as well as expansions to our Greenway Trails–which received $103.5 million for citywide improvements and expansions.

In terms of infrastructure improvements, more than $55 million is proposed in District 8 for streets, bridges, and sidewalks–and nearly $13 million for drainage and flood control projects.

The proposal includes $2.25 million for the expansion of the K9s for Warriors Petco Love K9 center, which will provide more kennel space at Animal Care Services and serve as a center to train service dogs for veterans of all eras suffering from symptoms of PTSD and other military-related trauma.

Furthermore, by providing $5 million in funding for a new UTSA Volleyball and Basketball Facility, this bond package will provide a recreational center for local youth sports leagues and other community organizations.

With homelessness and housing access ranking as a top concern for San Antonio neighbors, the $150million dollar housing bond will help provide greater access to affordable housing, homeownership, and owner-occupied rehab programs for those in need. Additionally, this program will provide permanent supportive housing for San Antonio’s veterans, domestic violence victims, LGBTQ+ individuals, people experiencing homelessness, homeless youth, children, and young adults aging out of foster care.

And, by providing 1.5% of the total funds to public art projects, we will be able to enhance infrastructure reflective of the community.

Thank you to the City Staff, Community Bond Committee members, and San Antonio neighbors who put their all into designing a bond package that will be considered by the voters in May.”

This press release was produced by the City of San Antonio. The views expressed here are the author’s own.