Many San Antonio city sidewalks getting huge makeover
Published: Mon, 09/18/23
Many San Antonio city sidewalks getting huge makeover
Improving streets and sidewalks in the Alamo City is at the top of the priority list for San Antonio City Council members.
(SBG Photo)
NEWS4SA
by Mariza Mendoza
SAN ANTONIO - Improving streets and sidewalks in the Alamo City is at the top of the priority list for San Antonio City Council members. All 10 districts need some improvement, especially those sidewalks used by children and the elderly.
We went out to District 10 and found Linda Wiseman, who is relieved that improvements are on the way.
"Definitely just make it safer for the kids,” says Wiseman.
After many years of wanting wider sidewalks in her Northeast Side community, it’s finally becoming a safer reality. And it’s not just for the kids.
"I do see pulling. They don't know if you through this side or that side, but they're in wheelchairs," says Wiseman.
On Thursday, San Antonio City Council members passed its largest budget in the city’s history at more than $3.7 billion dollars. $137 million will be dedicated to improving streets and sidewalks. City officials say at the top of the list to improve first: city sidewalks that pose a danger to pedestrian safety and those sidewalks close to schools.
In district 10, improvements made here would be widening certain sidewalks near schools. On North Higgins near Nacogdoches, sidewalks are so narrow, some residents say kids walk on the retaining walls.
"As you can see, we don't have any sidewalks on that side, so they're crossing through here. They're crossing through the field. It's just safety for them you know," says Wiseman.
Meanwhile in District 4, on Parallel Drive, they're not only improving streets but adding new sidewalks. This is one of 36 streets that's never had one.
District 4 City Councilwoman Dr. Adriana Rocha Garcia says, "This investment really helps us, but also helps us with sidewalk gaps."
She adds sidewalk gaps are sections of roadway that have no sidewalk on either side or are missing a sidewalk on one side of the street. She says her community is filled with them.
"We're going to be focusing on Rainbow Hills areas on the North Valley High Area as well that hasn't had investments since the 70's," says Rocha Garcia.
Investments that Rocha Garcia says will go a long way to make San Antonio communities much more pedestrian friendly.
We also learned from the city’s public works department that these investments are not divided equally among the 10 city council districts, but rather decided among factors such as the condition of existing street or sidewalk and the gaps in the current sidewalk network. More info can be found on slides 10-12 of the Public Works budget presentation.