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Residents urge San Antonio to prioritize homelessness aid, drainage and housing assistance over demolitions
Summary
At a San Antonio public hearing on the FY2023–24 consolidated housing plan, residents told the City Council they saw city-funded demolitions and urged redirecting more budget toward homelessness services, affordable housing and drainage fixes; two residents spoke during the public-comment period.
San Antonio residents used a June 10 public hearing on the city’s FY2023–24 consolidated housing plan to press elected officials for more direct assistance for people experiencing homelessness and for infrastructure repairs, particularly drainage, instead of demolition efforts.
Luis Acosta, who identified himself as a resident from District 2, told the City Council he is worried that funds tied to the consolidated plan are being used mainly for demolitions rather than to help people who are unhoused. "Lo único que estoy viendo es que casas se están demoliendo," he said, urging the council to provide broader assistance and equitable support across ages and medical needs.
Another commenter, Dayana Brighas, asked the council to allocate budget money to help people with housing and safety needs and to address drainage problems in parts of the city. "Necesitamos drenaje," Brighas said, adding that infrastructure costs and damaged drainage affect residents’ safety and living conditions.
The chair opened the hearing on the consolidated plan and the proposed FY2023–24 housing and grant investments and explained public-comment procedures, including time allocations and where to submit materials to the city clerk. Councilmembers present were announced at the start of the meeting.
The speakers raised concerns about how consolidated-plan funds are distributed locally and called for a larger effort to provide housing assistance so people are not forced to stay with relatives or be displaced. The speakers did not present a formal petition or motion; no formal council action or vote on the consolidated plan was recorded in the transcript.
The public hearing closed at about 5:15 p.m.
