AGENDA - San Antonio Housing Authority

EXECUTIVE SUMMARYnearby Sutton Oaks.• Neighborhood: The neighborhood willbe changed from one of poverty intoa viable, mixed-income neighborhoodwith access to well-functioning services,neighborhood-serving retail and commercial,high quality schools and educationprograms, public parks and recreationfacilities, pedestrian paths, public transportation,and jobs.A Community Vision forImproved Quality of LifeThere were many people who contributed tothe development of this plan through theirparticipation in community meetings, focusgroups, PhotoVoice, committee and worksessions. More than 300 community membersattended one or all thirty (30) planningmeetings. In addition, staff members frompublic and private organizations attendedtechnical advisory meetings. The PlanningTeam held these meetings between March2011 and April 2012.During the public planning process andthrough discussions with community stakeholdersand partner organizations, a seriesof aspirational goals emerged that focuseddirectly on quality of life issues.Goals for the People component of theTransformation Plan will be led by UrbanStrategies, Inc. and include:• Begin with education and improve atevery level• Strengthen the relationship with the Cityof San Antonio Police Department andother partners to promote a safe neighborhood• Improve and create new workforce careerladder and growing industries; make jobcreation a priority• Ensure residents have access to wraparound services, including healthcare• Encourage a sense of community, neighborhoodstability and cohesion throughpromotion of programs and activities thatbring people together• Create incentives for businesses to locatein the areaGoals for the Housing component of thePlan will be led by McCormack Baron andSalazar (MBS) and include:• Ensure one-for-one replacement of theassisted housing• Create an economically integrated communityand maximize affordable housing• Include residents in all levels of planningand execution of the housing plan• Leverage substantial additional resourcesto ensure maximum impact in the neighborhood• Integrate the Housing component withother study area components, includinganticipating future housing needs• Provide appropriate unit configurationsthat are energy efficient, sustainable,accessible, connected and free fromdiscrimination• Create a strong sense of communitythrough community designGoals for the Neighborhood componentof the Transformation Plan will be led bySAHA and include:• Increase green space• Implement Bryne Act-funded crime preventionand safety-enhancing activities inpartnership with EPN to improve a senseof personal safety• Establish community gardens and producea food co-op• Increase connectivityEASTSIDE CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD TRANSFORMATION PLANiii