AGENDA - San Antonio Housing Authority

THE EASTSIDE CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD TODAYNEIGHBORHOODSTUDY AREA CHALLENGESSingle-family housing vacancy and deteriorationhas been increasing in the Eastsideover the last decade, putting downwardpressure on median home prices comparedto the rest of the city. Factors contributing tothis decline include:• Over 180 vacant lots and abandonedstructures.• 57% of housing stock was built prior to1959.• 52% of occupied units are renters.• Ineffective street grid, made of narrowblocks and streets.2010 HOUSING UNITSSTUDYAREA 1306 1305 1307SANANTONIOTotal Units 4,163 1,817 1,686 660 837,999Occupied 3,500 1,510 1,410 580 763,022Vacant 663 307 276 80 74,977Vacant % 16% 17% 16% 12% 9%Source: U.S. Census DataVACANT LOTS AND ABANDONED STRUCTURESEASTSIDE CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD TRANSFORMATION PLAN• A dearth of park space, entertainmentand recreational establishments, andpublic art.• Neighborhood is well-located but notwell-connected. Major barriers includeinterstate highway system, rail lines andadjacent industrial parks.• Transportation system lacks efficiency inreaching key destinations and can takesignificant amounts of time.The current environment presents several challenges, including illegal dumping, vandalism anddangerous premises that are havens for crime. However, the Transformation Plan considers theseproperties an opportunity for reinvestment. SAHA is working in partnership with the City of San Antonioto acquire the City-owned properties and to obtain funding for those properties owned privately or bythe County. The intent is to create infill housing that promotes land assemblage and reinvestment, isattractive to private developers, provides visible change and leads to a safer neighborhood.19