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IN THE LOOP
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By Ron Aaron Eisenberg
SIDEWALKS COMING TO 78209, COUNCIL DISTRICT 10
The $1.2 billion-dollar Bond Issue passed by San Antonio voters in May 2022 includes funds to build new and repair old sidewalks in the city. For Councilman Clayton Perry, that means funds are available for District 10 residents to add sidewalks to their neighborhoods. A Perry spokesperson told 78209 Magazine that one of the targets for new sidewalks is areas adjacent to public schools. “Sidewalks are a safety issue for kids going to and from schools,” the spokesperson explained. “And there are any number of schools where sidewalks just weren’t built along neighboring streets. That means students too often are forced to walk in the street as they head to and from school. So, those areas will be a major focus for us to allocate funds for new sidewalks.” And he added, “There are other areas along some major highways in District 10 that lack sidewalks. Like Eisenhauer Road, Austin Highway, N. New Braunfels Ave., and others. 8 78209magazine.com
We are interested in funding those construction projects, too, if neighbors want to add sidewalks.” The spokesman noted sidewalks are not universally welcomed by residents. “For a variety of complex reasons, some folks want sidewalks, and others do not. Our commitment is to support what neighbors want to do. If they want new sidewalks, we’ll try to help them accomplish that goal. But we do not plan to force folks to accept sidewalks.” Sidewalks cost some $1 million per mile to build – or $75,000 to $100,000 per city block, depending on the length of the block. For neighbors who want to add sidewalks, the spokesperson recommends calling the city’s helpline at 311. That number connects citizens to specially-trained customer service representatives who can assist with City service requests -potholes, stray animals, downed street signs, trash collection, new sidewalks, sidewalk repair, and other City requests.
