North San Antonio Affordable Housing Project Sparks Traffic, School Concerns
Overview
The far north side of San Antonio is set to see a substantial growth with the construction of an affordable housing community at the northwest corner of North 281 and Borgfeld Drive. However, some local homeowners like Mason Brand are expressing escalating concerns for the potential effects of this new development on issues such as traffic congestion and the capacity of local schools to accommodate increasing numbers of students.
The Development Project
The Bend Creek Phase II is an apartment complex projected to contain 240 affordable apartments by 2028. While it aims to address the imminent need for affordable housing in the area, this development effort has also raised concerns among local residents about its impact on the local environment and infrastructure, particularly in relation to traffic and schools.
Traffic Concerns
One of the crucial issues presented by homeowners like Mason Brand is the potentially negative impact of the project on local traffic. Brand fears that multiple apartments in such a congested space near an already busy intersection will compound traffic congestion. This new concern adds to his existing apprehensions about the junction’s safety.
School Capacity
An additional concern raised by Brand and others is how local schools will manage an increase in student numbers due to population growth facilitated by the new apartment complex. Reports from Brand’s children indicate that overcrowding in their schools is becoming a significant issue. They express fears that the situation is likely to worsen with the addition of new residents in the area.
The Opposition
A petition against the construction of Bend Creek Phase II apartment complex has been initiated by Brand and has already garnered the support of approximately 2,400 individuals. Despite this growing opposition, the Bend Creek Phase II project has obtained all the necessary approvals to proceed and is on schedule for completion by 2028.
The Official Standpoint
According to Councilman John Courage of San Antonio’s District 9, affordable housing in the area is sorely needed, and this is the first time his office has been made aware of these concerns. He emphasized that providing affordable housing in all San Antonio areas is in line with the city’s 10-year Strategic Housing Implementation Plan (SHIP). Additionally, he assured that local taxpayers are not funding this project as the construction cost is being subsidized through federal tax dollars.
In conclusion, while the concerns about traffic congestion and school capacity are valid, the completion of the Bend Creek Phase II project remains crucial for the provision of affordable housing in North San Antonio. However, a balanced approach may be required to ensure that the new development does not have negative implications for the region’s infrastructure.
