Concerns Rise Over Vacant Home in San Antonio Neighborhood as Residents Fight Against Rodent Infestations and Safety Hazards

Concerns Rise Over Vacant Home in San Antonio Neighborhood

Residents of a quiet neighborhood in San Antonio are voicing their frustrations about a vacant two-story house that has become a source of ongoing issues. With reports of rodents, trespassers, and a once-friendly atmosphere quickly growing worrisome, the community feels the weight of the empty property.

The Trouble with the Vacant Home

The residents on the northwest side of San Antonio say that the vacant house has been a problem for decades. The main complaint? An infestation of rodents has made its way into nearby houses, impacting the well-being of families living close by. One neighbor, Dorothy Womer, has lived in the area for over 20 years and describes ongoing concerns with the house that started impacting her life back in 1996 when it was abandoned. “I’ve been fighting this for 21 years,” said Womer.

She isn’t alone in her frustrations. Another resident, Gil Cortez, recounted incidents where teenagers would break in for parties, and even described how “vagrants” have been using the home to stay warm by lighting fires in the winter. The duo worry about safety and how it might devalue their own properties. “I don’t believe my property should be worth as much as they say it is when I have to put up with a house that should be condemned,” Womer expressed.

Health Concerns on the Rise

As if that wasn’t enough, the rodent problem continues to grow. Womer noted, “I’ve had I can’t tell you how many rats.” She expressed concern that every time she opens her garage door, a rat makes its way in. The issue has close ties to the condition of the house; Cortez pointed out that there’s a giant hole in the roof, letting rainwater pour inside, leading to mold and further decay. “All the carpets have been ruined. All the walls have been ruined. Everything’s been molded,” he explained.

From the street, the house might not look too bad at first glance, but if you take a closer look, you can see shattered windows, graffiti tagging, and plywood panels where doors used to be. “It just has not worked out for us to get this all resolved,” lamented Cortez.

Attempts at Resolution

Over the years, residents have tried everything in their power to end this cycle of issues—from calling code compliance to reaching out to local authorities and even contacting the property owner directly. However, despite these efforts, the house continues to stand as a testament to negligence. When City of San Antonio’s Code Enforcement inspected the house recently, an officer concluded that it meets the standards set by the city. But for residents like Cortez and Womer, that doesn’t cut it.

As Cortez pointed out, “What’s gonna happen here during the wintertime? Those boards are gonna come off and these people are gonna come in.” The issues surrounding the house extend beyond the physical structure, with neighbors worried about the potential health hazards posed to children who may be playing nearby. Womer added, “It brings up the necessity to have the rules and regulations reevaluated.” They’re not just calling for more attention to the house; they’re advocating for safety in their community.

Hope for the Future

Recently, KENS 5 reached out to the property owner, who mentioned plans to address the rodent problem with pest control and touch base with potential buyers. “I’ve been in contact with buyers. I’m hoping to sell soon,” the owner assured. Meanwhile, locals remain cautiously optimistic.

As the community continues to navigate these complicated issues, they are finding support not just from each other, but also their local council representative, Councilwoman Marina Alderete Gavito. She has encouraged residents to voice their concerns, stating that her office is always ready to escalate issues to Code Enforcement when needed.

For now, residents of this San Antonio neighborhood hold on to hope for change, working together to reclaim their once-peaceful surroundings from a house that has become an unwelcome neighbor.