Your District 7 Newsletter
VOLUME 11 | Oct. 12, 2017
Dear Neighbors,

Easing traffic congestion on Bandera Road, one of the thoroughfares linking the northern and southern parts of District 7, is critically important to me. Success would mean area residents spending less time behind the wheel and more with family and friends, and being more productive at work.

When it comes to tackling this problem, District 7 has an ally in Leon Valley Mayor Chris Riley.

I met with Mayor Riley a few weeks ago to discuss Bandera Road. We also serve together on the Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, which decides where to invest federal transportation dollars in our region.

The Mayor strikes me as an energetic problem-solver with a deep knowledge of transportation funding and policy. She clearly cares about improving her community.

On Friday, Mayor Riley and I will meet to go over the results of a Bandera Road study conducted by UTSA. It will include recommendations for reducing traffic on Bandera. We’re eager to dig into the proposals.

We will share the study’s findings in early 2018.
The traffic jams on Bandera north of Loop 410 have worsened over the years – a side effect of the area’s attractiveness as a place to live and shop. Fixing the problem will require developing a plan that cuts congestion and strengthens the Bandera corridor, fighting for funding to implement it, and exercising patience.

Mayor Riley has the guts and fortitude it will take. I’m glad to have her as one of District 7’s partners.
Yours in public service,
Note: Office Closing Early on Friday
Please note that the Centerview Field Office will close at 12 PM this Friday, Oct. 13th. Please leave us a phone message at 210-207-0870 or email us at district7@sanantonio.gov and we will get back to you next week.
Councilwoman in the News

“This area spends hundreds of millions of dollars every year on incrementally beneficial transportation projects, that means your commute from Point A to Point B, maybe you shaved off two minutes,” Sandoval said. “All of these projects are important and may seem vital to each of those areas, but if we keep spending all of our dollars on incremental improvements, we never get a chance to make transformational improvement.”

Read more

"'At some point in the future, hopefully while I’m still on the MPO, I think it’s time for us to be bold,' she said. 'And ask ourselves: Are we willing to forego some of these incremental improvements to begin to transform our community and make that investment in rail?'"

Read more

"District 7 Councilwoman Ana Sandoval joined other council members in praising the work of Animal Care Services in crafting the ordinance overhaul with community involvement."

Read more

"On the agenda are remarks by Mayor Ron Nirenberg and County Judge Nelson Wolff and a panel with Councilwoman Ana Sandoval and people living with HIV."

Read more

"The councilman found support for giving his proposal a hearing from council members Roberto Treviño, Ana Sandoval, John Courage and Clayton Perry."

Read more
Ask Ana Anything
One of the ways Councilwoman Sandoval wants to give you the answers you need about city government is through "Ask Ana Anything", a recurring part of the weekly District 7 newsletter. Have a question for Ana? Email it to district7@sanantonio.gov with the subject line "Ask Ana Anything".

Let's get started!
Dear Ana,

I’ve heard about your proposal with Councilman Rey Saldana to increase carpooling. What can you tell me about it?

Sincerely,
Frustrated Commuter
Dear Frustrated,

Councilman Saldana and I are asking the City Manager to dedicate staff to work with San Antonio employers to cut rush-hour traffic congestion. The goal is to make car- and van-pooling more convenient for employees, to provide them with information about VIA Metropolitan Transit’s bus routes and park-and-ride stations, and to encourage companies to provide telecommuting options.

City staff will be responsible for developing the program, but one of our requirements is that we work closely with the private sector. We want to reduce traffic congestion as much as possible without disrupting the workplace.

Councilman Saldana and I won the support of three of our colleagues for what’s called a Council Consideration Request (CCR) to get the ball rolling on our proposal. I’ll let you know how it shapes up in the months ahead.

Thanks for the question!

Sincerely,
Councilwoman Ana Sandoval
Construction Project Updates
1604/Bandera - Displaced Left-Turn Interchange
LATE NIGHT LANE CLOSURES

TxDOT will be closing lanes in and around the 1604 and Bandera intersection between 9:00 PM and 5:00 AM. Lane closures will be alternating so that traffic is not disrupted.

This is part of TxDOT displaced left-turn interchange project at 1604 and Bandera. This will be the second displaced left-turn interchange in all of Texas and is expected to improve driver safety and congestion in this area. Construction is anticipated to be completed in 2018.

The following image depicts the project. For a video of how the construction project will affect traffic flows, click here.
For more information on this project, visit TxDOT's project site: http://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/projects/studies/san-antonio/sh16-loop1604.html
 
TxDOT San Antonio has an extremely informative blog to keep you up to date on all closures in the city. Check it out here: http://txdotsanantonio.blogspot.com/
C-12 Sewer Improvement Project

SAWS has closed St. Cloud, from Donaldson Ave to Senisa, to continue work on the C-12 Sewer project. Construction is expected to last 3 weeks, weather permitting.
Hemphill

Hemphill will undergo street excavation from Benrus to Broadview, beginning in the next 30 days. The project should take between 30 and 45 days. Residents will receive a notice before the work commences.
Holmes High School & Ingram Rd

Holmes High School is currently replacing their Fine Arts Building. AS a result of the construction, traffic congestion on Ingram Rd. has increased. Our office has received several calls about this issue and have learned that the construction is anticipated to finish by early December of 2018.
Leon Vista Trailhead Parking Expansion

The Leon Vista Trailhead Parking Expansion Project (8561 Rochelle St.) will begin next week. The project will consist of 28 additional parking stalls at the Leon Vista Trailhead. The additional parking and adjacent trailhead will include low impact development (LID) features such as permeable parking stalls and a bio swale/ rain garden.
Additionally, the scope includes a new layout for the trail head with new signage to improve the flow of pedestrian and bicycle traffic to the trail. These improvements will become unique additions to the municipal park system’s creekways program for hiking, biking, and other recreational uses.
 
It is anticipated that construction will be completed before March 2018.
Mystic Park Pedestrian Refuge Island

TCI began construction of concrete median, ramps and pavement markings on Mystic Park (Bandera Rd to Guilbeau Rd). The project is anticipated to last until October 30, 2017, weather permitting.

While improvements are underway, please note that vehicles should not be parked on the street from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Unfortunately, if vehicles are in the path of construction improvements and no one is available to move it, it will be towed to Kenrock Ridge.
Seeling Channel

Construction work in the last two weeks on the Seeling Channel project has included: (1) installing fence and guard rails along the channel, (2) street work on Morning Glory and Mulberry, (3) construction of curb, sidewalk, and driveway approaches, and (4) sod and grass installation.
W Horseshoe Bend

TCI began mill and overlay work on W Horseshoe Bend, from Oak Knoll Dr. to the deadend, on October 3 to November 3. During this time, vehicles should not be parked on W Horseshoe Bend and Oak Knoll Dr. will be closed to thru traffic. If you have any questions, please call 210-206-8480.
Woodlawn-Neulon Area Drainage Improvements Project

This project will construct a storm drain inlet at the low point at 111 Neulon Drive. The storm drain system will be conveyed to the existing drainage system on W. Woodlawn. Neulon Drive will be reconstructed to improve conveyance to the existing curb inlets located near Neulon and Woodlawn. The street reconstruction will include driveways, sidewalks, curbs and pavement.
District 7 Fall Fest
You're invited to this year's District 7 Fall Fest on Saturday, October 28th! From 12 PM to 4 PM, the District 7 Office will host Fall Fest in Nani Falcone Park at 7625 Mystic Park. There will be food, drinks, games, and, the ever popular, compost pails! Bring your family out for some generally spooky, but not too spooky, fun and games.

For more info, contact Bianca Maldonado at 210-207-0873.
At-Large Positions Open on
City's Planning Commission
The City of San Antonio is seeking applicants to fill available positions on the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission advises the City Council on the master plan for the physical development of San Antonio. Those interested in applying for one of the available positions may do so online using the City’s web-based application for boards and commission at https://webapp9.sanantonio.gov/BoardCommApplication/vacancies

The deadline to submit an application is Monday, October 30, 2017.
The commission also provides recommendations on capital improvements and administers regulations on subdivisions and platting, to include the extra-territorial jurisdiction. Regularly-scheduled meetings are held twice a month on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at 2 p.m. at the Cliff Morton Development and Business Services Center, 1901 S. Alamo St., in the first floor board room. Each term is two years.

For more information regarding the Planning Commission, visit http://www.sanantonio.gov/DSD/Boards/PCTAC.aspx.

For assistance with the application, contact Brandon Smith, Boards & Commissions Coordinator, at 210-207-7253.
AAMPO Regional
Transportation Meeting
The Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (AAMPO) invites people from Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe and Kendall Counties to attend one of four public meetings planned to discuss regional transportation planning. The Bexar County meeting will be held:

Thursday, Oct. 26
5:30 PM Open House
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Public Meeting
VIA Metropolitan Transit, 1021 San Pedro

To plan for the region's expected growth, the AAMPO will be updating their short and long-range plans and possibly completing a transportation conformity document, a document that outlines the impacts of our transportation projects on air quality, by June 2018. The public meetings will discuss 1) the Mobility 2045: Metropolitan Transportation Plan update process, as well as 2) the air quality status of the region.

All meetings will be similar in format and content and everyone is welcome to participate. The meetings are BYOD (bring your own device) as participants will be walked through an interactive online activity. The AAMPO will have iPads available for those who need them. Community members can also participate online starting October 25, 2017 through November 3, 2017 at www.alamoareampo.org/mobility2045.

For more information, please contact Linda Vela at alvarado-vela@alamoareampo.org or by phone at (210) 230-6929. More information on the online component for the public meetings will be released as it becomes available.
Share Your Thoughts
SA Corridors Framework Plan
The SA Corridors Strategic Framework Plan draft is now available for review. SA Corridors plan is one of the first steps to implementing VIA's Vision 2040 Plan and the City of San Antonio's SA Tomorrow Comprehensive Plan. It is the product of 18 months of collaboration with the community and in-depth market analysis of San Antonio's future transit corridors. We appreciate your feedback and will accept public comment on the draft plan documents The plan is broken up into four parts, available for download here:  http://sacorridors.com/framework-plan/
Metro Health Survey on Raising the Minimum Age
to Purchase Tobacco Products

Metro Health want to know what you think about increasing the minimum age for purchasing tobacco products from 18 to 21 years of age. Give your opinion by completing this short community survey. Your opinion will help gauge interest and support for this measure.
Office of Innovation Transportation Choices Survey
Transportation and access to various transportation choices is a critical issue for our city. Our goal is to find new ideas to solve this challenge and improve the quality of life for San Antonio residents.

The City of San Antonio is currently working to understand different transportation choices and preferences of San Antonio residents. Congestion is one critical issue in San Antonio and the number of miles residents travel is growing rapidly. If there is no change to the system, by 2040, vehicle miles traveled is expected to double. In order to tackle this challenge, San Antonio is researching options to decrease the length of trips, decrease the number of daily trips, and increase the use of alternative modes of transportation (bicycle, carpooling, transit, etc.). 

To accomplish this we need your help - please complete this survey to help us to better understand your transportation habits and preferences.
"La Buena Vida" Community Resiliency Survey
What is the good life in San Antonio and how do we ensure that all San Antonians have it now, and how do we guarantee that it's there for our children and grandchildren? Walking or riding bikes along the San Antonio River, enjoying the holiday lights downtown, spending an evening outside under the Texas stars with family and friends. What Is "La Buena Vida" to you?

The City of San Antonio is currently evaluating public opinion regarding this important topic, as we strive to maintain "La Buena Vida" as we live, work, and play in the Alamo City now and in the future.
There's Still Time to
Get a Rain Barrel
Rain barrels are rolling into the fall forecast. The second of three SAWS rain barrel distributions takes place this Saturday morning.
What? You haven’t purchased a discounted rain barrel yet? There’s one more distribution event scheduled for Nov. 4, but you must order your barrel by Oct. 20. Click here for the application and instructions.

Barrels can be picked up at either a distribution event or at a retail location, as outlined below.

Distribution Event

  • Complete a WaterSaver Rain Barrel Application to receive an electronic coupon code via e-mail.
  • Purchase your rain barrel online at Rain Water Solutions. You’ll be asked to select a pickup location and time.
  • Your barrel will be delivered to the selected distribution event. The following date and location is still available: 
  • Nov. 4 – Concordia Lutheran Church, 16801 Huebner Rd.

Retail Location

  • Complete a WaterSaver Rain Barrel Application . Select “retail store.”
  • Your coupon will arrive by mail within 10-14 days. Coupons are valid for the purchase of a rain barrel at any participating Stone & Soil Depot.
  • Retail coupons expire 30 days from the date of issue.
  • SAWS residential water customers are eligible to purchase two (2) discounted rain barrels per household (lifetime maximum). Stone & Soil Depot will have additional rain barrels available at the regular price.
Hidden Treasure:
Operation Facelift
City government is big and complex. It can be intimidating, but shouldn't be. To help you get the most of your government, every week we will dedicate part of the District 7 newsletter to City services you may not be aware but that you might find useful.

This week, we're highlighting the Neighborhood and Housing Services Department Operation Facelift.
Operation Facelift aims to " reverse the deterioration of commercial structures, promote consistency in design, and create aesthetically pleasing environments while assisting property owners with the appropriate exterior rehabilitation of their buildings and bring them up to City Code."

Business owners along the Bandera corridor, from Woodlawn to Wilson, seeking to improve their storefront can apply for grants to fund construction, provided that the improvements meet certain criteria.

If you visit the Operation Facelift website, you will see one of the many gems of District 7, Mimi's Barbacoa & Tamales, at 1901 Cincinnati Ave. The stylish storefront you see today is the product of Operation Facelift:
Operation Facelift's application will be available on October 16 . The deadline for applications is December 21. To begin exploring whether your business qualifies for Operation Facelift, click here.
Stage 1 Water Restrictions
Under Stage 1, outdoor watering with a sprinkler or irrigation system is allowed only before 11 a.m. and after 7 p.m., one day per week, as determined by the last number of your street address. To see when your watering days are, click here.

Watering days begin and end at midnight; overnight watering is not allowed. Water waste, such as water running down the street, is prohibited year-round. However, watering with a handheld hose is still allowed any day, any time.
Upcoming Events
Archaeology at the Alamo
Date: October 12
Time: 8:30 AM - 5 PM
Location: Alamo Hall at the Alamo
Information here .

VIA's Fare Free Day on VIVA Routes
Date: October 14
Time: All day
Location: VIA VIVA routes. To view the routes, click here.

StMU 5K For the Neighborhood
Date: October 15
Time: 7:30 AM
Location: Alkek Plaza, St. Mary's University, 1 Camino Santa Maria
Register here.

AACOG Federal & State Resource Workshop
Date: October 19
Time: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Alamo Area Council of Governments, 8700 Tesoro Drive, Suite 100
No fee to attend, but pre-registration is required. Register here. For more info, contact Gloria Vasquez at 210-362-5212.

VIA's Fare Free Day on VIVA Routes
Date: October 21
Time: All day
Location: VIA VIVA routes. To view the routes, click here.

Music Goes Mobile
Date: October 21
Time: 1:05 PM - 2:05 PM
Location: Boarding at either The McNay, 6000 N. New Braunfels Ave., or the Blue Star Contemporary, 116 Blue Star.

DHS Day of the Living Lead: Lead Awareness Month Fair
Date: October 21
Time: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Location: Antioch Sports Complex, 314 Eross

10th Annual City Manager's 5K Walk & Run
Date: October 22
Time: 8:00 AM
Location: Alamo Plaza, 300 Alamo Plaza

Síclovía: Back on Broadway
Date: October 22
Time: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Broadway, from E. Houston St. to Parland Pl.

AACOG Weatherization Day 2017
Date: October 24
Time: 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: Alamo Area Council of Governments, 8700 Tesoro Drive, Suite 160
To register, please click here.

AAMPO Regional Transportation Meeting
Date: October 26
Time: 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Location: VIA Metropolitan Transit, 1021 San Pedro
For more information, please contact Linda Vela at alvarado-vela@alamoareampo.org or call 210-230-6929.

VIA's Fare Free Day on VIVA Routes
Date: October 28
Time: All day
Location: VIA VIVA routes. To view the routes, click here.

3K/5K Boxer Boogie
Date: October 29
Location: Woodlawn Lake Park, 1103 Cincinnati Ave.
Pets innvited. For more information, call 210-865-2775.
Our Office Staff

  • Greg Jefferson
  • Chief of Policy & Communications
  • 210.859.1134

  • Ryan M. Garcia
  • Zoning Advisor
  • 210.207.0874

  • Liz McLeod
  • Policy Advisor
  • 210.207.2723

  • Sandra G. Vidaurri
  • Senior Executive Secretary
  • 210.207.7044

  • Joseph Bravo
  • Chief of Constituent Services & Administration
  • 210.207.2727

  • Bianca Maldonado
  • Housing & Neighborhoods
  • 210.207.0873

  • Matteo Trevino
  • Council Aide 
  • 210.207.0872

  • Debbie Dehlinger
  • Volunteer
  • 210.207.0870
Office Hours
Brass Professional Center
4414 Centerview Dr #160

CLOSED
October 6th

Monday - Friday:
9am - 5pm

Maury Maverick Library
8700 Mystic Park

CLOSED
October 7th & 14th

Saturday:
10am - 1pm

Quick Links