Councilmember Calls for Higher Penalties to Protect Neighborhoods

Published on September 03, 2025

Councilmember Calls for Higher Penalties to Protect Neighborhoods and Public Safety

SAN ANTONIO (September 3, 2025) — District 7 Councilmember Marina Alderete Gavito has formally requested that City Manager Erik Walsh review and strengthen the City of San Antonio’s policies on vacant buildings and traffic fines to improve neighborhood safety, address community concerns, and close the City’s budget deficit.

In a memo to the City Manager, the District 7 Councilmember highlights two areas where she believes policy updates are needed:

• Vacant & Abandoned Buildings – Calling for a comprehensive review of the City’s Vacant Building Program, the Councilmember urged higher fees for absentee property owners who allow buildings to deteriorate and burden surrounding neighborhoods. “We need to update our policies that motivate habitual bad actors to take responsibility. Our city deserves private partners that contribute to the growth and excellence of our communities—not ones who treat City services as just a cost of doing business.”
• Traffic Fines – With speeding identified as one of the most frequent neighborhood complaints, the Councilmember is also pushing for updated traffic fines, which have not been adjusted in years. The Councilmember stressed that aligning fines with inflation is a standard public safety practice and ensures that penalties remain a true deterrent.

“Every day, we hear from residents about problems that undermine safety and quality of life in our neighborhoods—from reckless driving to neglected properties,” said Alderete Gavito. “Both actions send a clear message: San Antonio will not subsidize neglect or tolerate reckless driving. Instead, we will prioritize safe streets and strong neighborhoods.”