District 5 Councilmember Files Council Consideration Request
Published on August 07, 2023
SAN ANTONIO (August 7, 2023) — District 5 filed a Council Consideration Request for the City of San Antonio’s Sustainability Department to develop a Green Alleyways Pilot Program. The request aims to improve non-service alleys and calls for the development of this program through the Resiliency Energy Efficiency, and Sustainability Fund.
“Alleys with low visibility and irregular maintenance can attract illegal dumping, safety concerns, and other nuisance behavior lowering the quality of life for residents and businesses,” said Councilwoman Teri Castillo.
This proposal aims to address these issues by designing green alleys with the additional benefit of providing sustainable design with effective drainage and urban heat island relief, at a time when Climate Central’s recent Urban Heat Hot Spots report shows that at least sixty-seven percent of residents in San Antonio experience at least 8°F more heat due to the built environment.
“Residents want solutions for areas of their neighborhood that have gone neglected for far too long. Green alleyways can cultivate an inviting space for neighbors to walk, play, and interact,” the Councilwoman continued. “This proposal allows San Antonio to explore practical ways to improve our alleyways through green and sustainable practices.”
The proposed pilot also aims to improve public and pedestrian safety by redesigning alleyways to be more inviting to pedestrians and cyclists, while fostering opportunity to work with residents to bolster the area’s identity through naming, signage, art, and other amenities.
The Green Alleyways Pilot will support numerous City policies and programs such as: SA Climate Ready, Climate Action and Adaptation Plan, Vision Zero, Complete Streets Policy, Deconstruction Policy, Hazard Mitigation Plan, Street Light Index, Non-Service Alley Maintenance Program, and the Good Neighbor Program.
The Council Consideration Request was filed on August 7, 2023, with supporting signatures from Councilmembers Sukh Kaur (District 1), Jalen McKee-Rodriguez (District 2), Melissa Cabello Havrda (District 6), and Marc Whyte (District 10).