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Ecologically transformative project dogged by gentrification fears advances to final design phase on San Antonio’s Westside.
Greg Harman
Across the Westside of San Antonio, a collection of creeks—largely channelized concrete ditches recently graced with hike and bike trails—interrupt the asphalt streetscape above. This week the San Antonio River Authority is hosting a string of meetings to discuss designs being developed for restoring the ecological health of these creekways, with one night dedicated for each of the Westside’s four creeks: Martinez, Alazán, Apache, and San Pedro.
Plans to restore these creeks have been slowly advancing over more than a decade. Soon the creeks may have their channels widened and covered with native plants in hopes of restoring a healthy ecology that was responsible for drawing Native people’s to this area more than 10,000 years ago. Flood control efforts across San Antonio led to what the US Army Corps of Engineers and the San Antonio River Authority describe as “unconsidered consequences for the riverine ecosystem.”
These resulted in:
“a system where the sediment transport is out of balance, few to none of the aquatic structures necessary to support and sustain the life cycle of aquatic organisms native to the system remain, and the required shading and allochthonous inputs from the riparian corridor have been removed, severely altering the function of the historic riverine habitat.”
These design meetings represent the last phase of the Westside Creeks Restoration Project before Implementation.
Recent coverage of the project, granted $75M by the US Army Corps of Engineers last year, has included thoughts from community members ranging from the project’s ability to revitalize or possibly gentrify and displace residents in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Event Details
35%
Event Details
35% Design Community Information Session
The San Antonio River Authority is hosting several community information sessions for the community to provide input on the design progress of the Westside Creeks Ecosystem Restoration Project.
The Westside Creeks Project is a community-based creek restoration effort started in 2008 by the San Antonio River Authority. The project’s focus is to restore 11 miles of creekways that were channelized as part of a 1954 federal flood control project known as the San Antonio Channel Improvement Project. The vision established, as part of a lengthy public process, is to restore the creeks in such a way that sustains and enriches life, improves water quality and the ecosystem, provides for public gathering places and recreational uses, promotes cultural and historical awareness, is self-sustaining requiring low maintenance, and connects to neighborhoods and businesses.
Its mission is:
- To develop and advance planning concepts for restoring the environmental condition of the Alazán, Apache, Martinez, and San Pedro creeks
- To maintain or enhance where possible the current flood control components of these creeks, and
- To provide increased opportunities for community enjoyment.
The project design for each of the four Westside Creeks is underway and has reached 35% completion. We invite you to come learn about the design plan for your neighborhood creek and meet with project staff from US Army Corps of Engineers, their design firm Michael Baker International – Huitt – Zollars, Inc., and the San Antonio River Authority. You can preview the presentations and submit comments/questions online at westsidecreeks.com or by calling 210-227-1373. Join us for the first round of community information sessions.
El diseño del proyecto para cada uno de los cuatro arroyos del Westside está en marcha y ha alcanzado un 35% de completitud. Te invitamos a que vengas a conocer el plan de diseño para el arroyo de tu vecindario y a reunirte con el personal del proyecto del Cuerpo de Ingenieros del Ejército de los Estados Unidos, su firma de diseño Michael Baker International – Huitt –Zollars, Inc., y la Autoridad del Río de San Antonio. Puedes anticipar las presentaciones y enviar comentarios/preguntas en línea en westsidecreeks.com o llamar al 210-227-1373. Únete en persona o en línea a la primera ronda de sesiones informativas comunitarias para el Proyecto de Restauración del Ecosistema de los Arroyos del Westside.
Presentation Preview (English)
Alazán Creek | Apache Creek | Martinez Creek | San Pedro Creek
Meeting Information
SAN PEDRO CREEK Monday, September 18, 2023; 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM; Location: San Antonio River Authority 100 E. Guenther St. San Antonio, TX 78204
APACHE CREEK Tuesday, September 19, 2023; 6:00 PM – 7:30; PM Location: Alazán Apache Courts 1011 S Brazos St, San Antonio, TX 78207
ALAZÁN CREEK Wednesday, September 20, 2023; 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM; Location: Alazán Apache Courts 1011 S Brazos St, San Antonio, TX 78207
MARTINEZ CREEK Thursday, September 21, 2023; 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM; Location: Huisache Avenue Baptist Church 1339 W Huisache Ave, San Antonio, TX 78201
Visit Deceleration’s Happening Events Calendar.
Event Details
35%
Event Details
35% Design Community Information Session
The San Antonio River Authority is hosting several community information sessions for the community to provide input on the design progress of the Westside Creeks Ecosystem Restoration Project.
The Westside Creeks Project is a community-based creek restoration effort started in 2008 by the San Antonio River Authority. The project’s focus is to restore 11 miles of creekways that were channelized as part of a 1954 federal flood control project known as the San Antonio Channel Improvement Project. The vision established, as part of a lengthy public process, is to restore the creeks in such a way that sustains and enriches life, improves water quality and the ecosystem, provides for public gathering places and recreational uses, promotes cultural and historical awareness, is self-sustaining requiring low maintenance, and connects to neighborhoods and businesses.
Its mission is:
- To develop and advance planning concepts for restoring the environmental condition of the Alazán, Apache, Martinez, and San Pedro creeks
- To maintain or enhance where possible the current flood control components of these creeks, and
- To provide increased opportunities for community enjoyment.
The project design for each of the four Westside Creeks is underway and has reached 35% completion. We invite you to come learn about the design plan for your neighborhood creek and meet with project staff from US Army Corps of Engineers, their design firm Michael Baker International – Huitt – Zollars, Inc., and the San Antonio River Authority. You can preview the presentations and submit comments/questions online at westsidecreeks.com or by calling 210-227-1373. Join us for the first round of community information sessions.
El diseño del proyecto para cada uno de los cuatro arroyos del Westside está en marcha y ha alcanzado un 35% de completitud. Te invitamos a que vengas a conocer el plan de diseño para el arroyo de tu vecindario y a reunirte con el personal del proyecto del Cuerpo de Ingenieros del Ejército de los Estados Unidos, su firma de diseño Michael Baker International – Huitt –Zollars, Inc., y la Autoridad del Río de San Antonio. Puedes anticipar las presentaciones y enviar comentarios/preguntas en línea en westsidecreeks.com o llamar al 210-227-1373. Únete en persona o en línea a la primera ronda de sesiones informativas comunitarias para el Proyecto de Restauración del Ecosistema de los Arroyos del Westside.
Presentation Preview (English)
Alazán Creek | Apache Creek | Martinez Creek | San Pedro Creek
Meeting Information
SAN PEDRO CREEK Monday, September 18, 2023; 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM; Location: San Antonio River Authority 100 E. Guenther St. San Antonio, TX 78204
APACHE CREEK Tuesday, September 19, 2023; 6:00 PM – 7:30; PM Location: Alazán Apache Courts 1011 S Brazos St, San Antonio, TX 78207
ALAZÁN CREEK Wednesday, September 20, 2023; 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM; Location: Alazán Apache Courts 1011 S Brazos St, San Antonio, TX 78207
MARTINEZ CREEK Thursday, September 21, 2023; 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM; Location: Huisache Avenue Baptist Church 1339 W Huisache Ave, San Antonio, TX 78201
Visit Deceleration’s Happening Events Calendar.
Event Details
35%
Event Details
35% Design Community Information Session
The San Antonio River Authority is hosting several community information sessions for the community to provide input on the design progress of the Westside Creeks Ecosystem Restoration Project.
The Westside Creeks Project is a community-based creek restoration effort started in 2008 by the San Antonio River Authority. The project’s focus is to restore 11 miles of creekways that were channelized as part of a 1954 federal flood control project known as the San Antonio Channel Improvement Project. The vision established, as part of a lengthy public process, is to restore the creeks in such a way that sustains and enriches life, improves water quality and the ecosystem, provides for public gathering places and recreational uses, promotes cultural and historical awareness, is self-sustaining requiring low maintenance, and connects to neighborhoods and businesses.
Its mission is:
- To develop and advance planning concepts for restoring the environmental condition of the Alazán, Apache, Martinez, and San Pedro creeks
- To maintain or enhance where possible the current flood control components of these creeks, and
- To provide increased opportunities for community enjoyment.
The project design for each of the four Westside Creeks is underway and has reached 35% completion. We invite you to come learn about the design plan for your neighborhood creek and meet with project staff from US Army Corps of Engineers, their design firm Michael Baker International – Huitt – Zollars, Inc., and the San Antonio River Authority. You can preview the presentations and submit comments/questions online at westsidecreeks.com or by calling 210-227-1373. Join us for the first round of community information sessions.
El diseño del proyecto para cada uno de los cuatro arroyos del Westside está en marcha y ha alcanzado un 35% de completitud. Te invitamos a que vengas a conocer el plan de diseño para el arroyo de tu vecindario y a reunirte con el personal del proyecto del Cuerpo de Ingenieros del Ejército de los Estados Unidos, su firma de diseño Michael Baker International – Huitt –Zollars, Inc., y la Autoridad del Río de San Antonio. Puedes anticipar las presentaciones y enviar comentarios/preguntas en línea en westsidecreeks.com o llamar al 210-227-1373. Únete en persona o en línea a la primera ronda de sesiones informativas comunitarias para el Proyecto de Restauración del Ecosistema de los Arroyos del Westside.
Presentation Preview (English)
Alazán Creek | Apache Creek | Martinez Creek | San Pedro Creek
Meeting Information
SAN PEDRO CREEK Monday, September 18, 2023; 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM; Location: San Antonio River Authority 100 E. Guenther St. San Antonio, TX 78204
APACHE CREEK Tuesday, September 19, 2023; 6:00 PM – 7:30; PM Location: Alazán Apache Courts 1011 S Brazos St, San Antonio, TX 78207
ALAZÁN CREEK Wednesday, September 20, 2023; 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM; Location: Alazán Apache Courts 1011 S Brazos St, San Antonio, TX 78207
MARTINEZ CREEK Thursday, September 21, 2023; 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM; Location: Huisache Avenue Baptist Church 1339 W Huisache Ave, San Antonio, TX 78201
Visit Deceleration’s Happening Events Calendar.
Event Details
35%
Event Details
35% Design Community Information Session
The San Antonio River Authority is hosting several community information sessions for the community to provide input on the design progress of the Westside Creeks Ecosystem Restoration Project.
The Westside Creeks Project is a community-based creek restoration effort started in 2008 by the San Antonio River Authority. The project’s focus is to restore 11 miles of creekways that were channelized as part of a 1954 federal flood control project known as the San Antonio Channel Improvement Project. The vision established, as part of a lengthy public process, is to restore the creeks in such a way that sustains and enriches life, improves water quality and the ecosystem, provides for public gathering places and recreational uses, promotes cultural and historical awareness, is self-sustaining requiring low maintenance, and connects to neighborhoods and businesses.
Its mission is:
- To develop and advance planning concepts for restoring the environmental condition of the Alazán, Apache, Martinez, and San Pedro creeks
- To maintain or enhance where possible the current flood control components of these creeks, and
- To provide increased opportunities for community enjoyment.
The project design for each of the four Westside Creeks is underway and has reached 35% completion. We invite you to come learn about the design plan for your neighborhood creek and meet with project staff from US Army Corps of Engineers, their design firm Michael Baker International – Huitt – Zollars, Inc., and the San Antonio River Authority. You can preview the presentations and submit comments/questions online at westsidecreeks.com or by calling 210-227-1373. Join us for the first round of community information sessions.
El diseño del proyecto para cada uno de los cuatro arroyos del Westside está en marcha y ha alcanzado un 35% de completitud. Te invitamos a que vengas a conocer el plan de diseño para el arroyo de tu vecindario y a reunirte con el personal del proyecto del Cuerpo de Ingenieros del Ejército de los Estados Unidos, su firma de diseño Michael Baker International – Huitt –Zollars, Inc., y la Autoridad del Río de San Antonio. Puedes anticipar las presentaciones y enviar comentarios/preguntas en línea en westsidecreeks.com o llamar al 210-227-1373. Únete en persona o en línea a la primera ronda de sesiones informativas comunitarias para el Proyecto de Restauración del Ecosistema de los Arroyos del Westside.
Presentation Preview (English)
Alazán Creek | Apache Creek | Martinez Creek | San Pedro Creek
Meeting Information
SAN PEDRO CREEK Monday, September 18, 2023; 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM; Location: San Antonio River Authority 100 E. Guenther St. San Antonio, TX 78204
APACHE CREEK Tuesday, September 19, 2023; 6:00 PM – 7:30; PM Location: Alazán Apache Courts 1011 S Brazos St, San Antonio, TX 78207
ALAZÁN CREEK Wednesday, September 20, 2023; 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM; Location: Alazán Apache Courts 1011 S Brazos St, San Antonio, TX 78207
MARTINEZ CREEK Thursday, September 21, 2023; 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM; Location: Huisache Avenue Baptist Church 1339 W Huisache Ave, San Antonio, TX 78201
Visit Deceleration’s Happening Events Calendar.
Documents of Note:
Westside Creeks Restoration Project Conceptual Plan (2011)
San Antonio Channel Improvement Project, General Reevaluation Report and Environmental Assessment (2014)
Meeting Information
SAN PEDRO CREEK Monday, September 18, 2023; 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM; Location: San Antonio River Authority 100 E. Guenther St. San Antonio, TX 78204
APACHE CREEK Tuesday, September 19, 2023; 6:00 PM – 7:30; PM Location: Alazán Apache Courts 1011 S Brazos St, San Antonio, TX 78207
ALAZÁN CREEK Wednesday, September 20, 2023; 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM; Location: Alazán Apache Courts 1011 S Brazos St, San Antonio, TX 78207
MARTINEZ CREEK Thursday, September 21, 2023; 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM; Location: Huisache Avenue Baptist Church 1339 W Huisache Ave, San Antonio, TX 78201