San Antonio, October 12, 2025
News Summary
District 5 Councilmember Teri Castillo has submitted a proposal aimed at transforming vacant properties in San Antonio into valuable community resources. This initiative focuses on creating affordable housing and spaces for small businesses while addressing safety concerns and the financial burden of maintaining derelict structures. The proposal also includes strengthening local ordinances, introducing incentives for property owners, and exploring receivership programs to revitalize neighborhoods and improve quality of life.
San Antonio
District 5 Councilmember Teri Castillo submitted a proposal to address growing concerns over vacant properties in San Antonio. The proposal seeks to convert empty residential and commercial buildings into usable community assets, address safety and nuisance issues, reduce the financial burden on the city, and restore neighborhood vitality.
What the proposal would do
The plan aims to turn vacant properties into affordable housing or space for small businesses, while updating rules and tools the city can use to compel action by property owners. Key focus areas include interlocal agreements, revisions to existing city ordinances, and the introduction of a sliding scale fee to incentivize property owners to take action on their vacant properties.
To reduce the costs the city currently absorbs for maintaining dilapidated structures, the proposal includes strategies to strengthen lien processes with Bexar County and expand the registration of unmonitored properties. It also recommends exploring a range of receivership programs, including Hazardous Properties and Community and Equitable Receivership initiatives.
Requirements for property owners and funding tools
A notable component of the plan would require property owners to present a Vacant Structure Maintenance Plan to the city, establishing clear steps for upkeep and timelines for remediation. The proposal also seeks to leverage Housing Bond funds to acquire nuisance sites for community redevelopment, with partnerships proposed between the city and quasi-government or nonprofit entities to carry out projects.
Safety, nuisance concerns, and urgency
The proposal responds to constituent frustration over empty buildings that create repeated nuisances and public safety risks and that negatively affect neighbors’ quality of life. Recent incidents involving fire at vacant properties were cited as underscoring the urgency of new measures, given that these sites can attract homeless individuals and become safety hazards.
Strategies and examples from other cities
Detailed strategies outlined in the proposal include strengthening lien processes with Bexar County, expanding the registration of unmonitored properties, and pursuing various receivership options. The plan references models from other cities, including Philadelphia and Baltimore, which have used similar approaches to convert vacant properties into revitalized community assets.
Next steps and expected outcomes
The Councilmember framed the proposal as a legislative package intended to move quickly to restore energy and utility to neighborhoods. If adopted, the measures are intended to reduce long-term city maintenance costs, incentivize property owners to repair or sell neglected properties, and increase the supply of properties available for affordable housing or small business development.
Background context
Vacant properties can create repeated nuisances, safety issues, and negatively affect the quality of life for neighbors. The city currently faces a financial burden in maintaining many dilapidated structures, and residents have raised concerns about how lingering vacancies influence public safety and neighborhood vitality. The proposal takes an approach that blends regulatory changes, financial incentives, and acquisition tools to address these long-standing issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did District 5 Councilmember Teri Castillo submit?
District 5 Councilmember Teri Castillo submitted a proposal to address growing concerns over vacant properties in San Antonio.
Why was the proposal submitted?
The proposal comes in response to frustrations expressed by constituents regarding empty residential and commercial buildings.
What problems does Castillo say vacant properties cause?
Castillo highlighted that these vacancies lead to repeated nuisances, safety issues, and negatively affect the quality of life for neighbors.
What does the plan seek to convert vacant properties into?
The plan seeks to convert vacant properties into valuable community assets, such as affordable housing or small businesses.
How does the proposal address the city’s financial burden?
Castillo’s proposal addresses the financial burden the city faces in maintaining dilapidated structures.
What are the key focuses of the proposal?
Key focuses of the proposal include: interlocal agreements, revisions to existing city ordinances, introduction of a sliding scale fee to incentivize property owners to take action on their vacant properties.
What strategies are outlined in the proposal?
Strategies outlined in the proposal include strengthening lien processes with Bexar County and expanding the registration of unmonitored properties.
Which receivership programs does the plan suggest exploring?
The plan suggests exploring various receivership programs, including Hazardous Properties and Community and Equitable Receivership initiatives.
What requirement is proposed for property owners?
A notable aspect of the proposal is the requirement for property owners to present a Vacant Structure Maintenance Plan to the city.
How does Castillo propose to redevelop nuisance sites?
Castillo aims to leverage Housing Bond funds to acquire nuisance sites for community redevelopment, partnering with quasi-government and nonprofit entities.
Why is there urgency to act on vacant properties?
Recent incidents involving fire at vacant properties underscore the urgency of addressing this issue, as these sites often attract homeless individuals and can become safety hazards.
What city models did Castillo reference?
Councilmember Castillo referenced models from other cities, including Philadelphia and Baltimore, which utilize strategies to convert vacant properties into revitalized community assets.
Key Features of the Proposal
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Interlocal agreements | Coordination with county and other agencies to streamline enforcement and remediation work. |
| Revisions to city ordinances | Updates to local laws to close gaps that allow properties to remain neglected. |
| Sliding scale fee | Fee system to incentivize property owners to act on vacant properties based on duration or condition. |
| Strengthening lien processes | Working with Bexar County to ensure liens and cost recovery are effective. |
| Expanded registration | Broader registration of unmonitored properties to create accountability and records. |
| Receivership programs | Exploration of Hazardous Properties and Community and Equitable Receivership initiatives. |
| Vacant Structure Maintenance Plan | Requirement for owners to present plans for upkeep and remediation. |
| Housing Bond acquisition | Using Housing Bond funds to acquire nuisance sites for community redevelopment with partners. |
Timeline of Noted Events
| Date/Time | Event | Status/Source |
|---|---|---|
| Recent (no date provided) | Incidents involving fire at vacant properties | Reported as recent; underscores urgency |
| Proposal submission (no date provided) | District 5 Councilmember submitted the vacant property proposal | Submitted for Council consideration |
Simple Visual Chart: Key Focus Areas
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- News 4 San Antonio
- Wikipedia: Vacant Property
- Kens5
- Google Search: San Antonio vacant property revitalization
- News 4 San Antonio
- Google Scholar: San Antonio housing redevelopment
- San Antonio Express News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio city ordinance
- Kens5
- Google News: San Antonio housing initiatives
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The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
