SAHA gets $30 million grant for East side development

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awards grant

SAN ANTONIO – The city's East side getting a huge boost in their revitalization efforts.

On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded the San Antonio Housing Authority a $29,750,000 Choice Neighborhoods Implementation grant.

SAHA officials said the grant will be used to revitalize the Wheatley Courts public housing complex and the surrounding area.

As part of the process, crews will tear down the old apartments at the Courts and build a mixed-use development.

Lourdes Castro Ramirez, SAHA president, said the grant will invest in the neighborhood, increase park space and infrastructure and, as an end result, they are also hoping to lower crime.

"It's also going to a project that will involve activities for youth, job training projects and really investing in the entire neighborhood," said Ramirez.

On Thursday, Rep. Lloyd Doggett, Mayor Julian Castro and District 2 Councilwoman Ivy Taylor joined federal housing representatives to announce the award of the nearly $30 million grant.

"We can create a new vibrant, safe, healthy community here," said Taylor. "So that folks here know that we care about their lives."

San Antonio was one of only four communities in nationwide to receive a 2012 Choice Implementation Grant.


About the Author:

Stephanie Serna is a weekday anchor on Good Morning San Antonio and GMSA at 9 a.m. She joined the KSAT 12 News team in November 2009 as a general assignments reporter.