Some residents, businesses along St. Mary’s strip displeased with barricades

It’s unknown if the barricades will remain in place; decision is up to SAPD

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio Police Department kicked off its pilot program to do a parking study of the St. Mary’s strip in hopes of alleviating unwanted parking and trash on residential streets Thursday.

Three nights into the trial run and it’s biggest test yet was Friday and Saturday. So, how’d it do?

“They were moving them or they would go around them and got on top of the sidewalks and go around them,” said Joe Barrera, a longtime resident in the area.

“We’ve seen a lot quieter streets. It’s been a lot calmer and I think we’ve seen improvements there, but it pushed out further into the neighborhood,” said Parker Dixon, president of the Tobin Hills Community Association.

Authorities placed barricades on side streets Thursday and continued through Sunday. The barricades were up from 7 p.m.-2 a.m.. Bargoers we spoke with weren’t happy about the temporary changes.

“If you live down the street from all this area… it’s kind of what you bought into and maybe if you’ve been here for a long time, I’m sorry it’s changed,” said Hope Hernandez, who was hanging out at Slackers Sports Bar.

Dixon said he doesn’t want to request any other changes in the area until after the parking study is complete. As for if the barricades will be a one weekend trial or a temporary fix is ultimately up to SAPD.

We haven’t yet heard if SAPD has made its decision on keeping or removing the barricades. However, the department issued this statement to KSAT:

“The barricades in the St. Mary’s strip have kept bar patrons out of the residential areas. Officers have continued to patrol the business district with success in keeping the barricades in place during the impacted hours.”

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About the Authors:

John Paul Barajas is a reporter at KSAT 12. Previously, he worked at KRGV 5 in the Rio Grande Valley. He has a degree from the University of Houston. In his free time, he likes to get a workout in, spend time on the water and check out good eats and drinks.

Adam Barraza is a photojournalist at KSAT 12 and an El Paso native. He interned at KVIA, the local ABC affiliate, while still in high school. He then moved to San Antonio and, after earning a degree from San Antonio College and the University of the Incarnate Word, started working in news. He’s also a diehard Dodgers fan and an avid sneakerhead.