More than a dozen salvage yards, tire shops squeezed into South San community

SAN ANTONIO – Stories of big fires, black smoke and troubled breathing are shared across the South San neighborhood.

For almost a year, KSAT 12 has reported community health concerns about salvage yards, recycling centers and tire shops.

In the South San and Quintana neighborhoods, more than a dozen of these facilities are packed in tight.

This summer, the city has created a task force to review and update two city codes. The team will review Chapter 11 Fire Prevention and Chapter 16 Licenses and Business Regulations.

Earlier this month, nine industry representatives and nine community members were announced for the board.

One of them is South San resident Debra Ponce. Ponce, who said the task force is long overdue, remains hopeful.

“They’re taking a step in the right direction,” Ponce said. “That’s what’s most important is connecting the community with city officials and the industry themselves.”

The task force’s deadline to provide recommendations to the city on these codes is set for early 2025.

Read next:

• South San’s pride drives neighborhood resilience
• Before & after Kelly AFB: South San history is held in the memories of those who know it best
• ‘Really bad’: Quintana Road identified as one of the most severe illegal dumping sites in San Antonio
• Health concerns run deep in South San neighborhood
• San Antonio Shoemakers has been a South San staple for nearly 50 years
• Graduates return to South San Antonio to uplift their community
• South San neighborhood lacks libraries, community centers