The landscape of affordable housing in San Antonio is gaining a new addition with the groundbreaking of Four25 San Pedro Apartments. This project concludes the city's deployment of the 2017 Neighborhoods Improvements Bond aimed at tackling housing affordability, as revealed in a statement by the City of San Antonio, Franklin Development, and the San Antonio Housing Trust. Slated to offer 80 rental homes to those earning up to 60% of the Area Median Income, it signifies progress in the city's strategic housing plan.
Among the 80 units, 25 are earmarked as Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) for long-term homeless individuals or families. "This project has been in development long before I took office," District 1 Councilmember Dr. Sukh Kaur said to the City of San Antonio, expressing excitement over the project's contribution in mitigating the housing shortage. The supportive services feature, as detailed by SAMMinistries, include food pantries, social activities, and tax preparation assistance.
Mayor Ron Nirenberg highlighted the dual benefit of the apartments, emphasizing not just the housing solutions but also improved transit options. "Future residents will also benefit from VIA’s planned Advanced Rapid Transit Green Line," Nirenberg stated on the city's news release, framing the development as a step forward in the city's broader housing affordability and transit enhancement endeavors.
"The San Antonio Housing Trust is excited to partner with Franklin Development, the City of San Antonio, and SAMMinistries in building a new high-quality apartment community," Pete Alanis, the Executive Director of the Trust, told the city's news release. Additional benefits to residents include a variety of on-site events, such as games and movie nights, along with more routine yet essential services like income tax preparation through a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance organization.
Residents of San Antonio recognized the urgency of affordable housing, as indicated by the 2017–2022 Bond Program, which allocated $20 million specifically for such developments. The Four25 San Pedro Apartments fall in line with other projects that have come to fruition through this initiative, such as West End on Frio and Park at 38Thirty, as detailed on the city's official website. These projects collectively reflect the city's commitment, as stated by Veronica Garcia, Director of the NHD, to "house everyone." Garcia's remarks underscore San Antonio's strategic effort to create inclusive, high-quality living spaces that provide not just shelter but foster stronger, more supportive communities as well.
