San Antonio streets are poised to see a significant makeover aimed at pedestrian safety, specifically targeting the bustling Zarzamora corridor. A $5,000,000 contract, recently greenlit by the city council, will kickstart a comprehensive overhaul of a seven-mile stretch that has witnessed a troubling number of tragedies – 13 fatalities and 42 severe injuries from 2016 to 2020. This project, set to commence in June, promises to introduce enhancements such as improved sidewalks, modern traffic signals, and dedicated lanes for buses and bikes.
However, it seems not everyone was in the loop about these plans. Local business owners were caught off guard, learning of the impending changes not from official notices but rather through media outreach. Felix Tambora of Team Bora Athletics told FOX San Antonio, “It's only my son and I that actually is involved in this gym because we take big pride in our work,” highlighting the personal stake they have in the safety of the community. Similarly, Desiree Cofino, owner of The Lemon Girls, expressed her concerns to the same publication: “It would have been nice to if they had mentioned this, I would have been a part of those meetings for sure.”
In response to these concerns, David McBeth from San Antonio’s Public Works has indicated plans to step up direct communication with impacted storefronts, stating that door-knocking and e-flyer distribution will be employed to spread the word about the developments. These efforts are aimed to complement the major safety initiative funded by a $4.5 million federal grant announced earlier, which includes the installation of eight midblock crosswalks complete with medians, vegetation, and special sections for pedestrians.
The federally funded enhancements fall under the Safer Streets for All campaign and are designed to not just improve infrastructure but also alter driver behavior. “You can't look at your phone and drive down the street when you know there's a median there,” Transportation Director Tamika Monterville explained to KSAT. Acknowledging that Zarzamora caters to a community suffering from historical neglect and present danger, Monterville sees the project as part of a larger corrective measure—an effort to deliver equity where it has long been overdue.
Residents like Jazzy Perez breathe a sigh of relief with the promise of these changes. "There's a lot of accidents, and people can't even cross the streets anymore around here," she lamented in an interview with KSAT. These sentiments are echoed by Adrian Gonzalez, owner of Acapulco Barbershop, highlighting pedestrian disrespect as a serious concern. Mayor Ron Nirenberg and District 5 Councilwoman Teri Castillo have voiced their support, hinting at a shared vision for safer, more inclusive streets. The combined efforts suggest that change is not merely on the horizon but actively being constructed—with the aim of safeguarding those who move through the city on foot, one step at a time.
