During the recent City Council Zoning and Land Use Session held on October 2, 2025, community representatives voiced strong opposition to a proposed development in the South Side of San Antonio, highlighting concerns over economic inequality and the impact on local neighborhoods. Brady Alexander, representing the Hotwells Mission Reach Neighborhood Association, articulated the frustrations of residents who feel marginalized by city planning decisions that prioritize developments in wealthier areas.

Alexander emphasized that the South Side has historically been a dumping ground for unwanted facilities, such as clinics and low-quality housing, which perpetuate poverty and racial segregation. He argued that the proposed project would further erode the community's tax base and contribute to disinvestment in an area already struggling with economic challenges. "This is a poor, marginalized area that needs catalyst, incentivizations for businesses to move in, not developments that are detrimental," he stated.

The meeting underscored a broader issue of inequity in city planning, as Alexander pointed out that similar projects would not be tolerated in more affluent neighborhoods. He criticized the city’s tendency to incentivize developments that do not benefit the South Side, suggesting that such policies contribute to the ongoing migration of investment to the northern parts of the city.

As the council considers the proposal, residents are calling for a more equitable approach to development that prioritizes the needs and voices of those living in historically underserved areas. The outcome of this discussion could have significant implications for the future of the South Side and its residents, as they seek to reclaim their community from a cycle of neglect and exploitation.