COPS / Metro Says, "Let the Children Play"
Early this year, 200 COPS/Metro leaders assembled to fight for the future of Beacon Hill Dual Language Academy. One issue raised by leaders was the restriction of children from access to a playground that had been fenced off because debris from a vacant, crumbling building could potentially hit children. Though the SAISD building had lain vacant for 20 years, with no plans in place for renovation or replacement, COPS / Metro leaders accepted a commitment from a sitting Council Member to identify funding for its renovation.
With a new school year approaching, and no money in sight, leaders are insisting that the building must be removed so that children can be granted access to their playground. The San Antonio Express News agrees, stating:
The desire to preserve what once was is commendable, but in this case it obscures the present...
It’s time to move forward, and let the kids play.
[Photo Credit: Josh Brodesky, Express News]
City Should Let SAISD Tear Down School, San Antonio Express-News [pdf]
COPS/Metro Says City Should Fulfill Promise of 'New Money' for Housing Repairs, San Antonio Express News Agrees
[Excerpts below]
It was celebrated as millions in new funding for housing renovation.
Last August, at a time when federal funds for home repairs and renovations for low-income homeowners appeared to be dwindling, the city had “found” $4.7 million to bolster those efforts, tapping unspent federal housing grants. This would be in addition to $1.8 million in new funding. Together, the $6.5 million would repair 81 homes.
But it turns out much of that $4.7 million was already allocated to home repair projects. It might not have been spent, but it also wasn’t available.
“The money was not there,” said Maria Tijerina of COPS/Metro Alliance. “It wasn’t new money. It was old money.”
....“This wasn’t some misunderstanding,” said Walker Moore, interim lead organizer for COPS/Metro.
To the degree possible, the city should apply new funds to home repairs for the upcoming budget — funds that can be spent and honor what COPS/Metro and others thought was happening in August.
[Photo Credit: Carolyn Van Houten / San Antonio Express News]
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