KENS 5 got a first look Wednesday at the work underway near South Flores Street and Roosevelt Avenue, close to Stinson Municipal Airport.
SAN ANTONIO — Crews are clearing land on the city’s south side to make way for a long-awaited San Antonio Police Department substation.
KENS 5 got a first look Wednesday at the work underway near South Flores Street and Roosevelt Avenue, close to Stinson Municipal Airport. Crews were removing debris ahead of a groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for Monday.
“This is part of the entrance to rural San Antonio,” said District 3 City Councilwoman Phyllis Viagran. “It is a great way to start off the year knowing that this bond project is set to begin.”
The rural landscape will soon become the future home of a new SAPD substation, which is estimated at $19 million. The project is part of the voter-approved 2022 bond program.
“I remember when they brought me the different locations that we had options for, and just thinking, when will that day be that we will actually be on the ground?” Viagran said.
The site spans about 18 acres, though the substation itself will require up to seven acres. Viagran said the remaining land could be used for additional services, with input from the community on what is most needed in the area.
San Antonio currently has six police substations. Viagran noted that most are more than 20 years old, with the St. Mary’s Street substation being the newest.
“If you look at all but one, the new substations are over 20 years old,” she said.
The city leader said the south side facility is needed to keep up with rapid growth.
“The growth,” she said. “The growth that is happening. If you head south, we have Mission del Lago, we have new subdivisions coming up, and more development near the county borders.”
Currently, District 3 is served by substations located in other parts of the city.
“District 3 is being serviced by the South Substation over on Mayfield and the East Substation,” Viagran said. “We needed a more centralized location so officers can be in the heart of the community and know what’s going on in and around this area.”
Viagran hopes the new, state-of-the-art facility will help deter crime and strengthen relationships between police and residents.
“The accessibility to come in and visit the captains of the substation and get reports,” she said. “It is just a great location to be in the heart of and for people to know that law enforcement and public safety is in this area.”
The groundbreaking ceremony is open to the public and is at 10 a.m., on January 12th. The exact location of the substation is at 8801 South Flores Street. As for the substation, it should be complete in 2027.