Est. 1981
Vol. 70, Issue 2
Fe b r u a r y 4 - Fe b r u a r y 11 , 2 0 2 5
THE PAISANO
Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio Community /PaisanoOnline
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Helotes residents challenge wastewater permit Environmental concerns plague proposed housing development permit
By Kara Lee Graphic Editor
C
ity leaders in Grey Forest hosted the “Million Gallon March” to raise awareness about water quality concerns linked to the proposed Guajolote Ranch development in far Northwest Bexar County. The proposed Lennar Subdivision wastewater treatment plant would discharge an estimated 1 million gallons of treated wastewater into Helotes Creek each day. In November, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality ruled that the City of Grey Forest has the right to challenge the wastewater permit. A hearing is scheduled for February, after which TCEQ will decide whether to move forward with the plant. Homeowners near the proposed site for the Guajolote Ranch development rely on
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private wells for their drinking water. The primary concern is that the treated wastewater could contaminate these wells, potentially endangering their water supply. The “Million Gallon March” took place on Sunday, Feb. 2, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at The View at Helotes Creek. San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg emphasized the importance of addressing the issue, stating, “Pollution is something everyone should care about. But the first and most important thing we must recognize is that this isn’t a Democrat issue, a Republican issue, or an environment-versuseconomy issue. This is about the future of the entire Central Texas region. Our water supply is the engine of the Texas economy, and threatening that future would jeopardize all of us.” More than 200 people attended the rally and marched in support of challenging the wastewater permit. The event aimed to show solidarity ahead of the contested case hearing before TCEQ. Paul Garrow, Mayor of Grey Forest, addressed the crowd, saying, “There is a proposed dense development just a few miles away from here, at Guajolote Ranch. The density of that development raises
concerns about traffic, pollution, and most importantly, the potential harm to our water system. Between Feb. 18 and 21, the City of Grey Forest, local property owners and the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance will testify before TCEQ, which will decide whether to grant the permit. We’re hopeful that the hearing officer will reject it.” Stressing the importance of blocking the permit, Garrow continued, “If we can stop this permit, we can encourage more responsible development and help protect our homes and water supply.” Garrow also highlighted the significance of the region’s aquifers. “We are standing on a very sensitive part of our water system, including the Trinity, Glen Rose and Edwards aquifers. Pollution could severely impact these critical water sources. We’re here to raise awareness about the threat to our water supply. In March, we’ll be carrying water jugs to symbolize the one million gallons of wastewater that could be discharged into our aquifers,” Garrow said. Helotes Mayor Rich Whitehead also spoke out against the proposed wastewater discharge. “The development will build a treatment plant that takes in sewage, treats it and discharges the treated water. The plan is to release one million gallons of treated wastewater into Helotes Creek every day,” Whitehead explained. Wastewater is mostly water with a few
other elements thrown into it. These elements may be small but can create a danger to the public’s health. This wastewater discharge would not only affect homeowners and landowners but also have a potentially harmful impact on local wildlife, plants and pets. Whitehead added, “Even if everything works as planned, and the water is treated properly, there are still concerns about contaminants, smells and debris affecting properties. The wastewater will flow through Grey Forest and Helotes, potentially leaving residue and silt behind. If the treatment process isn’t done correctly, it could lead to significant contamination.” For UTSA students looking to get involved, Nirenberg encourages them to organize and raise awareness. “You are a significant part of the population in this region, and your collective voice can make a real difference. People often underestimate the influence that students can have on political decisions. Organize, educate others and help people understand that this issue directly threatens the vitality of the San Antonio region and your access to clean drinking water,” Nirenberg vocalized.
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UTSA to demolish historical Texas pavilion By Marisela Cruz Staff Writer
In preparation for a new Institute of Texan Cultures museum, UTSA was given permission to destroy the Texas Pavilion despite the San Antonio Conservation Society’s strong objections to demolishing the 1968 historical site. Corrina Green, Chief Real Estate Officer at UTSA, requested the raze of the Texas Pavilion. The Texas Historical Commission approved UTSA’s request to demolish the pavilion to further redevelop the HemisFair Historic District. The Texas Conservation Society has a petition with over 2,000 signatures seeking to preserve and reuse the significant landmark. A remediation has been in process for the past couple of weeks delaying the demolition. The demolition is set to happen during the summer. Joe Izbrand had no comment
to give to The Paisano on the subject of the raze and relocation of the Institute of Texan Cultures. Executive Director of the San Antonio Conservation Society Vincent Michael said the SCS is “against UTSA, the city and the historical society granting permission for demolition.” “[I hope] the city moves forward judicially and not irrationally,” Michael said. The plan to tear down the Texas Pavilion is in preparation for San Antonio’s “Project Marvel,” which includes plans for a new professional basketball arena to be built on the property. The idea for the new sports arena surfaced in February 2023, when the University of Texas System Board of Regents conditionally approved a plan to lease or sell the property to the city. UTSA plans to sell the 13 and one-half
acre property to fund the new museum, which is estimated to be located behind the Crockett Hotel on an existing parking lot. The Texas Historical Commission’s “go-ahead and the university’s timeline” of the approval and expected demolition did not sit well with the Conservation Society of San Antonio. Conservation Society President Lewis Vetter said in a December article by San Antonio Express-News that he criticizes the “rushed decision.”
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UTSA pitched to the state commission that it would cost $74 million to maintain it, therefore leveraging their reason to demolish one of the last buildings from the HemisFair World’s Fair for educational purposes. UTSA plans to honor the Texas Pavilion in the new location of the ITC. This is a two-part article. The next issue will reflect on the history of the Folklife Festival that was part of the Institute of Texans Cultures.