The following story was originally published at Deceleration News by Greg Harman. Heat Island Effect means that temperatures across a city can vary widely due to differences in development, greenspace, transportation networks, and other factors. A Deceleration analysis shows that greater downtown San Antonio and the northwest zone, including the Medical District, are bearing the brunt of rising heat—as are those already suffering energy burden and asthma on the west and east sides of town.

Vocal public support for Brackenridge Park’s heritage trees has so far blocked San Antonio from carrying out a controversial plan to destroy more than 100 of them. On May 24, San Antonio’s Parks and Recreation and Public Works Department will hold its third meeting for the public to learn and discuss the fate of the trees and the broader Brackenridge 2017 Bond project. However, due to the public’s anger and frustration with the previous meetings’ format, the city is now calling for a fourth meeting for public input. 

Recent statements by City staff related to the need to remove trees from Brackenridge. This article was originally published in Deceleration News.

Updated: Hours after it was scheduled, San Antonio officials scrapped a vote by the Historic and Design Review Commission on whether to  cut down 100 trees, some very old, in Brackenridge Park. The move came after District 2 Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez requested a minimum of three public hearings on the project, which is in his district. "We remain committed to the public process and ensure every voice is heard and valued," McKee-Rodriguez said in an earlier statement.

Should the city cut down more than 100 heritage and significant trees along the banks of the San Antonio River in Brackenridge Park? That’s the question on the Feb. 16, 2022 agenda of the Historic and Design Review Commission. Members of the public can voice their concerns before the commission votes on the item. Sign up before the meeting begins at 3 p.m. to speak, or provide comments through voicemail by dialing 210-206-4372.