SAN ANTONIO – Onesimo Barrera has faced ongoing challenges due to significant flooding in his yard and home on Rockwell Boulevard on the South Side for decades. This unfortunate situation has been exacerbated by a neighbor’s actions, which involved placing piles of dirt on Barrera’s property, effectively blocking the drainage system that is crucial for managing rainwater runoff.
“The city attorney’s office is going to be sending this person some information, some legal notices,” said Councilmember Mungia. “Like, you’re blocking the drainage channel. You’re building over. You’re affecting other properties. That’s, in my mind, that’s a public nuisance.” This highlights the complexity of neighborhood disputes and the importance of proper drainage to prevent flooding.
Barrera, who is particularly concerned about the accessibility of his home for his wife, who uses a wheelchair, reported that previous efforts by the city to mitigate the flooding, including dispatching two pump trucks, were largely ineffective. The persistent water accumulation has made it difficult for his family to move freely around their property.
On a recent Thursday afternoon, a pump truck returned to the area to assist in removing the standing water. However, Barrera expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of this approach, stating, “I guarantee you it’s not gonna make a dent.”
In response to these challenges, Jessica Shirley-Saenz, the interim assistant director of Public Works, assured Barrera that the city would increase their efforts to address the flooding. “We’re gonna do our best that after every rain that will be out here to actually pump,” she stated, emphasizing the city’s commitment to resolving the issue.
The City of San Antonio currently operates three pump trucks to manage flooding across the city, a fact that was surprising to Barrera. It underscores the extensive resources required to tackle flooding issues in a city as large as San Antonio. Recently, the city has successfully pumped approximately 252 cubic yards of water from the two lots adjacent to Barrera’s home, which is roughly equivalent to 50,000 tons.
In light of these ongoing concerns, Councilmember Mungia is advocating for a significant investment in infrastructure improvements along Rockwell Boulevard, proposing an allocation of $700,000 to enhance drainage systems and roadways. However, this funding is contingent upon approval, especially given the city’s anticipated budget deficit.
Should the funding be approved, Barrera has requested that the project prioritize improvements to the drainage system before addressing roadway enhancements. Shirley-Saenz concurred with this approach, ensuring that the drainage system would be the focal point of the project if it receives the necessary backing.
