San Antonio City Council approves Brackenridge Park tree removals

A divided city council on Thursday approved a controversial construction pact for Brackenridge Park that calls for the removal of 48 trees.

The first phase of a 2017 bond project for one of San Antonio’s most beloved green spaces, the project has drawn repeated criticism from environmentalists and nearby residents, who argue that the trees’ proposed removal would harm wildlife and diminish enjoyment of the park.

Although the city scaled back the tree removal from its original proposed number of 105 and delayed work to allow more public debate, critics argue staff deliberately tried to avoid public input. Activists also maintain the city and state have ignored suggestions on how to conduct needed park repairs while sparing more trees.

City staff maintain that some of the trees scheduled for removal are diseased and pose a risk to park visitors. They also say the culling is needed to allow repairs on Brackenridge’s historic Pump House and Grand Staircase and to stabilize 1920s-era walls now in danger of collapse.

Council’s 6-4 vote clears the way for the city to issue a $3.5 million contract to Kentucky-based Amstar Inc. for the construction work. The project still needs final approval from the Texas Historical Commission and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

During debate, council’s four dissenters — Jalen McKee-Rodriguez, Phyllis Viagran, Melissa Cabello Havrda and Teri Castillo asked to push a vote on the contract back to later date, saying more deliberation could spare more trees. That effort proved unsuccessful, however.

Subscribe to SA Current newsletters.

Follow us: Apple News | Google News | NewsBreak | Reddit | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter| Or sign up for our RSS Feed

Related Stories

Activist says San Antonio Report failed to correct reporting errors on Brackenridge Park tree plan

The owner of the Deceleration News blog said he supplied materials to the news outlet showing multiple errors in its reporting, but staffers only issued one correction.

Lack of transparency surrounds the city of San Antonio’s push to fell heritage trees at Brackenridge Park

City of San Antonio will push back decision on Brackenridge trees, hold three public-input meetings

Federal suit seeks to block San Antonio’s tree-cutting plan at Brackenridge Park

The civil-rights suit filed by two members of the Native American Church argues the plan violates their ability to worship in a space they consider sacred.

San Antonio can continue with tree removal at Brackenridge Park, court rules

Thursday’s ruling is just the latest battle in an ongoing war between the city and environmental groups over restoration of the park.

This article appears in Jul 26 – Aug 8, 2023.