AGENDA - San Antonio Housing Authority

THE EASTSIDE CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD TODAYEASTSIDE CHOICE NEIGHBORHOOD TRANSFORMATION PLANNEW BRAUNFELS AVEWheatleyCourtsWALTERSHOUSTON STHistory of EastsideNeighborhoodThe footprint of the Eastside Choice Neighborhoodis set in the heart of the Eastside ofSan Antonio. With its New Braunfels Streetforming a boundary to the west, InterstateHighway 35 to the north, railroad tracksto the east, and Martin Luther King Driveto the south, this community is rich withlandmarks and a vibrant past. The strengthsof this community include its characteristicself-reliance, unique history, valued institutions,established churches and smallbusinesses serving the area, convenientlocation relative to downtown, and presenceof affordable housing developments foreconomically-challenged families.NCOMMERCE STSt. PhilipsCollegeWheatley Courts Transformation Plan study areaMARTIN LUTHER KING DRUp until the early 1900s, the east side ofSan Antonio was racially mixed. However,after the construction of the SouthernPacific Railroad on East Commerce Streetin 1903, the area became identified asthe black section of town. More African-American families migrated to the area andpurchased property to live close to jobs. Dueto segregation and the inability to accessservices, the African-American communitydeveloped its own business district. Bornwere corner grocery stores, barber shops,restaurants, cemeteries, and funeral homestailored to the needs of the African-Amer-12