Imagine living in a neighborhood where the constant danger of speeding vehicles and the absence of safe pedestrian crossings threaten your daily safety—and yet, many residents feel overlooked by local authorities. This is exactly the situation facing homeowners near St. Mary’s University on San Antonio’s West Side. But here’s where it gets controversial: while residents are concerned about reckless driving and unsafe conditions, efforts to implement effective solutions often face hurdles, sparking debate about how cities should prioritize neighborhood safety.
The issue centers around the busy intersection of Cincinnati Avenue and Stonegate Drive. Numerous community members have expressed their worry about frequent speeding and car accidents at this junction. For instance, Michael Trevino shared that he often witnesses cars zooming past recklessly because the intersection lacks a four-way stop sign or traffic signals, making drivers feel free to push the accelerator.
Many residents find themselves caught in a challenging situation—they want to avoid the intersection altogether, but the reality is that it’s unavoidable, especially for those needing access to local amenities or catching the bus. Trevino even recounted witnessing a minor crash there just two weeks prior, which, fortunately, resulted in no injuries but highlighted the ongoing safety concerns.
The danger is compounded by the fact that only vehicles on Stonegate Drive are required to stop, while those on Cincinnati drive through at speeds that often exceed the speed limit by approximately 15 miles per hour. One neighbor, Willie Cardenas, estimates that cars frequently reach speeds of about 50 miles per hour—far above the safe speed for a residential street, especially without proper crosswalks or traffic calming measures.
Adding to the safety problem, the lack of a pedestrian crosswalk at this intersection makes it hazardous for pedestrians, particularly those walking to the nearby bus stop. Residents complain that crossing to get to public transit or simply walk around is difficult and unsafe.
While many community members have suggested installing speed bumps to naturally slow traffic, neither Trevino nor Cardenas has yet contacted city services or their local council member about this idea. However, District 7 Councilmember Marina Alderete Gavito, who represents this neighborhood, explained that neighborhood residents interested in speed bumps need to collect signatures from their neighbors to officially request their installation.
Councilmember Alderete Gavito also highlighted her proactive efforts to reduce traffic-related incidents. She mentioned a recent 'Council Consideration Request' (CCR) that was passed by the Transportation Committee, aiming to lower the speed limit in residential areas to 25 miles per hour—an effort designed to improve safety citywide.
She encourages residents dealing with similar issues or wanting their neighborhoods addressed to reach out directly to 311 or contact their city council representatives. According to Alderete Gavito, increasing awareness about specific safety concerns allows the city to prioritize those problems more effectively.
This situation raises important questions about how cities balance infrastructure improvements, traffic enforcement, and community involvement. Do residents’ voices truly lead to meaningful change? And should safety measures like speed bumps or additional traffic signals be implemented more proactively, even before accidents occur?
Feel free to share your thoughts—do you agree that neighborhoods should have more control over their safety measures, or should the city take a more active role in preventing dangerous driving through stricter enforcement and infrastructure upgrades? The debate over how best to keep our communities safe is ongoing, and your opinion is valuable.
