SAN ANTONIO – The tranquil sound of a waterfall cascading down a picturesque river is a dream for many, but for Jan Johnson, it’s a nightmare in her own backyard.
“It’s unthinkable,” Johnson said, shaking her head. “Every time it rains, it’s a disaster.”
The Sienna Basin has been causing drainage problems for dozens of neighbors in Encino Park for over six years. However, relief is finally in sight as city crews are diligently working on a solution.
“Has the issue gotten worse?” inquired KSAT reporter Avery Everett.
“One hundred percent, Avery,” Johnson replied with a weary look.
The once expansive longhorn ranch behind homes on Encino Cliff, Encino Crown, and Encino Summit has made way for a housing development. Unfortunately, this expansion exacerbated flooding issues in the surrounding area starting in 2018.
After a prolonged back-and-forth with the project’s builder, Meritage Homes, and engineer, Pape-Dawson, residents sought help from the city. Fast forward to 2024, and construction is finally underway.
“We’re about 25% complete with the construction project,” revealed Victoria Escobedo, an engineering programs manager with Public Works. “Big projects like this one take time to ensure everything is done right.”
This city-funded project carries a nearly $1,000,000 price tag and is anticipated to reach completion later this year. Previous coverage by KSAT detailed the project’s design process.
“I don’t think that we moved as fast as we could have or should have on this project,” expressed District 9 Councilman John Courage. “It’s vital to understand the complexity of development in our city.”
After years of enduring the repercussions, neighbors like Johnson feel a sense of relief that accountability is finally being upheld.
“Our homes’ foundations and structures have taken a beating,” Johnson shared. “But we won’t back down until this issue is resolved.”
Stay tuned for the continuation of this story airing during Tuesday’s Nightbeat newscast.
KSAT has reached out to Meritage Homes and Pape-Dawson for their input. As of Monday night, a Meritage Homes representative shared that they are formulating a response. We are awaiting a reply from Pape-Dawson.
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