By MVHA President Jeff Blanchard

President's Letter - WInter 2010

1/1/2010 - From the President

'May you live in interesting times.’ While no one knows the exact origin of this phrase, it is often thought to be an ancient Chinese curse forewarning recipients of much upheaval and trouble in their lives. The clear implication being that 'uninteresting times', of peace and tranquility, are more life enhancing. As we begin 2010, we see a multiplicity of ‘interesting’ issues that are affecting the world around us.

The U.S. economy continues to suffer from one of the worst recessions in history. Residential property values throughout the nation have declined, fueled in part by the weak residential mortgage market. In many older neighborhoods, opportunistic buyers are taking advantage of depressed property values, buying older homes and leveling them in order to build newer and larger homes in their place. As people seek to minimize their commuting times, development and increasing traffic flows within inner-city areas are encroaching on established residential neighborhoods. Long-term trends in both violent crimes and property crimes show increases and almost all of us either have been or know someone who has been directly affected by criminal activity. Fortunately for the residents of the Monte Vista Historic District, many of these ‘interesting’ issues are currently having more of an impact on others than they are having on us. One of the reasons for this is the long-standing efforts and success of the Monte Vista Historical Association (“MVHA”).

For the past 37 years, the mission of the MVHA has been to protect the historic character and integrity of or neighborhood. In fulfilling its mission, the MVHA has focused its efforts in the following areas:


Historic Preservation was the primary reason that MVHA was formed by a group of the neighborhood’s residents in 1973. To date, MVHA has been responsible for saving numerous houses from destruction, preventing encroachment by retail and commercial developers, insuring that construction and renovation is in compliance with historical preservation guidelines, and protecting our home values. MVHA’s Architectural Review Committee works closely with the City of San Antonio’s Historic Design and Review Commission and advises Monte Vista residents on home renovation issues related to historic codes. Licensed architects advise residents and assist them with approvals and permits. MVHA provides an annual scholarship to a student in the University of Texas at San Antonio’s School of Architecture studying historic preservation. MVHA, in association with the UTSA School of Architecture, publishes Historic Preservation Guidelines for permitted Colors and Textures, Landscapes, and Streetscapes. These publications may be downloaded from the MVHA web site. Maintaining the District’s compliance with Historic District Ordinances insures the character and consistency of our neighborhood. It also prevents the demolition of older structures and the construction of “McMansions” throughout the District. It is evident from recent sales price statistics that one of the principal benefits of living in an official historic district is the protection of property values. The follow figures reflect data from the National Association of Realtors and Zillow.com for the median sales prices of existing homes from October 2008 to October 2009:



Planning plays a vital role in preserving the historic integrity and peaceful character of our neighborhood. Beginning in 2010, the committees of MVHA’s Board is being reorganized to include a Planning and Community Development Committee. This committee will be tasked with both short- and long-range planning for MVHA. As revitalization of retail and commercial businesses and the expansion of other institutions within and adjacent to the District continues, it is important that MVHA play a role in minimizing adverse impacts on the residents from traffic, parking, noise, and littering. Beginning with strong working relationship with the City, MVHA will be pro-actively engaged in the constructive coordination of development activities that may affect the District, including interaction with residents, businesses, institutions, adjacent neighborhoods, and government.

Communications among MVHA members includes the quarterly publication of our newsletter, VISTAS, and a recently-updated web site with current news, articles, calendars, and links to historic preservation and other neighborhood resources. In 2010, MVHA will publish a new directory that will include members’ contact information, historic preservation guidelines, and listings of other important resources throughout the city. Residents MVHA membership must be current to be included in the new directory.

Community and Social Events are sponsored throughout the year and include children’s activities such as the Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Landa Library, activities for the entire family such as the Annual Fourth of July Parade and Picnic, and adult social gatherings at the Annual Hasta La Vista Fiesta party and the perennial Third Thursday social events. These community and social events provide an important venue for bringing existing and new residents together for introductions and other interaction.

Infrastructure and Services relates to Monte Vista’s relationship with various City services: Code Compliance, Public Safety (Fire, Police, and EMS), Solid Waste Disposal, Traffic & Engineering, and Street and Drainage. Rather than reacting to changes in these City services, MVHA has been very proactive in addressing the impact that any changes might have on Monte Vista. Examples of MVHA’s efforts include: the traffic signal change permitting protected southbound turns from Hildebrand onto McCullough to relieve traffic pressure on Howard and Belknap; the submission of a comprehensive traffic calming study for the District; the acquisition by the City of smaller garbage truck so that alley trash collection will continue in parts of Monte Vista; the assignment of a Code Compliance Officer to deal with violations within the District; and efforts directed at reducing crime throughout Monte Vista. Crime Prevention begins with awareness and education. MVHA meets monthly with the San Antonio Police Department’s SAFFE Officer and receives a report on crime within and near Monte Vista. Beginning in 2010, these reports will be published on the MVHA web site in an effort to heighten residents’ awareness of recent criminal activity. In 2009, MVHA initiated a program whereby residents were made aware of additional security measures and devices to reduce their exposure to property crimes. Examples include information published on the MVHA web site outlining steps that residents should take to insure home safety and resources on where Monte Vista residents can obtain motion-activated security lights and cameras and other security devices. In 2009, Monte Vista worked closely with the San Antonio Police Department to foil a serial burglar that had been operating in Monte Vista. MVHA’s efforts in this area are taken for granted by most Monte Vista residents, however, many unwanted changes in the way the City delivers those services might have taken place and adversely affected the District if not for the ongoing efforts of MVHA in this area.

The next time someone asks: ‘What is the purpose of the Monte Vista Historical Association?’ or ‘What are the benefits of and why should I be a member of the Monte Vista Historical Association?’ - you can give them a copy of this letter. The most important reason for belonging to the Monte Vista Historical Association, however, is not what membership can do for you, but rather what your membership means to the organization. According to its bylaws, dues paid to MVHA are its principal source of income each year, and some of these activities require monetary expenditures. One of MVHA’s primary goals in 2010 is to significantly increase its membership to represent a majority of the residents of Monte Vista. So, please, when you are asked to join the Monte Vista Historical Association, do so with the knowledge of all of the important things that the organization does on behalf of all of the residents of the Monte Vista Historic District. In our dealings with the City of San Antonio and other organizations, it is critically important that MVHA speak as an organization comprising over 1,500 homes and over 3,000 taxpayers. None of us, individually, has as strong a voice as does MVHA, speaking on our behalf, in dealing with a variety of important issues that affect us in these ‘interesting times.’

Sincerely yours,
Jeff Blanchard