SAN ANTONIO — Neighbors from the Woods of Shavano community packed into a meeting Tuesday night, less than a week after a shooting in their community involving an Airbnb.
San Antonio police said a man was shot and killed outside a massive house party taking place in the short-term rental off Hawthorn Woods back on July 31.
The meeting was hosted by District 8 Councilman Manny Pelaez after he heard concerns about short term rental properties turning into party houses.
Residents said there are multiple Airbnb’s in the neighborhood.
“What happened in this neighborhood aside from being a tragedy has left a lot of neighbors angry, anxious, frustrated and demanding answers,” Pelaez said.
The councilman, who is also running for mayor, brought along Police Chief William McManus and city code enforcement leaders to take questions.
“If you’re renting it out for a party house, then shame on you,” McManus said to the crowd.
The chief revealed the person who rented the Airbnb was involved with a gang and the shooting was targeted.
“The person who was shot that night, they were after them,” McManus said. “It wasn’t just an accidental shooting; it wasn’t just some random deal. They were after that guy.”
24-year-old Jordan Burleson was killed. Chief McManus said he is confident his detectives will solve the case, but no arrests have been made.
After this incident, many residents voiced that they wanted the short-term rentals to go away.
“My personal opinion is, I would love to see a ban on Airbnb’s in the neighborhood,” homeowner Terry Odonnell said.
However, this neighborhood has a volunteer community association which means they can’t enforce rules unlike a traditional HOA. What the councilman suggests for now is for residents to report any issues they have with the short-term rentals to the city.
“We want people to be vigilant and if you see something, say something,” Pelaez said.
The Airbnb involved in the shooting was operating without a short-term rental permit, so the owners have been cited by the city. It was revealed at the meeting they are working to make sure they will not be able to renew that permit for at least a year.