Fronteras

Joey Palacios

Protesters jumped the fence to delay the judge approved demolition of the Univision building in San Antonio

SAN ANTONIO — Demolition of the building that housed the first Spanish-language television station in the United States is moving forward. A judge in San Antonio dissolved a restraining order that had been protecting the building.

Real estate developer Greystar tried restart demolition of the former KWEX-TV station immediately after the judge’s decision. But four activists seeking historic preservation for the Birthplace of Univision jumped the fence of the construction site to stop the bulldozers. They and four others were arrested and charged with trespassing and other violations.

“We wanted to save the building, we want to save our history but we will do anything to continue to preserve the city of San Antonio’s history, the Mexican history,” activist Graciela Sanchez said as San Antonio police escorted her into a van.

David Kinder, an attorney for Greystar, says removing the protestors was a matter of safety.

“We are very concerned that they’re going to expose themselves to heavy equipment that will be tearing this building down and so it’s a life safety issue for them," Kinder said.

Texas Public Radio

Activist Graciela Sanchez is arrested by San Antonio Police. By the end of the day 8 people would be arrested in total.

Sanchez and the other protestors are now out of jail on bond. Sanchez said the City of San Antonio recognizes old Latino landmarks but does not preserve modern Latino contributions.

Greystar is in the process of demolishing what remains of the structure to build high-end apartments.