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Thursday, December 28, 2006
explain why your towns are not the tourist traps these type of resorts target.
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Author Original Message
curmudgeon
Posts: 3788
Beach Development
1/30/2006 4:40:08 PM
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Folks, they are trying to sell you a bill of goods. If you want to see what they have in store go to South Padre or Galvestion.
On South Padre you can drive for five miles without seeing the water. There is check to jowel development consisting mostly of high rise condos and motels along the water side of the major access road.
At Galveston you have the same situation of a restriction on driving on the beach in the entire Galvestion city limit. While there is access to the beach it limited and parking is scarce.
They are promising all this free parking and such but there is no guarantee that it will remain that way. There is already a move underway to eliminate free on street parking near the beaches in Galveston.
The last think they want is for the people to have a say in this decision.
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Author Replys
Wild Ape
Posts: 3983
Re: Beach Development
1/30/2006 4:57:06 PM
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I have to say they pulled this stunt like pros. They''ll make it a legal precident. Chesney speaks out of his alternate orifice very well. I still won''t buy it.
Cal
Posts: 963
Re: Re: Beach Development
1/30/2006 5:04:56 PM
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What will happen to NAS Corpus,CCAD,and the Coast Guard at NAS when all the condo''s and development takes place on the Island.
Where will all the ""Fleet Jets"" from Kingsville practice?
Make you choice and be heard today. NAS and the Military or Condos Crowdes and high taxes to pay for all this.
Ask yourself this question. How much am I going to put into my pocket? Not a dam cent.
Methinks there are two around the dial today that want to sell us out for a dollar. But then, that''s the name of the game.
curmudgeon
Posts: 3788
You are giving up you beach access . . .
1/30/2006 5:05:33 PM
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. . . so that folks who own hotel, motel, and restaraunts can make money. Unless you own a hotel, motel or restaraunt all you will get is higher taxes.
They will promise you free parking, showers and free drinks on the beach. They promised the folks who voted for the income tax in 1913 that it would only be 1% and only on the rich,
Rudy
Posts: 185
Re: You are giving up you beach access . . .
1/30/2006 5:31:17 PM
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You know I have lived here all of my life and I had no idea this was a tourist town.
Paraphrasing Chesney today ""That this town has always been a tourist town.""
I think we are more of a retirement community. Anyway when has this city ever down anything to attract tourists not a damn thing and now they want to do this thing on our beaches.
The City has screwed up our downtown and I can''t even take a drive down Shoreline which I really enjoyed becuase they are fixing our sea wall and I have never seen a worker out there before. I hope it does not turn out like Ennis Joslin becuase I go to school out at TAMUCC and they are still not finished with it!!!!
Please do not mess with our beaches I like driving on the beach and parking my car somewhere next to the water open the bend to my truck and have a nice picnic with family and friends. This resort crap is only going to benefit those with big pockets and that''s it. Not common citizens if they wanted to help the common folks out they wouldn''t have passed on Sea World and Schiltterbahn. Those projects would have benefited everyone.
If this comes up for a vote I am voting it down just like I did with the smoking ban thing. Hey speaking of the smoking ban there has been quite a few restuarants that have closed down around town. Any correlation there? UMMMM.....
Rudy
Posts: 185
Re: Re: You are giving up you beach access . . .
1/30/2006 5:58:29 PM
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Another thing the City Council needs to stop doing us favors. Really, dont do us any favors, Chesney (Who lives in Dallas).
Wild Ape
Posts: 3983
Rudy pretty much sums it up for me
1/30/2006 8:59:31 PM
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I just don''t trust them. Sorry. Two days after an election they already change the goal posts.
I''m sure it is hard for a politician to take the heat for all the ills. Perhaps the situation is complicated but my gut feel is that his heart is in Dallas, not here. I''ve lived in tourist towns and no offense, this isn''t one. I think Rudy is right. This place is quiet and nice like a retirement community. What is wrong with that? Build a refinery here. That will catch my attention.
bigo
Posts: 694
Re: Rudy pretty much sums it up for me
1/30/2006 9:17:50 PM
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I spend most of my beach time down the Natioanl Seashore or at Mustang State park (but I''m getting tired of lugging my stuff to the picnic tables).
With the currents, is the trash as bad toward Packery Channel as it is on down the island? And I wonder if they will haul in white sand for the resorts?
EVW
Posts: 238
Look at the accurate entire picture.
1/31/2006 10:40:58 AM
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You still have 74 miles including the North Jetty of Packery Channel which you can drive on or up to. You also have 60 some miles you can drive past 7,400 feet of the South Jetty. From the 300 capacity parking lot with free parking (already written as part of the cities action) you have direct access to the beach, 1,400 feet to the South Jetty (resort patrons have 1,200 feet to walk) and a board walk that goes directly from the parking lot to the South Jetty. Not to mention the public restrooms and showers and bus routes to the parking lot. The development was part of the cities pitch on the Packery election. This is nothing new because I talked about it years ago. If you want business to spend their money to grow our economy there is always going to be a compromise. It''s incredibly small for 1.5 billion dollars of planed, balanced development with no tax abatements. I want more money in C.C. as it means more dollars allocated for advertising and that means I make more money. Yes,Curm. People who spend the kind of money to stay in this planned world class facility do buy boats while on vacation. My family has done it and friends of mine with far more money than I have done it several times. Boats and RVs are the exception to big ticket purchases made while traveling but that’s really not at the heart of the issue. This is my shot, our shot to have the economy, income, in the city we want to live in. We can stop loosing people to San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, and Austin. The Domino effect will only happen if we the people want it to and quite frankly I don''t think there is an ounce of support for any more pedestrian beach than the 7,400 feet for this project.
HardcoreHarry
Posts: 2338
Re: Look at the accurate entire picture.
1/31/2006 10:54:11 AM
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They also buy up houses which in turn ruin established neighborhoods by turning masses of houses into holiday rentals. Yeah it is a thriving industry. Sure it makes money. However, it drives families away. The one thing that was most notable on moving from Port Aransas to North Padre Island was the tolerable decibel level.: No more screeching of tires up back streets all hours in the morning.; No more drunken orgies that spill out into the streets. Ya ever wondered how people behave when on vacation? It isn''t pretty a lot of times. I would prefer that ugly side of the tourist dollar stay the hell out of my neighborhood thank you!
Hardcore Harry
HardcoreHarry
Posts: 2338
I am assuming theu are still ignoring...
1/31/2006 11:04:26 AM
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access for the disabled to the beach proper in this plan you have seen? Chesney still singing praises of the jetty????
If that is the case, it is a deal breaker for me Eric.
Hardcore Harry
EVW
Posts: 238
Re: I am assuming theu are still ignoring...
2/1/2006 8:53:53 AM
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I have been stressing that the board walk you suggested some weeks back is a part of the plan. The board walk will go directly from the public parking lot to the south jetty. You can drive right up to the north jetty and for miles and miles north. 7,400 feet past the the south jetty you can drive on the beach for miles and miles.
curmudgeon
Posts: 3788
I am looking at the accurate picture . . .
1/31/2006 11:23:53 AM
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. . . just from a different perspective. You stand to make money. Most folks only stand to lose access to the beach, higher taxes and an opportunity to move if they happend to be middle class island residents.
All the enticements they have promised are temporary. They will gradually be phased out once the developers have what they want. The loss of the beach access will be permanent.
EVW
Posts: 238
Re: I am looking at the accurate picture . . .
2/1/2006 8:59:05 AM
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I won''t support any addition pedestrian only sections of beach and I don''t think a majority of voters would either. Especially since the expert our city paid to tell us what we needed to do to grow our economy said don''t spend your money on tourism and focus on expanding existing business and attracting new business. Besides, I don''t see this 7,400 feet being an area I have to drive on. I usually drive north of the Packery inlet anyway.
HardcoreHarry
Posts: 2338
I caught Chesney''s self righteous outburst
1/30/2006 9:28:37 PM
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True or not Brettypoo, the whole episode has the ""appearances"" of impropriety. At the very least, us voters ought to pay your and the council back for your “dumb” decisions as YOU phrased them by booting you to the curb and send you packing to Dallas for real this next election. The voters in Corpus Christi deserve better representation from someone who committed to actually making Corpus home. Then again, it would be harder to exploit those inside tracts on real estate deals by using the connections to the office you so clearly will not surrender to a “real” local representative. So do not get all self-righteous when your should be “former” constituents call into question your modus operandi.
I for one take a tragicomic view of your little slots on the air where you are so busy selling this beach development like a two bit huckster. You would be even funnier if the stakes were not so high Mr. Chesney.
Hardcore Harry
anasazicoyote
Posts: 801
Re: Beach Development
1/30/2006 8:08:04 PM
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if developers want beachfront property let them buy some land on the laguna side and install their own waterway.
curmudgeon
Posts: 3788
Why buy land . . .
1/30/2006 8:16:01 PM
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. . . when they can get slugs like Brent Chesney and Mark Scott to give them ours.
H.H. Islander
Posts: 2
Respectful Disagreement
1/30/2006 9:15:16 PM
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I''m amazed none of you sell anything, none of you fix anything and none of you Build anything!
Responsible building benefits everyone with a job. Our population is growing.
Weather you like it or not C.C. is growing.
Now, with Responsible Development comes many needs. If any of you have a job, Whatever you do, we will need more of it. If your a janitor, there will be more to clean. If your a Doctor, there will be more to heal. If your a plumber, there will be more to Plumb.
You see, Everyone wins.
Now, about the beach! Driving on the Beach, IN TOWN! Makes about as much sense as driving on the sidewalk!
I''m all for Driving and Camping on the Beach. BUT NOT IN TOWN! I do want access to the Beach & parking too!
Im so sorry to break the news to everyone, Smoking is bad for you and this is not a Fishing Village any more!
Welcome to the 21st Century!
curmudgeon
Posts: 3788
Most of the folks here have jobs . . .
1/30/2006 9:31:26 PM
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. . and degrees, some of us several of them. I''ve lived here longer than you have probably been alive and I have forgotten more about building and business than you will ever know. Tourist don''t bring the kind of jobs Corpus Christ needs. Tourist don''t use doctors, or lawyers or engineers or dentists or mechanics or architects or . . . well you get the idea. This developement will use a few professionals during the building stage but after that it will be mostly maids and waitress and dishwashers.
The beaches, all the beaches not just those outside the city limits belong to the people of Texas. Texas passed a law in 1959 that says the Texas beach is a state highway. You need to do a little research.
H.H. Islander
Posts: 2
Re: Most of the folks here have jobs . . .
1/31/2006 12:13:24 AM
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Mr. Curmudgeon,
GET SERIOUS!
1st.I bet your not 5 years older than me!
2nd.As for how much you have forgotten, who knows, I sure its considerable!
3rd.Tourist Jobs, Don''t be so naive! This is way bigger than Tourist hotels. In addition to hotels, homes and villages will be built. Schools and markets will go up. High end taxpayers will move to the island.
Mr. Curmudgeon, its time to come out of the vapor. The island will need just as many Professionals as anyplace else.
4th. ""All Texas Beachs are State Highways"" Mr. Curmudgeon, I was around in 1959 and evan then I didn''t sunbath in the middle of any State Highways. You see in 1959 we did a lot of things differant. I don''t think Chevrolet is still building that 348cu V8 anymore! Times change and we all need to change with them, before we are all left behind.
HardcoreHarry
Posts: 2338
Re: Re: Most of the folks here have jobs . . .
1/31/2006 12:12:33 AM
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Schools, markets, villages and high-end taxpayers?
I look around and all of those are already here.
JFK Causeway and the Ferry in Port Aransas barely handle the traffic load here on the islands during peak times. To be honest, there are times during the peak tourist spikes we do not even try to leave the house as getting anywhere in a timely manner is virtually impossible. A spike in development that does not address the two access choke points to the islands will be a miserable failure.
Regarding these ""High end"" taxpayers you are promising. Are these the same ones who want to create their own defacto private ferry system by charging $250 a year for priority ferry passes in Port Aransas? Yeah I have seen the way big money has been filleting out the north end of Mustang Island over the years. There are some families whom the streets of Port Aransas are named after who can barely afford to live in their overvalued and overtaxed homes. That is real progress for ya huh Islander? Now we are going to move more of that “big money” 17 miles south and have it works its inevitable magic?
/sarcasm
Hardcore Harry
curmudgeon
Posts: 3788
I''m not really that old . . .
1/31/2006 7:17:29 AM
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. . . one day I may grow up but I doubt it.
Most jobs created will be jobs associated with the tourist trade namely low wage service industry jobs. There will be some high paying jobs during the construction phase but these will mostly be filled by out of town firms.
What I have forgotten is not as important as what I know which seems to concern you.
High end taxpayers will move in forcing out the folks who are presently living on the island leaving an enclave for the rich. The service workers will communte in much like they do in Miami Beach or Palm Springs.
An excerpt for the Texas Open Beach Act:
""No local government may regulate vehicular traffic so as to prohibit vehicles from an area of public beach or impose or increase public beach access, parking, or use fees in any manner inconsistent with the policies of Section 61.011 of this code or the rules promulgated thereunder.""
The legislature declared the Texas beaches state highways because they wanted unrestrestriced vehicle access to Texas beaches not because they were too stupid to realize that beaches were not highways.
In 1959 Chevrolet made the 348 (actually they made it before 1959 but used it in trucks). The 348 and its sybling the 409 died. That same year they made the 283. It lives on as the small block chevy, the latest itteration producing more than 400 horsepower in the 2006 Corvette.
Cal
Posts: 963
Re: Re: Most of the folks here have jobs . . .
1/31/2006 7:30:28 AM
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Make your chouce: NAS and its jobs or High rise Condos on the beach. You will not have both in my lifetime.
First time Fleet Jets sound off the phones will ring off the wall.
Move now or pay later!
Capt Carrales
Posts: 1983
Ah ha!!!
2/1/2006 12:22:06 AM
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I hadn''t even thought of that. NAS or the Condos?
BlindBob
Posts: 794
Re: Respectful Disagreement
1/30/2006 10:12:54 PM
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First they only wanted a little bit of beachfront, so the tourists wouldn''t be run over by those wild-eyed maniacs from the city. Those same ''city people'' who had somehow managed not to run over and kill too many people in all those decades. In fact, the statistics are so low that its nearly impossible to find any information.
Then they wanted a little more beachfront. And they won''t be satisfied until they have it all. Miami Beach, Galveston, South Padre Island.
I won''t favor giving these modern day Carpetbaggers one square inch of beachfront. They don''t give a ratz behind about Corpus Christi or anyone who lives here. We''ve gotten along just fine without em and we can get along just fine in the future without em.
With props to Counting Crows:
They paved paradise and put up a parkin'' lot
With a pink hotel, a boutique, and a swingin'' hot spot
Don''t it always seem to go
That you don''t know what you got till it''s gone
They paved paradise and put up a parkin'' lot
LONEWOLF
Posts: 747
Actually...
2/6/2006 12:18:26 PM
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...an old Joni Mitchell tune.
BlindBob
Posts: 794
Re: Respectful Disagreement
1/30/2006 10:21:51 PM
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And one more, from the Pretenders:
WENT BACK TO OHIO
BUT MY PRETTY COUNTRYSIDE
HAD BEEN PAVED DOWN THE MIDDLE
BY A GOVERNMENT THAT HAD NO PRIDE
THE FARMS OF OHIO
HAD BEEN REPLACED BY SHOPPING MALLS
AND MUZAK FILLED THE AIR
FROM SENECA TO CUYAHOGA FALLS
SAID, A, O, OH WAY TO GO OHIO
curtis rock
Posts: 1457
Rhetoric...
1/31/2006 8:05:44 AM
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You sound pretty convincing, except to people who actually understand how things actually work.
I''ve heard you say that a few high-paying jobs will exist soley during construction, and after the construction phase is completed the rest of the jobs will be low-paying jobs that cater towards tourists. This is far from true. Remember, a big resort will depend on more than janitors, bellhops, room service, and front desk personnel. Resorts will also require management, accountants, lawyers, marketing, and various other jobs. In defense of your claim, these jobs will be more scarce than minimum wage jobs, but these jobs always are. What I consider promising is the fact that the lower wage jobs are created in addition to higher paying jobs.
Any time you create work for people, I think it is a good thing. About 2% of people age 25 and older have a minimum wage job, so these jobs would be great for people in school at Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, or for our local highschools. Some of these people will have the opportunity to move upward into management positions upon graduation.
In addition to people hired exclusively by the resort, the resort will also hire other firms to provide products and services. I highly doubt the resort will mow their own grass or supply their own office products, they''ll probably use a landscaping company like Fox Nursery and an office supply company like Gulf Coast Paper. Vacationers will probably order pizza from a local pizza joint like a Dominos or Padre Island Pizzaria. Linen and uniforms will be serviced by a uniform company like Unifirst or Cintas. Entertainment services lke hula dancers, mariachis, and clowns would be needed for guests, and the sound systems would have to be rented and run by a sound professional. Now, I''m not in the business of hotels or resorts, so I can''t name every single company they would contract for their daily operations. But the few services I have named would probably be worth millions annually in contracts.
I look at my small 25-man operation at Rock Engineering, and how many vendors and suppliers we have, and all of the monthly bills we pay to them. So I can say that Rock Engineering exists for more than just the owners and our employees, but also for our vendors. Remember, employees and vendors get paid first; owners get the leftovers.
curmudgeon
Posts: 3788
I have considerably . . .
1/31/2006 8:20:53 AM
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. . . more business experience than you seem to including owning a restaraunt. I know precisely the kind of jobs that will come with the tourist industry. The vast majority will be low paying service jobs. There will be a few management jobs, hell, even prostitutes have pimps.
Again, tourist don''t buy cars or boats. They don''t use doctors or lawyers or engineering firms.
The tourist industry will come to Corpus Christi whether we want it here or not. We don''t need to give away public access to the beach to get it here.
BlindBob
Posts: 794
Re: I have considerably . . .
1/31/2006 12:04:35 PM
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Step two blocks away from the fancy resorts and beach hotels in Cancun, Cozumel or Aruba and you will find the real impact on the people. Is that what we want parts of Corpus Christi to look like?
There is no doubt that building a big huge fancy resort in the area will create jobs. Low paying service industry jobs.
Corpus Christi is growing. If you have not driven along Yorktown or Saratoga or Airline or Cimmaron or out to the Island in a while, try it. The roadways are jammed, farming fields are disappearing faster than one can count them. MULTITUDES of housing developments are under construction. Take a drive down SPID at 5:15 pm. I don''t buy into this ''we need this city to grow'' stuf. We can''t keep up with the growth we are experiencing NOW.
U.S.Census and FBI Crime stats tell us this:
In the last 4 years, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin have all grown faster than Corpus. Corpus has grown at about the same rate as Dallas on a percentage basis. ALL of those cities have crime rates larger than Corpus Christi.
Wild Ape
Posts: 3983
Curtis, listen up
1/31/2006 1:26:38 PM
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I come from a state where they thrive on tourist industry. Look at Las Vegas and Reno today is just like Los Angelas. The vast majority of work will be service. Bob is 100% correct in his estimation. Reno is better off because it has attracted industry. Those have the kind of jobs you describe.
Lake Tahoe was once all public beach. Today a very small strip of public beach is left. This happened within my lifetime. I''m against this. I''m not anti rich. I''m just pro community and individualism.
curtis rock
Posts: 1457
With your business experience...
2/1/2006 12:38:38 AM
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Why did you even open a restaurant, perhaps the riskiest business venture known to mankind? Hopefully it wasn''t in South Texas, because you''d have to be Mexican or Greek to be successful, or own a big-name national franchise.
I realzie tourists aren''t using the lawyers, doctors, or engineers of the community, but they are using entrepreneurs of other sorts here. Also, the resort is using other professional services which I''ve already mentioned in previous posts - owned and operated by people who make a lot of money doing so, and employ people as well. There''s a lot of wealth to be created by this resort.
If there''s low-paying service jobs, then someone is making good money somewhere - or will at one time.
curmudgeon
Posts: 3788
Restaraunts are risky . . .
2/1/2006 6:10:36 AM
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. . . but they make money if you work your ass off, cash money.
If there''s low-paying service jobs, then someone is making good money somewhere - or will at one time.
I don''t quite follow your logic. We ought to bring minimum wage jobs to Corpus Christi because there are rich folks somewhere who will put them to work.
curtis rock
Posts: 1457
Re: Restaraunts are risky . . .
2/1/2006 8:16:18 PM
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You followed my logic well. There are people who are making good money, and are able to provide jobs for others so they can also participate in the economy - even if it''s a smaller level.
You can twist it to make it seem like low wages are a bad thing. The alternative is no wages.
Cal
Posts: 963
Re: Re: Restaraunts are risky . . .
2/2/2006 8:08:05 AM
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I agree with that statement. Low wages are better than no wages with the following exception.
""Welfare is still better than working for low wages."" This buys cake and you can eat it also.
curtis rock
Posts: 1457
Welfare...
2/2/2006 12:46:06 PM
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Subsidies like welfare and minimum wage are considered artificially high prices for labor. This always leads to a surplus. The surplus is labor in this case.
Why be productive if you''re rewarded to do otherwise? Makes sense not too.
Uriel
Posts: 798
Re: Beach Development
1/31/2006 5:52:31 PM
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OHHH YEAHHH...we are attracting the right kinds so far!
According to a letter to the editor of the local paper, The ''Girls Gone Wild'' music tour is comming to Corpus Christi on March 17th at Concrete Street. OH BOY! Won''t be long till they do the big bang on our royal beaches.
How many here are gonna let their daughters have some fun and go!
Way to go, Corpus Christi.
We''re ah movin'' on up, eh?
Rudy
Posts: 185
Re: Re: Beach Development
1/31/2006 9:38:14 PM
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Didn''t the City Council already extend the amount of beach this resort was going to take up in the first place? I think they did.
Are beaches are unique compared to other places such as South Padre and Galveston. Those places you can''t drive on the beach and you can go for miles without seeing anything because of the sea wall.
You mean to tell me that they are just going to build this one resort and that''s it?
I just can not believe that.
Hey Bob did you see on the crime stats that compared to the whole state of Texas our rape rate here is significantly higher than the state''s?
We have our kind of crime here like bulgary, rape, and vandalism.
BlindBob
Posts: 794
Re: Re: Re: Beach Development
1/31/2006 9:43:39 PM
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Rudy ....
Sure did (crime statistics). When the cities are compared some had more of this and others had more of that. Taken as a whole, Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio all had overall crime rates higher than Corpus.
Ours is still too dang high though.
curtis rock
Posts: 1457
crime rates...
2/1/2006 12:42:14 AM
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One thing about Crime Rates is that they''re like any statistic, derived solely from reports.
For example, in big cities, vandalism and burglary goes widely unreported because citizens realize nothing serious will result from filing with the police.
EVW
Posts: 238
Listen to reason for just a minute
2/4/2006 12:06:56 PM
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All the things your all afraid of if this Packery project goes through is just as likely to happen whether we have a small pedestrian beach or not. In fact just looking back not more than 5 years ago when the populace becomes frustrated with the increased cost of living and stagnant wages they will be easily convinced to vote in favor of another tax and spend idea that raises all our taxes again. By the way, Curm and Capt., don''t you guys live in Kingsville anyway? You guys seem to be great proponents of the old phrase, ""those who forget their history are destined to repeat it."" We''ll? Come on guys, learn from our recent history. Out of all the complaints you have registered on the issue only one can''t be explained away by the facts and that''s the ""slippery slope"" argument that if we create this pedestrian only beach they will make it all pedestrian only. This argument is dismissed by learning from our recent history and common sense. By refusing compromise on this small section of beach now we nullify this deal. The public resentment and lackluster economic activity will prime the next entrepreneur to ask for something much more expansive and, even if it goes to the voters, they will give it up enthusiastically. Supporting this now diffuses the issue and puts the focus squarely on the city government to deliver what they promised. Our future is only what we force our government to make it. Stone-walling alone isn''t enough we must support and encourage as well.
Capt Carrales
Posts: 1983
An injustice begun in one part of the nation...
2/6/2006 4:10:02 PM
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...is an injustice the world over.
Eric, all I see is that a right/privledge is to be restricted on a public beach which bears all the fruit of limiting access for the benefit of a few WEALTHY types.
Why don''t they build the develoment in Loyola or Riviera where one of this will be an issue? A new road to Corpus would connect it quite well...and, it is the winfall of economic development...then it will flourish no matter where it is.
Plus...the people of those places will not be displaced, nor restricted since those spots of beach are hard to get to anyway with current infrastructure?
Logical...? But not viable to the powers that be...it is far better to ""rape"" the island than to really develop anything.
Those are my problems with the whole thing.
Now, I have no benefit to reap...no company to milk profits...nor will I afford to live in the Corpus-arium Vitae envisioned...but, I will have the opportunity to serve as a ""serf"" to those who live there via a low paying job, will not be able to drive to a quiet section of beach and I will be able to walk the rotten husk of Downtown and other parts of Corpus sacrified to this GOLDEN COW.
In anycase, I guess you win Eric...I''m finished. Only time will tell anyway.
curtis rock
Posts: 1457
Re: An injustice begun in one part of the nation...
2/6/2006 6:42:45 PM
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Eric, all I see is that a right/privledge is to be restricted on a public beach which bears all the fruit of limiting access for the benefit of a few WEALTHY types.
More than just wealthy types will be able to earn a living from this. The only jobs created will not be minimum wage jobs, but probably the majority of jobs created will. Keep in mind that a demand will be created where other businesses such as Eric''s advertising will be required. As I''ve already mentioned in other posts, there is a laundry list of businesses that the resort will utilize, which also employ people.
""Why don''t they build the develoment in Loyola or Riviera where one of this will be an issue? A new road to Corpus would connect it quite well...and, it is the winfall of economic development...then it will flourish no matter where it is.""
Location Location Location. Would you build a Neiman Marcus in Robstown? They won''t even put one in Corpus Christi because there isn''t a demographic or a high population density of wealthy people to support a Neiman Marcus - just like your aforementioned towns cannot support a high scale resort like this.
It''s not logical, and it''s not viable. What''s logical is choosing a business location which is more suitable for the bottom line.
Capt Carrales
Posts: 1983
We''ll see if your right...
2/6/2006 6:56:41 PM
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...but remember it was you that built the bed all of South Texas will have to sleep in...good or bad.
As for Location et al...You think too highly of Corpus Christi.
Corpuscentrism...ha, didn''t someone here once mention petards and hoisting or something?
curtis rock
Posts: 1457
Re: We''ll see if your right...
2/6/2006 8:40:37 PM
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I''m pretty sure I''m right.
Corpus Christi is clearly the best choice because of size, infrastructure, urban location, etc. Why vacation in your towns of recommendation when the closest shopping mall and other attractions are an hour away?
Do I need to even talk about the importance of name-brands? Marketing research demonstrates that vacationers are more likely to choose a Wal Mart, Subway, Starbuck''s, or McDonalds to make purchases because they''re familiar. Everything is pretty much the same from the menu to the floorplan, and to the service and the decoration. Marketing shows that people are creatures of habit, and like familiarity and purchases show this.
Corpus Christi has more of these places than Kingsville or Riviera, and thus offers a more attractive location.
Now me, I''m slightly a creature of habit but am very spontaneous as well. So it didn''t bother me to be on the Big Island of Hawaii away from the commercialized Hawaiian Islands like Oahu or Maui. The Big Island is less of a tourist destination because it lacks a lot of the urban amenities, making it less attractive to large-scale tourism - and less commerce from tourism as a result.
Cal
Posts: 963
Re: Re: An injustice begun in one part of the nation...
2/6/2006 7:32:50 PM
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Hey Good Buddy. Just how many $$$$$ do you plan on making from this fiasco? I don''t plan to make a dam cent off of it.
I like the Cpt''s idea. It is great. We get to keep our beautiful back water burg by the bay and are happy and the rich and famous have their place to ""walk in the Sunshine"". Everyone is happy :) :) :)
Sell your idea Cpt.
curtis rock
Posts: 1457
Re: Re: Re: An injustice begun in one part of the nation...
2/6/2006 8:28:55 PM
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If the project comes to fruition, it''s a 1 in 4 chance that the company I work for will have the opportunity to provide our services. If it doesn''t go through, zero chance. A firm like mine has 5 professionals, and nobody makes minimum wage - so nobody can say this development is creating only minimum wage jobs.
Now, Capt''s idea would be great if his locations were right. However, there''s not a big draw to that area like Corpus Christi.
Capt Carrales
Posts: 1983
A good real estate broker would...
2/6/2006 8:40:35 PM
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...jump at the chance to buy the land in Kleberg and Kenedy County at a minimum and develop it.
It is already isolated and they could develop a club life and the like from scratch...they would already have ""de facto"" private beaches and minimal backlash from the people. In fact, they would welcome the rich and would most likely benefit from the low paying jobs.
Tax rates are repressed there and it would be a boon to everyone.
curtis rock
Posts: 1457
Re: A good real estate broker would...
2/6/2006 8:44:29 PM
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Read my post above, I explain why your towns are not the tourist traps these type of resorts target. It''s not isolation they seek. Corpus Christi welcomes the rich. And Corpus Christi would also benefit from ANY paying jobs. I wish people would stop this rhetoric where a distinction must be made between low and high paying jobs. High and low is relative. I probably think you guys have high paying jobs, but my parents probably don''t think you do.
curmudgeon
Posts: 3788
They will develop this property . . .
2/6/2006 9:33:14 PM
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. . . whether we allow them to close it or not. If you think they bought all this land up just to sit on it you are a fool.
curtis rock
Posts: 1457
Re: They will develop this property . . .
2/6/2006 10:05:28 PM
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I have no doubt that they will develop the property, but the scope of work will undoubtedly change. Plans are plans.
curmudgeon
Posts: 3788
Texas beaches belong to the people . . .
2/6/2006 4:24:45 PM
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. . . of Texas, all the people of Texas not just those living in Corpus Christi. The crooked Corpus Christi council does not have the right to compromise the public access to the beach, not an inch, not a foot, not a mile. The allowed a seawall to be built (actually to remain) in front of one the condos and it came back to bite them in the ass.
It is clear that the overwhelming majority of folks don''t want this beach closed. You are on the wrong side of this issue.
fishon
Posts: 120
Re: Texas beaches belong to the people . . .
2/6/2006 9:12:13 PM
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Im for the development of the city/area & I do fish in the surf often. Just never between BHP & the condos, we always go south of Bob hall pier. alot more room open that end of the beach.
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Author Original Message
curmudgeon
Posts: 3788
Beach Development
1/30/2006 4:40:08 PM
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Folks, they are trying to sell you a bill of goods. If you want to see what they have in store go to South Padre or Galvestion.
On South Padre you can drive for five miles without seeing the water. There is check to jowel development consisting mostly of high rise condos and motels along the water side of the major access road.
At Galveston you have the same situation of a restriction on driving on the beach in the entire Galvestion city limit. While there is access to the beach it limited and parking is scarce.
They are promising all this free parking and such but there is no guarantee that it will remain that way. There is already a move underway to eliminate free on street parking near the beaches in Galveston.
The last think they want is for the people to have a say in this decision.
Collapse all posts in this thread
Author Replys
Wild Ape
Posts: 3983
Re: Beach Development
1/30/2006 4:57:06 PM
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I have to say they pulled this stunt like pros. They''ll make it a legal precident. Chesney speaks out of his alternate orifice very well. I still won''t buy it.
Cal
Posts: 963
Re: Re: Beach Development
1/30/2006 5:04:56 PM
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What will happen to NAS Corpus,CCAD,and the Coast Guard at NAS when all the condo''s and development takes place on the Island.
Where will all the ""Fleet Jets"" from Kingsville practice?
Make you choice and be heard today. NAS and the Military or Condos Crowdes and high taxes to pay for all this.
Ask yourself this question. How much am I going to put into my pocket? Not a dam cent.
Methinks there are two around the dial today that want to sell us out for a dollar. But then, that''s the name of the game.
curmudgeon
Posts: 3788
You are giving up you beach access . . .
1/30/2006 5:05:33 PM
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. . . so that folks who own hotel, motel, and restaraunts can make money. Unless you own a hotel, motel or restaraunt all you will get is higher taxes.
They will promise you free parking, showers and free drinks on the beach. They promised the folks who voted for the income tax in 1913 that it would only be 1% and only on the rich,
Rudy
Posts: 185
Re: You are giving up you beach access . . .
1/30/2006 5:31:17 PM
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You know I have lived here all of my life and I had no idea this was a tourist town.
Paraphrasing Chesney today ""That this town has always been a tourist town.""
I think we are more of a retirement community. Anyway when has this city ever down anything to attract tourists not a damn thing and now they want to do this thing on our beaches.
The City has screwed up our downtown and I can''t even take a drive down Shoreline which I really enjoyed becuase they are fixing our sea wall and I have never seen a worker out there before. I hope it does not turn out like Ennis Joslin becuase I go to school out at TAMUCC and they are still not finished with it!!!!
Please do not mess with our beaches I like driving on the beach and parking my car somewhere next to the water open the bend to my truck and have a nice picnic with family and friends. This resort crap is only going to benefit those with big pockets and that''s it. Not common citizens if they wanted to help the common folks out they wouldn''t have passed on Sea World and Schiltterbahn. Those projects would have benefited everyone.
If this comes up for a vote I am voting it down just like I did with the smoking ban thing. Hey speaking of the smoking ban there has been quite a few restuarants that have closed down around town. Any correlation there? UMMMM.....
Rudy
Posts: 185
Re: Re: You are giving up you beach access . . .
1/30/2006 5:58:29 PM
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Another thing the City Council needs to stop doing us favors. Really, dont do us any favors, Chesney (Who lives in Dallas).
Wild Ape
Posts: 3983
Rudy pretty much sums it up for me
1/30/2006 8:59:31 PM
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I just don''t trust them. Sorry. Two days after an election they already change the goal posts.
I''m sure it is hard for a politician to take the heat for all the ills. Perhaps the situation is complicated but my gut feel is that his heart is in Dallas, not here. I''ve lived in tourist towns and no offense, this isn''t one. I think Rudy is right. This place is quiet and nice like a retirement community. What is wrong with that? Build a refinery here. That will catch my attention.
bigo
Posts: 694
Re: Rudy pretty much sums it up for me
1/30/2006 9:17:50 PM
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I spend most of my beach time down the Natioanl Seashore or at Mustang State park (but I''m getting tired of lugging my stuff to the picnic tables).
With the currents, is the trash as bad toward Packery Channel as it is on down the island? And I wonder if they will haul in white sand for the resorts?
EVW
Posts: 238
Look at the accurate entire picture.
1/31/2006 10:40:58 AM
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You still have 74 miles including the North Jetty of Packery Channel which you can drive on or up to. You also have 60 some miles you can drive past 7,400 feet of the South Jetty. From the 300 capacity parking lot with free parking (already written as part of the cities action) you have direct access to the beach, 1,400 feet to the South Jetty (resort patrons have 1,200 feet to walk) and a board walk that goes directly from the parking lot to the South Jetty. Not to mention the public restrooms and showers and bus routes to the parking lot. The development was part of the cities pitch on the Packery election. This is nothing new because I talked about it years ago. If you want business to spend their money to grow our economy there is always going to be a compromise. It''s incredibly small for 1.5 billion dollars of planed, balanced development with no tax abatements. I want more money in C.C. as it means more dollars allocated for advertising and that means I make more money. Yes,Curm. People who spend the kind of money to stay in this planned world class facility do buy boats while on vacation. My family has done it and friends of mine with far more money than I have done it several times. Boats and RVs are the exception to big ticket purchases made while traveling but that’s really not at the heart of the issue. This is my shot, our shot to have the economy, income, in the city we want to live in. We can stop loosing people to San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, and Austin. The Domino effect will only happen if we the people want it to and quite frankly I don''t think there is an ounce of support for any more pedestrian beach than the 7,400 feet for this project.
HardcoreHarry
Posts: 2338
Re: Look at the accurate entire picture.
1/31/2006 10:54:11 AM
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They also buy up houses which in turn ruin established neighborhoods by turning masses of houses into holiday rentals. Yeah it is a thriving industry. Sure it makes money. However, it drives families away. The one thing that was most notable on moving from Port Aransas to North Padre Island was the tolerable decibel level.: No more screeching of tires up back streets all hours in the morning.; No more drunken orgies that spill out into the streets. Ya ever wondered how people behave when on vacation? It isn''t pretty a lot of times. I would prefer that ugly side of the tourist dollar stay the hell out of my neighborhood thank you!
Hardcore Harry
HardcoreHarry
Posts: 2338
I am assuming theu are still ignoring...
1/31/2006 11:04:26 AM
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access for the disabled to the beach proper in this plan you have seen? Chesney still singing praises of the jetty????
If that is the case, it is a deal breaker for me Eric.
Hardcore Harry
EVW
Posts: 238
Re: I am assuming theu are still ignoring...
2/1/2006 8:53:53 AM
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I have been stressing that the board walk you suggested some weeks back is a part of the plan. The board walk will go directly from the public parking lot to the south jetty. You can drive right up to the north jetty and for miles and miles north. 7,400 feet past the the south jetty you can drive on the beach for miles and miles.
curmudgeon
Posts: 3788
I am looking at the accurate picture . . .
1/31/2006 11:23:53 AM
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. . . just from a different perspective. You stand to make money. Most folks only stand to lose access to the beach, higher taxes and an opportunity to move if they happend to be middle class island residents.
All the enticements they have promised are temporary. They will gradually be phased out once the developers have what they want. The loss of the beach access will be permanent.
EVW
Posts: 238
Re: I am looking at the accurate picture . . .
2/1/2006 8:59:05 AM
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I won''t support any addition pedestrian only sections of beach and I don''t think a majority of voters would either. Especially since the expert our city paid to tell us what we needed to do to grow our economy said don''t spend your money on tourism and focus on expanding existing business and attracting new business. Besides, I don''t see this 7,400 feet being an area I have to drive on. I usually drive north of the Packery inlet anyway.
HardcoreHarry
Posts: 2338
I caught Chesney''s self righteous outburst
1/30/2006 9:28:37 PM
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True or not Brettypoo, the whole episode has the ""appearances"" of impropriety. At the very least, us voters ought to pay your and the council back for your “dumb” decisions as YOU phrased them by booting you to the curb and send you packing to Dallas for real this next election. The voters in Corpus Christi deserve better representation from someone who committed to actually making Corpus home. Then again, it would be harder to exploit those inside tracts on real estate deals by using the connections to the office you so clearly will not surrender to a “real” local representative. So do not get all self-righteous when your should be “former” constituents call into question your modus operandi.
I for one take a tragicomic view of your little slots on the air where you are so busy selling this beach development like a two bit huckster. You would be even funnier if the stakes were not so high Mr. Chesney.
Hardcore Harry
anasazicoyote
Posts: 801
Re: Beach Development
1/30/2006 8:08:04 PM
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if developers want beachfront property let them buy some land on the laguna side and install their own waterway.
curmudgeon
Posts: 3788
Why buy land . . .
1/30/2006 8:16:01 PM
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. . . when they can get slugs like Brent Chesney and Mark Scott to give them ours.
H.H. Islander
Posts: 2
Respectful Disagreement
1/30/2006 9:15:16 PM
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I''m amazed none of you sell anything, none of you fix anything and none of you Build anything!
Responsible building benefits everyone with a job. Our population is growing.
Weather you like it or not C.C. is growing.
Now, with Responsible Development comes many needs. If any of you have a job, Whatever you do, we will need more of it. If your a janitor, there will be more to clean. If your a Doctor, there will be more to heal. If your a plumber, there will be more to Plumb.
You see, Everyone wins.
Now, about the beach! Driving on the Beach, IN TOWN! Makes about as much sense as driving on the sidewalk!
I''m all for Driving and Camping on the Beach. BUT NOT IN TOWN! I do want access to the Beach & parking too!
Im so sorry to break the news to everyone, Smoking is bad for you and this is not a Fishing Village any more!
Welcome to the 21st Century!
curmudgeon
Posts: 3788
Most of the folks here have jobs . . .
1/30/2006 9:31:26 PM
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. . and degrees, some of us several of them. I''ve lived here longer than you have probably been alive and I have forgotten more about building and business than you will ever know. Tourist don''t bring the kind of jobs Corpus Christ needs. Tourist don''t use doctors, or lawyers or engineers or dentists or mechanics or architects or . . . well you get the idea. This developement will use a few professionals during the building stage but after that it will be mostly maids and waitress and dishwashers.
The beaches, all the beaches not just those outside the city limits belong to the people of Texas. Texas passed a law in 1959 that says the Texas beach is a state highway. You need to do a little research.
H.H. Islander
Posts: 2
Re: Most of the folks here have jobs . . .
1/31/2006 12:13:24 AM
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Mr. Curmudgeon,
GET SERIOUS!
1st.I bet your not 5 years older than me!
2nd.As for how much you have forgotten, who knows, I sure its considerable!
3rd.Tourist Jobs, Don''t be so naive! This is way bigger than Tourist hotels. In addition to hotels, homes and villages will be built. Schools and markets will go up. High end taxpayers will move to the island.
Mr. Curmudgeon, its time to come out of the vapor. The island will need just as many Professionals as anyplace else.
4th. ""All Texas Beachs are State Highways"" Mr. Curmudgeon, I was around in 1959 and evan then I didn''t sunbath in the middle of any State Highways. You see in 1959 we did a lot of things differant. I don''t think Chevrolet is still building that 348cu V8 anymore! Times change and we all need to change with them, before we are all left behind.
HardcoreHarry
Posts: 2338
Re: Re: Most of the folks here have jobs . . .
1/31/2006 12:12:33 AM
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Schools, markets, villages and high-end taxpayers?
I look around and all of those are already here.
JFK Causeway and the Ferry in Port Aransas barely handle the traffic load here on the islands during peak times. To be honest, there are times during the peak tourist spikes we do not even try to leave the house as getting anywhere in a timely manner is virtually impossible. A spike in development that does not address the two access choke points to the islands will be a miserable failure.
Regarding these ""High end"" taxpayers you are promising. Are these the same ones who want to create their own defacto private ferry system by charging $250 a year for priority ferry passes in Port Aransas? Yeah I have seen the way big money has been filleting out the north end of Mustang Island over the years. There are some families whom the streets of Port Aransas are named after who can barely afford to live in their overvalued and overtaxed homes. That is real progress for ya huh Islander? Now we are going to move more of that “big money” 17 miles south and have it works its inevitable magic?
/sarcasm
Hardcore Harry
curmudgeon
Posts: 3788
I''m not really that old . . .
1/31/2006 7:17:29 AM
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. . . one day I may grow up but I doubt it.
Most jobs created will be jobs associated with the tourist trade namely low wage service industry jobs. There will be some high paying jobs during the construction phase but these will mostly be filled by out of town firms.
What I have forgotten is not as important as what I know which seems to concern you.
High end taxpayers will move in forcing out the folks who are presently living on the island leaving an enclave for the rich. The service workers will communte in much like they do in Miami Beach or Palm Springs.
An excerpt for the Texas Open Beach Act:
""No local government may regulate vehicular traffic so as to prohibit vehicles from an area of public beach or impose or increase public beach access, parking, or use fees in any manner inconsistent with the policies of Section 61.011 of this code or the rules promulgated thereunder.""
The legislature declared the Texas beaches state highways because they wanted unrestrestriced vehicle access to Texas beaches not because they were too stupid to realize that beaches were not highways.
In 1959 Chevrolet made the 348 (actually they made it before 1959 but used it in trucks). The 348 and its sybling the 409 died. That same year they made the 283. It lives on as the small block chevy, the latest itteration producing more than 400 horsepower in the 2006 Corvette.
Cal
Posts: 963
Re: Re: Most of the folks here have jobs . . .
1/31/2006 7:30:28 AM
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Make your chouce: NAS and its jobs or High rise Condos on the beach. You will not have both in my lifetime.
First time Fleet Jets sound off the phones will ring off the wall.
Move now or pay later!
Capt Carrales
Posts: 1983
Ah ha!!!
2/1/2006 12:22:06 AM
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I hadn''t even thought of that. NAS or the Condos?
BlindBob
Posts: 794
Re: Respectful Disagreement
1/30/2006 10:12:54 PM
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First they only wanted a little bit of beachfront, so the tourists wouldn''t be run over by those wild-eyed maniacs from the city. Those same ''city people'' who had somehow managed not to run over and kill too many people in all those decades. In fact, the statistics are so low that its nearly impossible to find any information.
Then they wanted a little more beachfront. And they won''t be satisfied until they have it all. Miami Beach, Galveston, South Padre Island.
I won''t favor giving these modern day Carpetbaggers one square inch of beachfront. They don''t give a ratz behind about Corpus Christi or anyone who lives here. We''ve gotten along just fine without em and we can get along just fine in the future without em.
With props to Counting Crows:
They paved paradise and put up a parkin'' lot
With a pink hotel, a boutique, and a swingin'' hot spot
Don''t it always seem to go
That you don''t know what you got till it''s gone
They paved paradise and put up a parkin'' lot
LONEWOLF
Posts: 747
Actually...
2/6/2006 12:18:26 PM
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...an old Joni Mitchell tune.
BlindBob
Posts: 794
Re: Respectful Disagreement
1/30/2006 10:21:51 PM
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And one more, from the Pretenders:
WENT BACK TO OHIO
BUT MY PRETTY COUNTRYSIDE
HAD BEEN PAVED DOWN THE MIDDLE
BY A GOVERNMENT THAT HAD NO PRIDE
THE FARMS OF OHIO
HAD BEEN REPLACED BY SHOPPING MALLS
AND MUZAK FILLED THE AIR
FROM SENECA TO CUYAHOGA FALLS
SAID, A, O, OH WAY TO GO OHIO
curtis rock
Posts: 1457
Rhetoric...
1/31/2006 8:05:44 AM
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You sound pretty convincing, except to people who actually understand how things actually work.
I''ve heard you say that a few high-paying jobs will exist soley during construction, and after the construction phase is completed the rest of the jobs will be low-paying jobs that cater towards tourists. This is far from true. Remember, a big resort will depend on more than janitors, bellhops, room service, and front desk personnel. Resorts will also require management, accountants, lawyers, marketing, and various other jobs. In defense of your claim, these jobs will be more scarce than minimum wage jobs, but these jobs always are. What I consider promising is the fact that the lower wage jobs are created in addition to higher paying jobs.
Any time you create work for people, I think it is a good thing. About 2% of people age 25 and older have a minimum wage job, so these jobs would be great for people in school at Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, or for our local highschools. Some of these people will have the opportunity to move upward into management positions upon graduation.
In addition to people hired exclusively by the resort, the resort will also hire other firms to provide products and services. I highly doubt the resort will mow their own grass or supply their own office products, they''ll probably use a landscaping company like Fox Nursery and an office supply company like Gulf Coast Paper. Vacationers will probably order pizza from a local pizza joint like a Dominos or Padre Island Pizzaria. Linen and uniforms will be serviced by a uniform company like Unifirst or Cintas. Entertainment services lke hula dancers, mariachis, and clowns would be needed for guests, and the sound systems would have to be rented and run by a sound professional. Now, I''m not in the business of hotels or resorts, so I can''t name every single company they would contract for their daily operations. But the few services I have named would probably be worth millions annually in contracts.
I look at my small 25-man operation at Rock Engineering, and how many vendors and suppliers we have, and all of the monthly bills we pay to them. So I can say that Rock Engineering exists for more than just the owners and our employees, but also for our vendors. Remember, employees and vendors get paid first; owners get the leftovers.
curmudgeon
Posts: 3788
I have considerably . . .
1/31/2006 8:20:53 AM
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. . . more business experience than you seem to including owning a restaraunt. I know precisely the kind of jobs that will come with the tourist industry. The vast majority will be low paying service jobs. There will be a few management jobs, hell, even prostitutes have pimps.
Again, tourist don''t buy cars or boats. They don''t use doctors or lawyers or engineering firms.
The tourist industry will come to Corpus Christi whether we want it here or not. We don''t need to give away public access to the beach to get it here.
BlindBob
Posts: 794
Re: I have considerably . . .
1/31/2006 12:04:35 PM
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Step two blocks away from the fancy resorts and beach hotels in Cancun, Cozumel or Aruba and you will find the real impact on the people. Is that what we want parts of Corpus Christi to look like?
There is no doubt that building a big huge fancy resort in the area will create jobs. Low paying service industry jobs.
Corpus Christi is growing. If you have not driven along Yorktown or Saratoga or Airline or Cimmaron or out to the Island in a while, try it. The roadways are jammed, farming fields are disappearing faster than one can count them. MULTITUDES of housing developments are under construction. Take a drive down SPID at 5:15 pm. I don''t buy into this ''we need this city to grow'' stuf. We can''t keep up with the growth we are experiencing NOW.
U.S.Census and FBI Crime stats tell us this:
In the last 4 years, Houston, San Antonio, and Austin have all grown faster than Corpus. Corpus has grown at about the same rate as Dallas on a percentage basis. ALL of those cities have crime rates larger than Corpus Christi.
Wild Ape
Posts: 3983
Curtis, listen up
1/31/2006 1:26:38 PM
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I come from a state where they thrive on tourist industry. Look at Las Vegas and Reno today is just like Los Angelas. The vast majority of work will be service. Bob is 100% correct in his estimation. Reno is better off because it has attracted industry. Those have the kind of jobs you describe.
Lake Tahoe was once all public beach. Today a very small strip of public beach is left. This happened within my lifetime. I''m against this. I''m not anti rich. I''m just pro community and individualism.
curtis rock
Posts: 1457
With your business experience...
2/1/2006 12:38:38 AM
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Why did you even open a restaurant, perhaps the riskiest business venture known to mankind? Hopefully it wasn''t in South Texas, because you''d have to be Mexican or Greek to be successful, or own a big-name national franchise.
I realzie tourists aren''t using the lawyers, doctors, or engineers of the community, but they are using entrepreneurs of other sorts here. Also, the resort is using other professional services which I''ve already mentioned in previous posts - owned and operated by people who make a lot of money doing so, and employ people as well. There''s a lot of wealth to be created by this resort.
If there''s low-paying service jobs, then someone is making good money somewhere - or will at one time.
curmudgeon
Posts: 3788
Restaraunts are risky . . .
2/1/2006 6:10:36 AM
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. . . but they make money if you work your ass off, cash money.
If there''s low-paying service jobs, then someone is making good money somewhere - or will at one time.
I don''t quite follow your logic. We ought to bring minimum wage jobs to Corpus Christi because there are rich folks somewhere who will put them to work.
curtis rock
Posts: 1457
Re: Restaraunts are risky . . .
2/1/2006 8:16:18 PM
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You followed my logic well. There are people who are making good money, and are able to provide jobs for others so they can also participate in the economy - even if it''s a smaller level.
You can twist it to make it seem like low wages are a bad thing. The alternative is no wages.
Cal
Posts: 963
Re: Re: Restaraunts are risky . . .
2/2/2006 8:08:05 AM
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I agree with that statement. Low wages are better than no wages with the following exception.
""Welfare is still better than working for low wages."" This buys cake and you can eat it also.
curtis rock
Posts: 1457
Welfare...
2/2/2006 12:46:06 PM
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Subsidies like welfare and minimum wage are considered artificially high prices for labor. This always leads to a surplus. The surplus is labor in this case.
Why be productive if you''re rewarded to do otherwise? Makes sense not too.
Uriel
Posts: 798
Re: Beach Development
1/31/2006 5:52:31 PM
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OHHH YEAHHH...we are attracting the right kinds so far!
According to a letter to the editor of the local paper, The ''Girls Gone Wild'' music tour is comming to Corpus Christi on March 17th at Concrete Street. OH BOY! Won''t be long till they do the big bang on our royal beaches.
How many here are gonna let their daughters have some fun and go!
Way to go, Corpus Christi.
We''re ah movin'' on up, eh?
Rudy
Posts: 185
Re: Re: Beach Development
1/31/2006 9:38:14 PM
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Didn''t the City Council already extend the amount of beach this resort was going to take up in the first place? I think they did.
Are beaches are unique compared to other places such as South Padre and Galveston. Those places you can''t drive on the beach and you can go for miles without seeing anything because of the sea wall.
You mean to tell me that they are just going to build this one resort and that''s it?
I just can not believe that.
Hey Bob did you see on the crime stats that compared to the whole state of Texas our rape rate here is significantly higher than the state''s?
We have our kind of crime here like bulgary, rape, and vandalism.
BlindBob
Posts: 794
Re: Re: Re: Beach Development
1/31/2006 9:43:39 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rudy ....
Sure did (crime statistics). When the cities are compared some had more of this and others had more of that. Taken as a whole, Dallas, Houston, Austin and San Antonio all had overall crime rates higher than Corpus.
Ours is still too dang high though.
curtis rock
Posts: 1457
crime rates...
2/1/2006 12:42:14 AM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One thing about Crime Rates is that they''re like any statistic, derived solely from reports.
For example, in big cities, vandalism and burglary goes widely unreported because citizens realize nothing serious will result from filing with the police.
EVW
Posts: 238
Listen to reason for just a minute
2/4/2006 12:06:56 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
All the things your all afraid of if this Packery project goes through is just as likely to happen whether we have a small pedestrian beach or not. In fact just looking back not more than 5 years ago when the populace becomes frustrated with the increased cost of living and stagnant wages they will be easily convinced to vote in favor of another tax and spend idea that raises all our taxes again. By the way, Curm and Capt., don''t you guys live in Kingsville anyway? You guys seem to be great proponents of the old phrase, ""those who forget their history are destined to repeat it."" We''ll? Come on guys, learn from our recent history. Out of all the complaints you have registered on the issue only one can''t be explained away by the facts and that''s the ""slippery slope"" argument that if we create this pedestrian only beach they will make it all pedestrian only. This argument is dismissed by learning from our recent history and common sense. By refusing compromise on this small section of beach now we nullify this deal. The public resentment and lackluster economic activity will prime the next entrepreneur to ask for something much more expansive and, even if it goes to the voters, they will give it up enthusiastically. Supporting this now diffuses the issue and puts the focus squarely on the city government to deliver what they promised. Our future is only what we force our government to make it. Stone-walling alone isn''t enough we must support and encourage as well.
Capt Carrales
Posts: 1983
An injustice begun in one part of the nation...
2/6/2006 4:10:02 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
...is an injustice the world over.
Eric, all I see is that a right/privledge is to be restricted on a public beach which bears all the fruit of limiting access for the benefit of a few WEALTHY types.
Why don''t they build the develoment in Loyola or Riviera where one of this will be an issue? A new road to Corpus would connect it quite well...and, it is the winfall of economic development...then it will flourish no matter where it is.
Plus...the people of those places will not be displaced, nor restricted since those spots of beach are hard to get to anyway with current infrastructure?
Logical...? But not viable to the powers that be...it is far better to ""rape"" the island than to really develop anything.
Those are my problems with the whole thing.
Now, I have no benefit to reap...no company to milk profits...nor will I afford to live in the Corpus-arium Vitae envisioned...but, I will have the opportunity to serve as a ""serf"" to those who live there via a low paying job, will not be able to drive to a quiet section of beach and I will be able to walk the rotten husk of Downtown and other parts of Corpus sacrified to this GOLDEN COW.
In anycase, I guess you win Eric...I''m finished. Only time will tell anyway.
curtis rock
Posts: 1457
Re: An injustice begun in one part of the nation...
2/6/2006 6:42:45 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eric, all I see is that a right/privledge is to be restricted on a public beach which bears all the fruit of limiting access for the benefit of a few WEALTHY types.
More than just wealthy types will be able to earn a living from this. The only jobs created will not be minimum wage jobs, but probably the majority of jobs created will. Keep in mind that a demand will be created where other businesses such as Eric''s advertising will be required. As I''ve already mentioned in other posts, there is a laundry list of businesses that the resort will utilize, which also employ people.
""Why don''t they build the develoment in Loyola or Riviera where one of this will be an issue? A new road to Corpus would connect it quite well...and, it is the winfall of economic development...then it will flourish no matter where it is.""
Location Location Location. Would you build a Neiman Marcus in Robstown? They won''t even put one in Corpus Christi because there isn''t a demographic or a high population density of wealthy people to support a Neiman Marcus - just like your aforementioned towns cannot support a high scale resort like this.
It''s not logical, and it''s not viable. What''s logical is choosing a business location which is more suitable for the bottom line.
Capt Carrales
Posts: 1983
We''ll see if your right...
2/6/2006 6:56:41 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
...but remember it was you that built the bed all of South Texas will have to sleep in...good or bad.
As for Location et al...You think too highly of Corpus Christi.
Corpuscentrism...ha, didn''t someone here once mention petards and hoisting or something?
curtis rock
Posts: 1457
Re: We''ll see if your right...
2/6/2006 8:40:37 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I''m pretty sure I''m right.
Corpus Christi is clearly the best choice because of size, infrastructure, urban location, etc. Why vacation in your towns of recommendation when the closest shopping mall and other attractions are an hour away?
Do I need to even talk about the importance of name-brands? Marketing research demonstrates that vacationers are more likely to choose a Wal Mart, Subway, Starbuck''s, or McDonalds to make purchases because they''re familiar. Everything is pretty much the same from the menu to the floorplan, and to the service and the decoration. Marketing shows that people are creatures of habit, and like familiarity and purchases show this.
Corpus Christi has more of these places than Kingsville or Riviera, and thus offers a more attractive location.
Now me, I''m slightly a creature of habit but am very spontaneous as well. So it didn''t bother me to be on the Big Island of Hawaii away from the commercialized Hawaiian Islands like Oahu or Maui. The Big Island is less of a tourist destination because it lacks a lot of the urban amenities, making it less attractive to large-scale tourism - and less commerce from tourism as a result.
Cal
Posts: 963
Re: Re: An injustice begun in one part of the nation...
2/6/2006 7:32:50 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hey Good Buddy. Just how many $$$$$ do you plan on making from this fiasco? I don''t plan to make a dam cent off of it.
I like the Cpt''s idea. It is great. We get to keep our beautiful back water burg by the bay and are happy and the rich and famous have their place to ""walk in the Sunshine"". Everyone is happy :) :) :)
Sell your idea Cpt.
curtis rock
Posts: 1457
Re: Re: Re: An injustice begun in one part of the nation...
2/6/2006 8:28:55 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If the project comes to fruition, it''s a 1 in 4 chance that the company I work for will have the opportunity to provide our services. If it doesn''t go through, zero chance. A firm like mine has 5 professionals, and nobody makes minimum wage - so nobody can say this development is creating only minimum wage jobs.
Now, Capt''s idea would be great if his locations were right. However, there''s not a big draw to that area like Corpus Christi.
Capt Carrales
Posts: 1983
A good real estate broker would...
2/6/2006 8:40:35 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
...jump at the chance to buy the land in Kleberg and Kenedy County at a minimum and develop it.
It is already isolated and they could develop a club life and the like from scratch...they would already have ""de facto"" private beaches and minimal backlash from the people. In fact, they would welcome the rich and would most likely benefit from the low paying jobs.
Tax rates are repressed there and it would be a boon to everyone.
curtis rock
Posts: 1457
Re: A good real estate broker would...
2/6/2006 8:44:29 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Read my post above, I explain why your towns are not the tourist traps these type of resorts target. It''s not isolation they seek. Corpus Christi welcomes the rich. And Corpus Christi would also benefit from ANY paying jobs. I wish people would stop this rhetoric where a distinction must be made between low and high paying jobs. High and low is relative. I probably think you guys have high paying jobs, but my parents probably don''t think you do.
curmudgeon
Posts: 3788
They will develop this property . . .
2/6/2006 9:33:14 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
. . . whether we allow them to close it or not. If you think they bought all this land up just to sit on it you are a fool.
curtis rock
Posts: 1457
Re: They will develop this property . . .
2/6/2006 10:05:28 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I have no doubt that they will develop the property, but the scope of work will undoubtedly change. Plans are plans.
curmudgeon
Posts: 3788
Texas beaches belong to the people . . .
2/6/2006 4:24:45 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
. . . of Texas, all the people of Texas not just those living in Corpus Christi. The crooked Corpus Christi council does not have the right to compromise the public access to the beach, not an inch, not a foot, not a mile. The allowed a seawall to be built (actually to remain) in front of one the condos and it came back to bite them in the ass.
It is clear that the overwhelming majority of folks don''t want this beach closed. You are on the wrong side of this issue.
fishon
Posts: 120
Re: Texas beaches belong to the people . . .
2/6/2006 9:12:13 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Im for the development of the city/area & I do fish in the surf often. Just never between BHP & the condos, we always go south of Bob hall pier. alot more room open that end of the beach.
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Eric Von Wade - Conservative talk radio and conservative news: a shower of cold reality.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
John Trice Mr Island Surf & Wear now VP of Frost Bank on the Island
It was the early 80''s. Historically the Surfers hung out by Bob Hall Pier. The Fishermen and the Surfers were at odds. The waves created in proximity to the pier were cleaner thus better for surfing. The Surfers would routinely ""shoot the pier"" and take their boards and jump off of the end instead of the long paddle out. Hence the JP Luby Surf Park & Pier was created.
To hang out at the Condos was discouraged by the condo elite. Well on the Sea Wall we could skateboard as the steel wheels became replaced with urethane wheels like Kryptonic, Bones, Gyros and the boards and truck technology as well.
We started to hang out on the Seawall. We were not llowed to park in the parking lots so we had to park in the street and lug our ice chests, boards, towels and stuff around the Holiday Inn cuz they would not let us through to the seawall. The visitors and tourists began to interact with us and we made many friends. Still we had to walk around.
Some of us took our dogs. My dog would pull me on my skateboard up and down the wall. He pulled many others as well. He loved it. The Condos would not even allow me to get water for my dog one day when I ran out.
This became the place for all as Spring Break ''84 and John Trice should remember. Do you remember the Skateboard Ramp and Contest. The Bikini Contest and all the hoopla?
How about it Rick Trevino, Steve Cooke, Duane Hansen, Matthew Hearndon and all you other forgetful ""big timers"". John Trice is now the president of Frost Bank on the Island. Waz up Johnny? Speak up mr make all that money off of an open access beach?
to be continued
To hang out at the Condos was discouraged by the condo elite. Well on the Sea Wall we could skateboard as the steel wheels became replaced with urethane wheels like Kryptonic, Bones, Gyros and the boards and truck technology as well.
We started to hang out on the Seawall. We were not llowed to park in the parking lots so we had to park in the street and lug our ice chests, boards, towels and stuff around the Holiday Inn cuz they would not let us through to the seawall. The visitors and tourists began to interact with us and we made many friends. Still we had to walk around.
Some of us took our dogs. My dog would pull me on my skateboard up and down the wall. He pulled many others as well. He loved it. The Condos would not even allow me to get water for my dog one day when I ran out.
This became the place for all as Spring Break ''84 and John Trice should remember. Do you remember the Skateboard Ramp and Contest. The Bikini Contest and all the hoopla?
How about it Rick Trevino, Steve Cooke, Duane Hansen, Matthew Hearndon and all you other forgetful ""big timers"". John Trice is now the president of Frost Bank on the Island. Waz up Johnny? Speak up mr make all that money off of an open access beach?
to be continued
WATT THE FUG with our seawall Johnny Trice???????
ladrtrk55
Posts: 71
"Damon don't surf" or a quick Corpus surfing lesson Your are currently viewing this message
10/25/2006 4:50:59 PM
Props to Eric for the Kelly Vs. Gibson beach access debate today. Thank you for the questions-only format from the callers, it moved quickly.
Damon Gibson doesn't surf. If he did, he wouldn't have made the false statement.
Question:
It has been stated by the vehicle-ban proponents that the better surfing is to be had on the Northside of the channel. So why contest the ban?
False.
Answer:
Our predominant wind is from the southeast, therefore the most consistant surf will be had on the northside. The most desirable position on windy days is on the leeward side of the jetty.
But, during the Fall and winter, as the fronts begin their cycles, the desirable surfing area shifts to the Southside. And believe me, when the blue-northers blow, access to the shelter of your car/truck in a dripping wetsuit is a must.
Also, during the tropical season, almost all of the epic storm-driven swell come from the Northeast direction. Best place to surf? Southside of any structure pier or jetty.
As the seasons change, so do the surfing breaks.
My 2cents.....
Collapse all posts in this thread
Author Replys
HardcoreHarry
Posts: 2176
Click here to email HardcoreHarry
Re: ""Damon don''t surf"" or a quick Corpus surfing lesson
10/25/2006 5:30:00 PM
If that were the cases then why don’t you see anyone surfing on the ""North"" jetty across from Port Aransas?
VERY FEW stand to benefit from the beach closure. Those few who stand to benefit are not above saying anything to get the measure passed in their favor.
How much will it cost to keep the channel open with re-dredging every 4-5 years? Has anyone in on the City government bothered to address this? Have they bothered to inform the island residents that they plan to raise the money with inflated property values on island own properties?
Let''s not forget that this supposed resort isn''t even a done deal....closing the beach is merely a mechanism to ""ATTRACT"" a development!!
When going fishing it always pays to use the right bait. Let''s hope the council and all their big money supporters and benefactors of sleazy back room deals remember this.
Hardcore Harry
jl5
Posts: 41
Re: ""Damon don''t surf"" or a quick Corpus surfing lesson
10/26/2006 12:45:44 AM
I believe I went to high school with Damon Gibson. From what I remember he was not the kind that would go to the beach let alone ever surf. If this is the same person I remember he has no interest in the people of Corpus. He is only trying to line his pocket. It''s like I am in the twilight zone. I am listening to the VonWade show and here is my talk show hero agreeing with a loser I went to high school with. Who is running this asylum? Beam me up Scotty.
As far as the North Port A jetties and surfing. That''s just a real good way of getting hurt. The only way across is the jetty boat or paddling. A couple of guys have lost their life doing the latter. Wait until the tourist from the resort start trying to swim across packery and get gutted by an out board. There''s another 50,000 for warning signs and 100,000 a year for lifeguards on the jetties.
Looks like we will have to pass a bond election to make the jetties safe for the children, elderly and yankies.
curtis rock
Posts: 1164
Click here to email curtis rock Talk to curtis rock on AOL Instant Messenger Talk to curtis rock on Yahoo! Messenger
Who Cares if He Surfs
10/26/2006 12:05:59 AM
Just as the Beach Access Coalition always points out, it''s Texas''s beach - not just the surfers'' beach, and not just the resort developers'' beach.
I don''t care if Damon Gibson surfs or not. To me, that''s irrelevant.
I''m glad Eric is siding with the pro-development, pro-business, and pro-growth side of the coin. I''m excited to see what comes of this election, and more importantly I''m going to be glad when it''s all said and done. I just hope the voters decide to support a planned resort development, instead of a hodge podge of little developments like we have.
Major Carrales
Posts: 707
Click here to email Major Carrales Talk to Major Carrales on Yahoo! Messenger
Beach Heil!!!
10/26/2006 12:35:11 AM
I just hope the voters decide to support a planned resort development, instead of a hodge podge of little developments like we have.
(sarcasm) Your faith in small business is reassuring.
Smaller developments would provide the same benefits...maybe more...since they are not likely to get any tax breaks. Plus, a bloke could still drive on the beaches.
Just as the Beach Access Coalition always points out, it''s Texas''s beach - not just the surfers'' beach, and not just the resort developers'' beach.
A far cry more accurate than this impression that ""kids are being run over by the dozen"" imagry the other side gives.
The dishonesty and half-truthey in this election cycle will be legendary.
curtis rock
Posts: 1164
Click here to email curtis rock Talk to curtis rock on AOL Instant Messenger Talk to curtis rock on Yahoo! Messenger
Earth to Captain
10/26/2006 12:51:16 AM
The planned resort development is going to include small businesses. About 85% of the shops and restaurants are to be local, not chains/franchises.
Imagine La Playa on the Island! I hope it happens.
Major Carrales
Posts: 707
Click here to email Major Carrales Talk to Major Carrales on Yahoo! Messenger
Curtis...
10/26/2006 1:09:52 AM
I had already issued the advice to us all that we should stand on the merits of our positions. The issue resolveth itself within weeks.
I have faith in my position, and if proven wrong, the world will go on. I don''t think further discusson before the election will do anything else than break long nurtured friendships here.
I thus will say no more on the matter.
ladrtrk55
Posts: 71
Re: ""Damon don''t surf"" or a quick Corpus surfing lesson
10/26/2006 1:23:03 AM
Curtis, you obviously didn''t hear the debate. Damon made statements about the surfing at Packery without knowing whatthefug he was talking about.
Then, he went personal and lumped those who want to protect the generational privilege of reasonable access to the structures along the coast with those who were against Whataburger Field, the T-Head renovation by Landry''s, etc. Complete deception. You guys cannot enter into an honest debate without lying. Pitiful.
I especially liked the part where he said he, AND the rest of the Corpus citizens RARELY go to the beach ""SO WE''RE NOT REALLY LOSING ANYTHING"".
Lord help us.....
I predict this issue, this stake thru the heart of the community driven by the City Council, will be settled by the voters. Let the chips fall where they may.
""Lucy, Mark Scott''s got alotta ''splain''n ta do...IntraWest eezint too pleazed about him and ""EET''s About Time, CC"" getting their azz handed to them""....
Good luck with all the side-stepping and deception, I stood in line with a bunch of pizzed-off voters today. It''s a good thing lynching was outlawed, the beach-privateers would be beating feet by now.
Posts: 71
"Damon don't surf" or a quick Corpus surfing lesson Your are currently viewing this message
10/25/2006 4:50:59 PM
Props to Eric for the Kelly Vs. Gibson beach access debate today. Thank you for the questions-only format from the callers, it moved quickly.
Damon Gibson doesn't surf. If he did, he wouldn't have made the false statement.
Question:
It has been stated by the vehicle-ban proponents that the better surfing is to be had on the Northside of the channel. So why contest the ban?
False.
Answer:
Our predominant wind is from the southeast, therefore the most consistant surf will be had on the northside. The most desirable position on windy days is on the leeward side of the jetty.
But, during the Fall and winter, as the fronts begin their cycles, the desirable surfing area shifts to the Southside. And believe me, when the blue-northers blow, access to the shelter of your car/truck in a dripping wetsuit is a must.
Also, during the tropical season, almost all of the epic storm-driven swell come from the Northeast direction. Best place to surf? Southside of any structure pier or jetty.
As the seasons change, so do the surfing breaks.
My 2cents.....
Collapse all posts in this thread
Author Replys
HardcoreHarry
Posts: 2176
Click here to email HardcoreHarry
Re: ""Damon don''t surf"" or a quick Corpus surfing lesson
10/25/2006 5:30:00 PM
If that were the cases then why don’t you see anyone surfing on the ""North"" jetty across from Port Aransas?
VERY FEW stand to benefit from the beach closure. Those few who stand to benefit are not above saying anything to get the measure passed in their favor.
How much will it cost to keep the channel open with re-dredging every 4-5 years? Has anyone in on the City government bothered to address this? Have they bothered to inform the island residents that they plan to raise the money with inflated property values on island own properties?
Let''s not forget that this supposed resort isn''t even a done deal....closing the beach is merely a mechanism to ""ATTRACT"" a development!!
When going fishing it always pays to use the right bait. Let''s hope the council and all their big money supporters and benefactors of sleazy back room deals remember this.
Hardcore Harry
jl5
Posts: 41
Re: ""Damon don''t surf"" or a quick Corpus surfing lesson
10/26/2006 12:45:44 AM
I believe I went to high school with Damon Gibson. From what I remember he was not the kind that would go to the beach let alone ever surf. If this is the same person I remember he has no interest in the people of Corpus. He is only trying to line his pocket. It''s like I am in the twilight zone. I am listening to the VonWade show and here is my talk show hero agreeing with a loser I went to high school with. Who is running this asylum? Beam me up Scotty.
As far as the North Port A jetties and surfing. That''s just a real good way of getting hurt. The only way across is the jetty boat or paddling. A couple of guys have lost their life doing the latter. Wait until the tourist from the resort start trying to swim across packery and get gutted by an out board. There''s another 50,000 for warning signs and 100,000 a year for lifeguards on the jetties.
Looks like we will have to pass a bond election to make the jetties safe for the children, elderly and yankies.
curtis rock
Posts: 1164
Click here to email curtis rock Talk to curtis rock on AOL Instant Messenger Talk to curtis rock on Yahoo! Messenger
Who Cares if He Surfs
10/26/2006 12:05:59 AM
Just as the Beach Access Coalition always points out, it''s Texas''s beach - not just the surfers'' beach, and not just the resort developers'' beach.
I don''t care if Damon Gibson surfs or not. To me, that''s irrelevant.
I''m glad Eric is siding with the pro-development, pro-business, and pro-growth side of the coin. I''m excited to see what comes of this election, and more importantly I''m going to be glad when it''s all said and done. I just hope the voters decide to support a planned resort development, instead of a hodge podge of little developments like we have.
Major Carrales
Posts: 707
Click here to email Major Carrales Talk to Major Carrales on Yahoo! Messenger
Beach Heil!!!
10/26/2006 12:35:11 AM
I just hope the voters decide to support a planned resort development, instead of a hodge podge of little developments like we have.
(sarcasm) Your faith in small business is reassuring.
Smaller developments would provide the same benefits...maybe more...since they are not likely to get any tax breaks. Plus, a bloke could still drive on the beaches.
Just as the Beach Access Coalition always points out, it''s Texas''s beach - not just the surfers'' beach, and not just the resort developers'' beach.
A far cry more accurate than this impression that ""kids are being run over by the dozen"" imagry the other side gives.
The dishonesty and half-truthey in this election cycle will be legendary.
curtis rock
Posts: 1164
Click here to email curtis rock Talk to curtis rock on AOL Instant Messenger Talk to curtis rock on Yahoo! Messenger
Earth to Captain
10/26/2006 12:51:16 AM
The planned resort development is going to include small businesses. About 85% of the shops and restaurants are to be local, not chains/franchises.
Imagine La Playa on the Island! I hope it happens.
Major Carrales
Posts: 707
Click here to email Major Carrales Talk to Major Carrales on Yahoo! Messenger
Curtis...
10/26/2006 1:09:52 AM
I had already issued the advice to us all that we should stand on the merits of our positions. The issue resolveth itself within weeks.
I have faith in my position, and if proven wrong, the world will go on. I don''t think further discusson before the election will do anything else than break long nurtured friendships here.
I thus will say no more on the matter.
ladrtrk55
Posts: 71
Re: ""Damon don''t surf"" or a quick Corpus surfing lesson
10/26/2006 1:23:03 AM
Curtis, you obviously didn''t hear the debate. Damon made statements about the surfing at Packery without knowing whatthefug he was talking about.
Then, he went personal and lumped those who want to protect the generational privilege of reasonable access to the structures along the coast with those who were against Whataburger Field, the T-Head renovation by Landry''s, etc. Complete deception. You guys cannot enter into an honest debate without lying. Pitiful.
I especially liked the part where he said he, AND the rest of the Corpus citizens RARELY go to the beach ""SO WE''RE NOT REALLY LOSING ANYTHING"".
Lord help us.....
I predict this issue, this stake thru the heart of the community driven by the City Council, will be settled by the voters. Let the chips fall where they may.
""Lucy, Mark Scott''s got alotta ''splain''n ta do...IntraWest eezint too pleazed about him and ""EET''s About Time, CC"" getting their azz handed to them""....
Good luck with all the side-stepping and deception, I stood in line with a bunch of pizzed-off voters today. It''s a good thing lynching was outlawed, the beach-privateers would be beating feet by now.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
WATT a BRIGHT Opinion of Ann Coulter
Message of hate
Ann Coulter claims that the widows of 9/11 are "enjoying their husbands' deaths," that "it would be a much better country if women didn't vote," that the American government should "be engaging in torture as a televised spectator sport."
She has stated that "my only regret with Timothy McVeigh (the Oklahoma City bomber) is that he did not go to the New York Times building" and joked that "we need somebody to put rat poison in (Supreme Court) Justice Stevens' creme brulee."
It is not just those of us who lost loved ones in the 9/11 tragedy and the Oklahoma City bombing who find her remarks abominable. All thinking people see Ann Coulter for what she is: a hate-mongering charlatan.
All thinking people except, it seems, the so-called "Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse." They paid Ms. Coulter handsomely to come to our fair city to spread her message of racism, sexism, hatred and ignorance.
That says a lot about CALA and its mission.
David Bright
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Coulter's bile
Shameful: Ann Coulter speaks at the Solomon Ortiz Center and is honored as a hero by those who recycle her bile. In contrast, Cheryl McGuinness, whose husband was co-pilot of American Airlines Flight 11, the first jetliner to hit the World Trade Center on 9/11, speaks at a local junior high school.
Ann Coulter makes millions deriding those who lost loved ones on 9/11 and claims they are the ones "cashing in," yet is Cheryl McGuinness' book, "Beauty Beyond the Ashes," prominently displayed at Barnes & Nobles across the country?
Opportunities present themselves and Ann Coulter has taken hers, profiting from the deaths of victims of 9/11, taking a stance against those who have truly lost.
We are a reflection of those we relate to, sympathize with, and make our heroes. I am certain that most of the typical talk radio pundits will bask in the dim light Ann Coulter radiates, recounting her words for days to come as bits of wisdom as they lock-step with her. That is a reflection of what they believe is honorable.
Ann Coulter throws stones, and her mob casts along with her, or should I say broadcasts, sad really, the heroes they choose.
Jerry Colmenero
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Intolerant
Have you ever noticed that the people who are supposed to stand for free speech and no restriction of individual rights seem to forget their beliefs when it comes to letting conservatives speak? Most of the liberals I know, including my brother-in-law, get extremely angry when you contradict any of their beliefs with facts. Whenever conservatives speak the truth about an issue they are instantly labeled as "mean-spirited" and not compassionate.
I am referring to the recent article in the Sept. 7 Caller-Times about Ann Coulter's recent visit to Corpus Christi to speak at a luncheon hosted by Bay Area Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse. Apparently local attorneys John Gsanger, David Bright, and Bill Edwards were on hand to protest her appearance at the Solomon P. Ortiz Center.
I have to laugh when I see the words "trial lawyer" and "compassionate" used in the same sentence. Trial attorneys can do some good things out there, but unfortunately some are simply making a living off the backs of consumers and corporations.
I may not believe in everything Ann Coulter believes in, but I will defend her right to say them. I love the quote in the article by local businessman George Manassian, who stated, "I love this country for the reason that people can say what they think."
Many brave soldiers throughout history died to defend our right to free speech. God bless America!
ALAN K. REIFF
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Rude speech
I thought the Bay Area Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (BACALA for short) were a smarter bunch. There are so many more knowledgeable speakers than Ann Coulter who can truly address issues of tort reform.
What does she know about enacting legislation to bring parity back to the court system? Given her speech on Sept. 6 at the Ortiz Center, apparently nothing.
All BACALA did was put on a three-ring right-wing political circus led by Corpus Christ's own head conservative clown and ringleader, Jim Lago.
Her speech was insulting. It did nothing to enlighten anybody about the issues BACALA supposedly supports. No new agendas were suggested, no new debates engaged.
I hope the true "conservatives" around here wake up and smell the old burnt coffee these right-wingers are trying to serve. Being "conservative" means you're willing to work for the core issues fundamental to every American family: good-paying jobs, dependable retirement plans, affordable health care, lower taxes, and lower personal and corporate welfare.
Herbie Garcia
Ann Coulter claims that the widows of 9/11 are "enjoying their husbands' deaths," that "it would be a much better country if women didn't vote," that the American government should "be engaging in torture as a televised spectator sport."
She has stated that "my only regret with Timothy McVeigh (the Oklahoma City bomber) is that he did not go to the New York Times building" and joked that "we need somebody to put rat poison in (Supreme Court) Justice Stevens' creme brulee."
It is not just those of us who lost loved ones in the 9/11 tragedy and the Oklahoma City bombing who find her remarks abominable. All thinking people see Ann Coulter for what she is: a hate-mongering charlatan.
All thinking people except, it seems, the so-called "Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse." They paid Ms. Coulter handsomely to come to our fair city to spread her message of racism, sexism, hatred and ignorance.
That says a lot about CALA and its mission.
David Bright
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Coulter's bile
Shameful: Ann Coulter speaks at the Solomon Ortiz Center and is honored as a hero by those who recycle her bile. In contrast, Cheryl McGuinness, whose husband was co-pilot of American Airlines Flight 11, the first jetliner to hit the World Trade Center on 9/11, speaks at a local junior high school.
Ann Coulter makes millions deriding those who lost loved ones on 9/11 and claims they are the ones "cashing in," yet is Cheryl McGuinness' book, "Beauty Beyond the Ashes," prominently displayed at Barnes & Nobles across the country?
Opportunities present themselves and Ann Coulter has taken hers, profiting from the deaths of victims of 9/11, taking a stance against those who have truly lost.
We are a reflection of those we relate to, sympathize with, and make our heroes. I am certain that most of the typical talk radio pundits will bask in the dim light Ann Coulter radiates, recounting her words for days to come as bits of wisdom as they lock-step with her. That is a reflection of what they believe is honorable.
Ann Coulter throws stones, and her mob casts along with her, or should I say broadcasts, sad really, the heroes they choose.
Jerry Colmenero
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Intolerant
Have you ever noticed that the people who are supposed to stand for free speech and no restriction of individual rights seem to forget their beliefs when it comes to letting conservatives speak? Most of the liberals I know, including my brother-in-law, get extremely angry when you contradict any of their beliefs with facts. Whenever conservatives speak the truth about an issue they are instantly labeled as "mean-spirited" and not compassionate.
I am referring to the recent article in the Sept. 7 Caller-Times about Ann Coulter's recent visit to Corpus Christi to speak at a luncheon hosted by Bay Area Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse. Apparently local attorneys John Gsanger, David Bright, and Bill Edwards were on hand to protest her appearance at the Solomon P. Ortiz Center.
I have to laugh when I see the words "trial lawyer" and "compassionate" used in the same sentence. Trial attorneys can do some good things out there, but unfortunately some are simply making a living off the backs of consumers and corporations.
I may not believe in everything Ann Coulter believes in, but I will defend her right to say them. I love the quote in the article by local businessman George Manassian, who stated, "I love this country for the reason that people can say what they think."
Many brave soldiers throughout history died to defend our right to free speech. God bless America!
ALAN K. REIFF
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Rude speech
I thought the Bay Area Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (BACALA for short) were a smarter bunch. There are so many more knowledgeable speakers than Ann Coulter who can truly address issues of tort reform.
What does she know about enacting legislation to bring parity back to the court system? Given her speech on Sept. 6 at the Ortiz Center, apparently nothing.
All BACALA did was put on a three-ring right-wing political circus led by Corpus Christ's own head conservative clown and ringleader, Jim Lago.
Her speech was insulting. It did nothing to enlighten anybody about the issues BACALA supposedly supports. No new agendas were suggested, no new debates engaged.
I hope the true "conservatives" around here wake up and smell the old burnt coffee these right-wingers are trying to serve. Being "conservative" means you're willing to work for the core issues fundamental to every American family: good-paying jobs, dependable retirement plans, affordable health care, lower taxes, and lower personal and corporate welfare.
Herbie Garcia
Saturday, August 05, 2006
OMNI: DECEMBER 2001- PORT ROYAL CONDOMINIUMS ~A PRIVATE MEETING WAS HELD BY THE CITY COUNCIL WITHOUT THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE VOTERS
OMNI: DECEMBER 2001- PORT ROYAL CONDOMINIUMS ~A PRIVATE MEETING WAS HELD BY THE CITY COUNCIL WITHOUT THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE VOTERS
A good article by Abel Cavada
A good article by Abel Cavada
Skip Noe and City Secretary Armando Chapa are leading the city staff and duping the City Council into a number of projects that are in direct contravention to the wishes of the citizens. The various projects that are imposed on the people include the TRT theft of our bay front, the theft of our open beaches, and the theft of democracy in general.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson:“It is my duty to enforce the Texas Open Beaches Act
Lawsuit seeks to block removal of houses
| | |
The lawsuit was filed on behalf of California attorney Carol M. Severance, who spent nearly $1.2 million for three beachfront rental properties last year.
The lawsuit filed by J. David Breemer, an attorney with the Pacific Legal Foundation, comes in response to a plan by the Texas General Land Office to offer homeowners up to $40,000 each to move their houses from the public beach. The foundation specializes in private property rights.
On Monday, Jim Suydam of that office’s communications staff said he could not respond to claims in the lawsuit.
“What I’d like to say and what I can say are two different things,” he said. “The lawyers have put the clamps on.”
Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson had announced in June his plan for enforcement of the Open Beaches Act. Last month, he followed up by sending letters to invite affected homeowners to apply for reimbursement of up to $40,000 of the cost of moving their houses further inland.
“It is my duty to enforce the Texas Open Beaches Act, but it is my hope to be able to work with these property owners and avoid costly litigation,” he said at the time.
According to the land office, two of Severance’s houses — at 13107 Bermuda Beach Drive in the Bermuda Beach subdivision and at 22716 Kenedy Drive in Sea Isle — are entirely on the public beach. The land office says the third — a house at 21238 Gulf Drive in Sea Isle — is 50 percent on the beach.
Severance bought all three houses in March and April of 2005, nearly a year after Patterson’s office placed them on a list of houses deemed to be in legal limbo.
In her lawsuit, Severance acknowledges that she signed a disclosure when she bought the properties saying that the houses might be subject to legal action should they be found to be on the public beach.
“Nothing in the purchase contract for plaintiff’s properties states that compensation will not be provided if it is determined that a public beach easement exists on the properties, nor does any provision say that an action to remove a home seaward of the vegetation line will occur without just compensation,” the lawsuit states.
The lawsuit also notes that Severance paid more than $20,000 in property taxes on the three properties. It contends that all three are well maintained and notes that not one is standing in the water.
“Plaintiff’s homes do not otherwise interfere with public beach access,” the suit says. “Plaintiff’s homes are not a threat to public health or safety. The act cannot be enforced to require the removal of plaintiff’s homes as such action is not rationally related to a legitimate state interest.”
The lawsuit, filed last week in U.S. District Court, seeks to block state and local officials from seeking to remove Severance’s houses from the beach. If that fails, the lawsuit seeks just compensation for the houses.
The three homes at issue in the lawsuit represent only part of Severance’s Galveston real estate holdings. She owns two other houses and some land in Galveston, and she’s in the process of closing on the purchase of a house north of Houston.
Severance said her investments in Galveston real estate came after some study.
“I went to visit areas I thought were developing and had good, solid growth potential,” she said.
She visited the Virgin Islands, Mexico and Galveston, and she settled on Galveston.
“I love Galveston,” she said. “I don’t plan to move there, but I like to visit a lot. I was in Galveston four or five times last year.”
She said she planned a visit this month.
In a news release last month, the land office said the reimbursement program represented the first time the state had worked to cooperate with homeowners to resolve the long-standing problem of private homes on the public beach.
“I’d rather assist a property owner than sue one,” Patterson said at the time. “But either way, I’m committed to resolving this problem. Texas beaches must be open for all.”
The news release said those who did not apply by the Oct. 2 deadline might not be eligible for future reimbursement.
“I know $40,000 may not cover all the cost of moving a house, but this is just the first step,” Patterson said. “I will continue seeking additional funding to help these property owners get off the beach, and I pledge to find more ways to work with those who are willing to do what is required.”
Patterson said he hoped the land office would be able to approve every application filed, but he said if the total cost of applications exceeded the money available, he would have to prioritize the requests.
In that case, he said, priority will go to structures that pose a threat to public health and safety or those that block public access to the beach.
+++
On the Web: Pacific Legal Foundation: www.pacificlegal.org
Texas General Land Office: www.glo.state.tx.us
Saturday, July 08, 2006
It figures an Advocate of Packery Channel would mis-spell the Name
Packary?? Channel starting to pay dividends
South Texas fishing options just got betterBy Jim DarnellSpecial to the Record
Millions of dollars and thousands of man hours spent on opening the Packary Channel into the Gulf is now paying dividends. And not only in higher property values on that part of Padre Island. Fishing in the upper Laguna Madre and Corpus Bay is receiving a big boost.Last week, instead of fishing the gas wells in Corpus Christi Bay as I normally would do this time of year, my brother Wayne and I trailored my Kenner across the Port Aransas Ferry and down the beach highway to Padre Island. We launched under the Kennedy Causeway Bridge and made the short run down the Packary Channel, through the new jetties and into the Gulf of Mexico. Packary Channel is one of the many natural passes from the Laguna Madre to the Gulf. It has been sanded in and closed for years. Occasionally, Packary, Fish Pass, Yarbrough Pass and other small passes are opened by hurricanes. But they usually silt in quickly and close. But Packary has now been reopened, dredged and permanent jetties built. This makes it the only fish pass into the Gulf between Aransas Pass and the Mansfield Channel.My nephew, Jonathan Darnell, lives on the water near Packary and says that the reopening has already helped the fishing in his area.“I fish the lights around docks and piers at night and greater numbers of fish, especially big ones, are showing up,” he said.As we emerged from the jetties into the Gulf, Spanish mackerel were already busting into big schools of small minnows in the clear green water. Fishermen on the end of the south jetty were hooking them right and left. Expecting to catch speckled trout, we were not really equipped for mackerel. They have razor-sharp teeth and steel leaders are essential. We had none. But we tied on quarter-ounce lead-head jigs, threaded on soft plastic cocohoe minnows and started casting towards the big balls of minnows.Action was immediate. Most of the strikes were distinct and the line went limp. They cut through our 20 pound test monofilament leaders like a butcher knife in warm butter. But some got hooked in the lips or outside on the head. They stayed hooked. Those that inhaled the hook cut off.Spanish mackerel are built like long silver bullets, have a big forked tail and are covered with yellow spots. They are fast, vicious fighters. Most of the fish weighed two to four pounds.Small, clear plastic minnows best imitated the real deal that they were feeding on. But other colors also produced strikes. During those first two hours I also landed a small king mackerel about 28 inches long.While we fished two big work cranes were placing the final granite cap stones on the north jetty. The noise didn’t bother the fish.We had to be careful to not get too close to the end of the south jetty. Dozens of fishermen would begin to shout and call you some choice names if you drifted into “their” water.Later in the morning I set the hook into a fish that was definitely in the big leagues. Line smoked off my spool as the drag groaned. “Crank the engine,” I shouted. “He’s going to spool me.” Wayne turned the boat and moved toward the fish as I gained line. About that time the cell phone rang. Wayne answered and said, “He can’t talk right now. He’s on a big fish and it’s about to get all his line.”Slowly I gained line and then would lose it as the fish made another powerful run. With a lite spinning rod and 12 pound test line you just have to hang on and take your time. Slowly but surely I was winning the fight. Finally, Jonathan netted the fish. It was a big bonito that probably weighed 10 pounds. Bonito are powerful fighters that you normally catch miles out into the Gulf. I caught this one 200 yards off the beach.Wayne and Jonathan were losing more lures due to cut lines than I was. We concluded that it was because they were fishing slower. This gave the fish better opportunity to inhale their lures. My faster retrieve resulted in more fish being hooked outside their mouth, thus avoiding those sharp teeth.I like the new pass better than the Port Aransas jetties. They’re safer. With so many big deep-sea fishing boats, huge tankers and U.S. Navy ships plowing through the Aransas Pass you can get sunk or washed onto the jetties. Only small fishing boats and kayaks were fishing at the end of the new Packary jetties.With the dog days of summer ahead the water at the jetty ends should stay flat and green. Fishing will be great. That’s unless a thunderstorm arises. I’ll have more on that next week.Jim Darnell is an ordained minister and host/producer of the syndicated outdoors show, God’s Great Outdoors. His outdoors column appears every Thursday in the Daily Record.
South Texas fishing options just got betterBy Jim DarnellSpecial to the Record
Millions of dollars and thousands of man hours spent on opening the Packary Channel into the Gulf is now paying dividends. And not only in higher property values on that part of Padre Island. Fishing in the upper Laguna Madre and Corpus Bay is receiving a big boost.Last week, instead of fishing the gas wells in Corpus Christi Bay as I normally would do this time of year, my brother Wayne and I trailored my Kenner across the Port Aransas Ferry and down the beach highway to Padre Island. We launched under the Kennedy Causeway Bridge and made the short run down the Packary Channel, through the new jetties and into the Gulf of Mexico. Packary Channel is one of the many natural passes from the Laguna Madre to the Gulf. It has been sanded in and closed for years. Occasionally, Packary, Fish Pass, Yarbrough Pass and other small passes are opened by hurricanes. But they usually silt in quickly and close. But Packary has now been reopened, dredged and permanent jetties built. This makes it the only fish pass into the Gulf between Aransas Pass and the Mansfield Channel.My nephew, Jonathan Darnell, lives on the water near Packary and says that the reopening has already helped the fishing in his area.“I fish the lights around docks and piers at night and greater numbers of fish, especially big ones, are showing up,” he said.As we emerged from the jetties into the Gulf, Spanish mackerel were already busting into big schools of small minnows in the clear green water. Fishermen on the end of the south jetty were hooking them right and left. Expecting to catch speckled trout, we were not really equipped for mackerel. They have razor-sharp teeth and steel leaders are essential. We had none. But we tied on quarter-ounce lead-head jigs, threaded on soft plastic cocohoe minnows and started casting towards the big balls of minnows.Action was immediate. Most of the strikes were distinct and the line went limp. They cut through our 20 pound test monofilament leaders like a butcher knife in warm butter. But some got hooked in the lips or outside on the head. They stayed hooked. Those that inhaled the hook cut off.Spanish mackerel are built like long silver bullets, have a big forked tail and are covered with yellow spots. They are fast, vicious fighters. Most of the fish weighed two to four pounds.Small, clear plastic minnows best imitated the real deal that they were feeding on. But other colors also produced strikes. During those first two hours I also landed a small king mackerel about 28 inches long.While we fished two big work cranes were placing the final granite cap stones on the north jetty. The noise didn’t bother the fish.We had to be careful to not get too close to the end of the south jetty. Dozens of fishermen would begin to shout and call you some choice names if you drifted into “their” water.Later in the morning I set the hook into a fish that was definitely in the big leagues. Line smoked off my spool as the drag groaned. “Crank the engine,” I shouted. “He’s going to spool me.” Wayne turned the boat and moved toward the fish as I gained line. About that time the cell phone rang. Wayne answered and said, “He can’t talk right now. He’s on a big fish and it’s about to get all his line.”Slowly I gained line and then would lose it as the fish made another powerful run. With a lite spinning rod and 12 pound test line you just have to hang on and take your time. Slowly but surely I was winning the fight. Finally, Jonathan netted the fish. It was a big bonito that probably weighed 10 pounds. Bonito are powerful fighters that you normally catch miles out into the Gulf. I caught this one 200 yards off the beach.Wayne and Jonathan were losing more lures due to cut lines than I was. We concluded that it was because they were fishing slower. This gave the fish better opportunity to inhale their lures. My faster retrieve resulted in more fish being hooked outside their mouth, thus avoiding those sharp teeth.I like the new pass better than the Port Aransas jetties. They’re safer. With so many big deep-sea fishing boats, huge tankers and U.S. Navy ships plowing through the Aransas Pass you can get sunk or washed onto the jetties. Only small fishing boats and kayaks were fishing at the end of the new Packary jetties.With the dog days of summer ahead the water at the jetty ends should stay flat and green. Fishing will be great. That’s unless a thunderstorm arises. I’ll have more on that next week.Jim Darnell is an ordained minister and host/producer of the syndicated outdoors show, God’s Great Outdoors. His outdoors column appears every Thursday in the Daily Record.
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