By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ
Managing Editor
editor@sbnewspaper.com
File photo
San Benito Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Salomon Torres is seen inside his office along with his administrative assistant, Norma Rodriguez, left, and summer intern Alondra Martinez, right.
Real estate development has been the name of the game in recent business conducted by the San Benito Economic Development Corporation.
On Tuesday, EDC Executive Director Salomon Torres pointed to a number of projects moving forward, including efforts to develop the First National Bank resaca property located off Business 77, where officials have recently expressed interest in building a new San Benito Museums complex.
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Museums are good, I may decide to donate some of my priceless art . How about adding a collectors section where people can dominate priceless jewels or items of a collector’s value. anybody have any moon rocks or mars dirt?
The main problem with the lack of new businesses on Sam Houston is nothing new or even a mystery.
Current and potential business owners have mentioned to the media that their number one problem with opening a new business is the HIGH RENT being charged by the land or building owners. Instead of lowering the high rents being charged, the land owners are being subsidized or paid part of the rent by the EDC or taxpayers for the part of the rent the businesses can’t afford to pay for a certain period of time.
How about the land owners lower the rent and then gradually increase the rent as new businesses open up and increase the customer traffic. It seems like the landowners are not making the sacrifice that is required to give new businesses a chance to succeed. Property owners are being guaranteed their asking rent no matter if a business fails.
Have you noticed that the new businesses being opened are the loan finance companies and auto parts stores? I am sure you have noticed. Unfortunately and sad but true, the city of San Benito does not have the population with the disposable income required to attract major retail businesses to San Benito.
The compadrismo will never cease unless the voters demand it and elect new city leadership. The recycling of the same people and their compadres will just continue. A few streets fixed here and there and a splash pad in the middle of a severe drought, hello, just to get reelected won’t change anything for the City.
Mr. Torres may try as hard as he can to attract new business; but that won’t happen until new leadership is elected. I agree with Zeke V. in that we desperately need a change in city leadership.
As the mayor said, “We owe it to the kids.” I am off to work……I have a new splash pad to pay for and my water rates will probably go up again this year. City commission hall has a habit of spending my money before I even earn it.
Have a good weekend and pray for rain.
Old Sal needs his head examined,ASAP,look around,go figure vato,who does this benefit ?
Who benefits?? From what I hear from some well informed people, it benefits the citizens / taxpayers since the EDC is paying off most of the City of San Benito’s debt thanks to the last several city commissions and managers!! No wonder nothing ever happens in SB except chain stores since the politicians won’t keep their hands out of the money. And, we’ve gone from bad to worse!!
Personally I think the EDC move was a great one!! Anytime we can put some distance between the politicians and taxpayer pockets, the better off everyone is!!
It is very unfortunate that the voters have elected some city officials who do not have a marketing background.
Use the computer and search for innovative ways to bring businesses to our community.
We need to elect people who know how to create a vision for the next 20 years for our city.
I am TIRED of paying outrageous taxes and nothing in this city to show for it.
We need people to run for office who know how to communicate and are visible to the community.
Is there anyone out there?
Amen to that SB person!
like we really need another museum here, who’s coming up with these ideas.. no wonder nobody likes to come to san benito, all there is to show is pot hole streets, a museum and vacant buildings.. it’s time to get out of the gutter and vote in quilified people to run this city
The Mayor is up for reelection next year so get used to the city going on a spending binge on real estate, splash pad, swimming pool, street signs promoting the city commission and the mayors great job, etc for the next 6 to 8 months. He is already promoting himself with the splash pad now reported to cost $200,000 at taxpayers expense so he can get reelected. .Where was he the last 2 1/2 years?