Special to the NEWS
City of San Benito
The City of San Benito is seeking to attract the University of Texas – Rio Grande Valley administrative offices here with an offer of prime real estate to construct facilities that would accommodate about 100 employees.
On March 14, the University of Texas System posted a request for proposals (RFP) seeking offers for the most suitable site for the administrative headquarters for the new university that will be built in the Valley. “Considerations will include a proposed site’s access to amenities and major highways – ideally in or near an established commercial district – and access to UTRGV’s campuses,” the request reads.
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While there should be concern when any local property is ‘gifted’ by the City, worse things could happen. The challenge for our new Mayor will be getting people on the EDC that will have some integrity and not use their inside knowledge for their self-interest or to benefit their friends. I wonder if they will need a real estate broker to ‘gift’ the property?? Hmmm.
@Mayo
This is the same song and dance routine the city gave us when they approved spending tax payer money for a new museum. All these restaurants and shops will open up, blah, blah, blah, etc. If you believe all this propaganda I know of some property on business 77 and the Resaca for sale.
Oh wait, the city already bought it for over $1 million dollars, my bad.
Taxpayers need a more definitive return-on-investment on their tax dollars. The city commission is giving away too much of the city’s prime property for just a few entry level jobs. We need commercial/retail property/sales tax revenue generating businesses. What part of this philosophy does the city commission not understand?
CORPORATE WELFARE…..
As of December 31, 2013, the Permanent University Fund – PUB had a market value and book value of $15.9 billion and $12.9 billion, respectively, …..
If the city commission finalizes/approves this GIVEAWAY, maybe the voters need to finish the job and finish taking back our city at the next city election.
The voters did a great job taking back their school district.
Guys,
Just be glad they didn’t propose gifting the land for another o’reillys or auto zone. Thanks for reading my blog.
The area around fairgrounds has no immediate future. If the HQ for a major university were to be developed there, I would imagine at least a few restaurants, convenience store and some housing to develop. Not immediately but there would be development. And the jobs for residents would be entry level but there could be some new residents move in the community. I see it as a good thing.
And what benefit exactly do Mr. & Mrs. Taxpayer get for this generous 40 acre prime property mid-year Christmas present that our City Commission are
giving awaypresenting to the UTRGV?Remember, taxpayers have a former funeral home that sits vacant almost what, 1 1/2 years, after it was purchased with taxpayer dollars.
They also increased the property taxes in 2012 to pay for $3,000,000 certificate of obligations for street repairs. One and a half years later the money is still waiting to be spent.
These city commission has no problem giving away taxpayer property or spending taxpayer money to purchased buildings just for future use when they figure out what to use it for.
Instead of being held accountable, the voters reelect them.
Oy Vey! Such mishegas!
I saw this item on the agenda for the City Commission but, until this article, did not understand which property was proposed to be “gifted.” After reading this article I have questions that I’m hoping readers — EDC and city officials, as well as my fellow citizens — will respond to openly in this thread. Admittedly, my assumptions and premises could be wrong, so I’m hoping the aforementioned officials will enlighten all of us as to their logic in gifting this prime piece of real estate.
1. How does this benefit the citizens of this community?
The article states that the proposed building will accommodate “about 100 employees.” Realistically, how many of these jobs would be citizens from this community? The upper echelon jobs for the university are already set; they will probably bring with them some employees with whom they are already familiar. Since our officials are touting this land as close to the highway with “population clusters within a 20-mile radius of 130,000” people, it is natural to assume that the 25,000 citizens of SB will have to compete with the remaining 105,000. Not very good odds for citizens of SB.
2. Correct me if I’m wrong, isn’t the university exempt from property taxes?
If so, how does this valuable piece of city-owned real estate generate revenue for the city and school district, short- and long-term? The two major sources of revenue for the city is property and sales taxes; I don’t see this as generating either.
3. Would the citizens of this community receive free tuition, or drastically reduced tuition, for classes at UTRGV in this exchange?
4. Is it even legal for our commission to give away city owned property without approval from us voters?
These are just a few of the questions I have. Hopefully, those in the know will respond to enlighten us with their rationale in “gifting” our precious resources.
Let us not forget that all the commissioners are back from re-election…. so yes, Madam Mayor will have her hands full;however, she is a classy lady who can analyze any situations with ease.
She can handle any challenge that those men can toss her way…. she wasn’t an assistant superintendent in two districts because she could not handle difficult situations.
We look forward to her leading, along with the commissioners we elected, this city on the right course!
Be Strong San Benito!
And behold, the first challenge on Sanchez’ plate!