SBNEWSPAPER.COM EXCLUSIVE!
By FRANCISCO E. JIMENEZ
Staff Writer
reporter@sbnewspaper.com
Mayor Jack Garcia’s proposal for the designation of boundaries for a proposed San Benito Downtown District was deferred to the city staff at the regular meeting of the San Benito City Commission on Tuesday, March 15.
The idea was to designate the boundaries of the downtown district in order to attract more businesses to San Benito.
“With the recent efforts of the EDC (Economic Development Corporation) trying to promote more business in the downtown area, that’s what really sparked it,” said Garcia, adding, “Recently, we had a meeting with the president of the Texas Downtown Association (TDA). Ideas were discussed. I think we’re on the right track and ahead of the ballgame in relation to other downtown areas; however, to expand it and to add more growth to the downtown area we most definitely have to establish the boundaries, and to do that officially. I think the entire commission is pretty excited and upbeat about the opportunity.”
According to the mayor, there are certain actions the city may take to help businesses that are trying to move into the downtown area, as well as incentives that the EDC can provide through 4B funds which come from a half-cent sales tax.
“Something that the commission can also address within the downtown district is certain criteria besides any upgrades to buildings, and what is acceptable and not acceptable,” said Garcia. “Of course, that’s going to be up to the commission at a later time. It may just stay as it is, but it’s good in a sense that we have those options.”
In other news, the commission also approved the decommission of the pool at Stookey Park, which – according to Parks Director Alisha Milligan – may serve a number of other capacities including potentially a skate park.
Commissioners also approved a dog park to be located at the Heavin Resaca Trail.
For the full story, pick up a copy of the March 20 edition of the San Benito News. Or check back at www.sbnewspaper.com.
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