Landowner backs out of deal with city

The Brownsville Community Improvements Corp. won't need a $3.2 million loan from the city after all.

That money was to buy a 262-acre tract of land adjacent to the Sports Park off Merryman Road, but the seller backed out, BCIC Chairman Charlie Atkinson said Tuesday.

"We lost it," said Atkinson, a Brownsville city commissioner. "I am very disappointed, but that is business."

The Cameron Appraisal District lists F. W. Bert Wheeler and F. W. Bert Wheeler Trustee as the property owners.

The intended purchase, publicized by Atkinson, apparently caught the attention of prospective buyers.

The landowners were "inundated with calls," the commissioner said. Prospective buyers were offering $4 million and $5 million, he said. Atkinson had envisioned BCIC selling it for up to $8 million.

"It could have been a great opportunity," Atkinson said, adding, "there will be others."

City officials had hoped to use it for the future expansion of the 170-acre Sports Park. Also considered were a community center, police substation or commercial development.

Atkinson earlier said that investors were interested in the Sports Park site, which could draw the likes of Macy's and Bass Pro Shop.

BCIC Executive Director Delina Barrera is waiting for a formal letter from the owners of their intention not to sell the land.

Brownsville Economic Development Council spokesman Gilbert Salinas said BEDC is not directly involved with the Sports Park, but was not surprised that the seller backed out.

"The Sports Park is an extremely attractive property," Salinas said, noting that the expansion of Merryman Road would only add to that. "It makes it very attractive for other investors."