BISD urging city officials not to allow sale of alcohol at former World Gym location

The Brownsville Independent School District is urging city officials not to allow the sale of alcohol at the World Gym building, citing potential negative impact on the more than 5,000 students who use the adjacent Margaret Clark Aquatic Center.

The City Commission met Tuesday and agreed to move forward with the proposed rezoning of the gym on FM 802 to allow its conversion to a bar, but the commission did not discuss BISD's position.

Brett Springston, BISD's assistant superintendent for operations, wrote to the Planning and Zoning Commission expressing "great concern" about the proposal. Although the letter was addressed to the planning commission, city staff submitted Springston's letter to the City Commission. The planning commission makes recommendations to the City Commission.

Springston wrote about the increase in traffic that a bar would bring. "We have witnessed commuters destined for the gym turn left at Seville (Street) and then make a U-turn to get to the gym. This act already creates a high-traffic situation on just a regular workout day," Springston said.

He added that the aquatic center is open daily from 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and also hosts swim events at various times of the day, night and weekends.

"Our facility is utilized throughout the day with parents and buses constantly dropping off children and picking them up. During the summer months, the number of participants and traffic triples," the BISD official said.

The school district also is concerned that the aquatic center's parking lot would be used by bar patrons.

Mayor Pro tem Charlie Atkinson and commissioners Anthony Troiani, Leo T. Garza, Ricardo Longoria and Carlos Cisneros approved the first of two required readings of the proposed rezoning ordinance.

Commissioner Edward Camarillo was opposed to the rezoning while Mayor Pat M. Ahumada Jr., away on city business, issued a statement also voicing opposition.

"It is within 1,000 feet of a school or school facility where many children depend on us to protect them from drivers who are most likely to be under the influence of alcohol when they leave a bar," the mayor said.

Longoria said the business is locally owned, has gone through bad times and still wants to invest in the community. "More power to them," Longoria said.

Cisneros said that there already was another club in the immediate area, referring to Rack Daddy's.

In backup information that staff provided to the commission, the property owner, Carlos Garza, said he wanted to change the purpose of the business, from a fitness center to a club or lounge, due to a lack of membership base. The hours would be Wednesday through Saturday from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.

There also would be a section for a sports bar to be opened throughout the week from noon to 11 p.m.

Garza further advised the commission that he would be hiring from 20 to 30 employees. He said some had been employed at World Gym. The gym closed late last month.

The property is located at 2735 FM 802, between Hudson Boulevard and Dana Road.

During the public hearing on the proposal, resident Roman Perez questioned the rezoning, referring to accidents at the Dana Road and FM 802 intersection.

From 1998 to March 2007, there were at least five fatalities at the intersection.

The planning commission unanimously approved the rezoning request and did not place any restrictions on the hours of operation.