Sports Park still generating interest from retailers

Although the City Commission approved on Tuesday to finance the purchase of land adjacent to the Sports Park, the BEDC said Friday that private investors are still interested in the property.

"The Sports Park has gained the attention of a lot of different investors, Realtors and developers simply because the park is owned by the city. It is a huge piece of land, and all the basic infrastructure is there," said Gilbert Salinas, spokesman for the Brownsville Economic Development Council.

This follows City Commissioner Charlie Atkinson's recent announcement that investors were eyeing the property that could attract the likes of Macy's and Bass Pro Shop. He anticipates some level of commitment soon.

On Friday, Atkinson referred questions to BEDC, but said, "we're still continuing our effort with the park master plan." He said there would be ample land to accommodate commercial business.

The Sports Park sits on roughly 170 acres and the commission Tuesday approved the issuance of $3.2 million in certificates of obligation that would be loaned to the Brownsville Community Improvements Corp. for the purchase of 262 acres adjacent to the park.

Salinas said the infrastructure already in place on the parkland has been the "attractive element" for investors seeking property along the highway.

"The most expensive part of a development, contrary to what people might believe, is not the brick and mortar, but water, electricity, drainage, (and) lift station. That is the most expensive and crucial part of any given development," Salinas said.

Salinas said BEDC is not marketing the park property, but is fielding calls and assisting in facilitating projects. He said BEDC is about two or three months away from possibly approaching city boards with a private/public proposal that could include a retail component.

BCIC Executive Director Delina Barrera recently said the Cameron Appraisal District listed ownership of the 262 acres to F. W. Bert Wheeler and F. W. Bert Wheeler Trustee.