Packery.Com - Newsletter - June 17, 2002

We are seeing new e-mail addresses being added to the newsletter list almost every day of the week now and with the recent release of the DRAFT EIS from the US Army Corps of Engineers interest is running high. I spoke with Corps of Engineers Project Manager Carl Anderson last week and again this morning about the need to

publish the DRAFT EIS on the Packery.Com web site for public review. This morning he assured me he would Fed Ex a copy to me today so I can receive it tomorrow. I will start publishing it as soon as I get my copy and have also requested a PDF version, which Mr. Anderson says he is still waiting to receive him self.

There a few new items to view at the Packery.Com web site and more coming very soon. Here are some of the new features:

Packery Channel Poll - This feature allows polls to be published and archived. The current poll ask the question: Are you happy with progress of the current Packery Channel Project?

Secret Agent 007 Dredge Bonds - Get ready for adventure and intrigue as agent 0007 Dredge Bonds strikes out to find what secrets weapon of financial mass destruction the Evil Doctor YES has up his sleeve.

Packery Links - a list of links to all web pages about Packery Channel found in popular search engines.

Packery.Com is all about the people and information that make up this long fought debate and we would like to hear from you. No matter what side of the debate you are on or what you think of the Packery Channel project we want to hear your questions, views, information and answers. Please send all comments, questions

The Einvronmental Impact Statement (EIS-Draft) is now published and is available for the public to comment on. So I will offer these few comments.

First of all: The people who opposed the County bond election in 1999 and the City's Tax Increment Finance District last year were right. The project as described in the documents for those events cannot be built for the $30 million. In order to meet this budget (now $33 million due to inflation), the US Army Corps of Engineers and the City had to do some drastic cutting in the proposal which was presented to the voters.

They have cut out ALL AMENITIES and therefdore, all the public will get for their money is a ditch with some walls. These walls (jetties) will be topped with the cheapest material available, not a concrete sidewalk for the fishermen to use in going down the jetties to fish. There will be no restrooms and showers. Port-a-potties anyone?

The city has said that the project will be a 15-year endeavor and that they plan to go back to the federal government for an additional grant to add the amenities. In case another grant is not forthcoming, then a bond issue is the only answer.

The city also lost the $677 million resort development which was a part of the hype given to the public in favor of the elections mentioned above. Why did this happen? Could it be that the developer decided that those objecting to dredging the channel had right on their side?

And another issue which has surfaced is the one of placement of dredged spoil over the 50 year life-time of the project. The city must provide such a site as project sponsor. Apparently, Commissioner Joe McComb offered Packery Channel Park and the proposal is in the EIS. The site would require a 20-foot high levy across the street from a residential development and the people there are understandably upset.

A public hearing is set for July 18th at the convention center. Plan to be there to give your opinion of this latest proposal..

Packery Factiod - Do you remember the ballot language from last year's election for the Packery TIF?

Here it is: 

Shall the City Council continue Ordinance No. 024270 which creates a taxing Zone on part of Padre Island to pay, solely from the increased property values within the Zone, for construction and maintenance of Packery Channel and related beach restoration, a park, beach access, restrooms, showers, walkways, parking, fishing and related improvements?

Packery.Com - Newsletter - June 17, 2002