Trust me, the Cameron County Arena will be a money pit and before it’s all over it will cost us, the taxpayers.
Coupled with the fact that this project will not evolve the way Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr., and our county leadership is suggesting.
Here’s an alternative.
As we know, our premier tourist destination not only for Cameron County but South Texas as well is South Padre Island, which is well known for its great restaurants, hotels, unique shops, bayside activities and the beach.
The County owns the land adjacent to the Convention Center and we should consider working alongside SPI and the General Land Office in building an entertainment, arena type venue. The project can potentially expand into a Sports-plex that compliments an arena as well.
As has been noted, over half of these HOT (hotel occupancy tax) revenues come from SPI. And, 35 percent or more of all the hotels and condo rentals in Cameron County are on the Island.
Investing in a project like this on the north end of the Island may just give the 2nd Causeway momentum for construction, plus growing our tax base on the north end.
Let’s not forget, SPI also has a shuttle system that not only covers the Island but ventures on to Port Isabel.
I don’t believe tourists will travel, stay & rent a car to attend a concert or any other event in the location being pushed. But, they will travel & stay on SPI. Just my two cents. I encourage a NO Vote on the Arena. God Bless.
Editor’s Note: The above commentary is based on upon a posting made by former Cameron County Judge Carlos Cascos on Facebook recently. As explained above, Cascos is a “no” vote on the Cameron County Arena propositions. For an alternative viewpoint, click here.
Quality journalism takes time, effort and…. Money!
Producing quality journalism is not cheap. The coronavirus has resulted in falling revenues across the newsrooms of the United States. However, The Rio Grande Guardian International News Service is committed to producing quality news reporting on the issues that matter to border residents. The support of our members is vital in ensuring our mission gets fulfilled.
Can we count on your support? If so, click HERE. Thank you!
