LANDRY PROPOSAL FOR CORPUS CHRISTI CITY MARINA

 

At a meeting of the Corpus Christi City Council on Tuesday, April 23, the Council voted 9-0 to enter into negotiations with Landry’s Restaurants, Inc. for development and management of the marina.  A committee of League members, acting under our current Bayfront Master Plan consensus, has been meeting for the past month to decide on a statement to the Council incorporating the League’s position on the marina proposals.  In the process of developing the statement, a good many questions were developed by the membership and outside sources.  Karling Kolter made the following statement to the Corpus Christi City Council on April 23, 2002.  The statement, while not in support of or against any of the proposals, encouraged the City Council and staff to solicit input from all citizens in the negotiations process and presented the following questions:

 

The Statement::

 

The League of Women Voters of Corpus Christi recognizes the value of tourism and conventions as major industries necessary for diversification of the economy of our area.  We further consider the bayfront area to be our most unique asset and, therefore, feel it should be developed in a manner that will provide quality facilities for the benefit of the total community.  Because this asset – the bayfront – is non-renewable, we feel there is a vital need for procedures to assure a balance between development and protection of this valuable resource.

 

The League has been involved in the development of our bayfront since the early ‘60’s.  We have, for example, in the past supported the convention center, restoration of the beaches, and the multipurpose arena.  While at this time we do not have a position in support of or against the Landry proposal, we have learned that citizen involvement and input is critical to public support, as evidenced by the passing of the recent bond issue.  Our concern today is that the Landry’s Marina Project proposal is not part of a Master Bayfront Plan.  It is a piecemeal solution to a specific problem. How will this proposal fit into a master bayfront plan?

 

In closing, I would like to draw your attention to the list of questions the League of Women Voters would like to have addressed during negotiations. We are encouraged by the Council’s vision and willingness to explore opportunities to improve this community’s quality of life.

 

The Questions:

 

A: How does this proposal fit into the long-term plans for growth and quality of life in Corpus Christi?

 

1.       Fiscal changes:

1. How much of the project income is expected to be in addition to existing citywide business?

2. What concessions, abatements, or subsidies are requested or expected, if any, for the City of Corpus Christi to provide?
3. What is the City Council position on such a request?
4. Will the insurance liability of improvements on the city leased property below the seawall affect the current insurance rating of the city?
5. Who will have responsibility for dredging the marina and any maintenance necessary for the breakwater?

 

2.       Physical changes:

1. What will be the traffic impact of all current and planned development in the area, both in the construction phases and on completion? (Re: Art Center expansion, Convention Center addition and the multipurpose arena.)
2. What changes can be made to address marina tenant and boater concerns?

 

3.    Infrastructure:

1. What are the requirements and costs of water, sewer, electricity, roads, traffic lights, etc. for this project?  Will the developer be expected to pay for these?
2. Is the developer expected to cover all necessary environmental permitting processes?

Landry Proposal for Corpus Christi City Marina (Continued)

 

4.   Relationship of project with downtown area development and existing downtown and citywide business.

1. Will the proposed development detract from existing business and draw business away from the downtown or will it add to and support existing businesses?
2. Is the developer prepared to add attractions that fill a void and attract additional venues not now available in Corpus Christi?
3. Will the plan include ways to tie together the marina, the Aquarium, the Lexington and existing downtown business? (As stated in the RFP, “What is envisioned is a high-intensity visitor development of unique character that will showcase nearby existing facilities and integrate them into a signature venue like none other on the Gulf Coast.”)
4. What is Landry’s marketing plan outside the city?

 

B: Planning and negotiation schedule

 

1.    Is this the best plan among those presented?

 

2.   Can the other finalist’s plans be negotiated simultaneous with Landry’s?

 

3.   How will the Landry’s proposal accommodate existing boating and city events in and around the marina?

 

4.   What are the competitive waterfront lease rates in other areas of the state?

 

5.   Can the negotiations proceed with checkpoints to be presented to the City Council before contracts are

signed?

 

6.   Will the completed agreements be open to public comment before agreements are signed?

 

Thanks to the following League members who worked on this project:

 

Pauline Clarke, Peggy Duran, Elia Gutierrez, Lois Huff, Joyce Jarmon, Ann Jaynes, Karling Kolter, Adelaide Marlatt, Esther Martinez, Lois Nickerson, Pat Parr.