1950s Flood Fotos

Coral Drive in near four corners

 near Monroe St somewhere

 W Elizabeth and 7th from Rocket gas station and Eagle Phramacy

 International Airport

 International Airport PAA Cafe

Somewhere on 14th St

Annova LNG lies to Public / Officials

Annova LNG’s Tax Break Application Calls into Question Their Job Promises

August 31, 2015 by valleygreenspace

From Annova’s Appraise Value Limitation Application

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 31, 2015

Contact: Jim Chapman,jchapmanrgv@gmail.com (956) 571-0545

BROWNSVILLE, Texas—Annova LNG has publicly claimed that the liquefied natural gas export terminal that it has proposed for the Brownsville Ship Channel will bring scores of high-paying jobs to an economically depressed region. But in documents that Annova filed with the state of Texas in an attempt to dramatically slash the taxes it will pay on its facilities, they paint a very different picture.

Over the summer Annova submitted an application for an Appraised Value Limitation under Chapter 313 of the Texas Economic Development Act, which would artificially cap the taxable value of their facility far below its actual value, significantly reducing the taxes that they will pay each year.[1] This is a state incentive program that is meant to “create new, high-paying jobs in this state” by luring companies that might otherwise go to another state.[2] (see excerpt from application attached)

In Annova’s application, their response to the question “What is the number of new qualifying jobs you are committing to create?”:

Ten.

The annual wage that they commit to pay those 10 employees? $36,197.72.

On the application Annova also commits to create 80 “non-qualifying” jobs. A non-qualifying job could be a contractor or vendor, or less than full-time, or a position paying less than qualifying jobs, but Annova does not provide any information about them.

Ten jobs, or even 90 jobs if you include non-qualifying jobs, fall far short of the number Annova has been promising as they try to win support from politicians, chambers of commerce and EDCs. And the salary they list on the application is half that of what they have been publicizing.

In fact, the very same month that Annova submitted its application for a tax break Annova’s president, David Chung, wrote in the Monitor that “once operational, the terminal would employ up to 165 workers at a base wage of $70,000.”[3]

“Annova tells us that this will be an employment bonanza when they need public support, but when they have to commit in writing, the number of promised new jobs drops to less than a Whataburger franchise,” says Stefanie Herweck of Save RGV from LNG, a broad coalition opposed to the projects. “The RGV needs real, sustainable jobs, not Annova’s smoke and mirrors.”

Under the Appraised Value Limitation and Tax Credit program Annova hopes to cap the taxable value of its $2.9 billion facility at $25 million, or less than 1% of the amount invested. Annova’s application packet includes a report on the benefits that they claim they will bring to the state, including, they say, $34,389,000 per year in state and local taxes. But in a footnote they admit that that figure does not take into account this massive reduction in the taxable value of their facility.

“The tax revenue that the Port Isabel School District loses out on from Annova will be paid instead through the Texas School Fund, meaning by all the taxpayers of Texas. Some call it an incentive, but it is really a shameless give-away of taxpayer dollars to a huge company that can well afford to pay its full taxes, just like the rest of us do. Why should we subsidize an industrial facility that will endanger our communities, pollute our air, and undermine our tourism economy?” asks Jim Chapman, Chair of the Lower Rio Grande Valley Sierra Club.

“Annova and the other LNG export terminals will be a huge blight, ruining the clear skies and natural beauty that are the drivers of our existing economy. Whether they create 10 jobs or 165, whether they pay their taxes or not, LNG is not worth the cost,” Save RGV from LNG’s Herweck asserted. “And if we cannot trust these companies to be honest, we would be fools to hitch the future of our communities, our children’s health and the world that they will grow up in, to their promises.”

The job numbers revelations come as the group Save RGV from LNG, a coalition of groups and individuals opposed the LNG complex, hosts a community meeting in McAllen today, Monday, August 31 at 6:00 pm at the Historic Cine El Rey Theatre, and as the Laguna Vista and South Padre Island city governments consider resolutions to oppose the LNG export terminal projects on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively.

###

Save RGV from LNG is a coalition of Rio Grande Valley residents who have come together to oppose the construction of liquefied natural gas export terminals near Port Isabel and South Padre Island. For more information please visitwww.savergvfromlng.com

The Lower Rio Grande Valley Sierra Club works to preserve human health and the environment in south Texas from Laredo to South Padre Island.  Please visitwww.valleygreenspace.blogspot.com

__________________________________

[1] Annova’s application can be viewed athttp://www.texasahead.org/tax_programs/chapter313/applicants/

[2] Chapter 313 of the Texas state tax code:http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/TX/htm/TX.313.htm

[3] David Chung. “Explaining LNG projects in Brownsville Port.“ The Monitor. June 24, 2015. http://www.themonitor.com/opinion/commentary-explaining-lng-projects-in-brownsville-port/article_9b48594c-193f-11e5-8be6-fb71c3391c36.html

article copied from Valley Green Space

Preserving natural areas and protecting the environment in the communities of the Rio Grande Valley

Open Letter to All Public Officials Representing the Rio Grande Valley

 Open Letter to All Public Officials

Representing the Rio Grande Valley

Subject: Oppose Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Terminals in the RGV

In the past few months, three Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) companies have present­ed their plans to build export terminals at the Port of Brownsville bordering Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge and the Bahia Grande. They have offered jobs and eco­nomic benefits in exchange for destroying our priceless natural resources that sus­tain jobs, wildlife habitats and corridors for endangered animal species, ecotourism, commercial and recreational fishing, safe communities and the very air we breathe.

I have been in an occupation that promotes jobs, careers and opportunities for students, but I draw the line on welcoming companies that have shown a total disregard and dis­respect for the people of The Rio Grande Valley. It is difficult to understand why these companies would even consider decimating environmentally sensitive areas that have placed us on the map as a vacation, sporting, bird watching, wildlife conservation, real estate and retirement destination. Our assets bring in millions of dollars. These companies are promising economic benefits; yet, Annova and perhaps others, are requesting a 10-year tax exemption, as if they need an incentive to build their destruc­tive terminals on the last coastal paradise available to them on the Texas coast. What happens if the companies fail? Who will be stuck with the economic burden to clean up the mess they created? The damage will be irreparable, and we will be stuck with a useless eyesore. Our tax rates are constantly increasing at all levels of government, but this billion dollar company wants to be exempt from paying taxes that we desper­ately need for services, schools, salaries, infrastructure and community development.

These companies brag about their safety record, but they cannot guarantee the safety of the citizens of Port Isabel, South Padre Island, Brownsville, Laguna Vista and all surrounding communities. Layers of security measures cannot prevent all possibility of catastrophic accidents that may lead to evacuations, explosions and destruction of lives and property. Every day, we are bombarded with news about disasters such as uncontrollable wildfires, floods, droughts, oil and chemical spills, deadly gas pipeline explosions, toxic spills into water ways, and other devastating events. I don’t want us to be a disaster statistic. Look up LNG accidents in the US, and read the Reuters ar­ticle on “Blast at U. S. LNG site casts spotlight on natural gas safety,” which describes an unexplained blast April 2014 at an LNG facility in Washington State. Workers were injured, the fear of a second more devastating explosion was averted, people were evacuated within a two-mile radius and some people were sickened by fumes. The article also cites a blast in 2004 at an Algerian LNG facility that killed 27 workers and injured 74. Are the risks worth it for the people of the Rio Grande Valley? Are the risks to our health, safety, quality of life, existing jobs and natural resources worth it?

Some public entities have announced support for LNG export terminals without having considered input from those of us who oppose these terminals, not because we want to restrict economic development, but because we care about the RGV and the safety of our communities, environment and natural resources that be­long to future generations. We are constituents and voters who are asking that you please consider all facets of LNG terminals that will have serious ramifications for the Rio Grande Valley. God has blessed us with valuable resources, and we have an obligation to be the stewards of those resources. Please join us in protecting our HOME and opposing LNG export terminals in the Rio Grande Valley. Thank you to the Laguna Madre Water District Board of Directors, the Port Isabel City Commission,and the South Padre Island Business Owners Association who passed resolutions opposing LNG terminals at the port. Your leadership and commitment to acting in the best interest of your community and the RGV are greatly appreciated.

Respectfully,

Alma G. Leal

Rancho Viejo, TX

Note: For more information, go to Facebook at SAVE RGV from LNG

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is accepting public comments

through September 4 regarding 3 LNG terminals to be located on the Brownsville Ship Chan­nel. To oppose LNG terminals, visit http://www/ferc.gov under “Documents and Filings” head­ing, look for FERC Online and Go to eComment and follow directions. Include FERC Docket numbers: Annova LNG (PF 15-15), Texas LNG (PF 15-14), Rio Grande LNG (PF 15-20).

S.P.I. Council Meeting September 2nd - Join the Opposition

Last week's battle ended well.  On to the next, please.  This is a great opportunity to witness how a city government functions when enough people who have had enough of poor government are watching.

"Port Isabel City Council and the Laguna Madre Water District Board have demonstrated a quality rarely seen in the various governing bodies of our area. They have shown integrity in representing the will of their constituents. Their decisions to oppose LNG requests for support, despite high dollar pressure, are to be commended. Power to the People."  

Mary Helen Flores - Citizens Against Voter Abuse (C.A.V.A.)

Click ->THIS LINK<- for the whole story!  If you're from or near South Padre Island Tuesday evening please attend the SPI City Council Meeting.  At the last meeting there were supporters from LNG who tried to convince the commission not to vote or to table item but the DEADLINE to submit their concerns to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission if Friday, September 4th. 

Look out for this big guy --  Langtry Meyer of Texas LNG.  He tried winning the audience by saying he was from Brownsville because he spent a short time here as a child.  People just laughed at him.  Do not trust.

Here are the players.  SPI Mayor Patel was at Port Isabel meeting last week.  He did not make any public statements for or against LNG.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2015

05:30 P.M. AT THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING,
JOYCE H. ADAMS BOARD ROOM, 2ND FLOOR
4601 PADRE BOULEVARD, SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TEXAS

City of South Padre Island City Council Meeting Agenda Request Form

MEETING DATE: September 2, 2015

NAME & TITLE: Alex Avalos, Mayor Pro· tem

DEPARTMENT: City Council No. 6

Discussion and potential action to approve a resolution expressing opposition to the construction of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities in the vicinity of Port Isabel.

ITEM BACKGROUND I A number of LNG companies have proposals to construct a Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities in the Port of Brownsville/ Port Isabel area. Because many South Padre Island residents have raised concerns about the impact of these facilities on South Padre Island, the Council will consider a resolution to oppose th'e construction of these facilities.
.....
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-29

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TEXAS,

WHEREAS, Proposals have been made for the construction of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities at the Port of Brownsville and along the Brownsville Ship Channel, by Annova LNG, Rio Grande LNG and Texas LNG; and WHEREAS, Various facilities under consideration are located in close proximity to the City of South Padre Island. in its extra-territorial jurisdiction or in areas potentially within the extra-territorial jurisdiction of the city; and WHEREAS, Many of the proposed facilities are located along State Highway 48, which is the principal route between Port Isabel and Brownsville; and

WHEREAS, South Padre Island and the other communities of the Laguna Madre area are located in one of the most unique, pristine and scenic ecosystems in the world; and

WHEREAS, The proposed project area is located in a delicate and partially undisturbed salt flat between the Laguna Madre and the Bahia Grande, which together form part of the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge; and

WHEREAS, The Laguna Madre has been designated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife department as one of the "most important and unspoiled ecosystems in Texas;" and

WHEREAS, The Bahia Grande is a recovering ecosystem that was the subject of one of the largest estumy restoration projects in the United States, and serves as a critical habitat for nesting birds and aquatic life; and

WHEREAS, The status of the Laguna Madre and the Bahia Grande as hyper-saline lagoons makes them particularly vulnerable to pollution or contamination, due to their naturally low level of sea and fresh water exchange; and

WHEREAS, In addition to the risk of potential contamination by pollutants or sediment, the potential construction of these facilities presents a risk of visual pollution, by replacing natural vistas with industrial facilities; and

WHEREAS, Light and noise generated by the LNG facilities have the potential to impact sensitive ecosystems, and to impair the public's enjoyment of recreational facilities; and

 WHEREAS, Traffic and security restrictions along State Highway 4& and the Brownsville Ship Channel related to the operation of LNG facilities have the potential to limit public access to recreational facilities near the proposed facilities~ including the Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge and the Jaime Zapata County Park; and

WHEREAS, Owing to the present design of State Highway 48, which lacks turning lanes or turn-arounds, heavy traffic associated with the LNG facilities has the potential to negatively impact quality oflife and public safety; and

WHEREAS, The close proximity of some proposed LNG facilities to State Highway 48 and the City of South Padre Island creates potential safety issues for citizens ofSouUJ Padre Island in the event that the proposed facilities are impacted by natural or technological hazards; and

WHEREAS, The economy of South Padre Island and the Laguna Madre Area is heavily~dependent on tourism and fishing industries1 which rely upon the natural resources Mthin the area; and

WHEREAS, In addition to the environmental, economic, quality oflife and safety concerns conn""!ed with the proposed construction of LNG facilities, the proposal also raises questions of environmental justice, given that the proposed facilities are to be located in close proximity to a community comprised of etbnic minorities and persons of low to moderate income; and

WHEREAS, The City Council of the City of South Padre Island wishes to oppose the construction of any LNG facility in the vicinity of the City of South Padre Island, Port Isabel and surrounding areas.

THEREFORE  BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of South Padre Island hereby expresses its opposition to the construction of LNG faculties; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council hereby directs !hat a eopy of this resolution be entered into the proc~ings of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission related to these applications.

PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED on this the 2nd day of September, 2015

CITY OF SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, TEXAS

Alex Avalos, Mayor Pro-tem

ATTEST:

Susan M. HilL City Secretary

UPDATE:

Councilman Frank T. Davalos Jr.

August 27 at 6:25pm · 

FYI Mayor Susie Houston has called a Special Meeting of the Town of Laguna Vista Town Council to be held on Tuesday September 1, 2015 at 6:00pm located at 122 Fernandez Street Laguna Vista Texas 78578 to discuss the following business

1. Ordinance adopting 2015 ad valorem property tax rate.

2. Ordinance approving the 2015-16 fiscal year budget.

3. Ordinance to consider repealing and establish new nuisance abatement procedures for property maintenance, repealing any ordinances that may be in conflict with the ordinance.

4. To consider approving IT services with Leonel Garza

5. To consider a resolution setting asside reserve funds for capital outlay projects

6. Resolution- Discussion and potential action to approve a resolution expressing opposition to the construction of Liquiefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities in the vicinity of Laguna Vista(Mayor Houston)

7. To consider canceling the regular Town council meeting for September 8 2015

Public is invited to attend!

Honor Your Madre and Padre: This Week's Recap of Efforts Against LNG Companies

September 4th is the DEADLINE.  Please see easy to use form at bottom.  Thank You.

This whole community response against LNG in Deep South Texas, which seems to have emerged out of nowhere and is growing at a phenomenal rate, is as fired-up and informed and effective as any other community opposing LNG in the nation...

LNG reared its head in the RGV at least five years ago. The community didn't really react until two years ago ..So with so many years of planning (and hundreds of millions of dollars in public money already having been spent to build the roads, rails, energy, deepening of the ship channel and of course establish "ties" with Brownsville , SPI, state, and federal politicians, I thought we were dead in the water because there's so many "uneducated" peoples in the RGV .. But here in the RGV, people actually love South Padre and the Laguna Madre .. When I say love I don't mean that in a mawkish or metaphorical way ... Not the way someone loves pizza -- but the way someone loves a person, or a god they might be close to, it's one of the few places remaining in the U.S. where so many people literally "love a place" in a deep and meaningful sense ...

The way we truly love family .. This is literally our Mother and Father "The Laguna MADRE" and PADRE Island ... what is the emotional effect on a community when a place that is loved so much is literally defiled?     ~David Robledo

At a packed Port Isabel City Hall meeting on August 25 city commissioners voted 3-2 for opposition against Liquefied Natural Gas export terminals to be introduced onto the Port of Brownsville.  Three companies have applied for federal approval with two others closely behind for a total of FIVE LNG facilities.  That same day Texas Parks and Wildlife officials publicly stated their concerns on these facilities' impact on the natural environment.  The projects would be close to Laguna Madre and Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge.  South Padre Island Business Association leaders also took a stance in contrary to the SPI Chamber of Commerce support for LNG.(Photo by Ernesto Elizondo)

Members of the Sierra Club and volunteers joined to gather petitions from visitors of the 77 Flea Market.

The writing campaign was a success.  Some people were glad to have found the simple opportunity to express their concerns about the the proposed sites to be built by Annova, Texas LNG and Rio Grande LNG.  Rio Grande LNG is really NextDecade based in Houston but they would like us to assume they are locally own.  We know what happens when we assume though.

Photo by Patrick Anderson

Simple filing forms which required basic information and a brief message to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and information was provided to answer any question from visitors.  (Courtesy photo Sharon Almaguer)

Please stop by 77 Flea Market Sunday August 30 and give at least five minutes of your time.  (Courtesy photo Sharon Almaguer)

UPDATE for Sunday 28th    "Project "Flea Market Comment Drive" wrapped up with 60 written comments and about 7 internet comments. Totaling about 140 comments opposing LNG during our time at the market."   (Photo by Patrick Anderson)

At El Hueso de Fraile coffee, tea and music was the setting for a petition drive organized by David Robledo as a last minute push against the LNG corporations. (Courtesy photo Katy Youker and David Robledo)

(Courtesy David Robledo)

Andy E. Alvarez

Miguel Mendo

Bumper sticker by Miguel Mendo.  SaveRGVfromLNG.com website by Miguel Mendo, Jazmin Barrientos and Danny Cuevas.

Gilbert Velasquez

It's easy to fill out a form.

---> JUST CLICK! <---

UPDATE!!!!

Councilman Frank T. Davalos Jr.

August 27 at 6:25pm · 

FYI Mayor Susie Houston has called a Special Meeting of the Town of Laguna Vista Town Council to be held on Tuesday September 1, 2015 at 6:00pm located at 122 Fernandez Street Laguna Vista Texas 78578 to discuss the following business

1. Ordinance adopting 2015 ad valorem property tax rate.

2. Ordinance approving the 2015-16 fiscal year budget.

3. Ordinance to consider repealing and establish new nuisance abatement procedures for property maintenance, repealing any ordinances that may be in conflict with the ordinance.

4. To consider approving IT services with Leonel Garza

5. To consider a resolution setting asside reserve funds for capital outlay projects

6. Resolution- Discussion and potential action to approve a resolution expressing opposition to the construction of Liquiefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities in the vicinity of Laguna Vista(Mayor Houston)

7. To consider canceling the regular Town council meeting for September 8 2015

Public is invited to attend!

Imagine these scenes with the "warm smell of Colitas" and you'll get a whiff of the NO to LNG drift

Sunset behind the cupolas on the historic Yacht Club by Valerie Bates of Port Isabel

Art courtesy of Andy E. Alvarez of Brownsville

1949 El Jardin School

Images courtesy Brownsville Historical Association

2011 Mark Clark

Artist Mark Clark in front of Alonso Building E St Charles and 6th St

October 2, 2011

1949 Crossing the Gateway Bridge

2015 0905 Freddie Gomez Memorial Conjunto Concert

FREE Public Family Labor Day Weekend Conjunto Music Event from 5 pm to Midnight on Saturday, September 5th, it's the 5th Annual Freddie Gomez Memorial Conjunto Concert in Brownsville's Historic Downtown District in front of the Capitol Theatre, 11th & Levee Sts. sponsored by the South Texas Conjunto Association, the City of Brownsville and the Brownsville Society for the Performing Arts. The program includes a Memorial Ceremony for 2014-2015 Departed Artists, Youth Ensembles, a Conjunto Dance Contest, plus 3 Conjuntos performing from 8 pm-12 mn. Los Laytons, Katie Lee Ledesma, and Juan Antonio Tapia. Food and Beverage Concessions and Seating Available. For more information call Timo Ruedas, 956-545-8446 or Tony Tapia, 956-579-2936

Recio's Food & Gifts E St Francis & 2nd St.

 One of the last tendajos in 2011.  There are still a few left.

 "Rifleman"

 Pinatas

1969 Chevrolet G10 Sportvan Custom lowrider revised

Villa de las Pelucas parked on E Elizabeth and International Blvd. near Jacob Brown Auditorium 

La Rioja 1135 E Washington

 Rioja is a Spanish province where various wines, mostly red, are produced but for our intents and purposes, it's the latest restaurant and bar to open downtown at 1135 E Washington St.  

The back entrance faces Market Square and is well-lit.  There was plenty of parking on a Wednesday night.  Let's hope we see more canopies and double-sided highly visible signage as downtown takes a new look and shape for the future.  Both front and back facades really dress downtown.

Here are a few interior photos for the curious who might want to see for themselves.  For now they have hamburgers, hot wings, hot dogs, tacos and nachos!  Their hours are 3 pm to 12 am Tue -Thurs and 3 pm to 2 am Wed - Fri - Sat.  Closed Sundays and Mondays.

This is across the street from Rutledge Burger and this area is well-lit.  However, my car battery died which left me stranded for a while so I got to observe people wandering the streets.  Brownsville still has too many vagrants bothering people who rather be left alone.  It would be nice if police could confine them to a far side of town during the night for their safety and ours.  They did a good job of that in Salt Lake City.

Bronsbil welcomes Ricardo Mar and congratulates him on the second day of the opening of La Rioja.  The beer was ice-cold and the service was friendly.  A huge thanks to the bartender (who's name I forgot) for jump starting my battery for me.  He can mix your drinks, whisky, rum - you name it.  I'll remember to tip him next time I return for another beer.