Padre Island Project Updates

July 19, 2012 By

Packery Channel

Dredging of Packery Channel from the SH 361 Bridge through the jetties was cut short due to the beginning of the turtle season and stopped about 500 feet short of the mouth leaving a 24,000 cubic foot sand plug which has left the opening with a depth of about 6 (6-10 ft depending on where you are across channel) feet. The natural sand movement around the channel’s opening has changed since Hurricane Ike passed through in 2008 and the result is less scour (deeper region) at the mouth and the formation of a bypass bar just offshore of the mouth of the channel which may be either beneficial, by transferring sand around the channel mouth seasonally from side to side, or a problem depending on what happens this summer season.

Deidre Williams at the Conrad Blucher Institute at A&M Corpus Christi who monitors the channel for the city told the Island Strategic Action Committee Tuesday night the remaining shoal near the mouth (the shoal is inside the Entrance Channel NOT outside the channel) could be of benefit by blocking the entry of sand into the channel mouth directly from the Gulf.  The opportunity for sand to enter the mouth of the channel would be new for Packery. In the past the channel mouth was very shallow due to shoaling and the region around the mouth in the Gulf was very deep- the uphill climb clearly limiting sand entry from the Gulf. Should the plug of sand be removed, the channel mouth and nearshore would be nearly the same depth, possibly allowing for sand to enter  directly from the Gulf. However, she said if the sand begins to be impounded along the west side of the Entrance Channel shoal it could lead to the growth of the shoal and would need to be removed in the future. A survey will be conducted during July to determine if the Entrance Shoal is expanding enough to require removal or if it serves the channel better to leave the shoal for now as a protective measure.  Current plans call for a wait and see approach through the summer season.

She told the ISAC that since the premature opening of the channel by Hurricane Emily in 2005 the width of the channel at (-5 ft depth) inside the SH 361 Bridge has doubled in some sections due to water flow. Between 2006 and 2008 the channel widened at a rate of up to 34 ft/yr and since 2008 the width has increased by about 1.5 ft/yr. Most of the expansion has been on the east side of the channel in the tidal flats but some rest on the west side, where residences are located, have lost as much as 1-10 ft (Note for your information-20ft was only in the water- the navigable channel bank- —).

Williams said the beach on each side of the channel jetties has pushed seaward since the channel  pened increasing the width of the beach to about 500 feet nearest the jetties. The beach is afforded protection by the jetties an alongshore distance of 2,000 ft to the north, just past Turtle Cove development and 4,000 ft to the south, up to about the Holiday Inn. The sand from the recent dredging of the channel was placed from just south of the Holiday Inn to the south end of the seawall, the first major dredging since its opening in 2006. The beach has increased in width by 80-100 feet at the south end. She said the prevailing southeasterly wind is already moving some of that sand north where it will serve to increases the width of the beach from there to the South Packery Jetty.

Inside the channel a small portion of the Basin Shoal was left after dredging and is located near the entrance to Lake Padre which Williams said does not impede boat passage through the channel but if it persists may need to be marked with a buoy.  “The channel is healthy and hasn’t required a lot of maintenance,” Williams said. “That is not by happenstance but by design.” During planning, dredging was predicted at 1 to 3 year intervals but was not needed until 6 years after the channel opened, indicating a successfully designed inlet.

Park Road 22 Bridge

Permitting for the Park Road 22 Water Exchange Bridge is ongoing. Currently the city engineering  department is waiting on a decision form the Army Corp of Engineers about what the exact nature of the impact from the bridge will be. That determination will impact the bridge’s design which has been done but is contingent on the Corp’s decision. Once that decision has been made the city will push forward with the permitting process. A tentative start date for the bridge has been set for the end of 2012.

Gypsy Bridge repairs

Repairs to the underside of the bridge on Gypsy are complete and work is set to begin soon on the road surface which still has a metal plate to cover a pothole. The guardrail which was recently destroyed by a car has been replaced.  Street lights on the new Aquarius Extension The city engineering department has put in a request with AEP to install the lights. The  normal turnaround time for such projects is 4-12 months.  Improvements to Whitecap Water Treatment Plant We recently reported that the Whitewater Treatment Plant has exceeded state limits on bacteria in its outflow more than twenty times since 2009, in some cases as much as 27,000% over the allowable limits. The cure for the problem is a Ultraviolet Light treatment process that is expected to cost between $3-$5 million and will not be installed until at least 2014. In the meantime the city is looking for other ways to stop the problem in the interim which may be cheaper than the UV system to install but will be more expensive to operate.

Restrooms along Packery Channel

The city has placed a portable restroom at the parking lot north of the Packery where street lights are soon to be installed. Plans to build a permanent restroom there are on hold until new FEMA maps are released later this year which may change the designation of the area’s vulnerability to flooding and ease restrictions on the design requirements for the structure and reduce the cost. The original estimated cost of the restrooms was placed at $1.4 million but ISAC members declined to approve payment at that amount from the Island Tax Increment Finance fund. A similar restroom facility on Corpus Christi Beach was put out to bids and the price came back at over $600,000 due to the Americans with Disabilities Act which requires a ramp to reach the facility which must be at least nine feet above ground level. If the area around Packery Channel is rezoned in the new FEMA maps that requirement may not be necessary.

Schlitterbahn Waterpark and Resort

Developer Paul Schexnailder told ISAC members in their Tuesday meeting that the park’s developers now have a term sheet in hand from lenders, meaning that negotiations on financing for the park are nearing completion.  “We’re moving forward,” he said. “We will be doing work on the site in August but not turning dirt. There is still much work to be done on permitting before we start digging.” He said the previously stated schedule for the $524 million dollar park and development that calls for it to be open by next summer is still in place, “at this moment.”

Article by Dale Rankin – Padre Island Moon

Filed Under: North Padre Island, North Padre Island Beaches, Packery Channel, Park Road 22 Proposed Bridge, Schlitterbahn Corpus Christi

OFFICIAL COUNT OF NEW PROPERTIES UNDER CONSTRUCTION

July 18, 2012 By

New Home UPDATE as of 7/19/2012:  As of this week there are a good number of new homes under construction going up here on North Padre Island!  New Developments relating to Schlitterbahn and the Proposed New Park Rd 22 Bridge are creating such an exciting atmosphere to be in. It’s been nearly 5 years since we have seen new construction like this!!

New Construction count is as following:

WATERFRONT HOMES – 8

WATERACCESS HOMES – 55

MULTI-FAMILY PROPERTIES – 2

Dry lots are selling selling on the Island. 18 have closed since June 1, 2012: Selling between $18,500 – $28,900

Padre Island’s real estate market is recovering and now bringing a new wave of buyers.

Now’s the time. Don’t Wait to Buy, Buy and Wait!!

Let Coastline Properties show you the BEST the Island has to offer – put our expertise and experience to work for you!!

Check us out!   Cheri Sperling, Coastline Properties

Filed Under: New Homes Padre Island, North Padre Island, Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

Schlitterbahn Corpus Christi – Update 7/10/2012

July 10, 2012 By

Update 7/10/2012 – Island Advisory Meeting

Investors Paul Schexnailder, Willard Hammonds and the Henry family that owns the Schlitterbahn Texas water park chain have been developing the master plan layed out last May. The waterpark resort on Padre Island is about 30 days away from finalizing the capital needed to begin moving forward with construction.

The estimated $41 million resort planned along the west side of Park Road 22 is expected to include a 65-acre water park with lodging, golf and restaurants. This project will be built along side the current Padre Isles Golf Course. We are excited to hear the project is on track with tentative plans to break ground as early as September according to developer Paul Schexnailder.

Schlitterbahn part-owner Jeff Henry previously said the water park would be open by Memorial Day weekend of next year.
There are many pieces of the project — including financing, structural design and proper permitting — that need to fall into place before construction begins, Mr. Schexnailder said.

The city also plans to build a $6.8 million bridge along Park Road 22, which would connect Lake Padre to the residential canal system. This money has been allocated with the leftover 2008 bond money. Even though Schlitterbaun is not dependent on it, Developers have said it is a critical part of the project’s design because it would create a pedestrian waterfront connection along the canal system.

The City continues to obtain environmental permits required to build the bridge, and will maintain continued public input as part of the process this year. The water connection between the canal and lake is expected to improve water quality in the canal system and throught Laguna Madre.

As more information comes out we will be glad to keep you posted, You can assure Coastline Properties will be there when the first shovel hits the sand!!!
 
UPDATE from 6/12/2012 Padre Island Moon, Dale Rankin

Developer Paul Schexnailder briefed the ISAC on the Schlitterbahn project during their June meeting. He said the park’s design group spent three days last week on the site looking at elevations in preparation for the anticipated beginning of construction in August.

An environmental assessment of the area where a new canal would be dug has been made and contains a maximum of three acres of wetlands which must be mitigated. A meeting is set with the Army Corps of Engineers to access what changes in the existing permits are needed for construction on the east side of Park Road 22 (SPID) in the area around Lake Padre.

He said that once the city is finished with the design for the Park Road 22 Water Exchange Bridge the permitting should be ready to begin digging the canals on the west side of SPID to connect it to the existing Island canal system. The area where the new canal would be dug is on the current site of Padre Isles Country Club and is considered uplands – not wetlands – which makes permitting there quicker.

He also told the ISAC that he expects term sheets from lenders on the project to be in hand within two weeks. Construction on the project has been broken into two projects. The first phase will make the park fully operational and should be complete by summer 2013. Phase II will then begin and will add more features to the park. In Phase I a 5000-foot long Lazy River will be built and in Phase II will be extended to 7000 feet.

Before the Lazy River feature can be built AEP must do site work to prepare for the installation of water pumps, including several 2000 gallon per minute pumps, two 35,000 gpm pumps, and several 20,000 gpm pumps.

He said items still to be determined are where exactly to locate a 70,000 square foot section of the park which will have a retractable roof and will remained open year round, where to locate parking lots, and when/if to shut down holes on the golf course during construction, and how the construction process will effect membership packages at the club.

He said the final design of the park could not be completed until the financial incentive package with the city was in place and that package was finalized only two weeks ago. The plan included no property tax incentive and was made up entirely of sales tax breaks primarily though the Hotel Occupancy Tax, which means plans for Phase I of the project will now include hotels, which would not have been the case if property tax incentives had been used. ~Dale Rankin, Padre Island Moon

 

 

Filed Under: North Padre Island, Schlitterbahn Corpus Christi

Texas Windstorm Rates on the Rise ??

July 5, 2012 By

corpus christi real estate windstorm insurance ratesThe Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) has agreed to move forward with several proposals to fund the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA), the provider of last resort for windstorm insurance on the Texas Coast.

TWIA has just recently adopted a 5% increase on all residential and commercial windstorm insurance policies issued by TWIA to policyholders in the 14 counties comprising the Texas Coast. This is the third rate increase in the last three years for coastal county residents.

The Commissioner of the Texas Department of Insurance has also proposed rules that will establish the funding and financing mechanism to place funds in the catastrophic reserve trust fund to provide coverage for windstorm events along the Texas Coast. This plan provides methodology for the Commissioner to have the Texas Public Finance Authority sell several classes of bonds to fund TWIA losses and expenses in excess of premium and other revenues. The Class 1 Bonds in the amount of $1billion are to be paid for solely by TWIA policyholders in the 14 counties along the Texas Coast. The Class 2 Bonds in the amount of $1 billion are to be paid for 70% by all insurance policyholders, excepting workman’s compensation and health lines, in 14 counties along the Texas Coast and 30% by insurance companies offering policies in the 14 counties along the Texas Coast. TWIA is also proposing a surcharge on all other property and casualty policies held by the owners of TWIA policies in 14 counties along the Texas Coast. The proposed surcharge on the auto insurance policies of residents in the 14 coastal counties could result in uninsured drivers on our streets. The consequences of all of these rate increases could result in an economic catastrophe for the hard working families that live in the Coastal Bend and on the entire Texas coast. The financial hardship will be far-reaching on consumers, lenders, builders, and small businesses and would bring severe economic penalties to the Texas Gulf Coast area.

I encourage all residents, and business owners to please write a letter to Commissioner Eleanor Kitzman, Texas Department of Insurance and stress your opposition to these rate increases. In your letter, please emphasize that the Texas Department of Insurance needs to develop an equitable and reasonable statewide funding formula that does not target and discriminate against the 14 coastal counties.

BREAKING NEWS: Today, the Texas Department of Insurance announced that both hearings would be postponed, thus ending public comment for now.

Join local organizations, businesses, leaders and citizens at a “Rally Against Rates,” Friday, July 13, 2012, 9:45AM on the steps of City Hall. We encourage our friends to bring friends, family, coworkers, and others to let your voice be heard!

I urge you to keep submit your letters prior to the public hearings that the Texas Department of Insurance will be holding in the future. These public hearings are open to the public and everyone is welcomed to attend. When we here the next date of the meeting it will be held at City Council Chambers, City Hall, 1201 Leopard St.

Commissioner Eleanor Kitzman
Texas Department of Insurance
P.O. Box 149104
Austin, Texas 78714-9104

Filed Under: Corpus Christ Real Estate Data

Padre Island Real Estate Facts – Did You Know??

July 1, 2012 By

corpus christi real estate facts 2012We have had many people ask for this information over the past 90 days, so we thought it would be very helpful for all to see how Padre Island is growing by leaps and bounds.  The Island is getting set for another major expansion, are you ready to take advantage of all of the great investment opportunities out there?
 
 
 

Padre Island Facts as of 6/28/2012:

197 vacant single family waterfront lots remaining – – 1,805 have homes on them

1065 vacant single family water access/dry lots remaining – – 1,399 have homes on them

99 vacant multifamily waterfront lots remaining – – 145 have been built on

151 vacant multifamily water access/dry lots remaining – – 75 have been built on

18 vacant duplex waterfront lots remaining – – 78 have been built on

39 vacant duplex water access/dry lots remaining – 65 have been built on

Give Us a Call Today, so we can talk with you about the incredible Real Estate Opportunities Available on Padre Island, TX.

Filed Under: Corpus Christ Real Estate Data, New Homes Padre Island, North Padre Island Tagged With: , ,

SCHLITTERBAHN Corpus Christi Incentive Package Announced!

May 23, 2012 By

Latest NEWS May 22, 2012 –

CITY Council Unanimously Votes in Favor of Incentive Package!!

The 2 Items remaining before the Project will begin is Contract Signings and Private Financing to begin breaking ground by June 2012.

Stay Tuned….As we will continue to Update you on the Status of the Island’s First MAJOR Project!!

117 Million Dollar Incentive Package Revealed at Latest City Council Meeting:

VOTE WILL BE FINALIZED at the Council Meeting on May 22nd, 2012.

NEW MAP Laying out DISTRICTS for the proposed Island Development (CLICK HERE)

REVISED PROPOSED TAX INCENTIVES: (CLICK HERE For the Legal Document Layout out the incentives)

SCHLITTERBAHN Corpus Christi – Performance Based Incentive Plan (PDF-CLICK HERE)

CITY COUNCIL answers all the citizens Questions and Concerns (FAQ’s CLICK HERE)

PROPOSED TAX INCENTIVES:

Economic development sales tax: $5 million

Property tax: $20.6 million

Waived development fees: $1.4 million

City sales taxes: $11.5 million

Hotel occupancy tax: $78 million

Local construction tax: $699,000

Total: $117 million

Source: City of Corpus Christi

BY THE NUMBERS:

2 years of Schlitterbahn construction on North Padre Island.

Number of Jobs Created Locally – 40 full-time and 300 part-time Employees Recruited.

400 -Feet in the buffer zone between Schlitterbahn and property line neighborhoods.

25 years – Terms of agreement

18 years – Expected resort project build-out

574 Total acreage for entire Resort Project

$117 million -Public investment

$552 million – Private investment

Source: City of Corpus Christi

Filed Under: North Padre Island, North Padre Island Beaches, Park Road 22 Proposed Bridge

New Aquarius Road Extension Opening!

May 9, 2012 By

AQUARIUS ROAD DEDICATION THIS SATURDAY…COME CHECK IT OUT!!

The Aquarius Road extension will be dedicated and opened for traffic this Saturday, May 12Th @ 10AM.

The ribbon cutting and dedication will be at the New Intersection of Aquarius Road and Commodore. Come out to support our Island and City Leaders that got the job done for Padre Island. As many bicycle riders, street golf carts and walking residents are welcome  from the surrounding neighborhoods is being requested rather than by automobile so we can avoid a traffic Jam.  We are excited to see all the hard work moving forward for Padre Island! ~Island Political Action Committee

 

Filed Under: Local Schools, North Padre Island, Park Road 22 Proposed Bridge

CORPUS CHRISTI CITY TO HOLD PUBLIC MEETING REGARDING PARK ROAD 22 AND PROPOSED BRIDGE AND CANAL

May 5, 2012 By

ATTN 5/9: NEW INFO ON SCHLITTERBAHN (CLICK HERE)

PROPOSED BRIDGE LAYOUTS BELOW PRESS RELEASE

CITY TO HOLD PUBLIC MEETING REGARDING PARK ROAD 22

AND PROPOSED BRIDGE AND CANAL

 

The City of Corpus Christi is conducting a public meeting on Tuesday, April 10, from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm, at the Seashore Learning Center, 15801 S. Padre Island Drive, to receive input from the public regarding the construction of a proposed bridge and canal on Park Road 22. The impacted area is a little longer than one mile with limits between Whitecap Blvd and Commodores. The purpose of the project is to support the effort to provide boat and pedestrian access to the area. In addition, the project is expected to greatly improve the quality of the water in the existing canal system through water exchange with Lake Padre.

The proposed project will raise the existing roadway approximately 14 feet with the construction of a bridge so as to accommodate boats passing through the proposed channel. No other roadway improvements are proposed, no new right-of-way is proposed and no residential or commercial displacements will occur as a result of this project. “This is a win/win for local residents and visitors”, said Dan Biles, PE, Interim Engineering Director.  “It will keep the water in the canals cleaner and will soon allow recreational boats to access the area. It’s a big step towards our goal of transforming the Mustang-Padre Island area into a world-renowned tourist, resort and residential community,” continued Biles.

The City encourages area residents to attend the meeting, to review the materials displayed and to comment about the project. If someone is not able to attend, he/she can still comment on the project by sending comments to Mary Kelly PE, c/o Raba Kistner Environmental, Inc., 12821 W. Golden Lane, San Antonio, Texas 78249. You may also submit comments by fax (210) 699-6426, or by e-mail mkelly@rkci.com. All comments received through Friday, April 20, 2012, will be used in the public record.

PHOTOS OF PROPOSED PARK ROAD 22 BRIDGE on NORTH PADRE ISLAND:

Figure 1 of the Proposed Layout:

Figure 1 – Project Location Map(PDF)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 2 of the Propose Layout:

Figure 2 – Site Plan(PDF)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos Courtesy of:

Raba Kirstner Environmental Firm
12821 West Golden Lane
San Antonio, Texas 78249
P 210 :: 699 :: 9090
F 210 :: 699 :: 6426

http://www.rkci.com

 

Filed Under: North Padre Island, Park Road 22 Proposed Bridge

North Padre Island Local Beach Scene

February 13, 2012 By

North Padre Island, just off the coast of Corpus Christi is a barrier island off the coast of Texas. With mild winters and the warm water of the Gulf of Mexico as a playground, residents and visitors alike enjoy a laid-back beach lifestyle with a whole lot of Texas attitude.

The crown jewel of the area is the Padre Island National Seashore, is 70 miles of beach and protected shoreline designated as a US Park. Unspoiled and pristine dunes are home to more than 380 varieties of migratory birds, and wildlife abounds. As a barrier island, the West side is bordered by the Laguna Madre. The Laguna Madre, which is Spanish for “Mother Lagoon,” is home to a beautiful diversity in wildlife, vegetation, and unique habitats. With steady winds and mild weather, the Laguna Madre is a favorite spot for windsurfers and parasurfers alike. Fisherman enjoy a protected launch from Bird Island Basin, with ample parking for boats and trailers. The east side of the island is bordered by the Gulf of Mexico, with sand beaches and miles of shells.

 

North Padre Island National Seashore PINSVisitors enjoy the Malaquite Visitors Center, open year round offering great educational opportunities for visitors about the history of the area, and it’s most significant concern, the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, the most endangered sea turtle species in the world, which nests on the beach from late April through mid-July.The National Seashore is also one of the few places people can see newly hatched Kemp’s ridleys released into the wild. Vehicle access to Malaquite Beach is limited on PINS, so plan a short walk from the Visitors Center down a boardwalk to enjoy the main beach. Vehicle access is available on PINS “North Beach” – but 4×4 vehicles are generally suggested. With a small fee to enter the park, paid either annually or as a day-pass, crowds to PINS are generally less than the open beaches of Padre Island. A beach parking sticker is required for the main beaches on Padre Island, which include those near Bob Hall Pier, at the Seawall, next to Packery Channel, and into Mustang Island and Port Aransas.

 

Surfing is a popular pastime on the Island, with a few shops that rent and sell equipment, and even provide lessons. Whatever beach you choose to visit, be sure that you adhere to a few simple rules. First, be sure and have a parking sticker; fines are as much as $250 if you’re ticketed. No glass is allowed on any beach areas and open fires (bonfires) are subject to seasonal bans – be sure and plan in advance. Lifeguard stations are also seasonal with hours that vary from week to week. Be sure and check the boards as you enter the beach for specific information. Driving on the beach is allowed, but be sure and obey all traffic signs and speed limits and watch out for pedestrians!
We think you’ll agree, North Padre Island has some of the most accessible, natural and friendly beaches anywhere in the world. Come Coast Awhile!

 

Filed Under: North Padre Island, North Padre Island Beaches

Top Restaurant Picks for “The Island”

February 4, 2012 By

North Padre Island’s proximity to the Gulf Coast is often cited as one of the reasons for moving. The affordable homes, mild temperatures, local school choices and active lifestyles are just a few of the reasons why more families are choosing “The Island” as their full-time home.

Dining choices on North Padre Island and the surrounding communities are just as pleasing, with something sure to please everyone. Here are a few of our favorites:

Dragonfly – Dragonfly would certainly be right at home on any street in the South of France. Locals and visitors to Upper Padre Island alike are delighted that Chef Dominique and his staff offer fresh, local cuisine with a decidedly International flair. Try the Tomato Basil Soup or any of the salads – they’re well-loved favorites and don’t skip the Creme Brulee for dessert. Hours vary depending on the season and specials change daily – but they’re always amazing.

Curacao Blues – Dragonfly’s little sister is all grown up. Serving tapas (small plates) of similarly prepared deliciousness, Curacao Blues also offers an eclectic beer and wine selection, and added “family-style” seating.

Snoopy’s – The local fresh-fish joint. Counter service and cash-only make this place an efficient haven for great fish and chips, oysters, shrimp and sides. It needs to be efficient – it’s very often the busiest place on the Island, with the best view of the sunset over the Laguna Madre. Everything is battered and cooked to order so be prepared for a short wait, but it’s definitely worth it. In the summer be sure to visit “Scoopy’s” next door for ice cream!

Doc’s – Next door to Snoopy’s is the fine dining choice, Doc’s. A full bar, weekend entertainment, hand-cut steaks and innovative seafood selections keep Doc’s patrons coming back week after week. Try the stuffed flounder – trust us, you’ll have enough for the next day’s lunch, and the freshly prepared and never frozen seafood stuffing is sublime.

Padre Pizzeria – Islanders know that they’ve got it pretty great when it comes to pizza. Locally owned Padre Pizzeria is gourmet pizza through and through. Hand tossed crust, fresh ingredients, perfect spices… and they deliver, too! Nothing beats an Amore Roma, with a caesar salad after the long 15 minute commute home from work.

Sushi Bar – We all wondered if Islanders would embrace a gorgeous, upscale sushi bar here on Upper Padre Island – after all, being a fishing village of sorts, most of us think of sushi as bait! We’re all delighted that Sushi Bar is now world-famous for the freshest, most flavorful rolls, as well as the perfect presentation and taste – and we’re proud that they’ve help put Upper Padre Island on the culinary map.

North Padre Island offers locals and visitors a wide variety of dining choices – these are just a few of our favorites. If you have a favorite tell us about it in the comments!

Writer: Chelle Honiker-Yarbrough

 

Filed Under: Local Food, North Padre Island Beaches, Restaurants
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