CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A commercial developer is proposing a business and tourist friendly drainage canal that would go a long way towards solving drainage problems on North Beach.
Jeff Blackard, of Blackard Global, a real estate development company, outlined his design plans for a canal which would run through the middle of North Beach and hopefully correct most flooding problems.
And the general feeling among local business owners is that it could be great for North Beach.
Nick Catalano, owner of Yo Philly Steak Shop said, "I come from the Jersey Shore where we have a board walk and places to go at night and families can go. And this beach needs something."
Catalano thinks a navigable canal with a boardwalk and commercial development is just what North Beach needs.
Blackard told the tax increment reinvestment zone board, or TIRZ number 4, that he's ready to throw in the towel after six years.
"I will say this will be the last time I ever sit in this council and talk about North Beach Drainage," Blackard said.
He added that he has been endorsing a $40 million canal which would run through the middle of North Beach with an outlet to Corpus Christi Bay.
He envisions commercial development along the canal which would contribute to the local economy.
Blackard said his $40 million plan would be better than the city's lower cost drainage proposal and less than a much more expensive canal design.
"My suggestion, spend a little bit more money and figure out a way to create a canal which puts boats in there which brings it alive which brings the value of the beach internally," Blackard said.
City Manager Peter Zanoni said he is in favor of a plan which would handle all kinds of high water.
"We know that our drainage issues are city wide, not just North Beach," Zanoni said. "And councilman, you mentioned I'm not in favor of the project. I would say that I'm in favor of a solution we can afford on North Beach and city wide."
Zanoni added that the City has entered into a low cost contract with a design firm to get guidance on picking the best plan to alleviate on North Beach and across the City.
More from 3News on KIIITV.com:
- Kingsville toddler orders 30+ cheeseburgers while mom isn't looking
- Nueces County criminal backlog: Cases outpacing resources to prosecute
- Corpus Christi's 'superhero' neighborhood getting online recognition
- TROPICAL UPDATE: Pre-season life in the Caribbean?
- Here's is everything you need to know to vote early in the May 24 primary runoff election
- Flint Hills Corpus Christi East among refineries that polluted above federal limit on cancer-causing benzene last year, report found
- City of Corpus Christi ask the public to begin conserving water
- Corpus Christi is the state's top Gulf Coast destination
Want to send us a news tip?
Put your name and contact information below so we can get in touch with you about your story should we have questions or need more information. We realize some stories are sensitive in nature. Let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous.
If you do not have a photo/video to submit, just click "OK" to skip that prompt.