The Livability Index: How Does SPI Stack Up?
Editor ––
I think all the people that live here, along with winter Texans, need access to medical treatment. We need 24-hour urgent care. We had an issue once. We had to drive to Brownsville and were stuck in traffic on the bridge. Every year I hear we're getting a clinic... still waiting.
SC
Editor ––
This was a great article… I give it a ten, and if read by CITIZENS of SPI (and it should be), it will be informative and a factor in bonding them more to the good of the island.
TM
Editor ––
Do you all know the cost and timeline to build an Island hospital that would be high-quality? I think it's paramount that one be built.
The same question with moving the power lines underground. Overall cost and timeframe.
KE
NOTE: Island Matters is following up on both these questions.
Editor ––
Interesting article, and I do appreciate the thought-provoking article. I do find it interesting the point about burying electrical lines over the next 20 years.
I believe water is a bigger concern and needs to be addressed. We are primarily a tourism-based economy and need good drinking water. There are simple and smart things that we can do. I'm surprised we aren't using a desalination system. Our water does not taste good and is currently lacking in supply.
DD
Editor ––
Interesting points. We recently purchased a condo in Ocean Vista Towers. After renovating and redecorating, we have put it into the hands of a local management Company as a short-term rental. All of the points are valid from our observation.
We were very impressed with the inter-agency cooperation during spring break and the constant monitoring of behavior. The causeway would also be a concern during severe weather events. I would also imagine what evacuation plans are in place if needed. Does the island have an "emergency plan and a designated emergency supervisor" for this? Just wondering, we have experience with tornadoes and earthquakes but not hurricanes and water issues.
SN
NOTE: Island Matters is following up on the emergency plan.
Editor ––
This was really great to read.
I've thought about the housing issue here for a long time, particularly after the reaction to the affordable housing project in Port Isabel after Hurricane Dolly. There's a lot of NIMBYism here, and it will destroy the Island eventually.
Gaige Davila
NOTE: Mr. Davila is the former Editor of the Port Isabel South Padre Press.
Roundtable Meeting Offers Ideas to Boost Business Climate
Editor ––
Exceptional meeting and facilitating. The ongoing effort to build an electronic packaging site for unifying lodging with dining, attractions, tours, fishing, etc., has been a major challenge. Essentially the concept is to make the destination a "resort" with easy and cost-effective offerings that would be available with one site access for shopping and purchasing multiple facets of the vacation experience.
Successfully building a packaging program would make SPI more attractive, efficient, and competitive. The biggest challenge is having broad participation and cooperation from the disparate parts of the island's tourism community. Followed closely by building the platform on which it could be accessed. The CVB, EDC, and Chamber, working together with City support to achieve this end would go a long way to making it a reality.
Keith Arnold
NOTE: Mr. Arnold is the former director of the CVB.
