My RGV reported South Padre Island is planning a major overhaul of its convention center in an article by Mark Reagan. On April 17, Convention & Visitors Bureau Director Blake Henry and representatives from the architectural firm Gignac Architects presented plans to transform the facility into a "world class" venue capable of hosting large events, trade shows, and sports events, aiming to boost tourism and economic impact.

However, birders warn that these plans, as currently proposed, would destroy old-growth habitat critical for migratory birds. These birds rely on the area for food, shelter, and water after a two-day flight over the Gulf of Mexico from the Yucatan.

Henry and Gignac Architects acknowledged the importance of the habitat and birding tourism during the meeting, emphasizing that the planning is only 75% complete and that they intend to preserve the birding area. They assured that no final decisions have been made and that they plan to complement, not destroy, the bird habitat.

In response to the proposed plans, a change.org petition urging city officials to protect the green spaces near the convention center has gathered 1,911 signatures as of late Thursday afternoon. Birders are concerned about plans that include replacing parts of the old growth with a parking lot and terrace.

Javier Gonzalez, a naturalist at the nearby South Padre Island Birding Center, attended the meeting to voice his concerns. He stressed the critical importance of the habitat, noting that the Island's natural areas are increasingly being replaced by development.

Mayor Patrick McNulty assured that any lost habitat would be replaced, and landscape experts would engage with the community. Henry reiterated the commitment to birding tourism and pledged to work collaboratively to create a world-class facility without compromising bird habitats.

The ongoing dialogue highlights the balance South Padre Island aims to achieve between development and conservation.