To further rejuvenate the downtown region, the Corpus Christi Downtown Management District is exploring enhancements, with a particular focus on empty plots and structures. This organization has scheduled a public hearing this Friday for property owners in the district to share their opinions on services and potential levy rate adjustments.
“For the first time in 20 years, downtown property owners will experience a levy rate reduction,” stated Alyssa Barrera-Mason, Executive Director for the Corpus Christi Downtown Management District. The move aims to ease the financial pressure on active businesses.
At present, downtown property owners are taxed 30 cents on land and seven cents on improvements for every $100 evaluation. The revised rate will decrease to 5 cents while placing a higher levy on the district’s undeveloped plots.
Barrera-Mason explained, “Our goal is to alleviate some of the operational expenses for businesses that enhance our lively culture, shifting some focus to the undeveloped plots.” This strategy is designed to motivate owners of vacant lands to initiate development.
The public hearing, scheduled for 9 a.m., will also address five proposed development projects by the Downtown Management District for the upcoming decade, encompassing:
- Water Street developments
- The Marina Master Plan & its development
- Enhancements for the Shoreline Pedestrian Connection
- Refurbishments at Agnes & Laredo Gateway
- Rehabilitation of Upper & Lower Broadway Bluff
“Over the past decade, we’ve successfully concluded significant projects like the Chaparral Street two-way conversion and the Cosmopolitan construction completion. In the forthcoming ten years, expect to witness new construction and downtown pedestrian enhancements, including a revamped Agnes entrance,” Barrera-Mason added.
She further commented on the future vision: “Ongoing business, residential, and hospitality developments over the next decade will solidify Downtown Corpus Christi as the Gulf of Mexico’s most dynamic downtown area.”
Property owners are invited to attend the public hearing, set for 9 a.m. Friday, hosted on the 2nd floor of the IBC Bank on Shoreline.