Flooding Aftermath on North Beach
Last week’s severe flooding on North Beach has left roads submerged, presenting a significant challenge for local businesses and residents. As the water recedes, the community is coming together to address the aftermath and prepare for future storms.
Restaurants in Recovery Mode
The flooding forced several local restaurants to close. They are now cleaning up and making repairs, with the goal of welcoming customers back soon. Pier 99 Restaurant is one of the establishments affected by the floodwaters. Assistant General Manager Joey Garza highlighted the difficulties they faced during what is typically a busy summer season. Despite these challenges, Garza praised the staff for their efforts to reopen as soon as possible.
“Getting down here is the biggest issue,” Garza explained. “After we close, we have to have a cleanup, we have to have a crew come in here, we have to, you know, make sure these guys are still employed.”
The flooding led to the loss of eight coolers at Pier 99, adding to the difficulties of maintaining operations. Although the elevated building stands above the floodwaters, accessing it remains problematic when the surrounding area floods. Garza emphasized that a new canal would significantly improve the situation.
Proposed North Beach Canal to Mitigate Future Flooding
Corpus Christi city officials have proposed building a new canal to address the persistent drainage issues on North Beach. Everett Roy, a District 1 City Council Member, explained that the canal is designed to alleviate flooding during heavy rains.
“When we have rain like we’ve experienced, then we also have flooding. So, this linear canal is to help alleviate some of that flooding,” Roy said.
The city is currently 60% through the design phase of the canal project. The city has hired an engineering firm to evaluate North Beach’s elevation and provide recommendations, and they are also about 60% complete with this process. Roy pointed out the challenges posed by the area’s low elevation and the unpredictable nature of the weather.
Impact on Local Businesses
Garza expressed optimism about the canal’s potential benefits for local businesses. He believes that the canal could significantly reduce downtime and the overall impact of storms on business operations.
“Our downtime would be cut way, way shorter, and the impact of the storms would be dramatically smaller,” Garza said. He added that a canal would enable quicker cleanups and faster recovery times for businesses after a storm.
Garza also noted the potential for increased tourism if the canal project comes to fruition. He believes that improved infrastructure and reduced flooding risks could attract more visitors to North Beach, benefiting the local economy.
The recent flooding on North Beach has highlighted the need for better infrastructure to manage stormwater and prevent future disruptions. The proposed canal represents a proactive step towards addressing these issues and supporting the local community.
As they continue cleanup efforts, businesses like Pier 99 focus on getting back to normal and serving their customers once again. The community’s resilience and the planned improvements offer hope for a more flood-resistant future on North Beach.
In the meantime, residents and business owners alike are eager to see the canal project move forward, which promises greater stability and growth for the area. The collective efforts of city officials, engineers, and local businesses underscore a shared commitment to overcoming Mother Nature’s challenges and ensuring a brighter future for North Beach.