CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — At a recent Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) 4 meeting, it was discussed that the city may expedite the introduction of Red Line helicopter tours to North Beach.
Businesses in the area said they are looking forward to conducting helicopter tours to attract more tourists. But North Beach residents take issue with the fact that the TIRZ meeting was the first they heard about this and no one brought the idea to them.
“Everyone should be on board with this. It shouldn't be an easy vote for someone on the city council,” said Sandra Stommel, director of the Las Brisas homeowners association in North Beach. Ta.
An impromptu meeting held by the North Beach Community Association on Tuesday said the disruption to the peace that helicopters could bring is the biggest issue they face regarding new businesses.
The planned takeoff and landing site is the old Stripes convenience store at E. Causeway Boulevard and Surfboard Avenue. Baseball fields, RV parks, and other residences are within walking distance from baseball field to baseball field.
Residents say the helicopters should be mindful of the impact they will have on nearby wetlands, which are home to many migratory birds.
Another issue residents face is safety.
“What happens if a sudden gust of wind comes and boom, it's very dangerous. Then they can attack Las Brisas and explode. And importantly, that's a potential risk. Because it’s a liability, your insurance premiums will go up,” Stommel said.
The third issue was that residents argued more needed to be done to improve North Beach before it could attract tourists. Some people don't even think their business will be successful.
“If you bring in tourists with means and money, they'll come here and make a fuss! They'll never come back,” said Kathy Spaeth, manager of the nearby Milk Tank RV Park. Ta.
Red Line Helicopters operates from South Padre Island and Corpus Christi International Airport, according to a presentation at the TIRZ conference. North Beach resident Carrie Mayer said she was upset by the fact that Red Line Helicopters would operate far away from tourist attractions on South Padre Island, as opposed to what is proposed for North Beach. It attracted attention.
It's unclear whether Red Line Helicopter Tours will make its way to North Beach. They have not yet applied for incentives from TIRZ #4.
North Beach residents have come to the conclusion to sign a petition opposing a helicopter business moving into their neighborhood.
They also plan to voice their concerns at the next TIRZ #4 meeting in mid-April.
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