Port Aransas development may impact Aransas Pass

A proposed development in Port Aransas may have some affect on the city of Aransas Pass and its residents.

The development would be on the Aransas Pass side of the ferry, but be built in mostly Port Aransas city property. Plans for now, said Interim City Manager Mike Sullinger, show the development may spill into a small portion of Aransas Pass.

Sullinger said he has been told the development would include a Cruise ship port in a cut off of the Corpus Christi Ship Channel on the west side of the ferry.

Sullinger said the development could have a positive impact on the city, as it could gain tax revenue from any businesses or homes built within city limits. Port Aransas City Manager Michael Kovacs said although the city has not begun plans for this specific development, he said he is not surprised there is attention in the area.

“We have had a number of folks express interest in the area,” he said. Kovacs said most of the planning will have to go through the Corpus Christi Port Authorities, but the city would have to approve zoning issues and also advise on issues of wastewater.

He said a development could positively affect the city. “I'm glad to see things on high ground, and of course there would be sales tax revenue for the city,” he said.

The property is currently owned by Joe Stafford of Pacific Development Incorporated and Naismith Engineering is helping with preliminary planning. “Right now the project in the due diligence phase,” said Naismith employee Dave Sullivan.

Sullivan said there have been preliminary discussions with the city of Port Aransas to possibly develop the land.

By Eloise Martin, Staff Writer