Proposed subdivision draws court concerns
Ira Jean Echols (center left) of the Juneteenth Organization of Anahuac, Texas, read a resolution to the Chambers County Commissioners Court honoring June 19 as Juneteenth, which was passed by the court. Pictured are Chambers County Commissioner Ryan Dagley (back left), Commissioner Tommy Hammond, County Judge Jimmy Sylvia, Commissioner Mark Tice (front left), Echols, JoAnn Finnels of the Juneteenth Organization and Commissioner Jimmy Gore.
ANAHUAC— A proposed development in Winnie is ruffling some feathers, and there are concerns about its impact on that community, especially East Chambers Independent School District, which was part of discussions at commissioner's court.
BJ Simon, president/CEO of Baytown-West Chambers County Economic Development Foundation, was on hand to discuss a potential new residential development in Winnie by Asia-Pacific Industrial Park.
Simon shared concerns over the developer's "inconsistencies in the marketing material," which he suggested they clarify or refine their development plan.
"Every time we talk with them, their story changes," said Commissioner Jimmy Gore.
Phase one of the project would encompass 32 acres, with plans of purchasing about 750 acres in total, but no land has been purchased yet.
Commissioners Ryan Dagley, Mark Tice and Gore shared concerns over the project.
"The entity that's doing this application is going around discussing there's local support for this project, which we've never done," Dagley said. "I can personally say I do not support this project."
Dagley explained his primary concern is whether infrastructure and ECISD could support the potential increase in population.
Dagley also noted that U.S. Congressman Brian Babin had concerns about the development.
There was a bit of discussion over various parks around the county, including the approval of six pickleball courts at Beach City Park.
Commissioners discussed turfing the infields at the Jim Silva Sports Complex and Don McCleod Sports Complex, but the item was tabled for now until the costs can be recalculated.
After accepting going out for bids for cleaning services at Whites Park Community Building and Westside Community Building, commissioners discussed changing the prices and rules for renting those buildings along with other buildings.
There will no longer be in-county and out-of-county fees; there will be one fee. West Side Complex and Whites Park community buildings will have a monitor who will open the building and stay for the duration of the rental.
Rules also changed for non-profit organizations, including having one free building rental for one year rather than per quarter, with the exception of West Side Complex and Whites Park community buildings. They will be required to pay half the rental fee for those two buildings.
Continuing drainage maintenance from the last meeting, commissioners approved cleaning blockages in various ditches on the county's east side.
Deugro (USA), Inc., requested a letter of non-objection and a PILOT agreement from the county for its foreign-trade zone application, which was tabled after some discussion.
The zone acts as a holding area for federal tax or tariffs. The costs are paid once the materials are used. For Deugro, the FTZ is for storing materials to be used in projects in the Baytown area.
Simon explained that all jurisdictions signed off except for the Cedar Port Navigation and Improvement District, which is still in negotiations.
A representative for Deugro explained that CPNID had concerns over the federal exemption and how that would affect the appraisal district and bond ratings.
John Klein with TGS Cedar Port Industrial Park said he was unaware of negotiations beyond the initial denial, explaining it was denied for the above reasons.
After some more brief discussion, Klein requested that the item be tabled until he meets with Deugro, again stating he is unaware of any contact between the parties.