reposted from Joe Ricco…

Here is chapter 1 of 4, as to how the County commissioners addressed the Chapel by the Sea

It started on February 25, 2025, at the Cameron County Commissioners Court Meeting

Please watch the meeting for yourself at

https://cameroncountytx.new.swagit.com/videos/335804

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AND ACTION.

AGENDA ITEM 4.M

DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO APPROVE MASTER PLAN FOR UNDEVELOPED COASTAL PROPERTIES LOCATED AT ISLA BLANCA PARK AND ANDY BOWIE PARK. (JEV-PARKS)

At the county commissioners meeting on February 25th 2025, Cameron County Commissioners listened to the final presentation from Mr. Scott Martin, with the Huitt Zollars design firm, to review the master plan for undeveloped properties at Isla Blanca Park and Andy Bowie Park.

In that plan different areas are Identified by section numbers. During the presentation different components and amenity placements by specific section numbers are discussed. The Chapel By The Sea sits on Section 4 of the presented master plan map and was not included in any future build out or changes as presented by Huitt Zollar designers, until this happens.

At 2:45:40 into the meeting Cameron County Commissioner David Garza starts to talk above the speaker and staff questioning why the church area was not included in the new master plan. Garza asks “When I look at the page, I don’t see site 4 why was that not included? Pete?”

Site 4 is the church in the park.” Garza continues to say, “All that area that church is located on which would give us circulation that could go all the way around and develop that area also, I’m talking about circulation.”

Commissioner Garza continues saying “ Not only that we should consider that area a huge asset to the county that we don’t benefit from, there is a very select group of folks that benefit from the use of that facility and I think fiduciary as a commissioner I think that I’m excluding 99.99% of the population from ever using a piece of property that the county owns, just a thought and I think I have brought this up before.”

Judge Trevino than goes on to instruct staff “why don’t you get together and see what other options exist.” Referring to site 4 where the church is.

A Motion from Commissioner David Garza was to approve the master plan as presented subject to coming back with modification and to look at the areas that can be developed now and to get a schedule that can address site 4 and any other modifications needed. Motion passed unanimously.

The County Commissioners and Judge back in 1979 understood the importance of having this house of worship built for our community and visitors. It’s disappointing to see the 2025 Cameron County Commissioners lack respect for individuals who choose to gather and worship where they live and on vacation.

This feels like Religious Persecution and is not acceptable.

Please tell our Cameron County Judge and Commissioners how you feel.

Give them a call and send them an email.

Cameron County Commission:

Judge Eddie Trevino (956) 544-0830 [email protected]

Sofia Benavides (956) 574-8167 [email protected]

Joey Lopez (956) 983-5091 [email protected]

David Garza (956) 361-8209 [email protected]

Gus Ruiz (956) 427-8069 [email protected]