"The city of Brownsville has concluded that a massive, mixed-use riverfront redevelopment project is not financially viable as things stand with the developer, and city staff has been pulled of the project.
City Manager Noel Bernal sent a letter to LandGrant Development President and CEO Sam Marasco III citing several reasons why the city believes the “via Americas” concept for the riverfront — officially the Riverfront and Railyard Redevelopment Program and Project — is unworkable without further, up-front financial commitment from the developer. via Americas was envisioned as a riverfront redevelopment project featuring as its principal catalyst the Rio Grande Esplanade, a 16-acre, mixed use urban development, plus the Kris Kristofferson Cultural Center."
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City Manager Noel Bernal sent a letter to LandGrant Development President and CEO Sam Marasco III citing several reasons why the city believes the “via Americas” concept for the riverfront — officially the Riverfront and Railyard Redevelopment Program and Project — is unworkable without further, up-front financial commitment from the developer. via Americas was envisioned as a riverfront redevelopment project featuring as its principal catalyst the Rio Grande Esplanade, a 16-acre, mixed use urban development, plus the Kris Kristofferson Cultural Center."
Why me Noel, what have I ever done
To deserve even one
Of the rejections I've known
Tell me Noel, what did I ever do
Browntown (and you) turned me
down too
Despite the kindness I've shown.
Help me Lord Chuy, I've wanted it so
Help me Chuyito, I can't understand
Now that I know I've needed the center so
Help me Chuy, the center is in your hand.
Tell me Sam, if you think there's a way
Or tell me who do we pay
To kick-start this thing through
Maybe Sam, we'll convince someone else
Like we convinced ourselves
And we'll ram this thing through.
Help me Lord Chuy, I've wanted it so
Help me Chuyito, I can't understand
Now that I know I've needed the center so
Help me Chuy, the center is in your hand...