It was standing room only at the meeting where the tenants of the recreational vehicles at the existing park on Isla Blanca were told their cut-rate reservations for spaces would be cancelled and they would have to reapply on a first-come, first-served basis.
The commissioners court will have a special public hearing to deal with the issue at the meeting Monday, June 19, to be held at 8:45 a.m. at the second floor of the Dancy Building, 1100 E. Monroe, in Brownsville.
Facing an angry crowd at the community center at the park, Cameron County Administration David Garcia, Parks Director Joe Vega and a county legal counsel face an angry crowd of existing tenants who demanded to know when construction will begin, whether they will be allowed to reserve a spot, or whether they will be given preferential treatment over other potential renters.
Many of those attending demanded that the three men tell them whether they would recommend to the commissioners court that the existing tenants be given the assurance that they would be guaranteed a spot after the improvements have been completed.
"Is there any way that you can make the recommendation to the commissioners that these folks that have been here for a while be guaranteed our spots?"
"We can recommend that to the commissioners, but that doesn't mean they have to do it. We can take it to the court and make our recommendations, and they will make the decision."
The renovation of Isla Blanca RV park has been in the works as part of a total renovations of the entire area north of the jetties. As part of the plan for the renovations, the park will be closed over the summer and won't reopen until the work is complete.
"Why can't we be guaranteed our spot?," asked an angry man. "These people have been supporting you and investing in their spots all this time."
The meeting was not attended by Judge Eddie Treviño or any of the county commissioners.
It should be noted that some county officials, including Treasurer David Betancourt, former Human Resources director Manuel Villarreal and his son, Asst. County Administrator Xavier Villarreal, among others, have a reserved spot at the R.V. park. Will they get to keep theirs or make their applications like everyone else?)