On a 4-3 vote, the Bryan city council will be giving the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau $96,000 more money than was requested. Mike Southerland pointed to a staff report that credited the CVB for a rise in hotel occupancy tax revenue higher than projected. Those voting for Southerland’s motion were Art Hughes, Rafael Pena, and Al Saenz.
Click HERE to read the CVB report from city staff.
Click HERE to read the CVB request letter.
The council also voted 4-3 to approve rezoning 36 acres of land across Traditions Drive from the entrance to The Traditions golf course for a multi use development.
Click HERE to read the staff rezoning report.
Southerland said rezoning was in conflict with an economic development agreement where the city sold the land at a discount with the understanding it was supposed to be only for a retirement community.
Mayor Jason Bienski, on WTAW’s The Infomaniacs, challenged Southerland’s estimates of the value of the land that was rezoned.
Before the council approved the rezoning, Southerland’s attempt to deny the request failed by a 4-3 margin. Southerland, who thought the plan was not compatable with biomanufacturing plants, drew a challenge from Bienski.
Those joining Bienski in rezoning the land were Hughes, Chuck Konderla, and Greg Owens.