Local owner asks Aransas Pass council to study 'Beach on the Flats' near bridge to Port Aransas

Nestor Angel, a local property owner and business operator, asked the Aransas Pass City Council on Feb. 3 to allow staff to pursue a feasibility study and property agreements for what he called a “beach on the flats” on the right side of the bridge headed to Port Aransas.

Angel told council members he owns two restaurants and manages about 25 rental properties and said a modest, managed beach would help attract visitors to Aransas Pass rather than driving straight through to Port Aransas. "I'm here to ask for your blessing on moving forward on bringing a beach to Aransas Pass," Angel said. He suggested installing bollards, restrooms, trash cans, parking markers and later possibly charging for parking permits as ways to maintain the area.

Council members and staff flagged several constraints that would need review before any development. City staff noted the area is in a flood zone, contains mangroves and lies near an oyster reef, each of which could trigger state and federal environmental requirements. One councilmember observed that if wetlands were removed they would need to be replaced elsewhere. Staff and council discussed negotiating memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with private property owners along the flats, saying the project would require private-owner approval and legal agreements.

The council also discussed practical challenges. Angel and others warned about high tides that can reach the road, scattered parked cars and existing traffic patterns; council members asked about parking capacity and whether the site could be sustained without adding dredged sand. Angel recommended minimal physical alteration—bollards and markers rather than hauling in sand—so as to avoid damaging mangroves or oyster habitat.

Council members asked staff to research feasibility, legal obstacles and costs and to return to council with findings. Staff said a feasibility study would be the next step and that cost estimates were not specified at the meeting. Angel told council he thought the project could be achievable in one to two years if property agreements and permitting proceed.

The item includes historical mentions: Angel said the idea had been discussed previously (he referenced a 2013 conversation with Sylvia Carrillo). No formal vote to authorize construction was taken; the council directed staff to prepare a feasibility study and bring the item back for formal consideration and, if necessary, placement on a future posted agenda.