Harlingen approves trail planning contract; resident and commissioner voice concerns about potential property impacts

The Harlingen City Commission voted to award a professional-services contract to Shavey Consulting for design and environmental permitting for the Arroyo Colorado hike-and-bike trail extension (phase 3), covering roughly 1.1 miles between McKelvey Park and Hugh Ramsey Park. The contract amount approved in the meeting packet was $332,355 and the motion authorized the city manager to execute the agreement.

A member of the public attending the meeting objected sharply during the discussion, saying the planning would lead to the city seizing private property for the trail and urging the commission not to spend money on planning that could require acquiring 22 private parcels. Commissioners and staff responded that the current action authorized planning and environmental permitting only and that the consultantdeliverables will include identification of any required right-of-way or acquisition needs; no acquisitions will be made without future approvals. One commissioner noted the city has grant funding for the project and would proceed with required environmental work while identifying options that minimize impacts.

The motion passed after discussion; minutes show recorded opposition by at least one commissioner and vocal public concern during the item.

Quote from the meeting: a resident said, "22 people's property will be seized by the city to do this," and urged commissioners to "save the money." The commission approved the planning-phase contract and instructed staff to return with analyses of land impacts as part of the design and permitting work.