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Harlingen commission approves several rezones and special-use permits; LaSalle rezoning fails
Summary
At its March 19 meeting the Harlingen City Commission approved multiple first-reading ordinances and special-use permits for rezones and alcohol service while a contested rezoning for West LaSalle Avenue failed for lack of support. The commission also approved minor repairs and city vehicle disposition actions.
The Harlingen City Commission on March 19 approved several ordinances on first reading and a trio of special-use permits, and it failed to advance a contested rezoning at 2013 West LaSalle Avenue after residents filed a petition and the motion lacked a second.
The commission adopted an ordinance rezoning 101 West Pierce from single-family (R-1) to duplex (R-2) and approved special-use permits to allow on-site alcohol consumption at an event center for RGB Wine Country LLC and at a general retail location at 1301 North 77 Sunshine Strip (applicant Tim Yalla). The body also approved a permanent 16-by-24 storage building for applicant James Petty at 2220 East Crockett Street after the applicant told commissioners he needs space "to clean up my yard and keep the neighborhood beautiful" (applicant James Petty).
A rezoning request for 2013 West LaSalle Avenue drew opposition from nearby owners; staff recorded 39.94% opposition, which triggers a supermajority requirement. The applicant said he was undecided about converting the property to a duplex. A motion to approve the rezoning received no second and the item did not advance.
The commission voted to pay up to $700 to repair a private curb and gutter area damaged near a restaurant parking area; Public Works staff recommended limiting the work to the curb at the grease-trap approach and said staff will coordinate possible relocation of the refuse container to prevent recurrence. The commission also authorized the city manager to execute an MOU to sell three end-of-life refuse vehicles to the City of Donna and approved use of the Harlingen Cultural Arts Center as a polling location for the May special election (early voting and election-day hours specified by the county).
Public commenters pressed the commission on transparency after staff discontinued the video portion of public-comment recordings; one speaker said the change "is unacceptable" and urged restoration of the feed. Commissioners acknowledged the concern but did not reverse the practice at this meeting.
Next procedural steps: ordinances approved on first reading will return for second reading as required; the LaSalle rezoning may be revisited only if the applicant returns with additional information or a revised petition outcome.
