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Brownsville Commission approves housing contract, Neil House MOU and new entertainment-district rules; taxi rate change tabled
Summary
At its March 3 meeting the Brownsville City Commission approved a housing plan contract, a memorandum with the Brownsville Historical Association to restore the Neil House, and new downtown/central entertainment-district ordinances, created a six-month nightlife advocate pilot, and tabled a proposed taxi fare increase for further review.
The Brownsville City Commission on March 3 approved a string of administrative and policy items including a contract for a citywide housing study, an agreement to restore and relocate the historic Neil House, and ordinances creating a unified Brownsville Entertainment District while tabling a proposed change to taxi rates for more stakeholder input.
The meeting’s most immediate approvals included a contract not to exceed $300,000 with HRNA Advisors to produce a housing master plan, market analysis and implementation recommendations (the motion carried unanimously). Planning staff said the consultant will deliver quantified housing needs and policy options meant to guide developers and the city.
Commissioners also approved a memorandum of understanding with the Brownsville Historical Association (BHA) for the rehabilitation, operation and maintenance of the Neil House. Under the agreement the city will fund relocation and initial structural stabilization; BHA will assist with fundraising and programming and would operate the site under a license. Staff said the mover recommended for relocation is Dodson House Movers of San Antonio; the Texas Historical Commission has authorized the move. Commissioners asked staff to include performance guarantees, insurance and public-use arrangements during final contract work.
The commission voted to create a six-month pilot for a volunteer nightlife advocate (sometimes described in discussion as an ambassador) to serve as a liaison between nighttime businesses and city departments. Commissioners agreed the pilot advocate should be selected by nightlife business owners; the motion to establish the pilot passed 5–1.
Separately, the body adopted two ordinances to expand the existing Midtown entertainment district into a unified Brownsville Entertainment District comprised of Midtown, downtown and central subdistricts. The rules mirror the Midtown framework: licensed establishments must meet lighting, camera and capacity/age-check requirements; security staffing is triggered after repeat violations; some festival exceptions apply. The pair of ordinances passed on final reading 4–1.
A contentious proposal to amend Chapter 106 (vehicles for hire) to increase the taxi initial drop rate from $3.50 to $6 drew extended questioning from commissioners about impacts on low-income, cash-dependent and elderly riders. Juan Miguel Gonzalez of B Metro said taxi operators asked for the change to offset higher operating costs; commissioners asked for comparative rate data and outreach to taxi owners and passengers. The item was tabled to April 7 to allow more stakeholder input.
Other items approved included the codification of updated electoral-district maps to reflect recent annexations, and acceptance of the Public Utilities Board (PUB) strategic business plan, presented earlier in the meeting. The commission also confirmed appointments to several boards and formed a three-member subcommittee to begin the fiscal 2027 budget process.
What’s next: the taxi ordinance will return for public hearing and further detail on comparative rates and potential phased increases; staff will return with relocation and stabilization cost estimates for the Neil House and final contract language for public review. The downtown master-plan team said additional stakeholder sessions are scheduled the day after the meeting to finalize a public draft.
