DICKINSON, Texas (KTRK) — Before a new restaurant comes to Dickinson, an application reveals that the owners and plaza landlord want taxpayers to cover the cost of a six-figure exterior remodel.
The former Monterey’s Little Mexico restaurant building could soon undergo a makeover. New siding, roof, and colors.
The cost is $130,000 to complete the project.
“It’s just not a good deal for the taxpayers, and there are viable options for the landlord and the tenant,” Dickinson Management District Secretary Wally Deats said. “It’s called private enterprise.”
Deats is the Dickinson Management District secretary. The management district was established to allocate a portion of sales tax revenue for development.
Deats said he wants the business to come, but not at taxpayers’ expense. On Thursday, he was the only member to vote against plans to ask the city attorney to draft an agreement for the renovation.
Documents show Stella’s Brunch wants to open a location at the plaza in Dickinson. We went to the restaurant’s Pearland location.
Owners pointed ABC13 to the plaza owner. The plaza landlord told Eyewitness News that they want a performance-based loan that benefits the community, generating increased tax revenue and creating jobs.
It’s a loan, but as we found out, it doesn’t mean taxpayers would be paid back.
“It amounts to a forgivable loan,” Deats explained. “They would be given the money, and as long as they were audited and met the terms of the agreement, the loan would be forgiven.”
ABC13 went through the board’s agendas this year. There was one other retail request.
It wasn’t for a specific business, but rather a plaza remodel aimed at attracting multiple tenants. The board president said this new request isn’t a done deal.
They still have to approve the agreement before taxpayer money is given for the renovation.
“If the taxpayers spend $130,000 to refurbish the exterior of the building and a year from now, they’re gone,” Deats said. “Hopefully, the city attorney would have that covered in the agreement.”
Deats said an agreement should be available in late January that will outline how taxpayer money could cover this restaurant remodel.
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