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Tortuga developers get early building OK B CORPUS CHRISTI — Developers of a resort subdivision planned on Padre Island received approval to start building before finishing a sewer lift station. That move needed city approval because it doesn’t follow usual protocol - that the lift station and other utilities are complete before subdivision construction starts. The subdivision, Tortuga Dunes, calls for about 100 homes near Zahn Road and State Highway 361. Speaking for the Tortuga Dunes developers, David Underbrink of Naismith Engineering said the lift station could take up to two years to finish. The plan calls to start construction on both the subdivision and the lift station at the same time, he said. The agreement approved Tuesday allows developers to temporarily tap into a city water line while building model homes, some common areas, including swimming pools, bath houses, decks and dune walkover and a sales center. Developers must set up temporary wastewater services and pay for the city water used. The subdivision plans call for moving some sand dunes, which provide essential natural protection from storms and erosion. How sand dunes are moved and replaced during development falls under the county’s jurisdiction, but City Councilman Michael McCutchon asked several questions regarding this. His brother serves as chairman of the county group that oversees dune changes. Michael McCutchon said the project was an exemplary example of how stormwater should be handled to prevent erosion in a sensitive environment. He also expected the moving and replacement of dunes to turn out well. “Right now it looks like a strip mining operation, but when it’s done it’s going to look like a dune ridge that protects the property,” he said. Contact Beth Wilson at 886-3748 or wilsonb@caller.com Copyright 2008, Caller.com. All Rights Reserved. |
