By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
Currently, the San Sebastian subdivision’s landscape has amenities ready for use, integrated with existing construction and completed homes, all part of a major plan to attract potential homeowners to buy, according to stakeholders who spoke at the subdivision’s ribbon-cutting ceremony last Saturday.
This was the scene inside a San Sebastian subdivision along Business 77 near Oscar Williams Road, where more than 100 people walked around several street blocks, overlooking completed playground and basketball court areas, a dog park, bike racks, and picnic tables ready for use.
As of the time of the ribbon cutting, five homes were available for purchase, various home builders said during their presentations, each with an open house to showcase what a buyer could expect.
Another developer told the crowd that commercial pad sites are also planned along the front end of the subdivision.
Thank-yous were offered multiple times to Fabian Contreras, the subdivision owner and developer, who was present.
He didn’t say much during his presentation, other than he is thrilled to share this opportunity with San Benito and to “please pass the word around about what we have here.”
San Benito Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Alma Flores emceed the ribbon cutting and introduced Chamber Board President Velma De Los Santos, who shared a years-old tale about Contreras.
“Fabian and I discussed this five years ago, before it was even on paper. He had a vision before it came to fruition, and here we are today,” De Los Santos said.
She said the chamber is available to assist in any way, as “this is just the beginning of that process.”
However, most of her presentation focused on the colossal opportunity San Sebastian offers to future residents.
“The young families look to amenities like the playgrounds and the dog park. That is so important; this will be here for families to enjoy,” she added. “The last subdivision of this scale was in Cameron County, in the Rancho Viejo area. On this side of the county, I haven’t seen anything like this, so enjoy it.”
This endeavor continued a year ago, when dozens of local leaders and stakeholders broke ground on the subdivision. Within a year, almost half a dozen homes and all essential amenities are in place.
San Benito Mayor Pedro “Pete” Galvan said Contreras “saw the potential and the vision in San Benito beyond what we could see.”
He added the following: “As I was driving in, and now that I’m standing here before you, you can still see the water tower in the distance that says ‘San Benito, the Soul of South Texas,’ overlooking this beautiful subdivision.”
“We’ll always love our barrios, but we’re also always looking to the future, always seeking to build for our children, including green spaces and a modern lifestyle where you can love, eat, and play.”
Mark Hanna of Hanna Solutions Commercial Real Estate said he is handling the commercial side of San Sebastian.
He said there will be pad sites along the front that will be constructed.
“When you hear ‘pad site,’ what do you think? You think of a place to shop… that commercial visit will not come until you fill this (housing) side first. So it’s very important that you tell everyone that San Benito, Texas is on the map,” Hanna said.
He told the crowd he sells commercial property throughout South Texas, but that San Benito, until recently, has drawn comparisons with places outside the Rio Grande Valley for ample business opportunities. He would like to be part of that experience.
“For those interested, we have retail space planned for three of the pad sites at the entrance,” Hanna said. “If you have a business and are looking to move to San Benito, that’s what we are bringing to the table. We’re bringing places for businesses to grow, jobs to grow, and economic development to take place.”
You could live in San Benito and work elsewhere.
The Saturday event lasted three hours. It wasn’t until the second hour that Flores asked attendees to gather under a tent for the presentation.
Flores kick-started the dialogue by sharing that there is proof that San Benito is flourishing.
“This development is another example of the growth and progress underway in our city,” said Flores, while also acknowledging Contreras. “Investments like this create opportunities for families, strengthen the local community, and help shape the future.”
Added Mayor Galvan: “I could stand up here all day and tell you all the wonderful things about San Benito. I need you all to do your part and tell a handful of friends about this great neighborhood we now have here. Centrally located near Valley International Airport and SpaceX, this is going to be the next destination; this is going to be the talk of the Valley.”
