By JACQI LEYVA-HILL
Special to the PRESS
A packed Port Isabel City Commission chambers, at one point standing room only, heard strong opposition Wednesday from Long Island Village residents over a proposal to designate portions of Long Island within the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction as an industrial district.
Several residents warned commissioners they would stop shopping, dining or otherwise spending money at Port Isabel businesses if the city moves forward with the designation. One resident said she would “quit shopping or eating in Port Isabel,” while other speakers discussed taking their business elsewhere or the possibility of a broader boycott.
During the Sept. 9 special meeting, residents repeatedly questioned the proposal’s timing, its potential effect on their effort to leave Port Isabel’s ETJ and what direct benefits they receive from the city.
The posted agenda called for discussion and possible action on the first reading of Resolution No. 09-09-2026-01 and the first reading of Ordinance No. 711. Both measures concern areas collectively known as Long Island within Port Isabel’s ETJ and their proposed designation as an industrial district under Section 42.044 of the Texas Local Government Code.
Before public comments, City Manager Jared Hockema addressed concerns regarding hotel occupancy taxes, city services and the proposed designation. Hockema said hotel-motel taxes are paid by short-term renters, while property owners are responsible for collecting and remitting them.
Hockema said the city uses hotel-motel tax funds for print, digital and television marketing intended to encourage visitors to come to and stay in the Port Isabel area. He also discussed mutual-aid arrangements involving law enforcement, fire and EMS services.
Hockema emphasized that the proposed industrial district was not a zoning change and would not alter existing land uses. He described it as a tourism-related district and said it could provide a mechanism for property owners to enter future agreements with the city concerning annexation.
Residents challenged the city’s explanation and argued the designation could affect their ongoing effort to leave the ETJ.
Dr. Glenn Young, who identified himself as general manager and a resident of Long Island Village, urged commissioners to abandon the proposal. Young argued that residents have no vote in Port Isabel municipal government despite being affected by city actions and said Long Island Village was pursuing removal from the ETJ.
Other residents raised concerns about public notice, property values, emergency services, taxation and the speed of the process. One resident specifically questioned why the first reading was being held Wednesday with the matter returning the following day, asking commissioners why the proposal could not withstand at least 30 days of additional scrutiny.
Following public comments, Resolution No. 09-09-2026-01 passed its first reading, followed by passage of the first reading of Ordinance No. 711.
Commissioners then entered closed session on the posted agenda item concerning the possible release of ETJ. After returning to open session, the commission adjourned.
The Long Island matter is scheduled to return before the City Commission during another special meeting Thursday, September 10, at noon.