A bit of a tussle between Brownsville's bourgeoisie or rulling class as represented by the Executive Director Mike Gonzalez of the shadowy, unelected government of Brownsville that is United Brownsville and working class City Commissioner Ricardo Longoria was over almost before it started.
The plan was properly introduced to the City Commission on 2/21/12 by Director of Planning Ben Medina calling for the aristocratic super panel to be suitably officed in the historic Andres Cueto Building at 1301 E. Monroe, a space recently vacated by the ill-mannered, inappropriately political priest, Father Armando Matthew, who tried to destroy the career of TSC Trustee Trey Mendez for having the umbrage to vote inappropriately on UTB/TSC "unificatiion". The office headed by Matthew,The Center for Civic Engagement, had vacated the building with the its sale from TSC to the city. Mayor Tony seemed to be orchestrating a move to allow United Brownsville office space in the building, but making room for the mayor and commission to share that space and Mayor Tony had recently himself been named as City Commission representative for United Brownsville.
When Commissioner Longoria mentioned that suitable space was available at the more mundane City Plaza, the United Brownsville director moved quickly to the speaker's podium at City Hall. "Yes, we're aware of that space." he stated unenthusiastically, "but it is actually too large for our needs and we were looking for a more ideal spot." Longoria reiterated that the City Plaza space was recently vacated, could be rented more cheaply and included a conference room. No one was stating the obvious, that City Plaza was beneath United Brownsville, especially when a property on the historic registry only a block or two from Tony Martinez' downtown office was available.
The gentle pushing match was won by Gonzalez with a slightly irritated intervention by Mayor Martinez. "We know what you're trying to do" he offered toward Longoria.
Commissioner Melissa Zamora offered a compromise satisfactory to all; lease the building to United Brownsville for one year at $1,000 per month with a a necessary 30 day notice on either side to vacate. So, Mike Gonzalez gets his wish, a 1,400 square foot office for himself and his single helper in a historic downtown building, a place where he said United Brownsville and the community could "exchange ideas." Longoria worried a bit about parking, but Medina said he would "look into it."
ps: Please click on the chart below to see the current makeup of United Brownsville:
ps: Please click on the chart below to see the current makeup of United Brownsville:
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Just to clarify, Jim. United Brownsville will be leasing a space with much less square footage, and it's not located inside the Cueto Building. It's a small home adjacent to the Cueto Building but on the same property.
ReplyDeleteThanks. That crossed my mind, but I thought I heard Longoria say that the The Center for Civic Civic Engagement had vacated the premises. But, I will change the pic. I have a pic of that beautiful home somewhere.
DeleteThanks again.
Jim
I believe I have the correct pic now. Those are gorgeous grounds, probably more practical than the actual Cueto bldg.
DeleteJ
todo pendejo
ReplyDeleteExcuse me, Jim is not a "pendejo". He keeps us informed.
DeleteIts the Lucena house, one of Brownsville's oldest homes. It was saved from total destruction by Larry Lof, then moved a couple blocks and rebuilt on the grounds of the Cueto Building. From what I understand, it was originally located on the corner of 12th and Madison, a property that I now own.
ReplyDeleteIm not sure if the Center for Civic Engagement has vacated yet or not, but I think everyone knows how I feel about Mr Armand Matthew.
Good article Jim.
--Trey Mendez