IS RAMIRO GONZALEZ GETTING READY TO FLIP THE LOT THE CITY LET HIM BUY ON CENTRAL BLVD. FOR $7,154?,

Ramiro's Land at Corner of Central Blvd. and Lakeside Drive

In May of 2014 Interim City Planner Ramiro Gonzalez discovered a lot on Central Boulevard at Lakeside Drive with no accountable owner.  

Seeing an opportunity to acquire property along one of Brownsville's busiest thoroughfares, Gonzalez approached the City Commission about purchasing the triangular-shaped property for a mere pittance, $7,145.  It's doubtful any other property could be purchased for seven grand on Central Boulevard.

That was just the beginning of Ramiro's good fortune.  The City Commission on that evening in May of 2014 was feeling especially generous, allowing Mr. Gonzalez to purchase the .245 acre tract for $7,145, but throwing in free two additional tracts of .64 and 1.089 acres.  "Buy One, Get Two Free."

Ramiro Gonzales

Just today we witnessed some heavy duty mowing and brush cutting on the property and wondered if Ramiro was getting ready to flip his investment for a hefty profit.  

We'll keep our eyes out for construction startup on a new payday loan, plasma center or taco stand, enterprises that continue to proliferate in Brownsville.  

Here is our report from May 2014.

Taking advantage of a city position to acquire property well below its value is not new to the City of Brownsville.  In May 2014, the City Commission approved the purchase of a tract of land referred to as the "Lakeside easement" by then interim City Planner Ramiro Gonzalez.

Please note:  The City Commission was feeling especially generous that night, allowing Ramiro to buy the .245 acre tract for $7,145, but throwing in two additional tracts of .64 and 1.089 acres at no addition charge, that is buy one, get two free.

Here is a May 17, 2014 on that matter by the Brownsville Observer:

"While Ordinance Number 2014-1590 below does not state the action clearly, it involves conveying a .245 acre tract adjacent to Lakeside Drive to Interim City Planner Ramiro Gonzalez for the sum of $7,154. Gonzalez has purchased a Quitclaim Deed for $10, making the exchange with the City of Brownsville official. Article "C" containing the ordinance change is included in the "routine" Consent Agenda items that will be passed in mere seconds at Tuesday's City Commission meeting.

Information found in the binder attached to the City Commission agenda indicates that an "independent certified appraiser" valued the tract at $7,145. Also conveyed to Gonzalez are two additional adjacent tracts of .64 and 1.089 acres.

We're not implying anything unethical with respect to a city administrator, in the course of his work, locating bargain properties for personal purchase, but it's certainly opportunistic.
c) APPROVAL on SECOND and FINAL READING of Ordinance Number 2014-1590, authorizing the City Manager to abandon and close a portion of Lakeside Boulevard Right-of-Way, located in the Brownsville Land and Improvement Company subdivision. (Carlos Lastra-Engineering)"



Survey Showing 3 Properties
Acquired by Planner Ramiro Gonzalez