KVOA

Posted: Nov 2, 2009 5:33 PM
Updated: Nov 2, 2009 10:05 PM

CORPUS CHRISTI – There’s continuing coverage on the re-development of Memorial Coliseum.

The city council is looking into a possible deal with the National Swim Center. The non-profit organization will make a presentation during next week’s city council meeting. This is all taking place because the deal with Brass Real Estate fell through.

One council member says the best idea for the Coliseum may be to tear it down. Councilman Mark Scott says he has a clear and concise vision for the Coliseum. His plan is to demolish the building and turn the area into park space.

He said, “I think there’s a clear paper trail that it’s supposed to be a park and I really didn’t understand or comprehend that until we got into the Brass experience.”

Councilman Scott’s plan is to model the area after a park in Houston called Discovery Green. There would be plenty of open park space, but also shops and restaurants. And most importantly, a new memorial dedicated to our veterans.

“I hope we can sit down with the veterans and say guys right now you have a building with a plaque on it. Let’s work together and create a truly unique, regionally recognized memorial structure site garden that we can all be proud of,” Scott said.

However, Councilman Kevin Keishnick isn’t quite ready to bring in the wrecking ball. He still has his sights set on a possible deal with the swim center.

He said, “To me, park space isn’t really an option. That’s probably some of the most valuable property on the Texas coast right there that has potential to be developed and that’s a direction I really personally don’t want to go. But, if they put something together and it makes sense, than I could be for it.”

Councilman Scott already e-mailed his park plan to the mayor. He hopes it will get added to next week’s city council agenda as a discussion item. If there’s no deal with the swim center, the mayor also seems to be leaning towards demolition.

“If there’s not a case there than I think the only other opportunity we have is to take a vote and see if we want to tear it down” Mayor Joe Adame said.