Aransas Pass town hall divided over proposal to allow short-term rentals in harbor

ARANSAS PASS — A Saturday town hall drew standing-room public comment as the Aransas Pass City Council discussed draft changes to the harbor overlay that would allow a limited number of short-term rentals (STRs) as part of a larger harbor redevelopment plan.

The mayor opened the session by warning the city faces fiscal strain and by framing the harbor proposal as a revenue strategy. "Year to date right now, our sales tax is down $72,000," the mayor said, adding that harbor lease payments and water revenues have also declined and that the city has asked department heads to "buckle their belts." The mayor described two maps: the one currently allowed by ordinance (427 condos and 206 single-family residences, 633 dwellings total) and a draft that would limit residential units and allow a modest number of STRs in designated zones.

Why it matters: Council members said the harbor changes are intended to increase tourism spending and broaden the tax base to avoid raising local tax rates or cutting services. The proposed STR allowance — described during the meeting as up to 25 units in a narrow front-harbor strip and up to 25 in an off-harbor/top zone — was repeatedly characterized as preliminary and subject to future planning-and-zoning hearings.

Supporters and business perspective: Several residents and business owners urged the council to move forward with development to attract visitors and private investment. Leroy Cario, a resident and pastor, said outside investment could restore the harbor’s economy. Realtor and developer voices urged rigorous feasibility analysis: "You can't just build a hotel for 50 rooms — I'm not going to make any money," said Renee Takor, who said she builds hotels and recommended using market analytics to size projects and parcels.

Concerns from long-term residents: Longtime harbor users and some neighbors strongly opposed placing STRs on the inner harbor. "I'm totally against this," said Carol Selenus, who warned that rentals and associated parking could fence off public fishing access. Other residents said STR growth in neighboring cities had reduced housing affordability and worker availability for restaurants and local businesses.

Infrastructure and legal questions: Speakers and council members flagged infrastructure barriers, including a deteriorating bulkhead and limits on water and power. A council member said shore repairs and utilities upgrades represent major costs; one council member mentioned a ballpark figure of about $20 million to shore up the bulkhead. Legal staff and council discussed procedural routes: City legal counsel (Mr. Sasi) told the group the council could place a special proposition before voters or pursue a charter amendment, but timing for an upcoming election and required hearings would constrain immediate action.

Process and next steps: Multiple council members emphasized the map is preliminary. Officials said changes to the harbor overlay must still go through planning-and-zoning and additional public meetings; if the council seeks a binding public decision they may place a proposition on the ballot. No formal motions or votes were recorded at the town hall.

What residents asked for: Attendees repeatedly asked whether city land could be sold (officials said city waterfront is leased, not sold), how long leases would last, and how the city would guarantee continued public access for fishing and waterfront use. Several speakers urged the council to require developers to commit to reinvestment and to protect fishing access and views.

The meeting closed with an informal show-of-hands tally that council members summarized as roughly nine against, seven in favor, and several undecided in the room for harbor STRs; council members said the count was informal and that more engagement and technical studies will follow. The council adjourned and indicated the harbor overlay map will return for additional hearings and planning review.