La Feria reviews 2009 IDC goals

LA FERIA - City leaders have begun looking at their 2009 goals for the Industrial Development Corporation.

At the board's recent annual meeting, the IDC looked at what it accomplished in 2008 and presented 20 new issues to tackle this year.

Those goals include continuing the effort to develop a master-planned veterans campus and medical facility and to recruit a compatible business along Main Street.

The VA campus plan was an accomplishment for 2008, according to city leaders.

"They felt the list is an ambitious goal," City Manager Sunny Philip said of IDC board members.

Last year, the city recruited a developer and negotiated and executed a development agreement. A plan for the campus has also been sent to the Department of Veterans Affairs and support has been solicited from local, state and federal leaders.

Philip said city officials want to keep the DVA campus plans in mind.

"It's not out of the question," he said.

According to previous reports, the campus would be located on 23 acres off of Parker Road.

Looking forward, the IDC wants to help the city bring a new hotel to the area and promote retail and tourism activities in La Feria. Philip said the city is working on creating activities for children and creating a better quality of life for families.

With these goals, the IDC wants to promote key areas for development within the city.

Already, La Feria officials are talking with retail businesses and two small manufacturing companies about opening in the city, Philip said.
Additionally, the IDC is looking at establishing low-interest loans for the beautification of Main Street buildings.

"La Feria is a small community with our resources limited in a tough economic situation," Philip said. "Despite all this, we were able to accomplish our goals."