South Padre Island Vision Statement: 2020

In December 2002 and January 2003, as an integral phase of the comprehensive
planning process, the Town of South Padre Island convened a series of community
forums. The purpose of the forums was to identify the current concerns of the citizens
about the Island, and to record and prioritize their views on its future development
potential. From these forums and a write-in response from those who could not be
present, a clear consensus emerged. An analysis of these responses has been
interpreted as a Vision Statement for the Town of South Padre Island in the year 2020.
This Statement will be used as the basis for preparing the Comprehensive Strategic
Plan.

Community Character and Quality of Life

• The Island has transformed its image; it is now a unique seaside community with a
friendly small town character attracting a balance of permanent residents and
tourists.
• It is noted for natural scenic beauty, Island-style buildings and lush landscaping.
• The Town has “raised the bar” of expectations for community aesthetics.
• Padre Boulevard is now a visually exciting, tree-lined corridor with underground
utilities.
• Buildings and signage are harmonious, and excessive paved parking areas have
been replaced with landscaping and sidewalks.
• New public buildings have set high standards and exemplify the distinctive “South
Padre Style.”
• Parks, playgrounds, waterfront promenades, boat ramps and other recreational
amenities are conveniently accessible to residents and visitors.
• The Town is noted for cleanliness of its beaches, parks and roadways. Vacant lots
are well kept and free of litter.
• The Island’s natural resources are valued and well protected.
• There is a system of parks, greenways and open spaces linked by foot or bicycle
paths.
• The transformation of the Island has created greater year-round opportunities for
local business and employment.

Balanced Development

• New land-use regulations enacted to support the Comprehensive Strategic Plan are
equitable, user-friendly and effective in achieving a higher quality of development.
• Tourism now has a year round family orientation with less reliance on Spring Break.
• A stable, better-trained work force supports a higher end tourism market.
• Land-use patterns for new development, infill and redevelopment form distinctive
compact neighborhoods.
• Shared parking and an attractive pedestrian network have reduced reliance on the
automobile.
• Livable neighborhoods, with a diversity of housing types, have a broad array of
convenient amenities.
• Businesses have diversified and improved in quality, and are conveniently located to
serve their specific markets.
• New attractions cater to residents and visitors of all ages.

Sound Infrastructure and Transportation

• Traffic congestion at special event and peak periods has been reduced, public
transit made more available and a network of pedestrian and bicycle facilities are in
place.
• Deficiencies in utilities and infrastructure capacity and services have been corrected
and the town has the fiscal resources to support planned growth.
• A second causeway respecting the ecological and recreational functions of the
Laguna Madre has been constructed.

Community Relations and Governance

• The Town has a form of government which allows greater control of fiscal matters
and local public expenditure.
• Town government is well managed and is fiscally prepared for planned investment
for short and longer-term capital projects.
• Citizens are active and deeply involved in civic affairs, and local associations are
well supported.
• Effective communication allows citizens to be aware of local matters of concern.
• Government, citizens and business interests collaborate on a day to day basis to
improve the island.
• The Comprehensive Strategic Plan is the reference for all public sector decisions
concerning capital investment and regulatory measures.

Read the Full Vision Statement

Community Enhancement Plan (35MB)