Developer Vaquillas, Ltd., sets positive model for development on Manadas Creek

Vaquillas Development, Ltd., is planning a 16-acre commercial development, Monaco Subdivision, on the north side of Manadas Creek immediately west of McPherson Road. Although this development was begun prior to the adoption of the Green Space Preservation Ordinance on May 3, 2004, the company wishes to develop this property in accordance with the spirit of the ordinance.

Evan Quiros hosted a recent meeting at which plans were presented to representatives of groups who have an interest in Laredo development and its impact on the environment. Vaquillas Development engineer Eddie Garza used a PowerPoint presentation to explain how their proposed plans for the Monaco Subdivision will impact Manadas Creek. Participants were invited to raise questions and make comments.

Further meetings are planned to look at the possibilities of making the development more environmentally friendly. Ideas that were mentioned during the meeting included conserving significant trees along the creek, using pervious concrete in certain situations, and developing xeriscape rain gardens for onsite bioretention. The idea of bioretention was reinforced in a recent seminar given at the Laredo Environmental Services Department. Plans were considered for holding another such seminar in the near future and making it widely available to interested citizens.

“When people see us out there working, we want them to know that we care about the environment and that we are attempting to develop in an environmentally friendly way,” said Monica Martinez of Vaquillas, Ltd.

In addition to Vaquillas officers, the meeting was attended by Laredo City Councilman Gene Belmares, Luis Perez García from the City of Laredo Engineering Department, Judd Gilpin of Trinity Testing Laboratory and the Citizens Environmental Advisory Committee, Texas A&M International University professor and Río Grande International Study Center (RGISC) board president Thomas Vaughan, and Laredo Community College instructor and RGISC assistant executive director Rukmani Viswanath.