An architect rendering of Barisi Village, which Blackard Global hopes to build at the old Pharaoh Valley Country Club. Courtesy Photo
The next step in deciding the fate of the Pharaoh Valley Golf Course rests on a one-day petition signing, or vote, by property owners in the area Thursday, Sept. 3. Doors open at 5 p.m. in the New Life Church next to Sears in Sunrise Mall, 5801 McArdle Rd., Corpus Christi, where a meeting to review the petition will be held. Residents must sign in at registration tables before receiving a copy of the petition, which they can sign at any time during the evening.
If approved by property owners, a development company could break ground in October to begin construction of Barisi Village, 42-acres of mixed-use development of single- and multi-family residences as well as commercial. Included in the project would be an additional 85 acres of parking, tennis courts, green space, nine-hole golf course and lake.
The vote was made possible by a new law approved by the most recent session of the Texas Legislature. Senate Bill 1168 outlines steps necessary to amend the subdivision’s deed convenient to open the way for new development. The site is currently restricted to use as a golf course and club house only. The law takes affect Sept. 1.
Changing the deed restrictions takes a positive vote by 75 percent of adjacent property owners, in the Pharaoh Valley subdivision, Rock Creek Townhouses, Sea Side Villas Condominiums and Carriage Park Townhomes. Those who chose NOT to sign the petition on Sept. 3 will count as a NO vote, according to information from the Pharaoh Valley Neighborhood Association, which supports the change.
Not everyone does. Opponents argue that when they bought property in the neighborhood they were promised an 18-hole golf course. They also say new development will increase traffic problems at the intersection of Ennis Joslin and Ocean Drive.
The current plans for Barisi Village, as presented in several public meetings by Blackard Global owner Jeff Blackard, call for the design of the $300 million project to resemble an Italian sea-side villa. In the last petition drive calling for deed changes, 83 percent of property owners voted in favor.
“We have the opportunity to have a premier development literally in our backyards,” reads a statement by supporters on the Pharaoh Valley Facebook page. “Yes, there are question marks. And, in life, there are no guarantees. But this is an opportunity that we cannot dismiss. We owe it to ourselves and our community to vote in support of Barisi Village.”
Currently, the property is overgrown. The golf course and club house closed four years ago due to lack of membership.
An official review of the petition will begin at 6:15 p.m. Coffee and snacks will be provided while property owners read the petition either before or after the review. Anyone wishing to ask questions or make a statement will be given three minutes.
Petitions can be signed and turned in at any time during the process. Guests can attend and even ask questions, but only after residents has been heard. Non-residents cannot sign petitions.
