another 'sub-segment' within the Mexican population are Mexican business men who WORK in Mexico (ever heard of the Maquiladoras?) and then they live in the US side... prime examples of this are communities such as Otay Mesa, San Ysidro, Bonita and Chula Vista (South of San Diego and then others in Laredo in Texas and yet some more along other border towns that I am not familiar with).
Many own businesses in Mexico and are relatively well-off, others are workers in the higher manager level that still can make the step-up of living in the US side (near the border and place of employment....
Again... for these people a home in the US is more than a dream come true... it is their patrimony and one that even if they are still under the evil of the US government irresponsibility, [but do not know it, or do not care], such 'evil' is a far, far, far more benign than the really EVIL of the most benign Mexican "government" (more akin to that of Ali-Baba and the 40,000 thieves -g)
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Building permits for 48 multifamily units were issued during the first nine months of 1999, compared to 145 in 1998. Substantially more multifamily building permits were issued earlier in the 1990s, with a high of 1,019 units in 1995. A luxury apartment complex is under construction in the city’s north side off Del Mar Boulevard. Construction may be completed as early as summer 2000.
Mexico has a tremendous effect on Laredo’s retail sector because many Mexicans cross the border to shop. River Drive Mall is within walking distance of the border and has 41 stores, including many discount stores such as Dollar General and One Price Clothing. However, shopping and retail no longer are centralized in downtown. The major retail expansions have been farther north, around the 1.4-million-square-foot Mall Del Norte. National chains such as Office Depot, Old Navy and Outback Steakhouse will open soon along Interstate 35. Laredo has 16 industrial parks and 3,450 acres in five Foreign Trade Zones. The majority of industrial growth is occurring in the northeast section of the city, along Mines Road and near the Union Pacific switching yard, in the northeast corner of the Bob Bullock Loop and Interstate 35 intersection. Many of Laredo’s 200 trucking companies are located in this area for convenience in transferring goods across the international border.
Warehouse and industrial building permits in 1998 were valued at $18.9 million, an increase of 31 percent over 1997. Mattel, Costco, Wal-Mart and HEB all have opened new distribution and warehouse facilities in the area. These facilities are being used to service both U.S. and Mexican retailing outlets.
Rural land in the Laredo area is used predominantly for ranching. However, recreational land use is becoming more attractive each year. Ranchers often are finding it more profitable to raise deer than cattle. The Texas Agricultural Extension Service estimated hunting would account for more than 25 percent of total agricultural receipts in Webb County in 1999.
Laredo experienced significant growth and change during the decade of the ’90s. Its strategic location ensures that it will continue to grow in tandem with the U.S. and Mexican economies.
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