Safety Incidents and Economic Growth: Updates from Bryan Community

Updates from Bryan: Safety Incidents and Exciting Developments

Hey there, Bryan! It’s been a week filled with news, both concerning and promising. Let’s dive into what’s been happening in our vibrant community.

Safety Concerns at Local Schools

First up, we need to talk about some unsettling incidents that occurred in our local high schools. Just a week after a Bryan High student was arrested for having a gun in their backpack, another student from Rudder High School found themselves in hot water for making a false report involving a firearm. The police were quick to act, with a spokesperson informing the public that this young individual knowingly lied about the existence of a weapon. The student has since been taken to juvenile detention. As of now, Bryan Independent School District (BISD) has not commented on this incident.

Meanwhile, over in Navasota, a student was taken into custody for making a threat on social media. According to a letter from Navasota ISD’s superintendent, the threat was directed at another student but did not involve the school itself. The city announced that the student was charged with making a terroristic threat. Fortunately, they were released to their parents after being detained, and the juvenile probation office has been notified.

Fire Breaks Out in South Bryan

Shifting gears, let’s talk about an unfortunate but impactful event that unfolded in South Bryan. On Tuesday afternoon, firefighters rushed to a blaze at AG Solar Guard Window Tinting on South Texas Avenue. Reports indicate that the first responders encountered heavy flames and smoke upon arrival. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported. Investigators are currently looking into the fire’s cause, which they believe may be electrical in nature. The Bryan Fire Department responded at 12:47 p.m. with nine vehicles from four stations, ensuring the fire was under control quickly. During this time, a portion of South Texas was temporarily closed, but traffic was back to normal in less than an hour.

Potential Semiconductor Manufacturing Plant

In brighter news, there’s exciting talk about economic development on the horizon for Bryan. During the BISD school board meeting on September 23, board members discussed a proposal to grant property tax breaks to a company interested in building a semiconductor manufacturing plant on the RELLIS campus. After a public hearing, the board unanimously agreed to explore this request further. This proposal has already received the green light from both Brazos County commissioners and the Bryan city council.

This potential facility, which is tagged as “America’s Foundry Texas LLC,” would represent a whopping $11.6 billion investment. If everything goes according to plan, construction could take anywhere from five to six years. The proposed tax abatement could last from the 2030-31 to the 2039-40 school year, significantly lowering the company’s property tax obligation—estimated to be around $760 million.

The initial phase of development could bring 1,500 jobs to our community, with growth potential reaching up to 5,000 jobs. Additionally, this plant could spark the creation of 20 to 30 support businesses. A number of community members, including Texas A&M System Chancellor John Sharp and Bryan Mayor Bobby Gutierrez, participated in the public hearing, sharing their thoughts on this hopeful development.

Brazos County Enacts Burn Ban

Lastly, a practical update from Brazos County: a burn ban has been unanimously approved for unincorporated areas. Ahead of this decision, county fire chiefs recommended the ban due to rising fire concerns. With the burn ban now in effect, residents are urged to take precautions and avoid outdoor burning.

So, there you have it, Bryan! While we’ve experienced some challenges lately in our schools, there’s also a lot to be excited about regarding potential jobs and economic growth. Make sure to stay informed and stay safe!