Harlingen, Texas
The Harlingen City Commission voted unanimously to implement a 180 day moratorium on the opening and expansion of smoke shops to allow the city to review its current zoning and safety ordinances. While a specific permit for a new smoke shop was also on the agenda for the January 21 meeting, the commission ultimately decided to table that request for six months to ensure it complies with the new standards being developed during the moratorium period.

The moratorium was introduced to address the rapid increase of smoke shops within city limits. City officials noted the need to study how these businesses impact public safety and to establish clearer guidelines regarding their proximity to schools and residential neighborhoods. The 180 day pause gives the Planning and Development department, along with the Police Department, time to draft updated regulations.

McAllen, Texas
McAllen residents, you may have noticed higher water bills recently.

On October 13, 2025, the City Commission and Public Utility Board (PUB) approved over $33 million in initial bond funding to finally establish a drought proof water supply for the city’s future.

This funding officially launches the massive $180,000,000 Brackish Groundwater Treatment Plant project. This facility is key to reducing reliance on the Rio Grande and build an independent water source for McAllen.

The planned location for the Brackish Groundwater Treatment Plant is the site of the existing Northwest Water Treatment Plant on North Bentsen Road.

McAllen, Texas

Bricks & Minifigs, a retail store specializing in new and used LEGO® products, is opening its first Rio Grande Valley location. The 3,000 square foot space will undergo a full interior renovation that includes building a new mezzanine, with an estimated cost of $180,000.

Construction is scheduled to begin on September 1, 2025, and is expected to be completed by November 30, 2025.

📍 4100 N Colonel Rowe (2nd St.), Suite 200, Mcallen, TX 78504

McAllen, Texas

Spirit Halloween is now open. 🎃

Hours:
Mon–Fri: 11 AM – 7 PM
Sat: 10 AM – 7 PM
Sun: 12 PM – 6 PM

📍 1801 S 10th St, McAllen, TX 78503

McAllen, Texas

Burlington is opening a new store at 3116 W. Nolana Ave in the Parke at Nolana shopping center. The estimated cost for the renovation is $880,000.

Construction is scheduled to begin on August 15, 2025, and is expected to be completed by September 30, 2026.

📍 3116 W. Nolana Ave, Suite 180, Mcallen, TX 78504

Palmview, Texas

Wings and Rings in Palmview is opening soon at 180 N La Homa Rd., Suite 1, Palmview, TX 78572.

Their website shows that they will be opening this month!

Nearly 1800 Texas High Schools in one map
Also a high resolution version of Hidalgo and Cameron County High Schools
Credit Isaac Reyes ikedreyes

McAllen, Texas
Gorditas Doña Lula will be coming to the Tres Lagos Community.
It is expected to be completed by end of May 2024.

📍 3 Lagos Blvd McAllen, TX 78504

Start Date:
3/31/2024
Completion Date:
5/31/2024
Estimated Cost:
$180,000
Type of Work:
Renovation/Alteration
Type of Funds:
This project is privately funded, on private land for private use.
Scope of Work:
Finish out (concrete, MEP, Framing, Painting, etc)
Square Footage:
1,700 ft 2