Pearland City Council in August is expected to consider adoption of a revitalization plan for Old Town, a long-term, “people over cars” approach that emphasizes walkability, connectivity to neighborhoods and public gathering spaces.
The plan, which includes infrastructure upgrades and reimagining of streets, could unfold as a partnership between the city and future developers, consultants said, and would be designed to fit with the city’s future plans for FM 518.
The plan is expected to go back to city council for possible adoption Aug. 25.
“We’re not just going to approve this and tomorrow we start building it,” Mayor Kevin Cole said during a draft presentation June 30. “It’s going to take some time.”
A year in the making, the Old Town plan emphasizes walkability and pedestrian upgrades, street frontages and outdoor public gathering spaces. Proposed are 4.5 miles of new sidewalks, nearly eight miles of sidewalk replacements and shared use paths along Grand Boulevard, Main and Orange streets.
Also proposed is a pedestrian overpass across the railroad tracks at Jasmine Street to help remove barriers from existing neighborhoods into the district.
Recommendations include a number of “place types,” such as a Depot District with event and performance spaces, walkable center and dining and entertainment; and “The Grand Link,” a reconstruction of the block to create a “festival street” on Grand Boulevard from Broadway to Jasmine. In addition, Jasmine to Plum and Broadway to Pear streets would also be revised to include a “parking street” with parking stripes in the center.
“It’s not a stretch to turn that into a festival space,” Cole said regarding the area that recently hosted the first Arts and Eats Festival. “That’s something I can see happening early to get some momentum.”
The full draft plan of the Old Town plan can be accessed online at tinyurl.com/OldTownPlan
