by Nicole Bradford
With public feedback continuing, the firm hired to study Pearland’s Old Townsite is developing a draft of a revitalization plan for the heart of the city.
“A huge part of what this plan is about is creating that special place that’s going to drive economic development,” said Michelle Queen, a community planner with Olsson Studio, the firm working on the plan in partnership with Baxter and Woodman and CDS Community Development Strategies.
The plan will include four “big ideas,” such as the Depot District with a “major flexible green space” for community gatherings with a pedestrian overpass at the railroad.
“That’s going to be a critical connection for this site, connecting the neighborhoods on the other side of the railroad tracks to this amenity,” Queen said.
“We’ve had folks concerned about what type of cargo is carried on the trains,” Councilman Tony Carbone said. “I guess we would have to schedule (events) around the railroads coming through, because that would be tough.”
Other council members appeared receptive to the concepts, agreeing that they are long-term and have no funding sources in place.
“This document will not create any type of budgetary obligations. The goal really is just to represent the vision our community has for this area,” said Vance Wyly of the city’s community development department.
The plan also involves relocating the train depot back to Old Town.
“I wonder if it would survive the move?” Mayor Kevin Cole asked.
Also among the “big ideas” is the Grand Link, referring to Grand Boulevard from Orange to Walnut streets, a corridor that could be bricked and closed for festivals and events. Portions of the plan will be based on private development or partnerships, while others, such as a festival space, would require city investment.
The plan is being funded through the Pearland Economic Development Corp. To sign up for updates, text OldTownRP to 888-521-3871.
