Montrose TIRZ to host open house on West Alabama Street reconstruction

The Montrose Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone will hold a virtual open house on the reconstruction of West Alabama Street on Aug. 3 at 6:30 p.m.

The details

The Montrose TIRZ and the Montrose Redevelopment Authority will present and host a Q&A session during the meeting. Two weeks before the meeting, they will provide a roadway layout map on the project page and will allow people to begin commenting and asking questions.

Some background

West Alabama Street from Spur 527 to Shepherd Drive in the Montrose neighborhood is being prepped to undergo a controversial $28.5 million reconstruction project that will span the next three to four years.

The project aims to improve mobility and drainage while also prioritizing tree preservation and promoting a pedestrian-friendly environment, according to project details from the TIRZ, which will oversee and fund a portion of the project. However, some Montrose residents are frustrated by the lack of bike lanes and multimodal transportation efforts.

The project includes:

• Full roadway reconstruction
• Improvements to the pedestrian realm
• New 6-foot sidewalks
• New crosswalks, including flashing lights at some
• Replacement of all existing traffic signals
• New traffic signal at Hazard Street
• New street lighting
• New, larger storm sewers
• New sanitary sewer and water lines
• Design improvements to preserve existing trees

The project is being designed and constructed in coordination with the Upper Kirby and Midtown TIRZs, according to the website.

One more thing

Questions must be submitted by July 30 to receive a response at the open house. After the open house, the comment period will extend until Aug. 17.