The city of Bellaire completed the first phase of updating its comprehensive plan with its June 13 open house. It’s a citywide plan designed to reinforce the neighborhood integrity of what has been called the “City of Homes” as well as bring to the forefront the priority residents place on parks and recreation opportunities, safe streets, commercial areas development, and other city needs.
Helping plan the future of the city that includes a population of more than 17,000 people, according to the 2020 U.S. Census, is a task City Planning Consultant Gary Mitchell will tackle alongside city leaders and staff. Mitchell was hired from the firm Kendig Keast Collaborative and has more than two decades of experience with cities across the country.
Quote of note
“That’s really the point of this process. We’re not starting from scratch; we’re revisiting the current plan and looking where it needs adjustments,” Mitchell said.
Even on an annual basis, Mitchell said City Council looks at general themes and areas of authority for a longer range outlook.
Zooming out
The city’s comprehensive plan, according to the presentation, will revisit topics such as nonresidential areas to set the stage for potential zoning ordinance updates and provide more clarity in the updated comprehensive plan. It will do so by focusing on a variety of topics, including:
- Neighborhood integrity
- Commercial development and enhancement
- Flood risk mitigation
- Public safety
- Infrastructure
- Quality of life
- Land use and zoning
What’s next
Officials with the consulting group said for July and August, a community survey will be sent to residents, and they can expect a second workshop to attend regarding the plan.
