As the city of Bellaire enters the second phase of updating its comprehensive plan, officials announced the latest events in what they’re calling “engagement opportunities” for residents who would like to learn more about the future of their city.

• June 26: 5:30-7:30 p.m., inside the Event Center at Evelyn’s Park
• June 28: 5:30-7:30 p.m., inside the Nature Discovery Center
• July 4: 10 a.m.-noon, at the City of Bellaire table during the Independence Day Festival
• July 13: 2-4 p.m., at Bellaire City Library
• July 13: 6-7 p.m., at Evelyn’s Park

What they’re saying

City Planning Consultant Gary Mitchell has been hired as the spokesperson for the comprehensive plan. He shared with the public in May what direction City Council was interested in.

“I mentioned that a study that was done in 2009, where things were at that time, and that’s the kind of charges of interest that council is seeking 10-plus years later,” Mitchell said. “Where are we with the commercial areas in terms of activity? And then the residential standpoint. Of course, some zoning standards were updated at that time, and how are those performing? Do we need to make further adjustments?”

The big picture

The city’s comprehensive plan, according to the official 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

The city of Bellaire completed the first phase of updating its comprehensive plan with its June 13 open house.