Jersey Village City Hall was filled July 10 as residents gathered to learn more about and share thoughts on the city's comprehensive plan efforts. The event was organized by consulting firm Freese and Nichols, which the city brought on board to help guide the planning process.
"Jersey Village is going to go through redevelopment, and there are going to be some changes with the expansion of the highway," said Dan Sefko, planning director with Freese and Nichols, addressing attendees at the event. "The plan gives leaders the guidance to make decisions about where the future of the community needs to go. We will help facilitate—we have the technical knowledge—but you must help us strike this balance of where we want to be."
Attendees were broken up into groups to go over various aspects of the comprehensive plan, including parks and recreation, land use, transportation and community character. Residents were also asked to contribute by providing input on survey questions directly on large boards placed throughout the meeting room.
Public input has zeroed in on several areas of concern, including community signage and the need for an image branding marketing campaign.
"That's what's going to attract your businesses and families here," resident Rene Chavez said. "It's a win-win for the city because it improves the atmosphere and brings in tax revenue."
Resident Andrew Mitcham said he would like to see the plan identify projects that could be completed in the short-term, at minimal cost to the city, while still improving quality of life for people in the community.
"I'd like to see more family-friendly things, like a splash pad or a dog park," he said. "These would be easy to implement and would be used by all ages."
The community roundtable comes on the heels of a visioning workshop with city council and the first meeting of the Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee. Council members identified promoting new development, improving the city's image and attracting retail, restaurants and entertainment venues among the top priorities. Top opportunities ranged from expanding the city's ETJ, providing better access to transit, enhancing property maintenance codes, redeveloping the freeway frontage road area and redeveloping the golf course.
Residents at the roundtable spoke about the need to keep the golf course, but discussed ways to make it better. Suggestions included putting in an outdoor live music venue, upgrading the clubhouse and putting in a winery.
Councilman Harry Beckwith III said he was pleased with the turnout, citing the importance of drafting a plan that represents what people actually want to see in Jersey Village's future.
"This is only going to be as good a plan as we all put into it," he said.
The process of creating and adopting a new comprehensive plan is expected to run through May 2015. Meetings with the CPAC, City Council and the community at large have been scheduled throughout this timeframe. The next public meeting—where residents will get the chance to view the plan draft and provide input—is set for Feb. 12, 2015.
Residents can fill out surveys on the city's website through July 31.
