A field of grass off Hwy. 6 will soon turn into a decorated green space next to a new shopping center.
In a nutshell
At an Oct. 5 meeting, Missouri City City Council approved a zoning change, allowing for the development of an 8.5-acre plot of land between Vicksburg Boulevard and the Cinemark off Hwy. 6.
The new space is centered on the construction of a detention pond that will store stormwater, and it will also invite residents to walk in a decorated, lit-up green space.
“The idea is to take what’s a very functional detention facility and turn it into what's an amenity for the development of this overall area,” Economic Development Director David Gwin said at a Sept. 8 City Council meeting.
The details
The Vicksburg Master Detention Pond is meant to help new nearby developments meet their drainage and detention requirements, Assistant Planning Director Stori Nuri said.
Detention ponds are typically meant to store stormwater to prevent it from overwhelming bayous and creeks, according to Fort Bend County's website.
The area will include:
What else?
The pond and walking area will be directly next to a new shopping center coming to Missouri City , which council members previously approved in a June meeting.
The almost 13-acre shopping center will include a Sprouts grocery store, Mayor Robin J. Elackatt said at a Sept. 8 meeting. The June ordinance shows many other tenants, though they have not been finalized.
“This was gonna turn into just a regular water detention pond,” Elackatt said. “You will now be able to have water all year round with a feature that people can park and walk around and enjoy the dining experience.”
Looking ahead
A clear schedule has not been finalized, but substantial progress toward completion of the development must be made within five years, Nuri said.
While the council approved zoning changes, the developers still need to secure construction permits and ensure compliance with state regulations.
