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Balch Springs EDC approves $18,950 contract amendment for Elam Road city‑center overlay
Summary
The EDC Type B voted to amend a contract with Catalyst Commercial for up to $18,950 to create zoning overlay district plan standards for the Elam Road corridor city‑center master plan; staff said the work supports a recently adopted city center plan and a separate $1.6 million engineering grant.
The Balch Springs Community and Economic Development Corporation (Type B) voted May 28 to approve a contract amendment with Catalyst Commercial not to exceed $18,950 to create zoning overlay district plan standards tied to the Elam Road corridor city‑center master plan.
Staff told the board the overlay will implement design and development standards for the Elam Road corridor — the city center area running from I‑635 to Pioneer Road — and support a mixed‑use, pedestrian‑oriented downtown envisioned in the master plan the council adopted earlier in 2024.
City staff said the overlay work is the next step in a multi‑phase strategy: the North Central Texas Council of Governments pledged $1.6 million for engineering design to improve Elam Road for safety and pedestrian access; the city must provide a $400,000 local match. Staff said the overlay will establish minimum design standards property owners must meet when parcels redevelop.
Staff also reported several related developments: a primary owner near Elam and Pioneer has agreed to help fund the downtown plan area, the city recently approved a mixed‑use rezoning at 12904 Timothy (including single‑family and townhome units and space set aside for commercial uses), and the corridor will include trails connected to the city’s master trail plan.
Director Helen Shelby made the motion and Director Wanda Adams seconded it. The board vote was unanimous. Staff said Type A had already approved the same contract amendment and that the EDC will proceed to the next phase of the plan once consultant work is complete.
The contract amendment is budgeted and staff said the work supports previously approved grants and planning steps; the board directed staff to proceed with the consultant engagement and to report progress at future meetings.
