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Georgetown leaders highlight coordinated downtown master plans, parking garage and Blue Hole design at town hall
Summary
Mayor Josh Schroeder and City Manager David Morgan told residents the city coordinated multiple planning efforts — including an Austin Avenue corridor study, downtown master plan, wayfinding and Blue Hole redesign — to preserve and manage growth while adding amenities such as a public parking garage.
Mayor Josh Schroeder said at a city town-hall meeting that Georgetown has completed a series of coordinated planning efforts intended to keep downtown’s historic square walkable while accommodating growth. "If we had done any of those in a silo, the plans would not sync up," Schroeder said, describing the Austin Avenue corridor study, the downtown master plan and the comprehensive plan as community-driven efforts.
The plans aim to reconcile traffic flows, pedestrian character and gateways into downtown, Schroeder said, pointing to renderings for intersection improvements, gateways and a proposed roundabout at St. Gabriel Boulevard. The mayor said the city is taking a “measured” approach to changes so work does not undermine the historic character that draws residents and visitors.
Nut graf: City officials told residents the synchronized planning work — which involved extensive public input, study tours and staff effort — is intended to preserve the downtown environment while permitting targeted investments such as a first public parking garage, wayfinding signs and new public spaces that support tourism and local businesses.
The mayor said the city’s first parking garage is under construction and will provide free parking for the public when complete. Schroeder framed parking as a public amenity that enables downtown businesses to maximize property use. He also highlighted a planned Water and Works event space adjacent to the downtown square and other concepts in the downtown master plan, including a Ninth Street Art Walk and Rock Street Promenade.
City Manager David Morgan and Schroeder both described a public process for Blue Hole Park, with two design alternatives out for review. Morgan said the city plans to finalize a concept in September and develop a funding strategy for a major renovation as part of downtown master-plan implementation.
Officials emphasized the role of public input and the community in shaping each plan. Schroeder repeatedly credited residents: “This is what we as a community did,” he said. Staff noted the plans will be implemented across a multi-year horizon and that not all elements will be completed immediately.
Ending: Officials invited continued public feedback on the Blue Hole and other downtown designs and encouraged residents to use the city's online project portal and QR resources to follow timelines and provide input.
