Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Downtown Redevelopment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
City staff briefs commission on McGawan Street downtown project; staging, utilities and monument plans discussed
Summary
City staff updated the Montgomery Planning & Zoning Commission on conceptual designs and next steps for the McGawan Street downtown improvement project, including tree work, a planned monument and Liberty Tree, water/storm upgrades and a targeted bid schedule if funding aligns.
City planning staff briefed the Montgomery Planning & Zoning Commission on March 16 about the McGawan Street downtown improvement project, presenting conceptual drawings, a tree inventory and an outline of infrastructure upgrades and timing.
Staff said the downtown project would convert a block to one-way traffic as previously approved by council, relocate a historic house to clear space for a monument and Liberty Tree on the south lot, and add landscaping and pedestrian amenities. The staff presentation noted that tree removals are being evaluated and that some established trees (for example, several bald cypresses) could be transplanted within the project area.
Planned utility improvements include upsizing a 4-inch water line to 6 inches and replacing dual 24-inch storm pipes with 36-inch storm sewer in the western alignment. Staff said sanitary upgrades were completed in 2022 and that the project will consider repaving and sidewalk work; where feasible, staff favors concrete for durability but said cost considerations will guide final material decisions.
Staff noted the project is advancing toward 90% design and targeted to go out to bid in May if schedules and funding align, with construction timing contingent on TxDOT approvals for any work affecting State Highway 149. Because TxDOT sets priorities for lighting and marked crosswalks on state routes, staff said TxDOT’s approval and potential funding through regional grant programs will influence crosswalk and pedestrian-lighting elements. The project team plans to limit traffic signal changes in the near term and focus on pedestrian- and streetscape-level lighting and improvements.
Staff said the Raven house must be moved by late August to allow site work; public-works staff will manage long-term maintenance of the monument and landscaped elements. Project timing estimates presented at the meeting placed construction at roughly a 180-day window once a contract is in place, with submittal milestones dependent on technical approvals.
Staff asked commissioners to review conceptual materials and noted they will provide updates through council and project subcommittees as design and funding progress.
