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City manager praises employee, reports downtown revitalization near completion and project timelines
Summary
City Manager Mr. Jones recognized an employee and told the council the downtown revitalization is nearing completion after the final concrete pour; he also updated the council on an overpass design, a public safety facility schedule, park funding and short‑term parking plans.
City Manager Mr. Jones told the Van Alstyne council during the city manager's report that downtown revitalization work is nearing completion after crews "poured the final segment of concrete on our downtown revitalization program about 2 weeks ago," and that the city has reopened Main Street at Jefferson.
Mr. Jones opened his remarks by recognizing a staff member for July 4 work, saying: "This month, I'd like to call out Candy Hessel for all the work she did on the July 4." He described her coordination of the parade, the Liberty Market and an evening concert and fireworks display.
Why it matters: The city manager framed the downtown work as both a public infrastructure improvement and a catalyst for private investment. He noted past milestones — including a park opening in May 2021 — and said building owners are beginning "sizable investments" on Main and Marshall streets. The city is installing decorative lighting and streetscape elements to support evening activity and outdoor dining.
Projects and timelines: Mr. Jones said the next technical steps include raising power to Waco and Fulton, then removing poles and overhead lines on Marshall Street to allow festoon lighting and new decorative fixtures. He warned the pole removals require TxDOT permits and coordination. On the Highway 75 / FM 121 overpass, he said WSB Engineering has the plans at about 60% design and the city hopes to have a complete set of plans ready to let by May 2027; a coordination meeting with WSB and TxDOT is being scheduled for the 20th to set critical timelines and funding steps.
On other capital work, Mr. Jones said Blast and Game Road improvements now have wastewater lines installed, water is being installed, and the project is expected to be complete by February 2027. He described concrete work, rebar and forms at the senior center for sidewalks and the new parking lot and said the site will be cleaned, striped and landscaped after concrete pours.
Public safety facility and parks: In response to a council question, Mr. Jones said the public safety facility is on budget and on schedule for the city to take possession in October but that the city will not formally accept or occupy the building until after the first of the year. Asked about Heroes Park funding, he acknowledged the current funding is "inadequate" for the proposed build and said the city will continue fundraising so the project can proceed when resources allow.
Parking and operations: A council member raised weekend crowding in the rail‑yard parking area where city vehicles are stored. Mr. Jones said the police and fire department lots are relatively full, but staff could instruct city vehicles to use the main rear parking lot on Friday nights through Monday mornings as a short‑term measure. The chair suggested another lot is generally less busy on weekends and could be used as an alternative.
What happens next: Mr. Jones said he would meet with WSB and TxDOT to finalize overpass timelines; he also noted pending CDC consideration for a private transformational downtown project that must secure funding. He closed by inviting council questions and confirming ongoing coordination on the projects.
