Council adopts Rock Creek Corridor Phase 2 as appendix to comprehensive plan

The Mission City Council voted to adopt the Rock Creek Corridor Phase 2 plan as an appendix to the Tomorrow Together 2040 comprehensive plan, accepting the study and adding it to the city's policy documents.

Planning staff presented the Phase 2 study, which covers the corridor from Woodson to Hartway and builds on Phase 1. Consultant John Moore (Wilson and Company) described public engagement, two alternative concepts and final recommended elements including improved wayfinding, trail realignment options toward the creek, potential boardwalk segments, public art, and a cycle track along Martway where curb widths permit. Staff emphasized the plan is phased to match funding opportunities and to make the corridor 'grant ready.' As Planning staff explained: "So instead of picking 1 or the other, we introduced these phases of, okay. If you can't realign the creek, here's what you can do. And if you get that big grant or you get that whatever, here's how that can be implemented." (Speaker 10).

Council members asked whether the council was approving a single concept; staff clarified the adoption integrates preferred elements and does not commit funding. Several members praised the public engagement and general direction: "I think this process... captured the needs and wants of trail users here pretty effectively," one member said. The council then moved to adopt an ordinance to amend the comprehensive plan to include the Rock Creek Corridor Phase 2 plan as Appendix E; the motion was seconded and passed by roll call.

The plan lists a three-step implementation approach (initial connectivity and safety improvements, intermediate activations and realignments, and full implementation as funding allows). Staff noted the plan's inclusion in the comprehensive plan improves competitiveness for federal, state and regional grants and provides guidance for integrating corridor elements in future development reviews.