Environmental and urban design provides the foundation for improving how the District looks and works. This aspect of the plan will affect the quality of the business community and influence decisions of potential investors. The District will be concerned with improving the appearance and the image of the area, private and public infrastructure needs, and open spaces such as parks and trails. The District will work to promote conservation programs, improved streetscapes, and park facilities. Each of these elements will add to a “sense of place” and identity. Specifically, the District will develop programs to beautify and landscape streets and freeway frontages, reduce visual blight, and create a sense of identity for the area. The District will also work with property owners and public entities to coordinate maintenance of setbacks, rights-of-way, and planting.
MISSION
Mobilize resources to enhance the visual appeal of the District and address current and future infrastructure, land development, and open space needs to attract and retain employees and residents, increase values, and facilitate business development.
PROGRAMS and PROJECTS
- Develop a multi-year tree-planting program and promote the maintenance and protection of existing old growth to create a network of “green corridors” along roadways.
- Address water, wastewater, and drainage requirements of the District and advocate for necessary infrastructure improvements through city, county, and state resources.
- Maximize utilization of existing natural resources through partnerships with HCFCD, the city, and the county, planning, and advocacy to create an interconnected system of parks, trails, and open spaces serving both commercial and residential populations.
- Develop a utility relocation and subsurface plan to reduce visual blight and enhance the appearance of commercial corridors.
- Create District identity, visual continuity, and inviting streetscapes through improvements in landscaping, street furnishings, signage, sign control, and other visual elements to improve the image and appeal of the commercial community.
- Establish gateways to provide the District with a “sense of arrival” and reminder monuments that reoccur throughout the community to further unify the area.
- Prepare basic District development, renovation, and maintenance guidelines for property owners, managers, and investors to use in evaluating and executing projects.
- Establish a “Town Center” core between West Bellfort and West Airport to take advantage of current and future traffic flow along Fondren and bring commercial vitality back to the community.
- Develop a plan to address removal of litter, bandit signs, graffiti, and other forms of visual blight along commercial corridors.
- Decrease the amount of space needed to accommodate parking to maximize buildable area and enable other site amenities.
- Shed the area’s suburban character by pulling structures closer to the street, placing most of the parking to the rear of the site, building multiple-story structures, and encouraging pedestrian friendly design allowing the area to transition to a more urban feel.
