Plans for N Waco

I was invited last Thursday to attend a presentation on some plans for the Colcord corridor. Mission Waco, the City of Waco and a few others hired Gideon Tool to develop some plans and implementations strategies. The May 12 meeting was the final presentation of that work.

Here's a quick rundown of the Near Northside Master Plan [with the caveat that it has not received official approval from any single entity--it's a great place to begin conversation though].

Goals/vision for this area encompassing Bosque to Herring and 15th to the River: diversity, stability, safety/perception of safety, business viability, beautification and infrastructure improvement, identifying economic development and funding, practical plan w/clear goals and steps.

Sidenotes: zoning for this region does not match what is presently there. The area is a good location with transportation access, adjacent to the River and Cameron Park. There are lots of vacant lots--this is both a challenge and an opportunity. City of Waco [CoW] does not get the ratables from this area that it could. Adding homes and more middle class will help the City too.

They divided the region into 3 areas. The first is the Colcord catalyst area (15th - 10th). They hope for streetscape improvement, increasing pedestrian walking, and more mixed use (retail and residential using same building). Cf. Magnolia Ave in Fort Worth.
The second area is the Parkside catalyst (1oth to 6th). The plans are to redevelop the Parkside Village apartments into mixed use and single family. Promote infill development. Initiate park improvements--it's good land but needs more things to do at Dewey Park.
The third area is the Brazos River catalyst (6th to the River). Make a pedestrian walkway/path to the water. Do streetscape improvements as much as possible and infill development.

Implementation strategies: 1)hire someone to advocate/coordinate--a development director. Businesses could help fund this along with the Downtown Development Corp. This person could establish a Near Northside non-profit within 3 years. 2)revise zoning to grow according to the vision. Incorporate urban design standards. 3)Improve pedestrian connections to leverage Cameron Park trails and the water. 4)Community garden. 5)Promote city incentives (tax abatements and $100 vacant lots) on spots you want to redevelop first. 6)Work with the Downtown Development Corp as it gets formed. 7)Control redevelopment of Parkside Village apts. HUD's bid package will be favorable: 150 units, multi-use allowed, developer will have to demolish and rebuild on site. 8)Detail economic development strategy; the County will not help or provide incentives by the way. 9)Marketing campaign to businesses and new residents. 10)Set aside vacant land on flood plain to create linear park. This is a long-term goal. 11)Hold 2-3 community events a year, around 15th and Colcord, to draw new folks to the area.

Question & Answer:
Most streetscape improvements will be shaped concrete and sidewalks. This is already underway at 15th & Colcord and should be finished by the summer. It includes brick pavers, landscaping and street lights.

Can start once you get that key person. That won't happen until the Downtown Development Corp begins. It's a group effort until then.

This neighborhood is largest area within Greater Downtown area. This is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Waco.