North Waco “Near Northside” Area Master Plan Moves On
“Near Northside Redevelopment Master Plan” adopted
Earlier today, Mr. Michael Bennett, CEO of Gideon-Toal in Ft. Worth, presented to the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce the recently completed “Near Northside Master Plan.” The plan is the result of over a year of work by these consultants, local community leaders, and public meetings in North Waco to revitalize the area, generally bounded by N. 18th and the Brazos River and W. Waco Drive and Herring Ave. It was primarily funded by local stakeholders in the North Waco area, as well as the City, Chamber and local businesses. The plan shows both assets and challenges, including the growing positive synergy of numerous activities occurring in the N. 15th/Colcord Ave area, access to the Brazos River, as well as excessive vacant property and zoning inconsistencies.
Greater Chamber of Commerce approves resolution affirming plan
The Waco Chamber unanimously passed the attached resolution, including both the process and content, of the Near Northside plan as a part of the Downtown Development project, as well as affirming the City’s role is getting control of Parkside Villages for redevelopment. The recent negotiations with H.U.D. gives the City of Waco the right to demolish existing abandoned apartments, and create multi-use property and mixed income housing. With the adopted Master Plan in place, this component of the strategy is a huge success.
City of Waco also engages in ways to embrace North Waco revitalization
Bennett also recently presented the same content in June to the Waco City Council, with dialogue from Council regarding design overlays, zoning, challenges, and impact. District IV Council member, Toni Herbert, has been advocating for improvements in the historic neighborhood for years, as well as Rick Allen.
Phase II...Implementation of Strategies
With an approved plan in place, stakeholders will now begin the implementation phase of the various strategies within the document. Efforts to find local “champions” to promote economic and community development in the area is critical, as well as encouraging local investment and incentives.
Change is already happening!
Currently the entire corner of N. 15th and Colcord is under construction with a newly designed street which helps control speeds and makes the pedestrian traffic safer for children in the nearby school. New lighting, planter boxes, and even outside eating will be in place by mid-August. Construction of Family Health Center’s new two-story building is nearing completion. New and renovated housing has been occurring in the area for several years by Habitat for Humanity, Waco CDC, and NeighborWorks. The area has become popular because of its diversity with several residents desiring a blended environment. The two neighborhood schools, West Ave and Brook Ave, continue to make significant academic progres. Both D’s Mediterranean Grill, Beatniks, North Waco Tropical Fish and Mission Waco’s “World Cup Café” have been drawing significant customers. The remodeled Jubilee Theatre had a very successful first season last year and currently has numerous requests for rentals including events such as talent shows, cultural dance, social justice films, meetings, and musical presentations. Last year’s “Better Block Project” and Jubilee Music Festival was attended by hundreds of families from all around the city filling the streets. (Sat, Oct 9 this year!).
Join us!
If you are interested in knowing more about the area and how you can get involved, send us an email.
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