The public will get a glimpse of the Downtown Master Plan on Thursday when the City Council receives a scheduled update on progress made by Lionheart Places, the city’s planning consultant.
Rebecca Leonard, principal of Lionheart Places, was involved in the city’s 2015 Downtown Master Plan, and her firm was awarded a new contract to revise the plan in March.
“In the nine years since the last Downtown Master Plan, Taylor and its downtown district have undergone dramatic changes. It is important that the downtown stakeholders are prepared to successfully meet those challenges and opportunities armed with a professionally developed plan,” states an agenda item. “An updated Downtown Master Plan will provide the tools downtown Taylor will need for both the public and private sectors to successfully handle the rapid growth patterns in Taylor’s future.”
Lionheart Places has held community forums to solicit community input on what makes a thriving downtown. Over 100 stakeholders took part in the first session.
Thursday’s presentations will include an overview of the public’s wishes as well as recommendations for Old Taylor High, Doak Street Park, Mustang Creek Park, the Main Street bridge and more.
Astound Business Solutions will also make a presentation to become the new fiber internet service provider for the city. The potential contract would include services for 11 municipal facilities.
“Astound’s fiber network will support voice, internet and cable TV services for the city and for the residents. This is an investment of close to a million dollars that Astound is spending and not passing on any of that cost to the city,” according to a city document.
Astound is proposing a 10-year partnership, with a contract that can be adjusted to the city’s needs.
Thursday’s council meeting will also feature possible action affecting bicycle lanes and traffic regarding striping alternatives on Lake Drive, TH Johnson Drive, Bill Pickett Trail and Mallard Lane.
The Mustang Creek drainage improvements construction contract and the design of the Tammi Lane sewer replacement are also on the agenda.
The meeting is 6 p.m. at City Hall, 400 Porter St.
