Capital Projects, Parks and Recreation, Public Communications

Major changes underway at popular Lick Creek Park

The 515-acre Lick Creek Park on East Rock Prairie Road is undergoing extensive improvements, including the construction of a long-awaited nature center. Expected to be finished by May, the improvements will enhance one of College Station’s favorite recreational areas and make it more accessible – and enjoyable — for young and old alike. Continue reading Major changes underway at popular Lick Creek Park

Capital Projects, Community Development, Community Services, Public Communications

Community grants have made College Station better

By David Brower, Community Development Analyst

Since 2011, College Station has received about $7.2 million in federal community development grants. As part of National Community Development Week, it’s informative and enlightening to look at the positive impact these funds have had on our city.

Our Community Services Department coordinates with other city departments, social service agencies, businesses and other governmental entities to ensure the grants are used in the most effective way to address our most pressing needs.

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Capital Projects, City Manager, Public Communications

Podcast: City manager on College Station’s next “big dig”

By Jay Socol, Public Communications Director

College Station residents endured massive road expansion projects at State Highway 6 and Rock Prairie Road, and at FM2818 and Wellborn Road. But City Manager Kelly Templin says those will pale in comparison to the next “big dig.” Continue reading “Podcast: City manager on College Station’s next “big dig””

Capital Projects, City Council, Economic Development, Planning & Development, Police, Public Works

Five things to watch at Thursday’s city council meetings

By Colin Killian, Communications Manager

The College Station City Council gathers Thursday at city hall for its workshop (5 p.m.) and regular (7 p.m.) meetings. Here are five items to watch:

Possible Projects for Bond Election: The council will have a workshop discussion on the Citizen Advisory Committee’s recommendations for facilities projects to include in a possible November bond election. The council will also talk about other funding options for the transportation projects.
Gateway Marker Design: The council will receive a workshop presentation on the design of markers for the city’s gateways.
CSPD Recognition: In the regular meeting, the council will recognize the College Station Police Department for achieving compliance with the Texas Police Chiefs Association’s best practices program.
Francis Drive Changes: As part of the consent agenda, the council will consider three items related to Francis Drive: an all-way stop at the Walton Drive intersection; a yield sign for the free right-turn bay from southeast bound Walton; and a prohibition on left turns into the driveway at College Hills Elementary School during drop-off and pick-up times.
Rock Prairie Road Development: The council will consider a performance-based agreement to facilitate the development of 232 acres on the south side of Rock Prairie Road at the future Bird Pond Road intersection. The action is another step in the implementation of the Medical District Master Plan. The council will also look at the creation of the related Rock Prairie Management District No. 2 and its board of directors.

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Capital Projects, Public Communications, Public Works, Traffic

Improved Northgate safety was worth the wait

Few things are more frustrating than getting caught in congested traffic, especially when it’s caused by inconvenient construction projects. However, when the dust eventually settles, the benefits of these necessary projects quickly become evident.

That’s certainly the case with the University Drive Pedestrian Safety Project, which will greatly enhance the safety of students and other pedestrians in the Northgate area. For more than three years, the City of College Station has worked closely with Texas A&M and the Texas Department of Transportation on the project. Thankfully, the first phase — which stretches from Wellborn Road to Tauber Street – is expected to be finished in the next two weeks.

Pavers are being installed on the new College Main Plaza, and traffic control devices will be removed in the next few days. Next week, retractable bollards will be installed at the College Main-University and College Main-Patricia Street intersections, along with new pedestrian signals at Boyett and University.

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Capital Projects, City Council, Economic and Community Development, Parks and Recreation, Planning & Development, Public Works, Wellborn

City Council Meeting Summary (April 14, 2011)

This blog is a short summary of the College Station City Council’s workshop and regular meetings on Thursday, April 14, and is not the official minutes. Changes made to specific items will be recorded in the minutes, which will be available in approximately two weeks.

Workshop Meeting Highlights

Update on the FY11 Capital Plan
Council voted 6-1 to include the Lick Creek Nature Center and East District Maintenance Shop in the FY2011 Capital Plan. Both projects were part of the 2008 bond authorization. Planning for the Lick Creek Nature Center and detailed design for the East District Maintenance Shop are scheduled to begin this year. However, the council recently voted to remove those projects from a debt reimbursement resolution. A debt reimbursement resolution is simply resolution declaring the council’s intent to reimburse the general fund for expenses associated with the design and/or construction of a capital project with long term debt. Staff also updated the council on the status of other projects in the FY2011 Capital Plan.
VOTE: Jana McMillan voted against the motion.

Continue reading “City Council Meeting Summary (April 14, 2011)”