Vision SMTX Appendix Adopted 2024

APPENDIX E: PREFERRED GROWTH SCENARIO DEVELOPMENT

`Summary of Stakeholder Input To Date Focus group meeting were held with stakeholders, experts, and community leaders that centered around the seven topics below: Transportation There is a need for additional outdoor spaces that are well connected via bike lanes and sidewalk networks, including along IH-35. Focus group attendees were concerned with the infrastructure needed for a well-connected second city center (“East Village”). Another point brought up was to make sure that the transit network is supported by the development at destination points and to ensure an efficient transit system by increasing the bus frequency to 15 minutes. Additionally, it was mentioned that public transportation should be well integrated with a sidewalk and bike network. The stakeholders expressed the need to establish and enforce codified regulations that wouldn’t allow variances. Parks, Public Spaces & Amenities + Health, Safety & Wellness New growth should allow additional opportunities for more open space, youth programs, and community centers, especially east of IH-35. Consider incorporating educational signage along trails to encourage early childhood development and activities. There was a strong push to collaborate and form partnerships with the private sector to create more parks, public spaces, and amenities. Connecting to the river was another topic of discussion, where the river could serve as community hub. Economic Development Should establish a plan that drives growth in primary sector jobs and include the airport in the growth models. If a second city center (“East Village”) is established, it’s important to provide employment opportunities that support the growth and that center. From a small business perspective there’s a need to provide spaces that are affordable and that small business owners can own. Arts & Culture There is a concern with preserving pre-existing homeownership and make sure that growth doesn’t lead to the removal of marginalized populations, including along the IH-35 corridor. Many of the comments centered around incorporating the eastside community to determine what they’re needs and wants are and to reassure those new developments don’t encroach into existing neighborhoods. The need to help retain existing residents was also strongly expressed.

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SAN MARCOS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2024