Vision SMTX Comprehensive Plan Adopted 2024

PREFERRED GROWTH SCENARIO

COMPLETE PLACES & COMPONENTS OF DEVELOPMENT Complete Communities consist of a variety of places that provide opportunities for people to live, work, play, and meet their basic needs. By this definition, some residential neighborhoods would not be considered part of a Complete Community since they have no nearby goods and services, or employment areas. Residents in those neighborhoods may have to travel farther and longer to access all their needs causing an increase to auto use and therefore traffic. This contributes to demand on the roadway network, potential traffic congestion and environmental impacts, and could contribute to a higher cost of living for households. It also means that those who are not able to drive, bike, or use transit may not have their needs met. With these potential impacts in mind, an incomplete community includes few or poorly distributed amenities and services that may have an inequitable impact on residents and areas of San Marcos with regards to transportation, health, quality of life, and the environment. By locating a variety of places near each other and promoting a more equitable distribution of mixed-use places, communities can benefit from the proximity of complementary uses. Examples include homes adjacent to opportunities to shop and dine, or employment centers close to commercial areas where people can access services after work. A Complete Community should include a variety of amenities and

benefits within each place. This means embedding high-quality parks, open space, pedestrian and bicycle facilities, parking, and other community benefits within each place that make up a neighborhood or area of the city. Many of San Marcos’ original neighborhoods benefit from access to shops, restaurants, cultural amenities, employment opportunities, civic offerings, and recreation. The streets are well connected and for the most part, daily needs can be obtained on foot, by bike, or by car. New development can benefit from modeling and drawing inspiration from the treasured Historic character of these neighborhoods.

City staff walking along W Hopkins Street.

SAN MARCOS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN 2024

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