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How the District looks and works affects the perceived value to the business and residential communities and to potential investors. The District’s Planning and Urban Design focus is concerned with visual image and improvements, infrastructure and transportation, and green spaces such as parks, trails and open space. The aim is to upgrade streetscapes, park facilities and mobility in the District.
Attention to the District’s appearance is impacted by a variety of landscape and maintenance initiatives. The District has implemented a graffiti abatement program that has improved the appearance of businesses and public spaces within the District. The District also has begun monitoring the efforts of businesses on Antoine Boulevard to maintain esplanades. The District plans to expand such efforts to include the enhancement of landscaping on freeway frontages within its boundaries. The District will continue to develop a District |
identity program, which includes perimeter markers, banners and flags. The District also will continue work with property owners, civic groups, and both private and public entities to coordinate maintenance of setbacks, rights-of-way and planting.
To keep the District moving efficiently, the basic infrastructure systems such as roadways, traffic control, public transportation and utilities must be coordinated. The District will work with city, county, regional and state entities to ensure that the Near Northwest Area receives the required investment in the construction and maintenance of that infrastructure. The District will weave natural resources into the fabric of the community through its innovative work in the establishment of parks, which will link trails and greenways, making it attractive to both employees, residents of the District and potential investors.
Goal
Enhance the District's image, infrastructure and amenities.
Objectives
- Develop an overall master plan for infrastructure improvements
- Work closely with all governmental entities to maximize the renewal of area infrastructure and the addition of amenities, such as streets, lighting, parks, hike and bike trails, green space, tree planting, landscaping, signage and streetscaping
- Continue to develop relationships with property owners, non-profit organizations and public entities and coordinate their efforts to maintain and improve public and private property
- Work with existing public, private and non-profit entities to insure that the District is included in long and short term planning efforts, including capital improvement plans, street and sidewalk standards, bikeways and amenities for pedestrians and cyclists
- Continue to create a District identity, visual continuity and inviting streetscapes through improvements in landscaping, hardscape, street furnishings and visual elements for the commercial and business community
- Implement programs to improve the quality of life in the District
- Install, or coordinate with other entities to install, new or improved infrastruct
- Maximize the level of services provided to the District by governmental entities
- Improve public transportation and traffic control within the District
Programs
- Continue the existing graffiti abatement program and the removal of unsightly objects and clean-up of designated areas
- Develop and implement an overall master plan for parks, green space, planting, landscaping, signage, streetscaping and maintenance of the District and integrate such plans into existing regional, county and city planning
- Continue to plan and implement a District identity program that includes boundary markers, street level signage, banners and flags for commercial and industrial areas and entryways to the District
- Coordinate and assist efforts to maintain and improve public and private property through cooperative agreements, cleanup programs, property owner associations and other community programs and projects
- Establish a task force to study and evaluate traffic flow throughout the District, including serving as liaison between TxDOT and members of the business community in connection with the expansion of Highway 290
- Develop a public arts program to enhance the District
- Make periodic visits and reports to elected and appointed officials of the City, Harris County and other agencies
Marketing and Perception Enhancement |
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