In Commerce, the city council approved a new downtown master plan at last night’s regular meeting. The plan is the result of about six months of work. During that time, the city has been seeking public input on the topic and working with the Fort Worth-based design firm Freese and Nichols. The council approved the plan by a unanimous vote, although Mayor Teddy Reel and Place 2 Council Beckey Thompson recused themselves from the vote, citing their own personal investments downtown.
The final price tag and some details of the plan remain to be determined. The plan identified Main Street, the grassy plaza on the square, Washington Street, and the current Farmers Market area as points of focus. Commerce City Manager Howdy Lisenbee said much of the budget will hinge on the results of the city’s application for a major state grant. Lisenbee said the public surveys on the downtown plan showed that sidewalks and streets were the major concerns voiced by residents regarding the plan. The city is applying for a $4 million grant from a State of Texas program for cities improving the quality of their sidewalks and streets. The application deadline is Jan. 25.