CITY & COUNTY
News from Sugar Land & Fort Bend County
Sugar Land City Council will meet at 5:30 p.m. July 18 at 2700 Town Center Blvd. N., Sugar Land. Meetings are livestreamed and in person. 281-275-2900. www.sugarlandtx.gov Fort Bend County Commissioners Court will meet at 1 p.m. July 25 and Aug. 8 at 401 Jackson St., Richmond. Meetings are livestreamed. 281-342-3411. www.fortbendcountytx.gov MEETINGS WE COVER SUGAR LAND At a June 20 City Council meeting, council unanimously approved a conditional use permit for an animal services boarding and day care facility called Dogtopia. The conditional approval for this facility comes at a time when Sugar Land Animal Services is combating a severe capacity and infrastructure crisis. FORT BEND COUNTY Commissioners approved two grants from the Texas Department of Transportation at a June 27 meeting that will fund public transportation initiatives and programs in Fort Bend County that will be developed in the near future. These grants may potentially be applied to an emergency network monitoring system program. The county approved the first grant for $353,320 with no local match required, and the second amounted to $454,135. For the latter, a proposed state match of $294,144 was included for fiscal year 2023-24. NUMBER TO KNOW has been raised for Cullinan Park improvements since its annexation in 2016. $2.8M HIGHLIGHTS FORT BEND COUNTY To partially fund its $495 million liability for retiree health care, on June 13 Fort Bend County commissioners approved a $19.94 million deposit into the other post-employment benefit, or OPEB, trust fund. The OPEB fund provides payment for doctor visits, emergency care and prescription costs for all county employees working toward retirement health care benefits as well as all retirees and their spouses. The OPEB trust, which was established in January, now holds $25.54 million toward the county’s post-employment benefits. Attention turned to the outstanding OPEB debt in the first quarter of this year, while commissioners discussed the possibility of a November mobility and parks bond as well as a short- term housing solution for residents who are at risk of homelessness.
Cullinan Park project advances into second phase
BY JOE EDWARDS
the city of Sugar Land. These improvements also aim to ensure the preservation of the park’s existing native hardwood trees, according to the release. This phase will improve access for the future third phase of improvements, including the development of a nature play and exploration area, according to the release. Under this agreement, the city assumes responsibility for park secu- rity, maintenance and operations, and management of design and construc- tion projects, while the conservancy focuses on fundraising. Quote of note “Over the past five years, we have witnessed a yearly increase of more than 26% in park visits,” said Joe Chesser, director of parks and recreation. “It has quickly become a sought-after regional destination for experiencing nature. To provide a comparison, Cullinan Park is similar in size, albeit slightly smaller than, Central Park in New York City.”
PARK IMPROVEMENTS The second phase of improvements to Cullinan Park will partially be funded by a recent donation.
SUGAR LAND New developments and infrastructure changes, including public trails and a nature exploration area, are soon coming to Cullinan Park. What’s happening Sugar Land City Council announced on June 21 an approved donation of $90,000 from the Cullinan Park Conservancy. The dona- tion aims to fund the second phase of improvements at Cullinan Park, focusing on enhancing the overall experience for visitors. The funds will be utilized for various aspects of the project, including the addition of site furnishings and a trailhead monument. The details One of the key features of this phase is the construction of 1.2 miles of trails made from concrete and decomposed granite. Additionally, two parking lots with a total of 75 spaces will be available for use, according to a news release from
1.2 miles of new trails
75 new parking spaces
Hardwood tree conservation
SOURCE: CITY OF SUGAR LAND/COMMUNITY IMPACT
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING “The Cullinan Park improvements have truly showcased an exceptional partnership. Our alliance with the conservancy has greatly contributed to the preservation and accessibility of this remarkable natural attraction.” JOE CHESSER, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION IN SUGAR LAND
City Council rezones Commerce Green Plaza
90A
BY JOE EDWARDS
economic environment and surround- ing land uses. The details The proposed B1 zoning aligns with the future land use map, which designates the area as part of the regional activity center. All requirements for the public hearing were fulfilled, including posting a sign on-site and sending mailers to residents living within a 200-foot radius. No objections have been raised by the public thus far, Waller said. Property owners near the plaza were previously notified about the rezoning, with their locations highlighted on a map provided to the council. Council Member Stewart Jacobson took the opportunity to inquire about the nature of a neighborhood business zoning classification. Laura Waller explained that B1 zon- ing allows for “lower intensity retail activities,” such as grocery stores,
SUGAR LAND City Council unan- imously approved rezoning for Commerce Green Plaza, boosting hopes for future development in the area officials say is in urgent need
REZONED PLAT
of revitalization. Current situation
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The plaza, situated at the corner of the intersection of Hwy. 90A and Commerce Green Boulevard, has been zoned as business offices pre- dominantly since its establishment in 2010. During the meeting, Laura Waller, a representative from the Sugar Land Planning Department, provided details about the property and its sur- roundings. The neighboring areas con- sist of general businesses to the east, primarily single-family residences to the west and mainly business offices to the south, Waller said. Considering these factors, the planning department recommended B1 zoning to align with the existing
salons, animal boarding facilities and small-scale restaurants, up to 5,000 square feet. The Sugar Land City Council was quick to unanimously approve the rezoning of Commerce Green Plaza, hoping the decision will promote future growth and more business opportunities within the area. Get involved Residents can visit the Sugar Land City Council website for comprehen- sive City Council agendas, applica- tions for public comment periods and livestreamed City Council meetings.
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SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION • JULY 2023
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