NEWS BRIEFS
Two new mixed-use zones added to Sugar Land development code draft Sugar Land has released a draft of its updated development code with two new mixed-use zoning districts allowing for varying housing densities BY RENEE FARMER assistant director of planning and development services for Sugar Land, at the May 9 meeting. “It’s important that we’re getting MIXED-USE NEEDS
zoning would accommodate mostly diverse, varied-density residential uses with limited community, educa- tional and commercial uses. Mixed- use regional, on the other hand, would provide pedestrian-friendly areas of medium- to higher-density residen- tial development and compatible nonresidential uses, such as lodging, offices, and other commercial, civic and community uses, according to the workshop presentation. Some changes in the draft aim to provide housing for young profes- sionals, families or current residents looking to downsize. Around 90% of housing in the city is detached single-family homes, meaning there is a “missing middle,” said Ruth Lohmer,
Sugar Land’s development code draft lists a number of changes that align with the city’s six essential elements for mixed-use districts. The elements include:
the youth here, and these mixed-use developments have done well across the country,” said Matt Ragan, director of retail programming and operations for developer Rebees, at the May 9 meeting. The approval process will take place throughout the summer. Draft revisions will finish by June 15, and the Planning & Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing and adopt the code June 22. City council will then hold a public hearing and first reading of the code July 18, followed by a second reading Aug. 1.
and pedestrian-friendly spaces. Sugar Land is looking to update its development code with the adoption of two mixed-use zoning districts—mixed-use neighborhood and mixed-use regional—in alignment with its Land Use Plan. The city held a town hall meeting May 8 and a joint City Council and Planning & Zoning Commission workshop May 9. The draft will go through two pub- lic hearings and two readings before City Council votes on it Aug. 1. The mixed-use neighborhood
Providing a home nearby for family Enabling walkable places for people Facilitating less driving through reduced parking Respecting adjacent neighborhoods Streamlining and rewarding innovative development Accelerating redevelopment
SOURCE: SUGAR LAND/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Fort Bend ISD talks 2023-24 budget amid legislative uncertainty
Barrington Place Elementary to receive $13.4M in renovations
BY RENEE FARMER
Budget planning
safety and security allotment, with $4 million to fund adding a police officer to every campus. If the bill passed as it was writ- ten, the district would have seen $789.2 million in revenue and $787.4 million in expenditures after $23.5 million in budget cuts. It would also have a $2.2 million surplus, per agenda documents. However, the district is required to adopt its budget before the 2022-23 fiscal year ends June 30. The district published a budget by May 24 for the public to view that assumed HB 100 did not pass. While HB 100 didn’t pass in the session, Gov. Greg Abbott said several special sessions will be required. Abbott identified school choice as one of his priorities in the 88th session.
Due to uncertainty about the Texas legislative session, Fort Bend ISD has identified two budget scenarios for fiscal year 2023-24. District Chief Financial Officer Bryan Guinn gave the FBISD board of trustees an update on the budgeting process for FY 2023-24 during its May 15 meeting. FBISD said it could receive $39.8 million in new state funding, most from Texas House Bill 100. However, HB 100 didn’t pass in the legislative session by press time. The bill would’ve required $19.8 million of those funds be spent on staff raises. The district planned to include all of its staff and increase that amount to $20.8 million. It also would have received an $8 million
Fort Bend ISD's preliminary budget doesn't account for any additional state funding that could come from future special sessions in the Texas Legislature.
BY RENEE FARMER
Funds from Fort Bend ISD’s 2023 bond will allow Barrington Place Elementary School to receive a second phase of improvements. At the May 15 board meeting, FBISD trustees approved a construction services agreement with Prime Con- tractors Inc. to perform $13.4 million in repairs and upgrades at the school. A 2021 facility assessment identified the need for interior renovations and upgrades, including chill water piping insulation, the ceiling grid, interior wall systems, flooring and restrooms. Phase 1 began in July 2022 and included mold remediation on chilled water piping insulation, abatement and demolition. Phase 2, which will be covered by the 2023 bond, includes new finishes, gym expansion, collab- oration spaces, restroom renovations, kitchen expansion, Americans with Disabilities Act compliance upgrades and playground improvements.
Projected surplus: $1.42M
SOURCE: FORT BEND ISD/ COMMUNITY IMPACT
Voters approve $1.26B bond, elect 2 incumbents, 1 new trustee
$22.9 million for a new natatorium, was endorsed with 56.67% of the vote. Meanwhile, two incumbents retained their seats and a new board member will be seated at FBISD following the election results. Incumbents Angie Hanan and Shirley Rose-Gilliam retained their seats for Position 1 and Position 4, respectively. Comparatively, Sonya Jones received the most votes out of five candidates seeking the Position 5 seat. She received 39.39% of the votes, unseating incumbent Denetta R. Williams, who received 9.24% of votes.
BY VANESSA HOLT & JESSICA SHORTEN
Voters supported all three propositions in the $1.26 billion Fort Bend ISD bond May 6. Proposition A, which included $1.18 billion for con- struction, security and other projects, received 65.66% of the vote. Proposition B, for $52.5 million in computer upgrades, received 66.62% of the vote. Proposition C, for
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SUGAR LAND - MISSOURI CITY EDITION • JUNE 2023
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