Prairie View Livable Centers Study Project Website

 

We have compiled all project materials here: Prairie View Livable Centers Study Engagement Materials

In this link you will find:  

• City of Prairie View’s application to sponsor the Livable Centers Study
• Project Schedule
• Draft Existing Conditions report
• Community Meeting #1 materials – August 23^rd, 2023
• Community Meeting #2 materials – October 25^th, 2023
• Community Townhall handout – November 29^th, 2023

Thank you for participating in the October 25^th community meeting for the Prairie View Livable Centers Study! You can find the meeting materials in the link above. At this meeting, the project team presented their findings from the community survey and the first public meeting that was held in August, where community members were able to learn about the planning process and provide feedback on what they want to see in the Study Area.

The project team also presented preliminary ideas for the development of the Study Area with three scenarios. The first scenario utilizes the City’s existing zoning code for vacant and undeveloped properties south of Echols Street. The second and third scenarios propose changes to the City’s zoning code to accommodate new opportunities for diverse housing and retail uses in the area and to establish a downtown area for Prairie View. Participants were invited to design their own version of the Study Area with an interactive activity they received upon signing in. Participants were able to create their own vision for the area, by placing stickers that represented different zones, such as commercial or retail development, housing, and historical or cultural landmarks throughout the Study Area.

Brief Project History

Below you will see a brief summary of the steps taken before this Livable Centers Study began in April of 2023. This project did not come about in a void. The City of Prairie View worked closely with key stakeholders back in 2021 when this application was produced. In the application City staff highlighted support from City Council, Planning and Zoning Commission, Prairie View EDC, Prairie View A&M University, Texas House of Representatives, Texas State Senator, and Waller County.

The overall goal of this Livable Centers Study is to create a plan for future growth in Prairie View that will lead to a sustainable, resilient, and holistic place to live, work, and play. This study will assist community leaders with the implementation of new concepts and strategies that increase social, physical, and cultural opportunities for its residents, business owners, visitors, and other stakeholders. The framework for new development will be made with the intent of creating destinations that are accessible by walking, bicycling, and using public transportation.

To learn more about the Livable Centers Program and past studies all across region, please visit the H-GAC website: Prairie View Livable Centers Study | Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC)

Study Area Boundaries

The study area is located south of Prairie View A&M University, bordered on the north by Owens Road, to the south by Texas Highway 290, to the east by Santee Street, and the west by Sandra Bland Parkway. The study area is identified as the city’s Central Business District and currently contains single-family homes, restaurants, a convenience store, the Prairie View Federal Credit Union, and swaths of undeveloped land. The City of Prairie View identified this area as the focus for this study because 72% (94 acres) currently sit vacant with no existing structures. This small area is intended to serve as an example of future growth for Prairie View. While this study focuses on the area within this boundary, all residents are encouraged to participate in the planning process.