Thursday, March 28, 2024

Southlake 2035 Mobility Plan Amendment – Sidewalk Priority List

The Planning and Development Services Department has created a sidewalk priority feedback form for citizens to submit questions and comments.

The City of Southlake will be considering an amendment to its Mobility Master Plan to establish new priorities for City-funded sidewalk construction projects. The construction of publicly funded sidewalk project sections is guided by the priority ranking of the sidewalk segment identified in the Mobility Master Plan.

The City has just completed an extensive sidewalk constructability evaluation for future publicly funded sidewalk segments identified on the Official Pathways Map. The sidewalk constructability study evaluates and prioritizes potential sidewalk projects based on several factors, such as connectivity to other sidewalks, location near a school or park, availability of a right of way or easement, and construction cost (trees removal, utility relocations, bridge construction, drainage). The City utilizes the scores assigned as part of this evaluation to prioritize sidewalk segments for construction. Sidewalk segments are prioritized as a Tier 1 (1 to 3 years), Tier 2 (4 to 7 years) or Tier 3 (greater than 8 years) project.

Just because a sidewalk segment is not listed as part of this evaluation does not mean it will not be built. The City also builds sidewalks in conjunction with a City road or park project. For instance, the N. White Chapel Boulevard project will include new sidewalks on both sides of the road from the SH 114 frontage road to Emerald Boulevard, near the Tom Thumb shopping center. Construction of the Southlake Sports Complex (Park) will include sidewalks along Crooked Lane. Also, developers are required to incorporate sidewalks identified on the “Official Pathways” as part of their projects.

As part of the Southlake Mobility Plan amendment, the City is seeking feedback and suggestions from the public on the proposed sidewalk priority list. In addition to the feedback form, the public can provide comments on the proposed priorities at the following meetings, which are held at Southlake Town Hall – City Council Chambers – 1400 Main Street:

  • October 26 – Citywide SPIN meeting – 6 p.m.
  • November 4 – Planning and Zoning Commission meeting – 6:30 p.m. – (Public Hearing)
  • November 15 – City Council meeting (1st Reading) – 5:30 p.m.
  • December 7 – City Council meeting (Public Hearing) – 6:45 p.m.

For more information about these sidewalk segments, please visit the Mobility Master Plan webpage or contact the Planning and Development Services Department at 817-748-8621

City Plans Open House For Land Use Plan Update

“Why are they building a restaurant there?” “How do City leaders make their decisions?” Those are just some of the land use questions the City Council and City leaders hear from Southlake citizens, especially when a new development is proposed.

Answering those big picture questions is the focus of an open house updating City’s Land Use Plan, specifically the State Highway 114 Sector Plan.

This open house will be the first of several public meetings designed to share information and accept public input on the City’s future development aspirations, which will eventually be adopted as the Southlake 2035 Land Use Plan.

Land Use Plan Open House

  • Wednesday, April 19, 2017
    Third Floor Conference Rooms, Town Hall
    1400 Main Street
  • 5:00 – 6:30 pm Open House
    6:30 pm – 7:00 pm Plan Presentation with Q&A

“The Land Use Plan (LUP) is the cornerstone of the City’s comprehensive master plan,” said Ken Baker, Senior Director of Planning and Development Services. “It will serve as a policy guide for Council as our elected officials make zoning decisions, and it also provides the basis for the preparation of other City master plans.”

The American Planning Association states that the goal of land-use planning is to “further the welfare of people and their communities by creating convenient, equitable, healthful, efficient, and attractive environments for present and future generations.” In Southlake, the LUP is a policy document with an accompanying map, clearly identifying desired land use for parcels within the City.

City leaders have used land use plans as a blueprint for City development since the 1960s. Updates have been made over the years, as required by the City Charter, to reflect changing conditions.

“The original LUP reflected a planned build-out population of more than 50,000 residents, had a strong industrial component, and contemplated significant commercial development,” explains Baker. “Things have changed over the years, and today the LUP defines the City’s ultimate development quite differently. For example, Southlake’s expected build out population is now estimated at 34,000. It’s important to regularly review it, and the public’s participation is essential for getting it right.”

The following chart shows the current mix of uses, as reflected in the Southlake 2030 Land Use Plan.

2017-4-7 land use

Consolidated Land Use Plan Percentage Area By Land Use Category

For more information about the Open House, the process for adopting the comprehensive Southlake 2035 Plan (including the LUP), or to submit questions or comments, please visit the City’s website, or call the Planning and Development Services Department at (817) 748-8621.