Small Town News

Kylites have say in future

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Population estimates top 100,000 by 2040

There's no doubt that Kyle is growing. And after last month's comprehensive plan meeting, it seems as if there's no end in sight.

By 2040, the planning firm MESA Design Group has projected the city to be a bustling metropolis of more than 100,000 people, a far cry from the rural settings of yesteryear.

"IH-35 is one of the fastest growing corridors in the nation right now," said Carissa Cox of MESA. "Assuming that conditions don't change, it's very likely to see the population triple."

About 50 concerned residents gathered at Lehman High School cafeteria to voice opinions on how they would like to see the inevitable growth take place.

In 2001, the city made a futile attempt at a comprehensive plan, which provides a blueprint for a city by predicting and designating economic development, land use, conservation and community character.

"This time there are many people involved," said Kyle City Manager Tom Mattis of the latest endeavor. "It's an opportunity to get ahead of thej growth."

Mattis said that the city paid about $280,000 to MESA to develop the plan, which he 'hopes to be completed within six months.

At that meeting, residents split into nine city districts to share their ideas on how their communities should look in the future. A representative from each district then addressed the crowd.

Much of the feedback centered around the construction of roads and bike paths to alleviate congestion and provide quicker access to stores. On the other hand, some groups wanted to preserve their environments and rejected an onslaught of commercial development.

"It's a beautiful place to live in," said Scott Brock, who lives on Coronado Road and spoke on behalf of the rural Farm District. "We want to keep that type of landscape."

The Creekway East District requested additional bike paths and sidewalks to make it easier for people to get out and about.

"We want the infrastructure in order to enjoy the outside," said Joan Losiewicz about her district.

Frustrating traffic delays, especially along Center Street, were at the top of the list for the Town Center District - They also rebuffed a proposed train station in the area, saying it would be better suited elsewhere.

The Regional Center District, where the Kyle Marketplace is located, wanted more commercial development. They envisioned an influx of restaurants and a movie theater in the area.

Taxes generated by commercial development would help keep Kyle afloat as it spills over its boundaries and undergoes new projects.

"The future population, of Kyle will demand a quality of service that will affect the general fund," said Robin McCaffey of MESA.

IH-35 is at the center of how the city could support its future tax gap.

"Kyle is currently positioned to boost IH-35 economic development," he said. "IH-35 dominates your employment and location of non-residential land use."

Two more public workshops are slated for dates to be determined prior to MESA finalizing the city's comprehensive plan.



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© 2009 The Free Press Buda, Texas. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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