BEAUMONT, Texas — The City of Beaumont hosted it's first ever Downtown Focus Vision and Growth meeting to lay the ground work to build a more robust downtown area.
City leaders shared their ideas and took suggestions from community members.
The city is standing firm on its plans to build a river walk and downtown hotel and convention center. They also explained how it would be paid for.
The river walk would connect the lake district to the Neches River.
"I understand that money is always an issue but that's an issue with everything so that can't be an excuse," said Allan Higgins, a Beaumont resident.
Higgins loves Beaumont. It's a place he calls home and wants to see it thrive.
"We come downtown as much as we can. museums are down here , the civic center and the few restaurants that are here," Higgins said.
That is one of the reasons he attended the city's Downtown Focus Vision and Growth Meeting.
"Many people have seen this in steps but it's a chance for them to ask specific questions and see the total scope," said Beaumont Mayor Roy West.
West says they're banking on a key attraction to build up downtown. That attraction is the water.
The city is making progress to add a river walk and a hotel and convention center.
"Last week I requested for proposal that closed on the 26th and we did have two proposal presented. Later this month they'll be reviewed by the staff," West said.
The city wants public and private investments to pay for the hotel. But the river walk would take some time.
"Things take time in a city, unlike in a business where you may have two or three people making decisions," West said.
A river walk would cost $114 million and would be paid for through funds generated by the newly implemented Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone.
Ultimately, every investment is being made for the people of Beaumont.
"Small shops, small restaurants, just kind of a more family atmosphere," said Allan.
There are also plans for a new city hall and new police headquarters as a part of the vision 2035 plan.