BEAUMONT, Texas — Beaumont leaders have laid out a plan for how they want to develop Downtown Beaumont.
Mayor Roy West presented the Strategic Plan for the years 2023, 2028 and 2038 during a State of the City Address at the Beaumont Civic Center Thursday, December 14, 2023.
Hundreds came to the Civic Center to hear from Mayor West and City Manager Kenneth Williams.
They discussed economic growth opportunities and challenges facing the city, including crime and infrastructure.
West says the city is investing more than $11 million to fund the Riverfront Park, the Downtown plan, Hotel feasibility study and the purchase and demolition of the former AT&T building located at 555 Main Street.
"The first time I saw this I got teary eyed just thinking about what this can mean for attracting people to our city," West said.
This week city council approved "Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones" or "TIRZ" which secures funding for the new additions.
"It provides funding to do key infrastructure projects in that particular zone or that boundary but it also provides incentive to developers or people who wan to come in and take a chance to put a business in that area", city manager Kenneth Williams said.
West says this wont increase property taxes. Instead, as property values increase, some tax money will be set aside for Downtown development.
"It's no increased tax dollar to anybody. I just wanna say that every time but its just a way to generate more revenue for the city," he said.
The new renderings showcase the Riverwalk in a new light and the proposed site for a hotel and convention center which would be located near the Civic Center.
"I think the idea of a hotel and convention center right here on the river connecting it to a Riverwalk to our event center just gives many many opportunities," West said.
Williams says he has high hopes for the future of Downtown.
"I see the people here are excited about it and I see it as an opportunity here to become one of the best cities in the country, and I want to be a part of that," he said.
Major West says he wants to hear from you!
"It involves the residents we want them to be involved because we know if we can do a downtown development that attracts new people and new investments, that means money for all areas of the city," Beaumont Mayor Roy West said.
On the City of Beaumont website, the "Share your Ideas" tab is where residents are already getting creative with the ideas they have for Downtown Beaumont or the city as a whole.
Starting next year, city council will begin to hold open meetings to discuss the input received from residents.
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This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.