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Northgate project OK'd

The College Station City Council opted Thursday to move forward with a street-improvement project that will remove about 137 parking spaces from the Northgate area.

Council members unanimously approved an option recommended by city planners that will replace water and sewer lines, expand sidewalks and increase access for emergency vehicles along Tauber and Stasney streets.

The plan will maintain two-way traffic but will remove head-in parking on the streets. It also calls for 8-foot sidewalks along Stasney Street and along Tauber Street between Church Avenue and Cherry Street. Most of the sidewalk along the east side of Tauber Street between University Drive and Church Avenue will not be changed, and existing 6- to 8-inch caliper live oaks near the sidewalk will be preserved.

The issue sparked controversy. Northgate churches and businesses opposed the plan because they feared the loss of parking spaces in the area would create hardships.

Newly elected Councilwoman Katy-Marie Lyles, the director of college ministries at A&M United Methodist Church, said her concern over the issue prompted her to run for the seat.

But two representatives from Northgate churches, including A&M United Methodist, said they were swayed by presentations on the three options during a public hearing Thursday and were in favor of the plan the city selected.

Chuck Gilman, the city's director of capital projects, said the renovations were needed to improve pedestrian safety and access for emergency vehicles.

Councilman John Crompton abstained from voting on the issue, citing his membership in A&M United Methodist Church.

Lyles, however, voted in favor of the plan. She has said she didn't think the issue posed a conflict of interest.

Councilman James Massey said the vote was in important step in maintaining the vibrancy, growth and safety of the Northgate area.

"This council takes safety, health and welfare, I think, as a first priority in all things," he said.

Around 2,300 people live in the 150 acres that make up the Northgate area, said David Gwin, director of economic and community development. There are 27 restaurants, 23 pubs and nine faith-based entities in the area.

Also on Thursday, the council agreed to a $1 million plan to install a sidewalk along the north side of Harvey Mitchell Parkway near A&M Consolidated High School. More than 900 students petitioned the city seven weeks ago for a safer path to the school.

Gilman said construction was expected to begin December 2010 on the 10-foot-wide walkway from Welsh Avenue toward Texas Avenue.

He said obtaining environmental clearance from the Texas Department of Transportation could take six to nine months.

Funding for the project will come from a 2008 bond package residents approved for projects suggested by the Hike and Bike Task Force.

Massey said the project demonstrated what a partnership could do.

"This is a real win-win for everybody," Massey said.