Residents came out with enthusiasm to the most recent progress meeting of Bay City-Matagorda United phase three, on Friday, November 6, at the Bay City Civic Center.
Bay City United began in 2002 with phase one. Phase two for then renamed Bay City-Matagorda United began in 2005 and was completed in January, giving way to the third and final phase of strategic planning that will take place over the next 15 years.
County and city officials made presentations to residents on the achievements of the past year and set out new goals for the tourism, economy, environment, education, quality of life and infrastructure of the area in the 2009 Bay City-Matagorda United plan.
"A strategic plan is looking at your county and asking where you want to be in five years, 10 years, and 'How do we get there?'" said Kirk Scanlon of LCRA.
The plan was created by a cumulative effort of government officials, community and business leaders, private citizens and non-profit action groups, to identify ways to make our county and cities stronger and successfully keep pace with projected growth.
The plan is divided into two sections: a series of recommendations that were gathered during four town hall meetings and an implementation guide that outlines a work plan for the achievement of the goals.
Phase three reflects an expansion of the citizens' vision for the county compared to previous years.
New categories of "environment" and "quality of life" were added to the plan to incorporate efforts to tap into the "green" movement in both industry and community development.
Palacios Mayor Joe Morton spoke on the achievements of tourism industry in the county, citing the development of the central information kiosk in downtown Bay City, as well as the new tourism information signage and the promotional campaign that has run numerous magazine spreads and T.V. commercials.
He also noted that many vacation packages had been developed to attract visitors to the county.
Judge Nate McDonald spoke on the industrial development of Matagorda County and the prospects that are still on the horizon.
"We've had serious industrial and commercial prospects," said McDonald.
Many companies hoping to enter or expand within the county are in various stages of permitting, including STP and White Stallion.
"The STP team is committed to bringing this expansion to Matagorda County. It's moving along," he said.
McDonald went on to discuss the enhancement of the economic development infrastructure and the need to attract new housing development to the area.
"It's incumbent upon us to have the housing and infrastructure we need to support these new permanent residents," he said.
Mayor Richard Knapik then spoke on the commercial development of the county. He, along with Bay City Community Development Corporation Executive Director D.C. Dunham, recently attended conferences in San Antonio where many businesses were interested in Bay City.
He discussed the ways that new business is being encouraged, such as the facade grants through the Bay City Main Street Program and the Beautification efforts of Keep Bay City Beautiful.
Scanlon presented the formal 2009 plan to the group and passed around a spreadsheet showing the different steering committees for each set of tasks.
He encouraged everyone at the meeting to commit to serving on one of the committees to bring the vision to fruition.
"This vision is going to succeed only if you roll up your sleeves and make it happen, so please sign up," said Knapik.
Steering committees will meet monthly and all citizens are encouraged to become a part of the project by joining in the effort. Article from the Bay City Tribune
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