Bryan City Council Meeting Highlights: Development Agreements Extended and Principal Changes Announced

The Latest Buzz from Bryan City Council: Development Agreements Extended and Principal Moves!

Hey there, Bryan! Big happenings made waves during the city council’s November business meeting, and we’re here to keep you in the loop about what’s going on. From extending development agreements to some exciting changes at local schools, Bryan is buzzing with activity!

North by Northgate: Development Agreements Extended

First up on the agenda was the unanimous vote to extend two development agreements. Sounds fancy, right? Well, the city council has chosen to keep working with a local consultant to help redevelop the neighborhood north of the Northgate district. This area is poised for a transformation into a vibrant mix of high-density housing and commercial spaces that will potentially include a boutique hotel and office space. Now, that’s something to look forward to!

The area, cleverly dubbed “North of Northgate,” is bordered by South College to the east, the College Station city limits to the south, Nagle Street to the west, and the Oak Terrace homeowners association to the north. This extension marks the third amendment to the council’s contract with the consultant—so clearly, they’re serious about bringing new life to this neighborhood!

Kimbell Feed Building Renovation Gets More Time

Next, we heard about an extension regarding the beloved Kimbell Feed building. Yes, that iconic structure that has stood tall for quite a century! The council decided to give the building owners more time to finish renovating this historic gem. They are currently waiting for the installation of an elevator and the heating and air conditioning system.

Originally, the deadline was set for May 1, 2024, but after some deliberation, the council pushed it back to February 28, 2025. All this effort is part of an economic development agreement that includes up to $250,000 in funds for increasing the building’s taxable value to at least $2.5 million. The plans for the renovated Kimbell Feed Space include exciting features like a downtown visitor’s center and areas for arts and culture exhibits, along with retail businesses. Talk about a community treasure!

Inner Loop East: A Heated Debate

But that’s not all—there’s some chatter about the proposed “inner loop east” highway to the east of Bryan/College Station. Two public meetings are scheduled, and they’re drawing attention. Critics, organized under the group No East Loop, are hosting a meeting on November 20, where they’ll share concerns about the project. Meanwhile, another open house hosted by the B/CS metropolitan planning organization took place on November 19. It seems like everyone has something to say about this hot topic!

Local Education Update: Principal Moves

Bringing it closer to home, let’s chat about Bryan ISD. During the recent school board meeting, big changes were announced! Principal Desiree Caperton of Jane Long Intermediate School is moving up to lead Bryan Collegiate High School. The move was met with cheers from board members, acknowledging Caperton as only the third principal since the school opened in 2007. Her experience is sure to shine in this new role!

While the board didn’t detail who would step into Caperton’s shoes at Jane Long, they assured everyone there’s a plan in place. With such a rich history in education and strong leadership skills, the future looks bright for both schools!

Texas A&M’s Construction Projects

Let’s wrap it up with news from Texas A&M University. The board of regents recently approved several building projects, including a new veterinary teaching and research complex, which is set to kick off construction in January 2025. After demolishing an older building, the project will cost about $181 million, and completion is expected by June 2027.

Other projects include major upgrades at utility plants, ensuring that our beloved campus is well-equipped for years to come. It looks like there is plenty of action happening behind the scenes at A&M!

So there you have it, friends—Bryan is bustling with exciting developments, educational shifts, and community conversations. It’s a great time to be a part of this thriving city!