Bryan, Texas Faces Critical City Council Election Amidst Growth and Housing Challenges

Bryan, Texas: A City on the Move

In the heart of Bryan, Texas, the upcoming city council election is heating up, with incumbent James Edge and local businessman Shane Savage competing for the District 4 seat. This election is pivotal, as it comes at a time when the city grapples with significant growth and challenges, particularly in traffic management and housing availability.

James Edge: Continuing the Legacy

James Edge, who is not only a city council member but also serves as the Mayor Pro Tem, is a proud fourth-generation resident of Bryan. He has been actively involved in the community and is determined to address some pressing issues. One of the biggest concerns, according to Edge, is traffic congestion.

“Most people are familiar with the recent traffic problems, especially regarding the medians on Texas Avenue,” Edge shared. He empathizes with the frustrations of residents and emphasizes that addressing the traffic situation is a high priority. “The current council is just as frustrated as the citizens, and we’re actively working on a strategy to collaborate with TxDOT,” he explained.

Edge clarified that Texas Avenue is a TxDOT project, which means the city has to collaborate with state officials to find solutions. This cooperation will be crucial as the city continues to expand, requiring thoughtful planning and execution.

Working Towards Affordable Housing

Another challenge in Bryan that Edge is keen on tackling is the development of affordable housing. He believes it’s essential to offer a variety of housing options for residents. “Last year, we saw an impressive increase with 1,100 single-family permits issued, which is significantly higher than previous years. We want to continue that trend,” he said.

Edge noted that while single-family homes are vital, the city must also look at high-density and multifamily developments. “We’re exploring more options, including areas around Northgate and downtown, to cater to all residents, whether they are first-time homeowners or families looking for a place to settle,” he mentioned.

Shane Savage: A New Perspective

On the other side of the race is Shane Savage, a Bryan native and owner of a local outdoor shooting range and firearms training company. Savage’s approach centers on being proactive in managing the city’s growth. He emphasizes the need to prioritize the citizens already living in Bryan before inviting more people in.

“We need to ensure that we take care of our current residents before we expand. For instance, the upcoming Highway 6 expansion is a significant project, but it might not keep pace with our growing traffic needs,” Savage pointed out, stressing the urgency of addressing these transportation issues sooner rather than later.

A New Take on Housing Accessibility

When it comes to affordable housing, Savage reflects on the current market, saying, “I’m not sure what we consider affordable anymore. It seems we’ve shifted from affordable living to what I call attainable housing.” He believes that although it might require hard work and persistence, there is still a path to housing that is within reach for many.

“As leaders, it’s our job to ensure folks can find attainable housing, and I think we need to start incentivizing developers to create more options. That way, we can build up our infrastructure and invite new families into our community,” Savage concluded.

A Crossroads for Bryan

As Bryan, Texas, stands on the brink of change, both candidates offer distinct visions for the future of their community. Whether it’s through Edge’s experience or Savage’s fresh perspective, the future of District 4 is in the hands of the voters, and with it, the direction that Bryan will take in addressing growth, housing, and traffic challenges. It’s an exciting time for this vibrant city, and only time will tell which path they choose.