The
Downtown District
is intended to serve as a community retail center in a mixed-use, pedestrian oriented environment. Open space, street trees, lighting, benches and other amenities create a human scale environment. The standards of this area are unique to the
Downtown District
.
Downtown Incentives
Chapter 380 Municipal Grant Program
On June 16, 2008, City Council amended the
Chapter 380 municipal grant program
to include new considerations for
downtown projects
. The minimum investment requirement of increased real and personal property was lowered to $250,000 to qualify for a grant. In addition to the uses already approved, grant funds may be utilized for downtown improvements such as paved sidewalks, facades, street lighting, signage, and benches. Please contact the Economic Development Coordinator at 281-996-3250 for information regarding qualifications.
Neighborhood Empowerment Zone #1
On June 16, 2008, the City Council designated the
Downtown District
as
Neighborhood Empowerment Zone (NEZ) #1
. This designation provides the following incentives to encourage development, renovation, and expansion in the
downtown district
. The City will:
-Waive one hundred percent of all fees related to construction and development, including zoning, platting, site plan review, building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and gas permits;
-Waive one hundred percent of water and wastewater impact fees; and
-Potentially abate real property taxes in accordance with the City's tax abatement policies.
