Downtown Advisory Board

MEETING OF THE FRISCO DOWNTOWN ADVISORY BOARD GEORGE A PUREFOY MUNICIPAL CENTER CITY ROOM/CONFERENCE ROOM 5A 6101 FRISCO SQUARE BLVD. FRISCO, TX 75034 12:00 PM MONDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2020 AGENDA EMERGENCY NOTICE DUE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WERE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS MEETING VIA TELEPHONE PURSUANT TO THE TEXAS GOVERNOR’S ORDER REGARDING OPEN MEETINGS. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WERE ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE VIA TELEPHONE OR EMAIL, AND THE COMMENTS RECEIVED ARE INCLUDED IN THE MEETING MINUTES CALL TO ORDER Meeting called to order at 12:03 by Chairman Sharp. 1. ROLL CALL Attendees: Danny Mehta, Matt Calloway, Brad Sharp, Richard Galvan, Robert Smith, and Randy Archambault. Staff included Nell Lange, John Lettelleir, Jason Cooley, Jason Brodigan and Chris Leonard. REPORTS John Lettelleir informed the board of the upcoming call for public hearing on a Zoning Amendment that affects Downtown. The Zoning Ordinance places restrictions on alcohol beverage sales establishments selling alcohol within the Original Town Commercial district by only allowing two places of business to sell alcoholic Page 1 of 3  beverages. Staff is considering possible amendments to the Zoning Ordinance to remove/amend these restrictions. CITIZEN INPUT REGULAR AGENDA 2. Review and approve the minutes from prior meetings of the Downtown Advisory Board. Motion to approve the minutes by Board member Matt Calloway; second by Board member Richard Galvan; approved 6-0. 3. Presentation and discussion regarding the revised proposal for downtown street improvements. Jason Brodigan updated the board on the revisions that City Council discussed at their last work session. Design challenges involved the difficulty of consolidating driveways to allow for uninterrupted sidewalks. It was decided to concentrate the amenities and walkable environments on Main Street between 3rd and 5th Street (Mercantile District). The on-street parking in this area would also be removed amounting to a loss of 25-30 spaces. The Elm Street design would remain unchanged which included adding sidewalks and on-street parking. Matt Calloway is concerned about the increased foot traffic in other parts of Main Street, especially near the new projects, Patio at the Rail and Towers at the Rail. The areas near County Road see vehicles driving at higher speeds, which make that intersection difficult to cross. Without the upgraded sidewalk design, he worries that the linkages along Main Street businesses will suffer. With 50 businesses located between 5th Street and County Road, there is added importance for connectivity. Jason Brodigan mentioned that the revised design may help build consensus for consolidating driveways in the future. Richard Galvin emphasized the importance of defining the Rail District with the updated amenities and infrastructure to the intersections. Brad Sharp worried that the public may be disappointed with the revised design. He mentioned the need for traffic calming strategies along Main Street near County Rd intersection. He also wanted to make sure visitors knew where available parking was located. The access from 3rd and 5th Street needed to be designed as to better inform drivers of their parking options. John Lettelleir noted that the Plaza will better expose the public facilities including parking. Nell Lange mentioned that there may be added parking management strategies like 2-hr parking and a future bond package to include the planned parking garage. The Municipal Court will be leaving in a year which will provide more daytime parking. Page 2 of 3  Brad Sharp wanted to know about the 2nd Street intersection since the Roundabout option was removed. Also, what will be the projected timeline for completion. Jason Brodigan said 2nd Street options are still being researched. The overall timeline is separated into three projects beginning with Elm Street then Main Street and finishing with 4th Street Plaza. Each project scheduled will have varying amounts of overlap with a tentative complete date by the first quarter of 2023. Robert Smith recognized real potential along Elm Street for retail growth. He understood the incremental nature of planning downtowns takes at least 20 years. The true authentic experience is best realized between 3rd and 5th Streets, the Mercantile District. Randy Archambault agreed that there were traffic concerns near County Road but areas around the Theatre also pose real challenges. He was interested in how the 2nd Street redesign would accommodate the increased traffic caused by the theatre and other surrounding uses like the Rail Yard. Danny Mehta understands the limitations that the driveways pose. He hopes that there isn’t regret not following the original design. The walking experience to the new projects is critical for attracting visitors and new investment. ADJOURN Board Member Galvan made the motion to adjourn, second by Board Member Calloway; the meeting adjourned at 1:15. Attest: These minutes were approved at the 11/02/2020 DAB meeting. Brad Sharp, Board Chair Melanie Horton, Board Secretary Page 3 of 3