City hires firm to gather ideas for water tower site

A final decision regarding its future look is in the “distant future,” but the Clear Lake City Council unanimously voted to enlist the help of RDG Planning and Design to develop a conceptual plan for the area near City Beach formerly occupied by a water tower.

The City will spend $24,000 with RDG Design to craft a conceptual plan for the area roughly bordered by 1st Avenue North and 1st Avenue South.  Work will begin immediately, with public meetings to be scheduled in June and July and conceptual drawings to be presented in August or September.

“There will be many times for the public to be able to have multiple input into a final plan,” RDG representatives told the Council Monday night.  “Our purpose will be to look at the connections and inter-relationships of surrounding destinations (such as the Sea Wall, City Park and City Beach).”

Planners said they would like to take advantage of the large number of families and other visitors which will be in Clear Lake during the Fourth of July celebration and get their ideas about possible uses for the water tower area.  

Mayor Nelson Crabb added that while all ideas are welcome, he wants to be sure local residents are heard.

RDG officials assured City leaders that they will make themselves very available to receive and discuss ideas with everyone.  A series of public meetings will be scheduled, they said.  Some meetings may involve focus groups, such as business owners, or youngsters.  RDG may also schedule a “mobile workshop” which could put the RDG team where people want to gather to talk about the - Read More Via e-Edition