'I see it as transformational' | Beaumont city leaders seek input from community on proposed Riverwalk, downtown development

12 News
Author: Lupita Villarreal, Kyle Orr
Published: 10:45 PM CST January 4, 2024

BEAUMONT, Texas — Downtown development will be a big priority for Beaumont city leaders in 2024 and beyond.

A proposed $130 million Riverwalk would connect the Downtown Event Centre to the end of Crockett St.

But, Mayor Roy West and other city leaders need residents to weigh in on the "Beaumont Vision 2035" plan.

"The vision we've had for the city of Beaumont since 1998 is finally gaining some traction," said Jim Broussard, a member of the Downtown Advisory Council. "Downtown is in need of improvement. A city without a downtown doesn't really have a beating heart."

Broussard thinks the waterway project will make Beaumont more attractive to businesses and their potential employees.

"So, we have industry interested in an attraction that will draw employees and keep them here in our community," Broussard said. "Kind of come up to modern-day standards what younger people expect in a thriving downtown."

The quarter-mile long, 20 to 40 foot-wide waterway is still in the early planning stages. The plan includes a shaded walkway around both sides to connect people and businesses.

"I see it as transformational for Beaumont and Southeast Texas," said West. 

West doesn't want residents to panic when they hear the $130 million price tag.

"I'm not aware of any place in the United States where a Riverwalk hadn't been successful."

A newly-created TIRZ could also set aside tax money for part of the project.

Mayor West also say he's committed to working with state and federal lawmakers to fund the rest.

"This is going to require certainly working locally with everybody and getting people on board across our community. We'd be lookin for grant funds from the state and from the federal government to help assist in this," West said. 

"With industry, with the school district, with hospitals wanting to retain employees. I'm excited about that," Broussard said. 

The city has planned an informational meeting to talk about downtown development on Feb. 13, 2023 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Downtown Event Centre.