Change in Complexion…

How the development of Downtown Bryan may have unintended consequences.

In an article in the Bryan-College Station Eagle yesterday it was reported that there is a movement called Brazos Now that is promoting high-density development on the northern section of Downtown Bryan. According to the article at least fifty signatures and been collected on an online petition. There are currently (as of 5:00pm) over 200 digital signatures on the petition at BrazosNow.com. The organizers have a goal of 1,000 signatures.

Downtown Bryan has seen what could be called a revival in the last ten years.

The area is now would could be described as the antithesis to North Gate and College Station. . Downtown Bryan offers a unique atmosphere, and unique events, like The Texas Reds Festival and First Friday. Downtown Bryan is home to the only predominately GLBT night club, Halo, and is home to many other business that are more focused on alternative and liberal crowds such as Revolutions Cafe and Bar. There is a growing art scene with new galleries moving to downtown, and established galleries like the Frame Gallery doing well.

Bryan is an older city than College Station, and has a much more diverse population. According to the US Census Bureau 67,774 people live in Bryan, and Bryan is 17.7% African-American, 27.8% Latino, and 13.3% people of other backgrounds. Compared to College Station that is 5.4% African-American, 10.0% Latino, and 4.5% people of other backgrounds. Also, the cost of living in Bryan is lower than College Station, and it is less expensive to own a home. The median value of owner-occupied housing units Bryan is $78,900 compared to $119,500 in College Station.

Most of northern Downtown Bryan is surrounded by neighborhoods and residential areas, in fact residential areas approach Downtown as close as Parker Avenue. Many old and historic neighborhoods can be found in Bryan, where 50% or residents own their homes compared to 30% in College Station. There is much less of a transient population in Bryan, unlike in College Station. While people may have deep roots at Texas A&M University, families and community members have deep roots in Bryan.

Developing Downtown is good for the community, but it must be done with concern for the residents that live in and around Downtown Bryan. Revitalization of downtown and historic districts has had the affect of gentrification, in places such as Houston’s historic wards: First Ward, Third Ward, Forth Ward, and Sixth Wards. The process has changed neighborhoods in Portland as noted by the New York Times and the Washington Post.

Another important aspect of developing Downtown is Twin City Mission, and raising the $5.5 million to build a new homeless shelter. According to an article in the Eagle the new, about 10 blocks from the current location facility is being planned for 16.3 acres and will increase the capacity of the mission from 64 to 127 bed. This shelter provides an essential service, and about $3 million still must be raised. Donate to the mission at TwinCityMission.org.

The petition does note that the “Downtown is an important historical and cultural asset that plays a critical role in the community’s future” and that the City of Bryan should “consider only developers with experience in historic preservation projects of more than $1,000,000 gross budget, to ensure sensitivity to the surrounding historic properties.” However, at this time this blogger cannot endorse or sign a petition that does not recognize that residents of Downtown Bryan and surrounding areas must be protected.

Developing Downtown Bryan is good for the community, and if done right it can bring in new businesses and new jobs. It can also bring in more money for the community to improve neighborhoods and schools without displacing residents that have made Bryan their home and make the community what it is. The Bryan City Council and Bryan residents need to insist on open planning decision making process, which takes into account the best interest for both the business community and the residential community.