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On December 6, 2011, a meeting was held to discuss the planning effort being undertaken by Camp Mabry. The stated purpose of the planning effort is to “improve the appearance” and raise awareness of the facility to the community because “it’s time to open back up” after the 9/11 lockdown. In short, officials at Camp Mabry are looking for ideas to promote beautification, pedestrian safety, better use of existing structures, expansion of “park” feel at the western edge, more community use of existing facilities, improved traffic flow at the current entrance by Pecos, improvements on the exterior fencing/walls, etc. When directly asked, they said there is no plan afoot to sell all or part of the facility.
The planning process seems quite similar to the neighborhood planning effort we recently completed. The plan will address all 365 acres of the property, excluding the Reserve Center at the northwest corner (which is federal property). They’re using the Austin consulting firm, H.W. Lochner, to lead the planning process which started with a “data collection” phase this past October, and will proceed through a draft plan presentation (Summer 2012), Revised Plan (September 2012), and Final Plan (Sept. 2012).
The materials distributed at the meeting included a listing of “Draft Goals” for an initial framework for the plan, as well as “Draft Policies” which may be refined/supplemented. Lots of planning blah-blah mumbo jumbo re efficiency, sustainability, historical significance, natural features, artillery target practice area. (Just kidding about that last one.)
During the meeting, there was an opportunity to provide comments and input, including the proverbial colored-sticker-on-map exercise. Suggestions from community stakeholders included taking down the LED scrolling display sign on MoPac, returning the main entrance to its original location, and making sure there is a fire plan worked out with the City regarding wildfires on Mabry.
As for the presentation, it was very nice and efficient and “structured” presentation like you’d expect from the military. My favorite touch was the powerpoint show they prepared which had two little boxes at the top and bottom of each slide which said “Unclassified.” I’m dying to see the classified version.
Camp Mabry is asking for community input for their upcoming master planning for the next 20 years. Please see the links below for more information.
December 6 or 13th from 7:00 – 9:00PM, Audie Murphy Building, 82
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