After reconvening from closed session, Katy’s city
council voted 5-0 to acquire a lot in the downtown area for parking for shopping and activities in the historic downtown area. The property, located at 0 Second Street, has been owned by a local church and will be purchased for $585,000.00 out of the city’s general reserve funds.
Local citizens and business owners came forward to
recommend the purchase.
Sandy Schmidt opened the public comment session
of the meeting by asking council to “complete the jigsaw
puzzle” by acquiring the property and finishing out the
plan for the downtown area. Parking, she said, was the missing piece.  Local business owner Tara Wilson, who owns The Hub co-working space on First Street as well as other buildings in downtown Katy, spoke of the importance of accessibility to downtown businesses.
Bill Bain, who owns KT Antiques and also owns several downtown properties, noted that “it is critical that we get this parking lot done.” He said that he had maintained the lot at his own expense for several years because of its importance in getting customers through the doors of
local businesses.
In other action, council:
• Unanimously approved the project plan and expansion of the boundaries of Reinvestment Zone Number One (TIRZ)
in the area where the new Home Depot is being built on Kingsland Blvd.
• Voted unanimously to consider an ordinance appointing James Robert Davidson to the Keep Katy Beautiful
board, filling a vacancy created by Kesley Moebes.
• Via consent agenda, canceled the council meetings scheduled for Nov. 27 and Dec. 25, due to the holiday schedule. The next meeting of city council is scheduled for October 23rd at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 901 Avenue C in Katy.