From community reports
EAST ALDINE – Planning work is continuing for a design of the 10 acre site that faces Aldine Mail Route at Town Center. Originally intended as a site for a grocery store, it has evolved into a multi-use design instead. Meetings with the community are taking place every two weeks as the planners continue their work.
At the first of these meetings in June, planner Keiji Asakura outlined the design concepts he had in mind to guide the process. These included a variety of building uses, visual ties to Aldine Mail Route, a variety of open landscape spaces, a central focus for gathering, and flexibility now and in the future. He presented a number of sketches showing how these ideas could be realized. Notable in the sketches were extensions of water and green space toward Keith Wiess park, and the possibilities of a cafe and housing near the lake, and athletic facilities below the 911 Call Center. Other planners on the team explained financial and architectural possibilities and options. Jon Stover spoke on financing work underway, phasing as a technique, incubator spaces, and types of subsidies for financing the project. Architect Tim Cisneros spoke about the importance of flexibility in the architectural design, and accommodating change over time.
In the Steering Committee meeting held only a week ago, a number of Aldine students were invited to attend and express their ideas on what should be developed on the Town Center Phase 3 site.
Much of the discussion revolved around where students “hang out” after school and in their spare time. Malls, arcades, food facilities and parks with recreation facilities were a common answer to this inquiry. Planners were interested to see if these functions could be incorporated or even lead the design direction. It was also important to appeal to a variety of age groups, according to the design team.
Some surprising activities that the students suggested were pickle ball, cooking, art museums, and animals in the park.
The students were also very interested in concerts and movies, suggesting a functional use at Town Center 3. Recreational activities such as basketball, volleyball, and soccer were high on the use list, and even badminton and volleyball. But some wanted a quiet green lawn just for relaxing.
Some students said they would like a work space for projects and office type work, and now use the library and BakerRipley for these.
When asked if they have a favorite ethnic food, the response was that everything was good and welcome. A large coffee shop with the possibility of interaction with others was a favorite example.
While some wanted an environment where they could “get out of the house,” others said they favored an environment where all the family could participate of every age.
Some students expressed a concern that TC3 would bring “gentrification” and rising prices and a change in lifestyle.
There was an extended discussion about housing, and whether it was appropriate for this site. East Aldine District executive director Richard Cantu said they felt there was a need for more housing to serve the needs of the community, and give people more choice. The design team suggested some housing could be just for artists, with subsidies to make it more affordable.
The meetings ended with a rich mixture of ideas for the design team to develop further.