TYLER (KYTX) - The Midtown Area Development Plan has been a project in the making since March 2011.
The purpose of the plan is to further develop the medical district, including East Texas Medical Center, Trinity Mother Frances Hospitals, Tyler Junior College, and surrounding neighborhoods- turning it into an even more vibrant district.
City Planner Heather Nick presented the recommendations.
"Patterned crosswalks, district markers, landscaping, district signage, maybe some new ramps and lighting." she says is part of the plan.
New restaurants and shops would on the way too. Nick also says new bike lanes, bus shelters, and street closures on the TJC campus are also part of the plan- all to make the area as safe and pedestrian-friendly as possible.
"It is also recommended that hedges and other landscaping be installed in the median."
In a branding effort, another recommendation is to change the street name "Beckham" to "Medical Parkway."
"Hopefully changing the name from 'Beckham' to 'Medical Parkway' will allow people to find their pathway to the medical district so much easier."
Mary Elizabeth Jackson says she's impressed with the Midtown Area Development Plan.
"Everyone's come together and I just think they've done a phenomenal job of bringing the community together and offering this new concept for our city.
The next step is to present these recommendations to the planning and zoning committee and city council on September 26.
