City of Cleburne

2013–2014

The Cleburne Downtown Master Plan addressed the long-term needs of this important area of the community in the context of local and regional growth for Cleburne and Johnson County. It provided a roadmap for redevelopment in such a way that Downtown is pedestrian-friendly, aesthetically pleasing, and, most importantly, economically thriving.

The Redevelopment Plan resulted from extensive research and collaboration and involved the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) and the City of Cleburne led by a team of planning consultants. Also engaged were representatives of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Johnson County, Cleburne Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Cleburne Association, Friends of the Cultural Arts, Save Old Cleburne, and Keep Cleburne Beautiful. The Project Review Committee (PRC) included representatives of the City, TxDOT, and NCTCOG.

 Key components of the planning process were: (1) an analysis of existing conditions including Downtown’s character, transportation, land use, zoning, cultural offerings, natural features, and economics; (2) public engagement including stakeholder interviews, public meetings, and visioning workshops, and (3) case studies about downtowns with similar geography, circumstances, and goals.

Pavlik and Associate’s engagement of community stakeholders revealed the biggest priorities were increasing ease of pedestrian travel, improving area aesthetics, and revitalizing community/green spaces. Alternative planning scenarios or “Gravity Centers” were identified for future private investment to further facilitate proximal growth. Regulatory solutions to stimulating investment were also suggested, such as rezoning for mixed-use development and creating a Downtown Implementation Advisory Board.