Comprehensive Master Plan - City of Alvin

facts & figuresLand Useintensive commercialdistricts. Seek ways tointroduce retirementhousing into the Downtownarea, thereby offering closeproximity and access toservices and communityamenities.2. Designate firm boundariesfor the Downtown area,within which high‐densityhousing is permittedwithout encroachment intothe abutting low‐densitysingle‐familyMixed use development allowing upper floor residential use above retailneighborhoods. Within thebusinesses is an opportunity to create alternative living options Downtown.defined Downtown area,concentrate higher intensityresidential uses with allowances for increased building heights andfloor area ratios. Also allow building conversions from single‐familyto multiple‐family dwellings. Higher density residential uses shouldbe located closer to the commercial center with lower density usesacross the street and adjacent to single‐family dwellings, which willmitigate visual impacts and preserve the neighborhood environment.In the Downtown fringe, “granny‐flat” accessory units should also bepermitted.3. Adopt design standards for residential uses within the Downtown andits defined fringe areas to ensure their appearance reflects a moreurban character. Specific performance standards should be createdrelating to building design and articulation, orientation, height,setbacks, parking, and resident access to ensure compatibility andcohesiveness with the Downtown environment.‣ Enhance and expand the Downtown to create a village‐scaled urbancenter as a community focal point and an economic destination.1. Transform the existing auto‐urban character of Downtown to an urbanenvironment by infilling vacant parcels, eliminating front yardbuilding setbacks and parking lots to create increased buildingenclosure of the public right‐of‐way, enhancing the pedestrianenvironment with streetscape improvements, requiring a minimumApril 1, 2005Page 3-20