Have you heard about the new development plans for downtown Beaumont?

"Exciting" may be the best word to describe them.

The first phase is already in the budget and may be entering the construction phase within the next twelve months, according to Chris Boone with the City Development Office. 

Speaking at the quarterly REALTOR luncheon yesterday, Mr. Boone explained the multiple ways the city of Beaumont is preparing to take advantage of the ten to twenty billion dollars of investment that are coming to the Southeast Texas area. 

Revitalizing downtown is a top priority. 

The first phase of the plan is the creation of the new MLK Park  (On the map it is the area shaded in red and labeled with the letter N).  The new park will have a lake and new events center.  The events center will replace the old Harvest Club.  The city acquired about thirty parcels of property to create the new lake park. 

The City of Beaumont has several other projects in various stages of design and planning.  Rumors of a Dog Park are true.  It should be opening this fall.  More details to follow. 

Its an exciting time in Beaumont.  The lake park and events center are moving ahead.