GEORGETOWN, Texas — Georgetown is one of the fastest growing cities in the country, and city leaders say it needs some work to make it more "walkable." The city is looking at plans to make $31 million worth of sidewalk improvements.
The city gained nearly 11,000 new residents in 2022, with a population of nearly 90,000 – making it the fastest-growing city in the country.
Jason Norwood is a business owner and lives in Georgetown. He uses the sidewalks downtown and said improvements are needed.
"Anything that is used to improve that area would be better for business and better for people," Norwood said.
The city's master plan calls for adding new sidewalks in places like Third Street from Austin Avenue to Main Street, where there are none, and putting in curb ramps for those who are mobility-challenged.
"Anything that improves access for those is definitely a good thing," Norwood said.
A big portion of funding would also go toward adding sidewalks near schools – something Norwood, who is a parent of two, is in favor of.
"Give kids an opportunity not to walk in the street – definitely a good thing," he said.
Near East View High School will be one of the larger projects, costing nearly $1.5 million for a sidewalk and curb ramps from Patriot Way to Ronald Road.
Julisa Carrio, who lives in the area, said it's about time.
"A sidewalk would be necessary. When I went to school, there was no sidewalk and I had to walk home. Not much to walk on, so pretty much walk on the grass or on the side of the road," Carrio said.
As it is now, she has safety concerns for her nieces and other kids that live in the area.
"It is kind of dangerous out there because there's cars driving by," she said. "You never know."
The future projects will be funded by city transportation and mobility bonds.
Boomtown is KVUE's series covering the explosive growth in Central Texas. For more Boomtown stories, head to KVUE.com/Boomtown.