City to discuss name for transit-based development

To find a name for a $40-million transit-oriented site to go south of U.S. 290, Jersey Village city officials turned to residents for ideas.

City Council will discuss and possibly choose from one of the 70 suggested names at its Monday, Oct. 18, City Council meeting. Oct. 12 was the deadline to submit names.

The meeting is set for 7 p.m. at Civic Center Auditorium, 16327 Lakeview Drive.

The city asked residents to submit names that would not only reflect the activity and purpose of the site - which is along the proposed Hempstead commuter rail project on U.S. 290 - but also would be "unique and easy to remember" and take into consideration any nearby historical landmarks or other significant features, according to city rules.

The transit-oriented development, which was designed by consultants Kimley-Horn & Associates, is envisioned to offer shopping, office space, green areas, eateries and various types of housing within a pedestrian-friendly community in the area of U.S. 290, Wright and Spencer roads. The site, which is expected to take several years to complete, encompasses approximately 300 acres.

The development could complement the city's Jones Road extension project, which will expand the heavily traveled road to four lanes. Work started on the project in August. The extension will take Jones Road from U.S. 290 south over the Union Pacific Railroad tracks to a point on FM 529 midway between Wright and Charles roads.

The as-yet-unnamed site may be a stop along a proposed commuter rail line segment that would run from Hempstead to Loop 610 along U.S. 290.

The line would use existing tracks owned by Union Pacific Railroad. The Gulf Coast Rail District, which was created by Harris and Fort Bend counties and the city of Houston, is conducting a $715,000 feasibility study of the proposed 40-mile commuter line, which would cost nearly $350 million. The study is expected to be completed early next year.