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Council: Motto may play a bigger role in development
Council members last week discussed whether Elgin’s longstanding slogan should extend beyond marketing purposes and help shape how the city grows.
City Council explored what it means to be “perfectly situated” Jan. 6 and whether Elgin’s motto could serve as a guiding principle for future planning, development standards and community identity. No formal action was taken, but city staff was asked to gather community input for future consideration.
“I drove three blocks on Main Street and was able to provide ample evidence of what
“These developers are shaping who we are, and we should be shaping the developers as to who we are.”
— Councilwoman Tiffany St. Pierre brought me to Elgin,” Councilwoman Tiffany St. Pierre said. “These developers are shaping who we are, and we should be shaping the developers as to who we are.”
St. Pierre said the goal is not to control design or discourage development, but to attract builders who align with Elgin’s vision of small-town character.
City staff said they would outline what changes are legally allowed under state law and where flexibility exists.
“The one decision the council would have to make is what I would call more of the architectural standards,” said Development Services Director Beau Perry. “There’s things that you can’t put into code because you’re not allowed to by law.”
While some elements cannot be changed, according to Perry, certain large-scale projects can be influenced through development agreements.
The city agreed to revisit its 2020 vision document, a guiding framework and comprehensive plan aimed at preserving historic downtown.
“It’s worked very well with the parks master plan,” Perry said. “I think once you have that, it is much easier to leverage that with your developments.”
Several council members voiced support for the discussion but urged caution.
Councilman Al Rodriguez said the city should avoid creating a divide between “old Elgin” and “new Elgin,” or making new residents feel unwelcome among longtime locals.
“Vision is probably one of those things that needs to be revisited — it’s more than just aesthetics,” Rodriquez said. “It’s about making sure that the needs of old Elgin and the needs of new Elgin are met.”
Council members said they plan to continue the discussion during upcoming strategic planning sessions, reviewing existing development codes and examples from other Texas communities.
Staff was asked to prepare background materials and a framework to guide future talks, including opportunities for public input and coordination with historic preservation efforts.
