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Background Sector 3 is primarily a residen- tial area with a mix of single - family homes, apartment complexes, townhomes and duplexes. It in- cludes some large amounts of vacant land in the northern por- tions toward Sink Creek. Spring Lake Hills, Forest Hills, Ridgeway/ Hillcrest, Alamo, Holland Hills, Highland, Tanglewood and Sierra Circle are older neighborhoods with tree - shaded lots and mostly owner- occupied single family homes. Apartments, townhomes and duplexes are common in the northern portions of the sector, particularly along N. LBJ Dr., N. Bishop St., Ranch Road 12, Coers Cr., Chestnut Dr. and Windmill Dr. Most of the rental units are directed toward Texas State Uni- versity students. There are a few businesses in the sector, located mostly along Ranch Road 12 and the intersection of N. LBJ & Ses- soms. Sector 3 contains 1.5 square miles north of Texas State Univer- sity. The sector is bound by the city limits and the university on the north and south, respectively. The San Marcos Treatment Center and Ed J.L. Green Dr. form the eastern boundary while Ranch Road 12 forms the western. Like Sectors I & 2, Sector 3 is located in the Edwards Plateau above the Balcones Escarpment. Elevations range from 641 feet to 829 feet. The majority of Sector 3 is located in the Edwards Aquifer Transition Zone, with the remain- der in the Recharge Zone. There are no floodplains located in the sector. The northern half of the sector drains to Sink Creek while the southern drains to the San Hilly topography and curvilinear streets characterize much of Sec- tor 3 Marcos River. The university's influence is evident in Sector 3 with heavy rental presence, low median age, smaller households and more multi -unit dwellings. The busi- nesses present often cater toward the student population, such as a student bookstore. Major Changes and Accomplishments The City adopted a new Land Development Code in 2004, which contained several new policies inspired by goals listed in the Sec- tor 3 Plan as well as other sectors. The standards providing significant impact to Sector 3 in furthering its goals include residential landscap- ing requirements, lighting standards and screening between incompati- ble land uses. 2006 saw the end to a city -wide rezoning process following adop- tion of the new Land Development Code in 2004, better synchronizing the Zoning Map with the Future Land Use Map. The Zoning Map and Future Land Use Map do not have any significant inconsistencies, likely a result of the area's stability. The influence of the university becomes more evident on the maps near the campus, with in- creased levels of multi - family and commercial zoning and uses. Newer student oriented housing continues to develop along Ranch Road 12, Craddock Ave. and LBJ Dr. The central portion of the sector maintains its single - family character through zoning and effective enforcement. Holland St. was recently recon- structed from Academy Dr. to Chestnut Dr. The reconstruction included the addition of bicycle lanes (the first in San Marcos), sidewalks and speed bumps. Craddock Ave. experienced massive changes in Sector 2, which carried to the border of Sector 3. The intersection of Craddock Ave. and Ranch Road 12 was recon- structed to improve the flow of traffic and vehicle stacking at the traffic light. New sidewalks were installed on select routes in the sector to provide a safer pedestrian environ- ment and connection to major destinations, particularly the uni- versity. LBJ Dr. from Craddock Ave. to Holland St. benefited from new sidewalks as well as the length of Alamo Street. Perhaps the most significant change has come in parks and recreation opportunities. Schulle i . .i Above: Holland St. improvements, including traffic calming measures Below: Schulle Park improvements i. Canyon has added ADA hiking trails, bird observation trails, benches and a information kiosk. In addition, the city has acquired 49 acres north of the Dakota Ranch Apartments on Ranch Road 12 tentatively called Ringtail Ridge, which has construction of an ADA trail in progress Scctor 3 Technical ( pdate May 1, 2007 Navigating the Sector 3 Update: Future Land Use Existing Zoning Sector Demographics Thoroughfare Plan Future Implementation Sector Goals: • "Walkable ", pedestrian - friendly neighborhoods • Safe, well connected bicycling routes on all major streets • Traffic calming to reduce "Cut - through" traffic • Improved internal circulation in new commercial development to prevent traffic problems common in "strip" commercial development • Context - sensitive street design giving equal value to vehicular movement, community aesthetics, pedestrian and cyclist safety, and streets should not sacrifice safety of neighborhood residents for additional traffic and higher speeds • Establish bicycling routes on all major streets to connect neighbor- hoods with desirable destinations • Promote interconnected street grid in future development. • "Neighborhood friendly" develop- ment mitigating negative impacts of higher intensity uses • Preserve & enhance visual character through variety of design require- ments • Promote high quality, attractive development along Craddock Ave- nue and Ranch Road 12 as commu- nity gateways • Improve open space and recreational opportunities. SAN MAR('filS 1W City of San Marcos, Texas Planning & Development Services 1