PORT NECHES — Residents of Port Neches have a chance to give input into development along the riverfront during two scheduled meetings.

The first meeting is set for 5 p.m., Tuesday, June 21 at city hall, 1005 Merriman St. in Port Neches.

“This is an opportunity for the public to participate,” Port Neches City Manager Andrè Wimer said.

Last year the city learned they were the recipients of a Coastal Management Program Grant in the amount of $75,000 from the Texas General land Office for planning and design associate with the riverfront property.

“Basically the intent of the grant is to look at the cost and options associated with that area along the river,” he said.

Issues such as the addition of a boardwalk and what would it look like aesthetically, whether bulk heading is required and a look at a pier which extends into the river and evaluate it in terms of public use could be discussed, he added.

Back in 2000 the city began the acquisition of about 80-acres of land near Port Neches Riverfront Park and extending about a mile towards the cemetery area. Through a series of town hall meetings the city developed a Port Neches River Front Vision Master Plan to address economic development and ecotourism needs. The plan presented a broad vision for the property that included overall long term use but a more detailed review of both water and shoreline conditions are necessary to ensure feasibility, stability and use of intended improvements.

But development could be on the horizon. Last year two former Mid-County area residents approached the city wanting to research the feasibility of developing the property. The city entered into a Letter of Understanding with a six month time frame in which the city agreed not to discuss the sale of conveyance of the land to other parties.

Then in August 2015 the duo once again approached the city asking for and receiving a 12-month extension.

“Ultimately this will be a coordinated effort between the developers of the site in its entirety in conjunction with features along the edge of the river,” he said.

To better help with development there are parallel projects such as debris removal in the waterway and erosion control.

A second public meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m., Aug. 16 at city hall.

Mary Meaux: 409-721-2429

Twitter: @MaryMeauxPANews