News is published with the newest first, so please scroll down to see older items.
Councilmember Breakfast:
I along with Councilmember Linda Koop host a breakfast for the presidents of the homeowner associations in District 12 and District 11. It is open specifically to the HOA presidents or their designees. The breakfasts are generally every other month and are held in the Community Room at the North Central Police Station on the corner of Hillcrest and McCallum. Along with featured speakers there is always an opportunity for Q&A. This gives also gives everyone a chance to meet their peers. Past featured speakers have been City Manager Mary Suhm, Police Chief David Kunkle,Fire Chief Eddie Burns Mayor Tom Leppert. The meeting starts promptly at 7:30 and is finished by 9:00. Everyone orders and pays for their own breakfast.
Stay tuned for the date of the next HOA Breakfast.
Please rsvp to district12@dallascityhall.com
Cotton Belt Line update (02-10)
There have been some very significant milestones in the progress of the Cotton Belt Rail line. The first is that on the FRA (Federal Rail Administration) has authorized the removal of freight service on the Cotton Belt from Renner Junction to the Dallas North Tollroad. Renner Junction is just east of the Dallas City limits and Dallas North Tollroad is the western city limit of Dallas along the Cotton Belt. For those of you that have been involved in the Cotton Belt issue know that removing the freight service was a key point of 'The Natinsky Plan' to move the Cotton Belt forward. Many said it would never get authorized, but through a lot of hard work and determinatin on the part of all involved it has finally been accomplished. A big thanks goes out to DART who played a key role in making this happen.
The second is that federal approval of the vehicle design for the Cotton Belt is very close to happening. This is being called a LRNT vehicle. This stands for Light Rail New Technology. I would say that we are about 95% there. It is has been a long hard process to convince the federal regulators that a vehicle could be built that would meet the parameters set up by the community and still meet the federal safety regulations. The goal was a vehicle that was substantially the same physical size as a current DART light rail vehicle and had the same performance, vibration, noise and emission parameters. The design is a self-propelled vehicle utilizing the latest Tier 4 emission standards that is modular in design so that as technology continues to improve the vehicle can be updated. A big advantage of this design is that the overhead catenary wires and the associated poles and supports are no longer needed, which goes a long way to making the corridor more visually pleasing. There has been a lot of interest in this new LRNT vehicle from other transit agencies across the country. The DART staff and the RTC staff have worked very hard to get this approval and it should be issued shortly. Here is an artist rendering of the design.
The third development is that the RTC (Regional Transportation Council) last year set up a Cotton Belt Strategy Committee to serve as a body to develop a strategy to move up the operational date of the Cotton Belt line. One of the developments was the realization that the Cotton Belt should not only go to DFW Airport, but there was the potention to serve the region by going all the way to Fort Worth. This brought to the table several positive issues. There is a large area of the City of Dallas located at North Lake that was previously used for a power plant that is being redeveloped as a transit oriented mixed use development by the Billingsley Company. This is located just south of Coppell on the way to the airport. The development of this remote part of Dallas brings added benefit to the Cotton Belt line since there is additional tax base brought to the table. Another is that through ridership studies it was found that there would be a high level of ridership across the region, Dallas to Fort Worth and visa versa. The Fort Worth T was working on trying to get to DFW from the western side of the region. The additional ridership helps bring the financial model to a better point. And the last is that there is now a push to continue the Cotton Belt line east out to Wylie and/or north to McKinney. Either of these options brings more ridership which helps the financial model. The RTC brought all parties to the table to find a common solution for the Cotton Belt.
During the Cotton Belt Strategy meetings the conditions that the City of Dallas adopted for the section through Far North Dallas have been part of the plan. This is what was commonly nicknamed 'The Natinsky Plan'. This includes the new vehicle design, the below grade cut for the line, the hike and bike trail and other amenities. In fact several of these conditions are now being looked at by other communities along the line. The goal is to find a PPP solution to building the Cotton Belt line that would have an in service date of late 2013 or early 2014. There is earlier Cotton Belt information below in this column. As the process continues I will update the information.
Wagging Tail Dog Park is now open (01-10)
After a fabulous ribbon cutting ceremony the park is now open for people and their pets. There have been some start up problems with both the weather and some lingering construction. The main problem has been the weather, really wet and cold that has prevented the grass from taking hold. For the next couple of months the park will be open on Sat and Sunday, weather and grounds permitting. Once the grass gets established the park will be open from sunup to sundown Tuesday-Sunday. The park will be closed on Mondays for maintenance. If a Monday is an official city holiday the park will be open. There is a park hot line for latest information: 214-670-1589. The park website is www.waggingtaildogpark.org where you can find the latest information. The park will also be closed during inclement weather to prevent damage to the grass areas. If you enjoy the park please consider joining the Friends of Wagging Tail Park. If you're interested please send your contact info to info@waggingtaildogpark.org.
Wagging Tail Dog Park is set to open on Dec. 12th (11-09)
The ribbon cutting and opening of this exciting new park will be at 11am. Get there early as we expect a really big crowd. The plans are for Councilmembers Natinsky and Koop and the Mayor to cut the ribbon at 11am. This is a fabulous 7 acre park with places for people and pets. A fantastic deck overlooking White Rock Creek along with play areas for small and large dogs are incorporated. There will be lots of fun things; face painting, a balloon man, fire truck, the DPD K-9 squad and hot dogs on the grille. Dallas Animal services will be on site with low cost micro-chipping, vaccinations and registration. They will also have a selection of dogs and puppies for adoption. The address is 5841 Keller Springs, this is on the north side of Keller Springs just west of Preston Road. If you're planning on attending, please rsvp to disrict12@dallascityhall.com so we can sort of count on the right number of attendees, Thanks.
The District 12 sidewalk project has started (10-09)
You may have already seen work starting, but if not, the project to build sidewalks along all major streets in District 12 has started. The project will build new sidewalks and fill in places where sidewalks are missing along all major roads. The project includes Preston, Campbell, Hillcrest, Frandford, Keller Springs, and many more. Please be carefull in the construction zones. It's estimated that the project will be completed in early 2010. This will make Dallas a more walkable city, easier to walk to places and even get your exercise with the danger of getting run over in the street.
New Community Room at North Central Police Station (06-09)
We've long had a shortage of locations to have community meetings in Far North Dallas. At the North Central Station Crime Watch and VIP meetings were held on a space and time available basis in the Duty Room at the station but this was not a convenient situation as the Officers really needed this space. During the 2006 Bond program I explored the possibility of expanding the North Central Police Station and adding a community room and was told that the building could not be expanded. In mid 2008 I discovered that the Building Inspection Office that was also housed at the North Central Station needed more space and was looking to move. I immediately worked with staff to make sure that the vacated space could be acquired and turned into a Community Room. It was finally vacated right after the first of 2009 and the plan became reality. The officers at North Central pitched in and cleaned, patched and painted the space. Donated furniture is being acquired and everything should be ready by March 1st. If you need a place to hold a homeowner or other civic or community meeting just call North Central at 214-670-7247 and make a reservation. This will be a great new asset for Far North Dallas.
DART Cotton Belt update (04-09)
Although the TLOTA bill did not get approved in the last legislative session due to calendar issues there is still work going on to keep the Cotton Belt line moving forward. Dart is involved in a public private partnership proposal to fund the line and there is work on what has been called TLOTA II to be introduced in the upcoming legislative session. In all of this work the plans for the Cotton Belt have not changed, everyone is committed to the points of the Natinsky Plan so that the line will fit the needs of the community.
DART Cotton Belt update (12-08)
A lot's been going on with regards to the Cotton Belt line through Far North Dallas so it's time for an update. The Texas Local Option Transportation Act has been introduced in Austin and it will provide an opportunity to get the Cotton Belt Line completed in accordance with the Natinsky Plan. There are 250 miles of additional rail proposed in the program and the Cotton Belt Line is one of them. The Cotton Belt Line has actually been expanded and is now proposed to run from the Red Line station at Central and George Bush to DFW Airport and then on to Downtown Fort Worth. This will mean that the Cotton Belt will function as a regional line between Dallas and Fort Worth with DFW Airport as a midpoint.
A lot of work has been going on regarding the vehicle to be used on the Cotton Belt Line. It is being called a LRNT vehicle which stands for Light Rail New Technology. Below is a picture of the conceptual vehicle and you will notice that it looks very much like the current light rail vehicles being used on the DART system except that it does not have the unsightly pantograph mechanism on the roof. Since this vehicle is self-powered it also does not need the unsightly poles and electrical wires hanging above and along the track. This vehicle is being designed to meet the latest emission standards utilizing hybrid technologies and will meet the same noise, vibration and performance standards as the current DART light rail vehicles. It is in fact being labeled as the 'car of the future' for DART and will be utilized on future and current lines.
If the TLOTA legislation passes this spring, the timetable is that if everything goes as planned the Cotton Belt Line could be operating in late 2012 or 2013.
Prior Cotton Belt Line history:
As you may recall, DART initially wanted to utilize loud and dirty diesel commuter rail cars along this alignment. As a result of a lot of hard work I convinced a unanimous vote at both the Transportation Committee and the entire Dallas City Council to adopt the Natinsky Plan for the use of the Cotton Belt line. This included the following important points:
- Only LRNT (Light Rail New Technology) vehicles can be used. This means light rail, hybrid or other quieter, safer and less polluting technologies.
- As a safety precaution, rail service near your community must be located below ground level.
- Freight service must be removed.
- All rail stations must follow the guidelines of the Natinsky plan.
- Additional landscaping such as trees and bushes and sound barriers shall be required to protect Far North Dallas residents from noise and visual pollution.
- DART shall assist with the planning and development of the hike and bike trail within the Cotton Belt corridor.
DART then voted to adopt their 2030 Plan with most but not all of the above points. The key one that was not adopted was placing the tracks in a below grade cut. Representative Goolsby then sponsored a bill in Austin to force DART to adhere to the Natinsky Plan and although it passed in committee it never made it to a floor vote before the session ended.
Since then elected officials, transportation leaders and transit agencies (including DART) across the North Texas region have been hard at work on a Rail North Texas, an initiative that ultimately should lead to a much needed regional rail system that will help reduce local traffic congestion. The Cotton Belt is now part of that plan. It has also been extended to run from the Red Line to DFW Airport and on to Fort Worth. This will be accomplished using the same LRNT vehicles and components of the Natinsky Plan that is supported by the community. Since additional funding sources will be available for this regional plan it also makes that same funding available for the Cotton Belt line. Because of the additonal funding, the shortfall for placing the tracks in a cut should now be available.
I have been working closely with Councilmember Koop on the funding plan and we have made it very clear that the only way it will be supported is if the Natinsky Plan is adhered to. The Regional Rail Initiative is being worked on at the RTC (Regional Transportation Council) and Councilmember Koop is the Chair and I am the Secretary so we are in positions to make sure that our interests are protected. DART has also been part of these discussions and I can tell you that they are now supportive of the efforts. As you know the push was originally from the suburbs to get the Cotton Belt moved up and that may now happen. Along with the new funding sources, DART and the regional effort are looking at a public-private partnership to build and operate the line. This could move the operatiing date for the Cotton Belt up to 2012. I have also been in communication with Representative Kent and she is supportive of legislation in Austin to support both the implementation of the Natinsky Plan and the fundings mechanisms necessary for the Rail North Texas Initiative.
We seem to arrived a point where a good plan, adequate funding regional needs and public initiative have all come together to get the Cotton Belt done right. As Rail North Texas moves forward I would ask you to support the effort to ensure that we end up getting what we want.
Once a week garbage and recycling starts March 3rd (01-08)
Mark your calendars now. On March 3rd this area will be switching to once a week garbage and recycling pickup. This is a big change and we think we have developed a program that will work to everyones benefit. Since Dallas introduced the big blue recycling bins and single stream recycling one of the biggest requests has been "I need my recycling bin picked up more than every other week". And at the same time people realize that there is less going into their grey garbage bin. In many cases people are saying that they don't even put their grey bin out the second time each week. Dallas is one of the few major cities in the country that still used twice a week garbage. So after carefull study we're embarking on the new 1+1 program. If you don't already have a big blue recycling bin, please call 311 or my office to get one delivered, they're free. Recycling is easy, you can put all your papers, glass, plastic and metal cans in the same bin. No sorting is needed. About the only exceptions currently are the thin film plastic bags and styrofoam and we hope to be able to accept them shortly. The big benefit to the City not only does all this material not need to be put in the land fill at great expense, it is sold. For every dollar that the processer sells the materials for the City get 66 cents. This helps to offset the cost of the sanitation services. Recycling is environmentally correct and cost effective.
So here's how it works. You will be designated a day of the week and on that day you will put out both your grey bin and blue bins. No more trying to remember which day is recycling. It's now easy, both on the same day. Depending on where you live the single day may be one of your current days or it may change. There are now 4 areas; Blue-Monday, Green-Tuesday, Yellow-Thursday and Pink-Friday. A big question is holidays. The only days that the sanitation department does not work is Thanksgiving and the Friday after, Christmas, New Years and certain July 4ths. The schedule will include a make-ip day if your regular day falls on one of those days.
You will be receiving a postcard announcing the dates of 3 townhall meetings where the program will be explained. Second you will receive a letter from me which will include a map and other detailed materials. We will also be placing a hanger on your trash bins with details of the program and your new date. We will also be delievering a magnet with the complete schedule for your use.
If you have any questions, please contact my office and we'll be glad to help you.
Want to serve on a City of Dallas Board or Commission?
If you'd like to serve on a City of Dallas Board or Commission there may be a place for you. The complete list of boards and commissions is on the city website, just click this link: http://www.ci.dallas.tx.us/cso/pdf/Bds-descript.pdf. The time requirements are also listed as service requires from a couple of hours a month to a couple of days a week depending on the board or commission. There are also specific requirements that differ with each position. Additionally a criminal background check is required and you must be a registered voter. There are positions that are individual nominations that I make and there are positions that the entire Council needs to agree on. The pay is zero but the rewards come in the form of being involved and providing public service to the city. If you are ready to roll up your sleeves and volunteer I'd like to hear from you.
New Street Signs going up:
In the 2006 Bond Program were funds for new street signs for District 12. One of the first projects to actually be done are the new street signs for District 12. These signs are being installed at all major intersections. They are larger than the current signs and feature a larger font size for easier reading and a new highly reflective material that is almost as bright as lighted signs. They are also being positioned in the center of the signal arm for easier visibility. The new signs are also made from a material that will last longer. Additionally, there are new median signs being installed prior to all major intersections advising of the next intersection. An example would be "Preston Road next Intersection". The installation of the new signage has already started and it's easy to tell which are the new signs. Look for them as you drive the streets of District 12.
HB 107 News:
Unfortunately HB 107 did not get scheduled by the time the session was over. Representative Goolsby will re-submit the bill during the next session.
Cotton Belt Update:
HB 107 was voted out of committee successfuly on April 24th. It now goes to the Calendars Committee to be set for a vote n the House Floor.
The votes were:
For;
Tony Goolsby
Mike Krusee
Larry Phillips
Joe Deshotel
Pat Haggerty
Fred Hill
And those voting against were;
Linda Harper-Brown
Patricia Harless
Nathan Macias
Jim Murphy
A big thank you to those that went to Austin for the hearing on the bill and to those that wrote e-mails, letters and made phone calls in support of the bill. A thank you note to those on the Committee that voted for the bill would certainly be in order.
Timberglen Library Ribbon Cutting and Opening:
The new Timberglen Library at Midway and Timberglen had its' ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening on Saturday Feb. 24. This new 18,000 square foot state of the art building is a LEED certified silver buildng featurng the latest in environmental and energy saving building and operating techniques. The address is 18505 Midway Road. Some of the features are: a children's area for weekly story times and special programs, 25 public computers with a special computer area designed for children and teens, a 102 seat auditorium with computer projector and screen and kitchen/serving area, 2 small conference rooms, a large classroom for workshops/seminars/training sessions and more. Timberglen is the place to go for your books, videos or meetings.
More on the DART 2030 Plan. The one missing piece in the plan was obtaining the enough money for the Natinsky Cut to run the line below grade. The reason for the cut was to enable the trains to pass under the existing 7 street crossings. This is clearly a safety issue as well as a traffic and clean air issue. Another reason for the cut below grade was to provide separation from the trains and the hike and bike trail which would be at grade, each would be at their own level. It seems that now DART is saying they thought it was only for esthetic reasons, that the neighbors didn't want to see the trains behind their homes. With the close spacing of the crossings and the frequency of the trains, separating the crossings is clearly needed. City staff is now studying the issue to help us make our case with DART.
State Representative Tony Gooslby introduces legislation to make DART comply with the Natinsky Plan.
The legislation was filed on Nov. 13th as HR 107. Following is a copy of the proposed bill language:
An Act relating to the adoption of a service plan change by a subregional board that governs a regional transportation authority consisting of one subregion. Be it enacted by the legislature of the State of Texas:
Section 1. Section 452.304, Transportation Code, is amended by adding Subsection (b-1) to read as follows:
(b-1) If the change in the plan provides for the addition of a fixed guideway route in the territory of the principal municipality, the governing body of the principal municipality shall adopt by official action and shall submit to the subregional board recommendations regarding the alignment of the fixed guideway route that the governing body considers necessary or advisable for the health, safety, and welfare of the owners of residential real property located adjacent to or near the proposed fixed guideway route and that minimize potential impacts on those properties. To the greatest extent possible, the subregional board shall incorporate the recommendations of the governing body in the plan.
Section2. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution. If this Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this Act takes effect September 1, 2007.
In simple terms what this means is that since the City Council has adopted the Natinsky Plan, DART will be forced to implement it. Of course this will only happen if the bill is adopted. At the right time it will be necessary to show community support for the passage of the bill.
DART 2003 Update:
On Oct. 24, 2006 DART finally voted on the 2030 plan. It was somewhat disheartening for those that took the time to attend the meeting since the DART board had decided the issue and taken a vote during the 'committee of the whole' earlier in the day. Why have a public hearing if you've already decided the issue? Needless to say, people left very unhappy.
To back up a little in the history. The Dallas City Council had voted unanimously for a DART 2030 plan recommendation that included the Natinsky Plan. Everything seemed fine until the weekend before the scheduled DART vote. It was then that new issues were brought up. Being the good guys, the Dallas City Council agreed to negotiations with DART to come to terms on a plan that would be agreeable to Dallas and the suburbs. Present at those negotiations were myself and fellow Councilmembers Koop, Hill and Salazar. Also present were DART board members Shaw and Foreman and DART Chairman Enoch. City Manager Shum and DART President Thomas were also in attendance along with other staff from both the City and DART. After working diligently for 2 days we had sorted out all issues (including the Natinsky Plan) but still had some minor tweaking to do. The major sticking point during the negotiations had been the amount of money to be allocated to the cost of the 'Natinsky Cut' so that the track would be below grade. In a vote all present supported the $250 million cost except for DART Chair Enoch. DART Chair Enoch openly stated that he was not in favor of spending money on the cut. When the DART board members voted, instead of $250 million there was only support for $50 million for the Natinsky Cut. I guess they expect only a 'partial cut'.
So what were the results? We ended up with way more than the original DART proposal to run dirty diesel locomotives pulling passenger cars and not even stopping to let us get on.
Here are the important points:
1. The LRNT vehicle ( light rail new technology) will be about the same size as a current light rail car (within 8 %)
2. The LRNT vehicle will be limited to or lower than the upcoming EPA Tier 4 emissions (2011-2014). The actual mode of power is undetermined, but whatever is used, it must meet these standards. The actual net emissions at these standards will be less than the total combined emissions of the current LRT vehicle and the emissions from the power plant used to generate the electricity for the vehicle.
3. The noise and vibration of the LRNT vehicle would be no more than current LRT vehicles.
4. There is $50 million allocated for all mitigation on the Dallas portion. This funding would also be allocated for the cost of the Natinsky Cut to put the line below grade.
5. DART will do everything possible to remove the freight service from the line.
6. There will be stations at Knoll Trail, Preston and West of Coit.
So overall we got a nice looking, small, clean, quiet LRNT vehicle, 3 stations to serve the area, maybe the freight removed and close to getting the Natinsky Cut to run the line below grade. This is a lot more than we started with. Remember, in the beginning they were going to run a dirty diesel locomotive and not even stop to let us on.
The extra funding for the Natinsky Cut should be obtainable. If we cannot convince DART to fund it there are other sources. There are federal and local sources and there is the City of Dallas' bond capacity. While the City can not fund the cut itself, we can pay for certain portions such as the street crossing overpasses. I believe that collectively there will be funding to do the complete job. We will continue to work on the funding gap so that the funds will be available when needed.
Legislation has already been written and will be introduced in Austin to convince DART to comply with the City of Dallas wishes. We're also investigating actions in Washington.
It seems as if everyone else got 110% of what they wanted and we didn't. While we all want to think regionally, this is one time that I believe we clearly got the short straw.
I'd like to thank everyone that has been involved in this issue and you should give yourself a round of applause. Remember, it's not over yet.
As new information becomes available I will keep you updated. If you have any comments, please send me an e-mail.
Zoning Cases:
Preston Road North of Arapaho:
This is the small tract of land just North of the bridge on the East side. The request is for a PDD for neighborhood office uses. There is also a flood plain case involved in this case as much of the property is located in the flood plain. After many neighborhood meetings a list of allowed uses and conditions were agreed upon by the neighborhood. Much of the negotiations surrounded the mitigation of the trees that would be removed during the flood plain process. The building will be about 11,000 sq feet and only one story. There are design standards in the PDD that should help make it a very attractive project. 12-13-2006 update, the City Council passed the case.
Knoll Trail South of Westgrove:
This case has not been filed yet so this is preliminary information. The property is just South of Regents Bank and runs between Knoll Trail and the Tollroad service road. It is a luxury complex comprised of a single large 4 story building and two small areas of townhomes. Almost all parking is underground. The main entrance will be on Knoll Trail. Units will be priced above $1 million and the entance will be gated. Once the application is filed I will update this information. 10-28-2006 update, the application will soon be filed and the applicant is interested in hearing from any neighbors. If you are interested, please contact my office and I'll get you in touch with the developer. Some additional information is that the project will include 161 high end condominiums and townhomes. 11-15-2006 update, the application has been filed and will probably be at the Plan Commission in January.
Keller Springs West of Preston:
This is located on the North side of Keller Springs just West of the creek. It is currently zoned a PD and the applicant is seeking to modify the PD to allow for zero lot line homes and condominiums. The zero lot line homes will be on the Northwest portion of the development and the condominiums will be on the Eastern portion of the site. The condominiums will be built in 3 and 4 story buildings with the 3 story on the center of the tract and the 4 story on the Eastern end of the tract. The parking for the condos will be under the buildings and there will be large amounts of green space. The entire community will be gated and a landscaped penninsula will separate the two types of housing. The condominiums will be priced from $750,000 and up. The zero lot line homes will probably be in the $1 million and up range. The Plan Commission approved this case and it will be heard by the City Council in November. This case was heard by the City Council on Nov. 8th and passed.
Briargrove at Tollway:
Application for a driveway cut on the property on the NE corner (Cantina Laredo). There is currently not a driveway onto Briargrove as part of the deed restrictions when the property was rezoned 10 years ago to allow the restaurant use. The properies to the North have common access to this property so all could end up using the driveway. This would permit traffic to exit onto both East and West bound Briargove into the adjoining neighborhoods. The Plan Commission held the case in June for 30 days. The Plan Commission denied this case and the applicant did not appeal to the City Council.
Davenport North of McCallum:
Located on the West side of Davenport, this long strip of land is currently zoned detached single family and the application is for TH-3, which is town house zoning of less than 12 to the acre. The application was approved at CPC on Feb. 24 for 42 units on the entire tract. The units will be developed in pods of 6 with 3 units facing another 3 units so that they do not face the commercial uses across Davenport to the East. There will will be 7 of these pods. There will be a mixture of 1-2 story units which will feature garages and additional outside parking. The development will have a mandatory HOA which will be responsible for all common area mantenance and upkeep. This case will probably be scheduled for a public hearing at the City Council sometime in early April. This case was approved by City Council on June 28, 2006.
Haverwood at the Tollroad:
This is at the Northwest corner and is currently tract 3 of a PD which currently provides for mainly office use with some auxiliary uses. The applicant has applied to add multi-family uses to the PD. The neighborhood is not in favor of the application as proposed. There have been a series of neighborhood meetings with and without the applicant. The applicant has also met with our CPC appointee, Dennis Burnham and Councilman Ron Natinsky. As of late February, the applicant has placed a hold on the application while he studies other opportunities for the property. The applicant is not currently the owner of the land and will only close on the property pending the completion of an appropriate zoning change. This case was unanimously rejected by the Plan Commisson. It is understood that the applicant will re-apply with a modified plan still including multi-family uses.
Frankford at Marsh Lane:
This is the Northeast corner where the Frankford Town Home development is located. The application is for a SUP on the building located right on the corner to allow a private school use. This application was made back in the fall and has been on hold for over 5 months now. This case was approved by the City Council in May 2006.
Other News:
Groundbreaking for Timberglen Branch Library:
The ceremony was held on May 21, 2005. The address is 18505 Midway Road, it will be in the area adjacent to the Park. This is an exciting facility for District 12 and especially for those that live West of the Tollroad. The building will be a very special one in that it will incorporate many green and energy efficient designs. Even the rainwater and runoff from the grounds will be recycled and utilized to water the grounds. For a while it seemed as if nothing was happening, but as in most construction projects the foundation work takes a long time and then you begin to see progress. The storage tanks for the rainwater collection system were recently installed and the structure quickly began to go up. Completion is scheduled for early 2007.
