The month of March marks the beginning of warmer temperatures and the start of an exciting project for residents.
Realty Capital Management officials plan to break ground on the 150-acre Lakeside DFW development this month and a local land development company will begin work on the first phase of single-family homes.
The initial construction will include four mixed-use buildings at the corner of Lakeside and FM 2499 which are intended to become the front door of this large development.
Many people driving down FM 2499 are not aware Grapevine Lake is just a few feet away. The first phase of the Lakeside development is intended to frame the west side of the intersection with buildings, landscaping, etc. that will draw people to this dynamic mixed-use development. When complete, residents and visitors will be able to choose from many shopping and dining opportunities while enjoying the picturesque scenery of Grapevine Lake.
The 83rd Session of the Texas Legislature began on January 8, and to-date, close to 3,000 bills were filed.
The Town is fortunate to have dedicated staff, legislative consultant Fred Hill, the Texas Municipal League, and a network of regional partners who are assisting in tracking legislation that may impact Flower Mound.
Bills must be submitted by the March 8 filing deadline. We remain vigilant in tracking legislation that would erode municipal authority and our ability to govern at the local level.
This month, the Council will consider a resolution opposing HB 1496, authored by Van Taylor of Collin County. Similar to HB 3105 filed during the previous legislative session, this bill would preempt local zoning authority with regard to location of oil and gas well sites. The bill has been referred to the Energy Resource Committee, and the Town will continue to voice our opposition to this detrimental legislation.
Last month, the Council approved an historic measure to formalize a new Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Phase Zero program, and innovative partnership with the University of North Texas that will exclusively benefit Flower Mound businesses.
The goal of Phase Zero is to help our small businesses, primarily in the medical technology field, effectively compete for federal SBIR and STTR grants with the assistance of field experts at the University of North Texas.
Through this partnership, the Town will invest in local businesses by enabling them to develop concepts that could lead to commercialization, and ultimately help their businesses expand and become more successful. We anticipate welcoming our first Phase Zero participants this summer and have already heard from two medical companies, which have expressed an interest in the program.
If you are interested in pursuing leadership training, there is an amazing opportunity coming up in May.
Thanks to an enhanced partnership with the Town, the Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce will host the 2013 Chick-Fil-A Leadercast simulcast from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Friday, May 10 at Trietsch Memorial United Methodist Church – Family Life Center.
This prestigious one-day leadership training is attended by thousands, and is broadcast live around the world. This year, speakers include former Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, Navy SEAL and star of the 2012 movie Act of Valor, Rorke Denver, and 2012 London Olympic Track and Field Gold Medalist, Sanya Richards-Ross.
Tickets are required for this event and are $69 for individuals, or $59 each for groups of 10 or more. For more information, and to purchase tickets online, please visit www.chick-fil-aleadercast.com/location/flowermound.
With spring approaching, so are several great annual events throughout our community.
The Flower Mound Foundation, The Summit Club, and The Women of Flower Mound will return to our community’s landmark namesake to host the annual Easter Sunrise Service on The Flower Mound, 2400 Flower Mound Road, from 6:45 to 7:15 a.m. on March 31. The short service features a beautiful Easter-morning sunrise. Parking is available in the Tom Thumb parking lot and attendees are encouraged to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing, as the service is held in the natural setting of native prairie grassland.
Another upcoming event is the Town’s 30th annual Easter Egg Scramble at Jake’s Hilltop Park from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on March 23. This family-friendly event is free and fun for all ages. There will be plenty of candy to go around and a special appearance by the Easter Bunny. If you are interested in this or other upcoming Town of Flower Mound special events, please visit www.flower-mound.com/specialevents.
Kendra Stephenson serves as Place 1 council member and Mayor Pro Tem of Flower Mound.
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