By Northlake Mayor Peter Dewing
The Good and Unpleasant
The Good:
The plat was approved for a 1.2M sq. ft. distribution center in Alliance Northport at SH 114 & 35W. Northlake was chosen over all other municipalities. A variety of Northlake’s policies and factors influenced the decision to locate the distribution facility in Northlake, these include: business friendly, one of the lowest tax rates in DFW, location to major transportation hubs and housing needs for current and future employees. This company will be employing approximately 300 people in the Town.
Credit and debit cards are now accepted at the Town to pay utility bills. Once the online software security testing is completed the town’s website and utility bills will be updated with how to set up an account.
A lot of road and utility improvements have been approved. You will soon see work commencing on Sam Lee, Cleveland-Gibbs from FM 407 to FM 1171, and sewer and drainage improvements at Dale Earnhardt. TxDOT will start to repave 35W during evening hours, look for the notices.
The budget process has started. I am proposing to the council to keep the current 0.2905 cent tax rate the same. Next year’s budget will be able to increase capacity/positions in the following departments: police, accounting, public works and administration. The Town will have a balanced budget while at the same time improving services, not decreasing them.
Still working on the water system improvements to both pressure plains that impact health, safety and quality for everyone in Northlake. No firm date when the engineering will be completed, updates to follow.
Popeye’s should be opening next month.
Pecan Square gave an update to the council, the videos of what’s planned are available at the Town’s website. This development, which complies with the comprehensive land use plan, will be a great addition to the Town and benefit generations to come.
The Unpleasant:
TXDOT has engaged a firm to study widening and safety of FM 407. FM 407 improvements/expansion will affect our community and others in the area. Once the feasibility study is complete in an approximately one-and-a-half year process, this project will be competing for construction funding throughout DFW. Please share your comments and concerns at the public meetings, and let Denton County TxDOT know your concerns. They can be reached at 940-387-1414.
Some people are out to jeopardize the Town’s financially stability, public safety (police), health, and quality of life (public works) for all. If you like stability, the services, and projects the Town is working on, let the staff and Council know.
I believe in total transparency. I would encourage communications be on the record and public. When statements made to or by public officials via their official e-mail that are available to the public without hiding behind social media. If you hear or see something on social media that interests you contact the Town to voice your views. This way all voices are heard, and not only a few who hide on the internet. Your voice and opinions matter. Contact information for staff and council members is located at www.town.northlake.tx.us.
I am excited that the Town has a bright future and will continue to welcome everyone for generations to come.
If you have any comments or suggestions to improve your quality of life in Northlake, please let me know. Thanks for your time. Pete
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