by Northlake Mayor Peter Dewing
The Good and Unpleasant:
The Good: This past year the Town approved updating the Master Thoroughfare Plan, Water and Sanitary System Plan, and Park and Trail Plan to comply with the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Florance Road upgrades were completed. New Fire Station was approved on Cleveland-Gibbs and construction has begun. Water lines were completed on Faught Road and Florance Road to improve fire protection and safety for all residents resulting in lower homeowners’ costs. The 2.6-million square feet of warehouse and office space at SH 114 and I-35W is fully occupied. Two 7-11s, 10,000 square-feet of retail and an IHOP are expected to open in the first quarter of 2018.
These are just a few of the highlights your Town Council has accomplished. In addition, the Council approved doubling the senior and disabled persons’ homestead exemptions and passed a Town Homestead exemption for all residents in Northlake. Your Council members this past year were able to bring businesses and jobs to the Town, diversify the tax base, comply with the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, and protect rights of property owners.
All of this was accomplished without changing the Tax Rate, maintaining a balanced budget and reducing you taxes, while still providing the same level of Town services. Finally, the Town’s financial bond rating was upgraded to AA- by S&P rating.
The Unpleasant: TxDOT has permitted a light at FM 407 and Harvest Way; however, we are still waiting on the engineers. FM 407 improvements are in the hands of TxDOT and an engineering firm that was planned to be assigned in 2017 has not occurred. I will ensure updates are posted to the Town’s website www.town.northlake.tx.us as they become available.
If you are interested in being on any Committee or Board; such as the Economic Development Committee or Community Development Committee, please let us know at www.town.northlake.ts.us. If you have any comments or suggestions to improve the quality of life in Northlake, please let me know.
I hope everyone had a safe and pleasant Christmas and wish you a Happy New Year!
Thanks for your time.
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