The Good and Unpleasant:
The Good:
Northlake’s policies, location, and regulations continue to attract new business. A lot of development is occurring down at SH 114: Site plans and final plats approved for two 225k sf buildings and one 46k sf building; Dale Earnhardt Way extension from 35W to SH 114 should be completed the first quarter of 2019; Chisholm Trail BBQ and BurgerIM are now open; CO issued for Holiday Inn; and Town Administration and Court have moved into the new building in Suite 300.
As always, we are still in discussions with additional commercial and retail businesses to bring jobs and modern conveniences to the residents of Northlake. Having a comprehensive plan and following it, the current regulations, responsiveness, low municipal tax rate, exceptional schools, and housing options are major factors companies find favorable and have been attracting businesses to locate in Northlake.
As a reminder: Please, review your utility bill to learn how to setup an account to pay bills online or call the Town and ask for finance for further assistance.
The Unpleasant:
TxDOT is planning to have the first of two public meetings during the first quarter of 2019. I encourage attending and providing your comments and ideas at the public meetings. If you cannot attend I would encourage submitting your thoughts or make comments to their website, not on local Facebook pages.
Yes, I am going to continue to repeat this portion; I think it is important to emphasize: Are you concerned about school financing? Then you might find it interesting to learn that during the next State Legislative session, the current plan is to reduce school funding. The proposed plan is to shift approximately $3.8 billion to property owners. I have been told by state representatives/senators that fixing the State’s school finance system is a major issue and is being looked at: let the state legislators know their plan is not fixing school financing and they need to be a leader and pass legislation to fix the problem.
Last word:
If you have suggestions or comments on how to enrich and improve Northlake for all, please let me know. If you like the stability, services, and projects the Town is working on let the Staff and Council know. Additionally, I encourage everyone to take the time to attend at least one Council meeting in the next year to see how your Town Officials communicate and make decisions, all agendas and Council packets are posted on the official website to ensure we remain transparent to you.
I encourage communications to be on public record. I believe in total transparency, and when statements are made by public officials via their official e-mail, they 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. All voices should be heard and not only a few who hide on the internet. Your voice and opinions matter. Contact information for staff and councilmembers 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. If you have recommendations to improve public communications/information, please let me know.
I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas, and I wish you a safe and prosperous New Year. Thank you for the privilege of serving as your Mayor.
Peter Dewing, JD., CWO3/USMC (ret), Mayor, 940-390-4303, [email protected]
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