Council Receives Community Development Corporation Annual Report

At the July 27 meeting, Council received the Annual Report from the Highland Village Community Development Corporation. This report is an annual requirement that reviews accomplishments of projects and addresses planned activities for the next budget year.  These projects are funded by the 4B ½ cent sales tax. Upcoming projects for the year focus on connections to completed sections of trail to provide further access to businesses and recreation amenities. Projects include:

• Completion of the pedestrian tunnel under the KCS railroad which will link a large number of residents to the Market Trail and allow trail access to the Marketplace and Shops of Highland Village   
• Completion of the tie-in to the FM 2499 tunnel as far into the Castlewood subdivision as funding allows
• Construction of a segment of Copperas Trail which will tie Lions Club Park to Doubletree as well as allow resident access from the eastern portion of the city to Doubletree
• Construction of a trail connecting Marauder Park to Lake Lewisville

“As we look at our 4B projects, trail connectivity throughout Highland Village remains a top priority. Trail connections to the Doubletree property and under FM 2499 to Castlewood will provide enhanced pedestrian access for our citizens,” stated Mayor Scott McDearmont.

The Corporation’s operational focus is the update of the Trail Master Plan and the development of a master plan for Doubletree Ranch. City staff has utilized Doubletree while the new service center is constructed at 948 Highland Village Road . The service center should be completed by September 2010, at which time staff will begin a clean-up of Doubletree. Upon completion, the city plans to open Doubletree to the public to enjoy in its natural state while public input is gathered and studies are completed to determine a plan for development of the site.

In conjunction with the process of developing Doubletree, Council approved the preliminary plat for the site.

During the City Manager Report, Mr. Leavitt informed residents of the Give Us Your Best Shot summer photo contest underway. The contest features cash prizes for winners in several categories including Faces of Highland Village, Landscapes, Wildlife and Youth. Contest details can be found at www.hvparks.com. Mr. Leavitt also invited residents to attend the 23rd Annual Lions Club Balloon Festival at Copperas Branch Park on August 20-22. More information on the Balloon Festival is available at www.hvballoonfest.org.

During Council announcements, Charlotte Wilcox announced the Highland Village Women’s Club information tea for interested new members. The event takes place August 1 at the Castlewood Clubhouse at 3420 Fairfield Lane from 2:00 p.m. t- 4:00 p.m. More information is available at www.highlandvillagewomensclub.org.