Highland Village Receives Federally Seized Property for Park and Recreation Purposes

At the October 26 meeting Council received a presentation from Congress Michael Burgess for the deed transfer of 707 Highland Village Road . The property was seized by the federal government as part of a case involving racketeering, obscenity, fraud and income tax evasion in 2004. The City applied for a deed transfer through the Federal Equitable Sharing program.

After a year of letters and inquires, the City enlisted the help of Congressman Michael Burgess and his staff. Congressman Burgess’ office directed the City through the process to obtain this property.

“I am proud that I was able to assist the City of Highland Village navigate this complicated process. Mayors McDearmont and Costa, multiple City Councils and City Manager Mike Leavitt are to be congratulated for their tenacity. What had been a lingering problem is now reborn as a place where the people of Highland Village can come together. This is a result that benefits us all,” stated U.S. Congressman Michael C. Burgess, M.D.  (TX-26)

The residential property located at 707 Highland Village Roadwill be used by the city for park and recreation purposes. The property includes frontage to Lewisville Lake and is adjacent on both sides to US Army Corps of Engineers property.

At this meeting Council approved a resolution authorizing the city manager to pay the back taxes owed on the 707 Highland Village Road property. Taxes had not been paid since 2003 and total $35,151.90, with $8294.55 due to the City of Highland Village.

Council also approved a resolution approving the name “Doubletree Ranch Park” for the park property at 310 Highland Village Road. Public input was requested for suggested names and the majority recommended Doubletree Ranch Park for the property known as Doubletree Ranch since 1959.

In other business, Council approved two infrastructure related resolutions. The first authorizing the city manager to execute a contract with RKM Utility Services, Inc. to provide construction of  Phase 1 of the city’s wastewater system improvement of sanitary sewers and manhole restoration in an amount not to exceed $254,660.00. Secondly, a resolution authorizing the city manager to award the bid for HVAC replacement for the Municipal Complex to GMR Heating and Air of Carrollton, Texas for an amount not to exceed $201,880.00. Council also approved the site plan for Pediatric Dental World to be located at 300 FM 2499 in the Marketplace at Highland Village.

During the City Manager Report, Michael Leavitt invited residents to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony for FM 2499 on Saturday, October 30 at 10:00 a.m. The event will take place on FM 2499 north of Orchid Hill Lane and south of the second bridge. Leavitt also invited residents to the Fall Festival on Sunday, October 31 at Kids Kastle from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. for trick or treating. Leavitt also informed residents of the Salute Our Veterans Lunch to honor area veterans. The lunch is scheduled for November 9 at Celebrations Grand Ballroom. All area veterans are encouraged to attend. Donations are taken from residents and local businesses to provide lunch for every veteran in attendance. Contact Sandy McCoy at 972-899-5091 for more information on sponsoring a veteran or to make reservations.