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T O P I C     R E V I E W richardb Every year, the City Council has a Strategic Planning Session to list specific goals related to issues and concerns for the community that we, as a council, would like to see addressed. A great portion of what we suggest is from information we've received from citizens throughout the year. After the list is compiled, they are divided into groups, depending on the complexity of the item, of one year, two year and three year goals. Obviously, those with a budget impact, have to be placed in year two or three, so they can be budgeted. My question is, what are your top three items you would like to see addressed or accomplished? This doesn't necessarily have to be of a gripe or complaint nature, but simply something you think would help our community continue to provide the quality of life we have to come to expect. Please limit your entries to three items. If you have more, then please send them to my city email, [email protected] This should be a fun and interesting excercise. No need to lower the boom on anyone or get your feathers ruffled. No need to take a shot at any particular councilman because he prefers El Fennix over On The Border, or still likes Dairy Queen ice cream over Braums. patratt Sorry, got a duplicate posting here [This message has been edited by patratt (edited August 29, 2001).] patratt Richard, I am real sorry to see that there has been absolutely no response to your offer of bringing up issues or things to accomplish. It is so nice to have you at our disposal for the many questions that come up regarding the city. I would just like to know what is going on with the Downtown construction of the library and everything else. My church that has been there since 1918 is going to be greatly affected. (In fact, we are moving) I was just wondering what the plans are. Do you have any conceptual drawings of what downtown will look like or details of what the idea for the future is? richardb patratt: It's been my understanding, your church has had plans to move for some time now. I may be wrong, but I don't think the revitilization plans for the CBD precipitated your church making plans to relocate. May be right, may be wrong. I had the good fortune of being the President of Leadership Allen Class XI, which had as our class project the revitilization plan the downtown area. We did property inventories, held public forums and mailed out CBD surveys to every home in Allen. As a result of the information we provided to the city planning department, a master plan was formulated. The passing of the library bond in August'2000 was a major step in that process. The library/performing arts center will be the anchor for the CBD. I believe, and will verify when I get home, the target completion date is Nov.'03. I do have the master plan on zoning and proposed development. I think the same information is also available from the Chamber of Commerce, at the library and at City Hall. There are a lot of very exciting proposals planned, among them a "City Park" by St.Mary's where all the homes in Allen built before 1919 will be moved. My office is in a house on W.Main and was built in 1907. Because of my involvement with LA XI, I could go on for hours on this subject, as the CBD revitilization is one of my passions. RachelM Richardb -- Now that patratt was kind enough to get the ball rolling, I do have a few questions: #1: Is the CBD going to look similar to the downtown area of Plano? Moving of the older homes sounds interesting...I like the idea of a business district with plenty of foot traffic & retail shops. I was hoping that older homes on the "east" side could be retained to show off their advantage, and am glad to hear that is the plan. #2: I have heard complaints about overcrowding of the current Allen High school, given the population explosion. Are there plans to eventually have a "west" side high? I do not like the idea of a "west" side vs. "east" side mentality (shades of Plano ISD), but I suppose it is inevitable with so much development on the west side. #3: Regarding suburban growth / planning: Is it true that Allen's city limits preclude much more growth & building? I have heard several neighbors discussing their wish that Allen's planning resembles Richardson (excellent schools, finite growth) rather than Plano or Frisco) (suburban sprawl, large city limits). Many have vocalized concerns that Allen will lose its "small town" feel, and many residents are already moving to Lucas, Prosper, Melissa, etc. to escape the inevitable building of more subdivisions. We hope that the city is planning ahead to preserve the small town feel, rather than just a series of neighborhood subdivisions & retail units. More greenbelts, parks, facilities (Ymca, youth facilities, etc.), to make it resemble a small town within walking distance... #4: And on a simply personal note: When will the large medians on Bethany from Jupiter to Kroger (the wildflower medians) be landscaped properly? It is truly sad to see a few scraggly oaks & crape myrtles left along that wide expanse. These are probably superficial concerns compared to others, but ones we have heard time and time again from fellow residents & neighbors regarding Allen issues & concerns... Thanks -- RachelM richardb -- failed to add one more -- not a question, but an observation regarding city politics. It seems that, as a city council official, it would be extremely frustrating that more citizens do not get involved in local issues & planning concerns, except in a negative capacity. (I'm guilty as well, not even aware of some of the issues that I'm sure are published and available to read...) Perhaps a lack of interest simply indicates, if it ain't broke, don't fix it...Granted there is always room for improvement, but perhaps right things are being done, and most residents don't have major complaints about how issues are currently managed...Which could be a very good as a whole for the city.. Thanks again for requesting input -- hope this provides some interesting discussion. richardb Not sure where to begin or how to cover all the questions without making this a short novel, but here goes: *the CBD concept will be to park once and be able to walk around shops, small restaurants, coffee houses, book stores, etc. without having to get back in the car and drive each time and minimize traffic. Sidewalks will be widened to 6' with trees and adequate lighting. There is a concept of having a series of centers with three stories. First floor will be shops, etc., 2nd floor office space and third floor residences, apts., lofts etc. *there is a phase II for the high school to increase it's capacity and possibly a phase III. The priority on the west side is more elementaries and an additional middle school. *Protection of open spaces is a city concern, but that only applies to city owned property. If someone wants to sell the family farm to a developer, all the city can do is control what type of housing is allowed. Minimum square footage, X amount of houses per acre, no multi-family, etc. *Beginning soon, Bethany is going to be widened from 75 to FM2551 to 6 lanes. After that is completed, landscaping will be added. *I don't think it's necessarily a lack of interest as much as general overall satisfaction on things are going from the city/council standpoint. I have many who share their interests or ask questions, but very few who have any major complaints. I have a bone to pick with someone who complains about everything, but is not involved in the community in any way. There are so many organizations sponsored by the city, chamber of commerce or school district, that gives ample opportunity to make a difference or contribute. To just sit back and criticize doesn't get very far with me. *Most of the concerns (not really complaints) I hear apply to growth and growth management. You would not believe the pressure city staff is under everyday from developers and builders for permitting, zoning requests and building inspections. To me, it boils down to are you getting the best bang for you buck? Note of interest to all the newcomers: Five years ago, the only thing on the west side of 75 and McDermott was the Chevron and the McDonalds. Period. StacyG Yes Richard you are correct, our church was planning to move before the downtown renovation plans came about. Only thing that is affecting us now is that we have to move shortly after the first of the year instead of waiting until our new church is built. One of the things we are interested in is trying to have the building preserved in the historic village and we have a team at our church that is working with the city to see if this is a possibility. We are all very excited about all of the new things that are happening in Allen and appreciate yours as well as the rest of the council members hard work and dedication. As for the highschool, do I understand correctly that as for right now they have enough land over there to just keep adding on to where we won't have two highschools for quite sometime? I would really like to see it stay that way, I like the fact that all the kids in this town eventually go to school together. Also, do you know when the elementary school that is supposed to be built over by Stacy Rd. for the Lost Creek Ranch addition will be started and completed? bear Does anyone know what the plans are for the abandoned building on 75. Used to be a outlet mall. It's been empty for about 13 years! richardb The old outlet mall at 75 adn 121 is owned by a management company in St. Louis. They own the property outright and their only overhead is taxes, which they are content to pay. For some reason, they have no interest in selling or renovating the property. Exactly what their motives are is unclear. The city and various other developers have contacted them about selling, but at this time they show no interest. The city does maintain a close watch on the property to hold the owners responsible for maintaining the building to city codes and not letting it deteriorate. There are plans in that triangle, 121, Stacy and 75 to build a publilc golf course, possible water feature of some kind and a convention center with hotel on 121. One thing the city is in total agreement on is not letting the part of 121 which is in the Allen city limits turn out like 121 in the Colony with a multitude of fast food restaurants and convenience stores. There are plans at 121 and Custer, where the 4 corners are in Allen, McKinney, Plano and Frisco city limits, to build a regional Fine Arts center. Also, in Frisco, a minor league baseball stadium is planned to bring in a AAA minor league pro baseball team. There is enough land to add to the campus of the high school and keep Allen a one high school town for many more years. Sorry, can't help you on the planning of the new elementary. Three times a year, there is a Triad meeting, which is a meeting of the city council, school board and Chamber of Commerce, to discuss future development and joint ventures between the three entities to promote communication and coordination and everyone being on the same page. The next meeting is scheduled for September 10. patratt yes, I was not trying to say that the CBD was the reason for the FCCA move...only that it pushes our move forward faster than we hoped...which could be a good thing,huh? Anyway, thanks for the info Richard. I hope that there is never ever ever ever an "east side" / "west side" highschool situation in Allen. I lived in Plano in the early 80's when there were gang wars between the east and west highschools there. Being in the 4th grade then...us kids were scared to death. I absolutely do not want any chance for that to happen to my children here. [This message has been edited by patratt (edited August 30, 2001).] Nando I am sooooo thankful that the 121 and US75 area will not end up looking like The Colony! That is such an eyesore!!! Hats off again to the Allen City Council! Allenite Regarding the high school issue: Since the current campus is located in the middle of Allen, I'm not sure where another campus could be built. There is a common conception that western Allen is developing more rapidly than eastern Allen, but the facts are that eastern Allen is building many more houses than western Allen. It is my guess that when Allen nears it build out of 100k+ (and that estimated figure continues to decline), Allen ISD will seriously look at the option of a senior high and a high school situation, by using the Lowery Freshman center as the campus for a high school. Very much like Plano had originally. I really hope that we never have two senior high schools. As for uninvolved complainers, I don't think there are very many of them in Allen. In fact there are many people who serve on the committees of the school district, and who serve on city boards. These people are very informed and provide a lot of input to the city council and the school board. patratt I seriously doubt that we would take a step back and make the freshman center a highschool again. I believe Richard when he says that there is plenty of land for the school to expand where it is. That will soon be a small college campus over there before we know it. richardb Unfortunately, there is a natural division of east/west being Hwy. 75 and not much can be done about that. However, the city sponsors several activities each year (4th of July Celebration, Christmas parade, etc) and attendance of east/west appears to be fairly close to 50/50. Everything that can be done is being done to involve all citizens and groups in civic activities. A key to bringing both sides together will be the development of the central business district with the various shops, businesses and activities that will be held in the downtown area. I also believe it goes without saying that having one high school will be a key in the continuing efforts to keep Allen unified. JackW Richard - Do you have any more information regarding the proposed golf course on Stacey & 121? richardb It's in the master plan proposed for development in that area. It's to be a municipal course owned and operated by the city. Two possible renditions have been shown to council in workshops, but no definite plans have been set. What ultimately develops in that triangle is pending while the Stacy Road extension is completed and plans are finalized as to the proposed widening of 121. SoonerChic I don't mean to change the subject abruptly...I was just thinking about what to improve on in Allen. I don't know exactly if this would fall under the city council, but how about modernizing the Library's methods? Like making it possible to renew something checked out via internet or having "self-checkouts" like at the grocery store? It seems like the due date sticker method (on the back of the checked-out books) and the card with a day of the week printed on it (inside the checked-out videos) is a bit out-dated, especially since the Library building itself looks so contemporary! I know this would hardly fall under the "URGENT!" category, but it could make the processes at the Library more streamlined. Also, what about expanding the inventory a little? I enjoy going to the Allen Public Library as it is, I was just thinking of what it could be. Thanks for your question, richardb! I hope I'm not off the subject too far... richardb Last August, a library bond was passed. A new library/performing arts center will be built on Allen Drive just next to the Vita Building. It's in the design phase now and is set to be completed in November,'03. It will have all the amenities you mentioned plus more. Internet library, in-house coffee shop, drive thru checkout and drop off, reserve books on line then drive through and pick them up and much more room which will allow for more inventory. Mommybearof4 Hey Richardb, I was wondering about the urban crawl also. I have lived in Allen since 92 and have watched the changes -- good for the most part. However, with the all the growth the school district has suffered trying to keep up. Why doesn't the city start limiting building permits until the schools can catch up. School space seems to be getting worse instead of better. Also, as posted in another forum/topic I am a parent with children at Country Day School at Malone and Bethany. Last year as the city annexed them I was at the meetings and with the owner when the council told her they would not make decisions to put her out of business. Above you mentioned the widening of Bethany. What previsions are being made to preserve Judy Pates 20 year old day care business? Just thought now is the time to speak up before the bull dozers start widening the road. Thanks Richard, for keeping the citizens up to date and informed on our great little-city! richardb The allowance of builders building homes benefits the city in many ways. First, in many instances, the developer is the one who pays for the widening and improvements of the main thoroughfares, ie. Alma north of Exchange to 121 was paid for by the developer. The developer also pays for the infrastructure needed in an area, saving the city millions of dollars. Second, additional homes add to the tax base which prevents the raising of the tax rate. If the city stopped the developers, they would go to another community and it would be difficult to get them to come back. The funding of building new schools is an issue solely for the School Board to address through taxation and budgeting. They are doing all they can as quickly as they can. Development is always ahead of items such as road development and schools. As far as the widening of Bethany north of Malone, engineering, planning and construction will take another 2-3 years. It's my understanding the right-of-way needed can be obtained, for the most part, on the north side of Bethany, not effecting Mrs. Pates property. vrs A little late to the party, I admit - but a clarification on the school questions.... The master plan for AISD shows exactly one high school. There are still several phases of classroom construction to be added over time. A huge variable for AISD is what will happen with Lovejoy - it means the difference between a 4500 student and a 6000 student grades 10-12 population at buildout. There are currently no plans to make the freshman center anything but that. Allen prides itself (rightly so) on not having "good" schools and "bad" schools. Even now the district is beginning renovation of five older campuses with (variously) new gyms, science and art rooms, etc. There is no way that we could build another high school that is on par with the current facility. We don't have the land or the student population or the tax base to support it. The next school to open will be an elementary on the east side in the Lost Creek subdivision area (taking the load off Anderson) in fall 2003. Fall 2004 will open phase one of a middle school on the west side. Assuming the next bond proposal passes, a 12th elementary would open in fall of 2005 - that one on the west side in the Kerr attendance area. I'll put a post on the school side in a week or so with information on how YOU can get involved in following up on the strategic planning teams for AISD by participating in Project Kids. vrs [This message has been edited by vrs (edited October 01, 2001).] richardb Thanks for the update Victoria.