| Future of land key issue in race Council hopefuls agree on need to plan 04/13/2001 By Julie Elliott / The Dallas Morning News HIGHLAND VILLAGE – A 138-acre tract of land is all that remains for potential development in the city.
What gets built there, if anything, will have serious repercussions, many say. Tax revenue, future growth and quality of life all hang in the balance.
So planning for this tract is all the more important – especially in this election season.Although officials don't expect the site near FM2499 and FM407 to be built out for the next three to five years, city leaders and candidates agree a vision needs to be created now so that residents know what their town will ultimately look like. And they aren't the only ones worried about future build-out.
"People want to know about the build-out and how it will affect city services. What demands will it place on the fire and police departments?" said Teresa Drown, vice president of the Highland Village Women's Club, a civic organization.
Others simply don't want to see the land developed.
"We want to protect our community from pollution," said Denise Turner, a member of Community Alliance for Rural Environment, a city-based organization. "Not many developers understand residents' desire for open space and trees. We ask [the City Council] to save what is left of our environment."
Four seats open
The general election is May 5. Early voting begins Wednesday. Four of the council's seven seats are up for election. Eight candidates are vying for those posts.
The City Council has discussed planning for the site, which is currently zoned commercial, in recent meetings. They will continue the discussion at the April 24 meeting.
The most divided candidates are those vying for the Place 5 slot, where incumbent Gene Pike has faced off against political newcomers Gary Kloepper and David Watrous.
Mr. Pike, a city resident since 1978 who is seeking his first full two-year term on the council, said the community's future depends on how the site is planned.
"I envision some parklike settings, places for people to sit and some really good-looking storefronts," he said. "Even the big-box businesses like grocery stores can have a special façade so they don't just look like big boxes."
Mr. Kloepper said he is not in favor of having big-box retailers. The 11-year resident believes more input is needed.
"We are a lakeside community, and we want to keep the community's uniqueness," he said. "But we need to plan the remaining zoning we have left to be business so it can have an impact on Highland Village and add to our tax base."
Mr. Watrous, on the other hand, said he isn't sure that commercial zoning that would allow big-box stores is right for Highland Village.
He is concerned about what the development would cost the city in the long run.
"Right now, the council is looking at big-box stores, and I don't think that is what the community wants," said the two-year resident. "I think we need to study this more so we can do what is best for our city and residents."
Much of the same debate is taking place in the Place 2 and 7 races. But Bill Irwin, who is running unopposed for the Place 3 slot, said he wants to help plan how the commercial corridor is developed. Mr. Irwin will replace Sharyn Opbroek, who did not seek re-election.
"I am really concerned about the final development of Highland Village as we reach build-out, and I want to make sure it is done right," said Mr. Irwin, a former chairman of the parks board who has lived in the city for 13 years.
In Place 2, Jim Sloan is running against Don Combs for the seat previously held by John Baird, who resigned in February after he was publicly censured and found to have violated the city's ethics code. Mr. Baird has since filed a lawsuit against the city and the council members individually.
Former council member Patrick Coon was appointed to fill the Place 2 seat and will serve until the May 5 election.
"I think the city needs to publicize [development of FM2499 and FM407] more to get more input," Mr. Combs said. "Then, the council really needs to take that input into consideration when the final decisions are made."
Employee needs
Mr. Sloan agreed the decisions on the commercial corridor should be postponed to give residents more time to study them. But he said the council could use the extra time to take care of employee needs.
"My main concern is to change the culture at City Hall to one of cooperation, mutual respect and trust," he said. "This city has had huge turnover and we need to change that."
In the last year the city has seen its city manager, parks and recreation director, and fire chief resign.
In Place 7, consultant Fred Busche is running against incumbent Barb Ross, who ran unopposed two years ago. Like other candidates, Mrs. Ross is focused on the future build-out.
"In my opinion, one of the most important issues we face is making sure we maximize our tax base by determining the highest and best use of our commercial land," she said. "I intend to maintain the unique character of Highland Village and ensure the quality of life citizens have come to expect."
But Mr. Busche said the current City Council is moving too quickly to determine how the land at FM407 and FM2499 should be developed.
"I moved to Highland Village because it is a village and its look and feel is an important part of that," Mr. Busche said. "I really think we need to slow down the process so that we can make sure we are getting enough information and get an idea of what residents want."
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