Thoughts on Lewisville Council March 5th
Council wrapped up our review of the annual retreat agenda including
next steps on water conservation and a smoking ordinance. I’ll be covering each of these items in their own articles over the coming weeks.
Economic Development
On the economic development front, the owners of the Majestic Airport Center on Edmonds and 121 will be adding an additional 500,000 square foot distribution warehouse. Kellog’s is using the space for a new distribution center. Council approved changing the land zoning to Light Industrial from Agricultural Open.
Council also reviewed and approved the 2011 waste-water impact fee. This is for new development and is a fee to make sure any new connections to the waste-water and sewer systems are paid for. The state requires this review every five years.
Arts and Rodeo Arena
The new Arts Advisory Board allows the city to have direct control over our Arts Support Grants that was historically managed through the Greater Lewisville Arts Council. Council approved this change. It now works more like our CDBG and other boards instead of using a third-party to vette applications.
The next, and one that I’m proud to see, is council approving $292,000 from our Insurance Risk Fund to renovate seating at the Rodeo Arena. This allows for Americans with Disabilities Act compliance. As part of this, the city will also have assisted audio radio headsets for use at all city events. I want to explore upgrading our arena with at least a cover but more like the Diamond T arena in the future. This was on our retreat agenda at my request.
Revitalization
Finally, we also reviewed and approved a brownfields assessment for 997 Grandy’s Lane to find and re-mediate chemical contamination at this property, as well as requested 636 South Mill St. to upgrade their steel façade since the property is non conforming to our current building standards. This will also help once we begin the Mill Street Streetscape project.
