Hi folks,

In talking to one of our residents yesterday, I learned that there is some confusion about what Transit Oriented Development (TOD) is and why it is of interest to Highland Village with respect to the area near Copperas Branch Park.   Basically TOD is a zoning overlay district that is put in place such that when a Rail Station is built the development around that station is complimentary to the gathering of folks that would be taking the train.  This means that business and residential development would need to be one that is easily accessed by foot, bicycle, and alternative means of transportation and not the automobile.  TOD is a major solution to the serious and growing problems of high oil prices and global warming by creating dense, walkable communities connected to a rail line that greatly reduces the need for driving and burning of fossil fuels.  The TOD usually extends outward from a rail station for one quarter to one half mile or so in all directions.  The development density decreases as one moves away from the rail station.  To buffer single family residences from the denser residential development near the station there is usually put in place a green belt or linear park system to insure that single family residences are not negatively impacted by the development near the rail station.  Retail within the TOD consists of  small sit down restaurants, coffee shops and similar types of walk-up establishments to serve the residents of the area.  These developments are usually consider relatively high end due to the convenient location near public transportation. 

That in a nutshell is what the purpose of TOD is intended to be.  Needless to say, a City must work with residents near the location of a proposed TOD such that those residents can have input as to its design and the buffering of the area that abuts their property. 

As always, I welcome your comments and please vote in the City elections May 10. 

Hi all,

Just got an update from Matt Kite, Public Utilities Director for the City, on the 407/2499 intersection construction.  He met with the contractor for the 2499 road construction between 407 and 1171 to convince him, if necessary, that the 407/2499 intersection needed to be their first project.  It had appeared that work was commencing on the reconstruction of that intersection to make it more passable.  We can thank Matt for finding out that this is exactly what is happening.  It will be a bit of a mess for 6 months or so but they have started the redo of that intersection which is good news.  Progress is always painful but at least we know that the intersection redo will be done at the first of the construction of 2499 that runs from 407 to 1171 rather than at the end of that project.  I guess this is more than good news but great news.  We may finally be able to get through that intersection soon without having to wait on numerous light changes. 

Always look for your feedback and questions.  May 10 is voting day so please don't forget to vote.  

Hi,

Got an email from one of our Highland Villagers about a vote that was to take place this May concerning the homestead tax exemption.  Well, there is no vote concerning the continuation of the homestead tax exemption this year.  We voted last year about this issue.  The vote to continue the homestead tax exemption passed overwhelmingly in favor of the extension of this tax exemption.  This does not mean that we should not vote May 10.   I am hoping that one of the reasons that you all will vote on May 10 is such that we can elect qualified people to serve on our City Council.  I hope that I can be one of the people that you select such that I have the privilege of serving the City as Mayor.   You may remember that I am doggedly determined to do a good job.

If you have feedback, please click on the link to the upper right and let me know about how you feel about things.  Again, voting on May 10 is very important and I hope you will exercise your right to vote.