HV Close to Purchasing Double Tree Ranch

Pam King
Published 05/29/2009 - 11:58 a.m. CST

L to R: Highland Village Mayor Dianne Costa and 10 year-old Alexa Domzalski (Mayor-of-the-Day) officiate at the swearing in of new council members. Pat Davis was sworn in by his wife, Martha Davis, as Charlotte Wilcox and William Meek stand by.

More than 60 years after the DuVall family started working its dairy farm on the westerly side of Lake Lewisville and seven years of municipal consideration over the purchase of the Double Tree Ranch, part of the original family farm, the Highland Village City Council unanimously approved up to $211,000, to cover professional services fees, taking another step closer toward buying the 37 acre ranch parcel, located at 310 Highland Village Road. City Manager, Michael Leavitt, recounted the citizens overwhelming approval of the 4B, half cent sales tax levied in 2004 specifically for acquisition and operation of the citys trail system and soccer fields. The parcel, according to Leavitt, offers the city the opportunity to expand its trail system and add soccer fields. In addition to the play and recreation areas, the parcel could provide open space and conservation areas, to support the natural habitats currently used by waterfowl and migratory birds. The current fair market value of the ranch is an estimated $2.8 million, down from $3.7 million three years ago. During the Public Hearing and in Council discussion, residents and elected officials alike voiced their support for purchase of the property as well as their concerns over traffic and that scheduled trail projects not be preempted by the development of the new parcel. In Council member Louis Robichauxs words, We should lock in the opportunity for this asset but, if moving forward with the Double Tree means delaying projects, it might be like pouring salt in the wound for Castlewood residents and others, who have been in line for amenities [to their communities] already. At Council member Scott McDearmotts request, City Manager Leavitt and Parks and Recreation Director, Rhoda Savage, updated Council on the prioritization of the Capital Improvement Projects. Savage stated, The City is maintaining a close working relationship with the Castlewood Home Owners Association regarding the progress of the trails near them. The delays weve got, she said, are based on 2499 road construction issues, not issues within our control. The Councils action Tuesday evening on the Double Tree Ranch is, in Leavitts words, ..not a done deal. We are working with the Trust for Public Lands to try to

secure the parcel. This evenings action means putting our best foot forward. Meanwhile, Double Tree Ranch neighbor Jeri Harwell and DuVall relative, Ms. DuVall Williams, were delighted. Williams said, My 87 year old aunt still lives adjacent to the property she lived on and worked. This is best for us and for the City. Another matter of business for the Highland Village City Council was the welcoming and swearing-in of newly-elected Council members Patrick Davis, William Meek and Charlotte Wilcox. Mayor Costa was assisted with the swearing-in ceremony by 10 year-old Mayor-of-the-Day, Alexa Domzalski, who officiated. Following the swearing in ceremony, the Council unanimously approved Councilman Don Combs as Mayor Pro Tem and Councilman Scott McDearmott as Deputy Mayor Pro Tem. The Council listened to an Intersection Analysis Report from engineering consultants Freese and Nichols regarding key intersections in and around the Castlewood and Highland Shores communities, which cover some 700 homes. While numbers of residents fearing for the safety of their children voiced concerns over traffic volumes, speed and possible controls, the Freese and Nichols Report recommended pursuit of some additional traffic lights without limiting access along Village Parkway. Council was also briefed on Highland Village Days, the 2009 Red, White and Blue Festival, to be held Saturday, June 6. The family-fun day stretches from sunrise activities through sunset festivities at Copperas Branch Park, including a fun run, sapling give-aways, family fish-out, free food, and kid zone, music by Micky and the Motorcars and Kevin Fowler, ending with fireworks.