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Current Issues ListNorth Texas Council of Governments Facilities Master Plan Committee Interested in Upzoning your NA? Membership has its Privileges You may be asking yourself, "why join the League?" Good question. As the umbrella organization of all neighborhood associations, we represent a united front within the civic structure. Our members stay abreast of the latest issues and happenings within the city that affect our neighborhoods. In addition, the FWLNA is a constant source for civic members including the mayor and city council for soliciting opinions and gathering the neighborhoods opinions on a quick and timely basis. Through years of building strong relationships and supporting those who serve our city, we have established the FWLNA as one of the most respected and trusted associations in Fort Worth.
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Current Issues Transportation Infrastructure Click Below to view the status of street projects in your neighborhood Interactive Map of all projects in Tarrant County Click here for the latest report Trinity River Vision Click Here to see a full update on the Trinity River Vision North Texas Council of Governments It has come to the attention of the Fort Worth League of Neighborhoods that if TXU is unable to read the electric meter on the scheduled reading date, the utility may discontinue service. When TXU was approached about this issue, they stated that their Transmission and Distribution Service Provider had changed and that a new policy was in effect which required that the electric meter reader must be able to stand in front of the meter in order to read it and can no longer view it from afar with binoculars. Therefore, residents with meters that may be called into question have been advised by TXU to either have their meters moved or provide direct access to their meter. Another option, as provided by one local neighbor, was to get an electronic meter installed which allows utilities to read meters remotely. The League is open to other suggestions, alternatives and more information on this issue. Please feel free to contact Shirley Gansser. Transportation Impact Fees
Transportation Impact Fee effective July 1 On May 13, the City
Council approved the transportation impact fee ordinance. The
ordinance is effective today, July 1 and the applicable impact fee
will be collected at time of building permit. Please note credit
cards will not be accepted for Transportation Impact Fees. To better assist the integration of the transportation impact fee into the development process, additional documentation has been developed to assist the community in becoming more knowledgeable about the ordinance. We encourage interested parties to review the transportation impact fee ordinance available on the City’s web site. We have also included a downloadable version of the summary brochure. (www.fortworthgov.org/impactfees). City staff is also available to assist with answering questions regarding specific development projects. Until further notice, please contact Kate Beck for additional information. Background... April 2008 - After receiving our 3rd briefing from the planning and development department of the city of fort worth on the proposed Transportation Impact Fee ordinance, the FWLNA Board has deliberated and discussed this issue with neighborhoods and have reached the following conclusions. As an overview, we appreciate the time and attention that has gone into crafting a proposed new system that moves in the direction of correcting a serious problem in our city. We really only have two issues with this proposal. To be fair and balanced, though, we will point out the pros and the cons as neighborhoods see the issue. 1. This program is very needed in the city and we are excited for its implementation. 2. This new system of fees is a more fair and equitable system city-wide than the current structure. 3. This proposed system allows for future adjustment on rates to remain consistent with the cost of infrastructure. 4. The proposed system allows for adequate credits to encourage development in areas of the city that support the city’s comprehensive plan. 5. The proposed system keeps the money in the zone it was originated from. 1. The directive (according to city staff) from council was to start this new ordinance and fee structure at a “revenue neutral” position. a. If the current system got us in a $1B hole, why would we want to implement a new system that does NOT correct this trend? It is not about using the system to pay for all of our infrastructure needs; we understand that to fix this needs a multi-prong approach. But it at least needs to stop the continual “shortfall” that the current system has demonstrated. b. The current proposal of 27.1% is not a realistic calculation even to be neutral. i. With all of the exceptions and credits that can be taken, then the net number will be lower. This needs to be factored in. ii. Plus, the council has asked to exempt certain areas of the city and so that will impact the 27.1% number as well. 2. Earlier calculations in the proposal were as high as 50%. a. While we understand that the council has the right to review and raise the fees at a later date, we all know that once something is passed, it is rarely ever revisited. We need to take action now that will sustain us for the next few years until the chance of “re-evaluating” comes before council. 3. The proposal gives a developer (or other person) up to 2 years after platting to permit. This is too long a time frame. It should be 1 year.
The city is currently working on a proposed tree ordinance at the request of its neighbors. While the FWLNA is thrilled this issue is being addressed, we feel there are some shortcomings in the proposed text. FWLNA Responses - Council Letter #1 Council Letter #2
Next Event - Gas Drilling Education Event August 7th, 2008 In response to neighbor requests, a new information system has been created to provide news on the Barnett Shale operations. click here to view the Current Barnett Shale Newsletter Presentation to Council Noise Impact Study Results FWLNA Responses - Ft. Worth Star-Telegram Council Meeting Recently, the big news has been the signing of leases for neighbors' property. We held 2 Education events recently to help aid our members in this very complicated issue. Based on the format of our Zoning Education Workshops, the agenda will include non-partisan legal counsel, advice from NA's that have "been there and done that" and other topical advice to help guide you and your neighborhoods in making solid decisions. We will send you an email notification of this event and the details as they are finalized. Click Here to view the presentation from that meeting. In other news, the League met with the energy companies and others in a closed door meeting to discuss ways to improve the situation.
Following, is a brief report of the meeting Walter and I
attended on February 8th, 2007. Mr. Lindsay Dingmore acted as
Chairman of this Drilling Industry sponsored effort, to bring
together, several key players associated with Gas Drilling.
Attending this meeting were representatives of several Drilling
Interests including: Mr. Walter Deuiese--XTO-Energy, Mr. Larry
Dale--Dale Resources, Devon Energy, Incanna Drilling, and
several Land Man from various other companies. Also in
attendance was Representation from Ft. Worth Board of Realtors,
Council District 2, and Mr. Ted Fay BCF Land Co.
Opening statements were made by Mr. Jason A. Smith, Chief
Executive Officer-American Red Cross. (15 total participants)
Listed below are primary items of focus and
discussion:
Meeting Purpose=Discussion of a partnership to further the City
Gas Drilling process.
Focus=Better Educate Neighborhoods & Residents with the Gas
Leasing Procedure.
Objective=For Drilling Operators to Partner with City
(Neighborhood Office), FWLNA, (Neighborhood Leaders), and to
have better public information available to everyone. An opinion
was rendered, that another meeting could surely enhance this
first effort.
We adjourned, with the perception that each identity take these
primary objectives to their respective groups, for discussions
and considerations, for a future meeting.
Conclusion:
Walter and I, have a shared opinion that such a partnership,
can most certainly enhance, and better our Neighborhood Process.
It will also create much better control, smoother
and informed leasing process for our Residents and
Neighborhoods. The Drilling Companies will surely be recognized
for their initiated=Industry Educational Efforts.
MY Opinion==Move forward with phase
two, and into some detailed procedures. The Meeting focus was
exactly where it should be==All about our
Neighborhoods.
Sincerely,
G. B."Gary" Kidwell
Read the proposed rental registration text. Read the presentation to FWLNA Nov 2nd, 2006
Brenda Sanders-Wise is the FWLNA Rep for this task force. Here is her report. The results of the Model Blocks Task Force have been very disappointing. To that end, we have met with Dale Fisseler, Assistant city Manager of Fort Worth, and asked that he reconvene the task force to deal with the issues we first brought forward OVER A YEAR AGO! The call has been answered and the next meeting will be October 15th, 2007. We will keep you posted on the results. Southwest Parkway Citizen Advisory Group Meeting As of July 5, 2007 Click Here to Read their report For more information on this meeting and an update on SH 121, visit http://www.sh-121t.org/ Libby Willis is the League representative and here is her report. In 2006, the Texas Department of Transportation initiated a series of meetings with stakeholder groups and the public to view and comment on its plans for the expansion of Interstate 35 between Interstate 30 and 820. According to TXDOT, the “goal of the study is to develop a locally preferred plan of action to alleviate congestion and improve mobility in the study area, and to integrate any actions with community plans and goals.” At the public hearing in October 2006, I represented the League. Major concerns about the I-35 expansion plan at the time were: 1) the proposed cut off of access from Riverside via Belknap to downtown Fort Worth; 2) increased noise, auto emissions, light, and traffic and their impact on neighborhoods in Riverside; and 3) financing of the project [public funds versus privately funded construction]. On March 14, 2007, TXDOT held a meeting of stakeholders to brief them on changes made to the I-35 expansion plan since the fall. On April 3, TXDOT held a public open house to share the same update. TXDOT has changed its initial plans to allow for continued access from Riverside via Belknap to downtown. They will conduct an air and noise analysis. How the project will be funded and when it will be built still remain unclear. Legislation pending in the Texas Legislature could affect the way the project is ultimately funded. The City of Fort Worth has identified the expansion of I-35 between downtown and 820 as one of its top transportation priorities. Planning for the project is scheduled to be complete by December 2007. TXDOT expects to hold another public hearing on the project in the fall of 2007 and to complete its final environmental analysis and receive environmental clearance by December 2007.
Minutes from last meeting Power Point File from last meeting The Council workshop went well today. We presented the Council with the results of our analysis to date, the primary conclusion of which is the following: relative to overall cost and operational efficiency the Post Office option compares well with the other alternatives explored (add rental space to accommodate future growth; modify the existing City Hall and purchase, build, or lease the additional space needed to accommodate future growth, or build a brand new building to accommodate current and future needs). The majority of the Councilmembers felt that the Post Office option would also score well on the other evaluation criteria and, therefore, appeared at this point to be the most attractive alternative. The basic direction from the Council, then, was twofold: (1) Begin to talk to the Post Office officials/reps more seriously to understand the terms of a proposed deal and (2) make another/bigger effort to get community input on the issue via additional community meetings (e.g. Council district townhall meetings). We’re NOT moving forward with any firm deal with the Post Office at this point, but are going to work to get as educated as possible on what that deal would look like in terms of cost and other deal features. Several Council members also expressed concern about spending money on a City Hall when there are so many other needs and asked how we would pay for such a project. Those are things that would have to be explored further before any firm plan is developed. For now, though, we’re going to get more specific in the evaluation of the Post Office option. I’ll schedule another committee meeting in the next few weeks so we can provide y’all with basically the same brief we gave to Council so you can see how the data was presented and conclusions derived. There probably also will be news coverage on channel 11 tonight and the Star-Telegram tomorrow if you want to see how the media spins the issue. Recently, the City of Fort Worth’s Board of Adjustment – Commercial heard several requests for special exceptions so that homeowners in Fort Worth neighborhoods could operate daycare facilities in their homes for more than the 6 children presently allowed by city ordinance. At least two of the neighborhoods potentially affected by the Board of Adjustment – Commercial sent representatives of their neighborhood associations to ask that the Board of Adjustment – Commercial deny the requests for special exceptions. In each case, the Board of Adjustment – Commercial granted the requests for special exceptions. Neighborhood concerns about daycare facilities in the middle of majority residential property neighborhoods are these: Allowing daycare facilities to exist in residential neighborhoods is unacceptable commercial encroachment into the neighborhoods. In fragile, older, inner-city neighborhoods, commercial encroachment is a particular problem. Regardless of the service they provide, daycare facilities are commercial enterprises. Commercial business owners should be prepared to shoulder the “cost of doing business” which means that they need to be able to pay for facilities outside of neighborhoods in which to provide daycare services. Neighborhoods should not be made to suffer just because an individual daycare business owner finds it cheaper and more convenient to operate a daycare for more than 6 children from his home than to find a more acceptable, non-residential daycare location. Neighborhoods are harmed by the City of Fort Worth’s policy to permit the Board of Adjustment – Commercial to review requests for special exceptions for daycare facilities for more than 6 children. This is because the present Board of Adjustment – Commercial is prepared to consider the commercial milieu, however, the BOA – Commercial is unprepared to adequately consider the concerns of neighborhoods in such cases. BOA – Commercial appears to regard such requests for special exceptions for daycare as good for neighborhoods. Many neighborhoods do not find that such requests for special exceptions for such daycare are good for them. It would be far more appropriate if the Board of Adjustment – Residential considered special exceptions for daycare in residential settings. In these cases, the setting (residential neighborhoods) is more important than the commercial aspect of the business and that is why the BOA – Residential should hear all requests for daycare facilities in neighborhoods which propose to care for more than 6 children. The City of Fort Worth must link its review of requests for special exceptions for daycare facilities in neighborhoods with the growing body of scientific evidence about what is good and what is not good for the health of young children. A brand new study by University of California researchers has found that children living near busy highways have significant impairments in the development of their lungs that can lead to respiratory problems for the rest of their lives. (AP story “Study: Living Near Highways Harms Children, Dallas Morning News, January 26, 2007; “Freeways’ Tainted Air Harms Children’s Lungs, Experts Say,” Los Angeles Times, January 26, 2007) While it is true that children staying in daycare facilities in neighborhoods near freeways do not live in these facilities, they spend a great deal of time there. Who is to say what the impact of this proximity to air pollutants is on these children? In one of the cases cited above, the daycare facility requesting the special exception to care for more than 6 children (ages 0 – at least six) is within 1500 feet of a freeway (the danger range cited by the above studies). Issues such as this were not even considered when the BOA- Commercial granted the special exception to this individual for his daycare. All they considered was that the request was being made and it seemed to be a good idea to have daycare close to parents who wanted to use it. Clearly, more is at stake here than close proximity of daycare to the homes of parents who want to use it. Proximity is a poor trade-off for the health of children.Help us name a US battleship! Click below to get the sample letter for your NA to support this great cause.
Smoke out? This article is from the Fort Worth Business Press
Elizabeth Bassett - July 30, 2007
After months of study and debate, the city of Fort Worth could be
close to adopting a crackdown on public smoking. A new smoking
ordinance based on recommendations by the city manager’s office and
the municipal health department
is being drafted and will be presented to the city council on Aug.
21, and it could be adopted as early as September,
said Amy Casas, public information officer for the health
department.
For the past year, the city’s consumer health division has been
collecting data to gauge public opinion on whether smoking should be
allowed in public places. During a work session following the July
17 city council meeting, recommendations of the public health
department, the city manager and an ad hoc work group were
presented.
All three of these parties recommend tighter smoking restrictions,
but there is one major point of contention: stand-alone bars. In
late 2006, bar owners, employees and patrons sent 84 letters
protesting limitations by the work group, which recommended banning
smoking in all bars.
“I’ve got so much information – there’s a four-inch binder that’s
full of just solid research and documentation,” said Glenn Neal,
city consumer health supervisor, who gathered information for the
council.
A phone survey, vetted by epidemiologists and statisticians and said
to be a scientifically sound representation of the Fort Worth
population, was performed last August. There were also four public
hearings in 2007 and a meeting for local businesses in July. Neal
said that other major cities in Texas were consulted about their
smoking ordinances.
The information was turned over to the council at the work session
so a final decision could be made about whether to cut back on the
number and type of public places a person can smoke.
Discussion at the workshop focused on three models for a smoking
ordinance.
The first model, endorsed by Daniel Reimer, the city’s public health
director, calls for a ban in all indoor public places, including
restaurants, office buildings and businesses, bars,
adult-entertainment venues, near building entrances and exits, and
in bingo and billiard halls and bowling alleys. Under this model,
smoking would be allowed in private clubs or meeting spaces booked
for private functions, hotel rooms, tobacco stores and outdoor
dining patios.
“We decided to endorse model one because it is the most
comprehensive approach to protecting the health of our residents and
minimizing their exposure to secondhand smoke,” Reimer said. “It
also provides a level competitive playing field for restaurants and
bars within the city limits of Fort Worth.”
The scientific data to back up the model is a 2006 Surgeon General
report stating that even brief exposure to secondhand smoke can
cause immediate harm, Reimer said. Cities like Houston, Plano,
Abilene and Laredo already use this model.
The second model would eliminate smoking in places frequented by
families and children, but would still recognize that adults can
choose to go into a place where smoking is allowed. Smoking would
therefore be banned in restaurants, bars in restaurants, bowling
alleys, office buildings and businesses, and near building entrances
and exits. Smoking would be allowed in all the same places allowed
by the first model, and also in adult-entertainment venues,
stand-alone bars, and bingo and billiard halls. Arlington and Dallas
have guidelines comparable to model two.
Model three is more lenient, relying on people’s actions and air
purification and ventilation equipment to counter some of the
effects of secondhand smoke. If smoking sections are created in
restaurants, bowling alleys and office buildings, and there is
appropriate ventilation equipment in these facilities, then smoking
can be allowed. This is essentially the model that Fort Worth
currently follows, under an ordinance passed in 1997.
The city manager’s office followed Reimer’s lead, endorsing model
one, with one exception: Smoking would be allowed in stand-alone
bars.
“We understand this is a very emotional issue for many people on
both sides of the spectrum,” Reimer said.
For that reason, Reimer added, he and his staff tried to provide as
much information as possible to the city council about all sides of
the issue.
While the formal studies have been wrapped up and recommendations
have been put forth, Neal said that anything could happen.
“It’s still up to the citizens,” he said.
As you know, we have followed the City's proposed changes to the Neighborhood Commercial Restricted (ER) Zoning classification for many months now. Our Fort Worth League of Neighborhoods task force has met numerous times; the Zoning Commission created a special "ER" Zoning Task Force to review the amendments. Jocelyn Murphy, Planning Department Staff, has notified us that:
We have
scheduled the public meeting for the revised ER district on Monday,
July 28. It will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the Azalea Room at
the Botanic Gardens. It was decided not to brief Council on
the ordinance due to the vacation schedule of the Council meetings
and the resulting large dockets for those meetings that are
scheduled.
Please click here to read the text being presented to the Zoning
Commission on Large Animals.
This issue was defeated at Council on October 2, 2007. The city is considering a new ordinance regarding secondary dwelling units. Click here to view the PowerPoint file from the presentation given by the Planning Dept at our March 1st, 2007 meeting. Click Here to read the proposed text for the ordinance. Some things to consider with this proposal:
At the July 25 committee meeting, the committee reviewed the draft
sign ordinance and asked staff to incorporate language that the
committee had previously discussed regarding temporary/portable
signs and a new homebuilder kiosk program. Please
read the revised ordinance text. The new language appears
on pages 8 and 20.
· City Council Hearing: Tuesday, November 6, 7:00 p.m., in the Council chambers
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