March News: Development Updates, Public Hearing Notices, Spring Events

March News to Know w/ Development Updates, Public Hearing Notices, & Events!

Development Updates

Various development related items will be on the upcoming March 21 Planning and Zoning (P&Z) and the March 28 Town Council agendas.

To review Town meeting agendas or past meeting minutes, click here to easily find Town Council, Planning and Zoning Commission, and other meeting information on our website. You may wish to revisit often to remain up-to-date about future items of interest. Additionally the Town emails Meeting Notices with agenda links for your convenience, once posted on the website under Agendas & Meetings. Meeting agendas are always posted within a 72 hour minimum of the meeting date but are routinely posted much earlier.

Town Council Recap

from Feb. 22, 2016 Meeting

Workshop items included:

Presentation and update regarding upcoming construction along SH 114 and SH 170: This freeway widening project will begin in May and take about two years to complete. TxDOT held a public meeting March 1 asking for input.

If you didn't have a chance to attend, written comments are still being accepted if postmarked by March 11 and submitted by mail to: Mr. Jim Dobbins, Texas Department of Transportation, Dallas District Office, 4777 East US Highway 80, Mesquite, TX 75150. More information, including the schematic renderings of the project, can be viewed here.

A discussion was held concerning a proposed development named The Estates of Quail Hollow, a high quality residential development that would include 92 homes at F.M. 1938 and Dove Road. Developers plan on utilizing the natural beauty of this land, taking every effort to avoid disturbance of all existing trees and preserve the view corridors and vistas residents enjoy along this residential zoned, one acre minimum property. Click here to view the presentation given to council.
A standing item of discussion during the workshop includes updates about Granada and Entrada. This month's discussion for Granada included an overview of zoning requirements, Phase I and II infrastructure, and acceptable modern/contemporary architecture. Entrada discussions included the uniqueness of the development, completion of the water ways, gas well pad site, amphitheater, basements of homes, and additional details regarding public art opportunities.

Regular session items included:

Council voted to continue a public hearing and consideration of Ordinance 774 until March 28, 2016. If approved, the ordinance would amend Ordinance 691, removing the 500' setback in Planned Development (PD) 1-1 adjacent to Entrada; and, retaining the 500' setback in PD 1-1 adjacent to Granada.
Council approved three ordinances (768, 769, and 770) related to Project Blizzard/Charles Schwab corporate campus and mixed use development. The mixed use portion includes existing residential entitlements (275 attached or single family detached); no new residential entitlements are included.
Council voted to approve a PD Site Plan for a portion of Entrada, commonly known as the Davis - 114 Retail Corner, near the northeast intersection of FM 1938 and SH 114. This area will feature a Starbucks, a sales center, retail and office space, additional restaurant space, and a 110-foot tall bell tower.

U pcoming Public Hearings regarding Development

Public hearings and considerations for the March 21 P&Z and the March 28 Town Council meetings include a:

Planned Development (PD) Site Plan and a Specific Use Permit (SUP) for seating, both regarding the proposed Westlake Entrada Amphitheater.
PD Site Plan for the proposed Westlake Entrada Restaurant Row.
Specific Use Permit (SUP) for private streets and secured entrance access control (gated) for the proposed Estates of Quail Hollow development, with entrances located along east side of FM 1938/Davis Blvd. (not along Dove Road.) This property is zoned R-1 (Residential-1 Acre minimum) and no zoning change is requested.

Be sure to watch the website and/or your inbox for the Meeting Notices regarding these March meetings coming up soon!

Spring storms have arrived. Are you registered with CodeRed?

With the recent rains, it is a good time to remind residents to sign up for CodeRed weather warning notifications.

CodeRed provides opportunities to register several phone numbers (home, cell, and office, too if desired) and multiple addresses, The system has the capability to send you a text message or email if indicated. You may also select the various types/levels of notification you wish to receive.

Westlake installed new warning sirens in 2015 at Davis Blvd./Dove Road, Ottinger Road at Westlake Academy, and Roanoke Road near TD Auto Finance. It's important to note the primary purpose of these sirens is to warn our citizens when outdoors of impending severe weather.

While many may not be able to hear the sirens inside their homes, our CodeRed notification system serves as an effective notice while indoors. Regular monthly testing of the warning sirens is conducted the first Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m., except during periods of severe weather threats. CodeRed registration can be accessed here by link or by clicking on the icon, and you will find this icon and link on the left of our homepage and under the Fire/EMS Department webpage.

Calling all potential WA Blacksmiths: Do you have a student considering enrollment in Westlake Academy?

As a resident of the Town of Westlake, your student has priority for enrollment!

Please click on this link to complete a few questions and help us further assist you with any inquiries and/or the process of submitting an application for NEW students only. (Returning students' Intent to Re-enroll Forms should already be submitted.) Questions? Contact WA Registrar. Thank you!

Westlake does it again - GFOA Awards finance department with another coveted award for the Westlake Academy budget!

Organized records, clarity, and a commitment to transparency by the Westlake Academy finance team has led to another budget award! The Government Finance Officers Association of the U.S. and Canada (GFOA) has awarded Westlake Academy with the GFOA's Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the current 2015-2016 budget. This is the seventh year in a row the Academy has received this prestigious award.

Guidelines set by the GFOA to receive the award are designed to assess how well an entity's budget serves as a policy document, a financial plan, an operations guide, and a communications device. Budget documents must be rated "proficient" in all four categories, including 14 mandatory criteria within those categories, to receive the award. Congratulations to our Westlake finance team and thank you for your continued hard work and dedication!

Westlake Academy recognized for high achievement in student success!

Educational Results Partnership (ERP) and the Institute for Productivity in Education (IPE) has selected Westlake Academy as one of 713 public schools in Texas to receive the title of 2015 Honor Roll school. Click here to read more about this prestigious honor roll, which is issued by a national campaign of business and education leaders.

WHPS Members' Appreciation Reception

Don't miss this year's Westlake Historical Preservation Society's annual members' reception. and help support/show appreciation for their hard work all year in helping preserving our community's rich history.

This special evening is not just for WHPS members; all are welcome including anyone interested in learning more about the WHPS! The evening will include music, wine, hors d'oeuvres, and friendly conversations in a casual / sophisticated setting. For questions, please email the WHPS President.

What: Westlake Historical Preservation Society Members' Reception

When: Friday, March 11

Time: 6 to 8 p.m.

Location: Bella Vita model home, Two Paigebrooke Drive (just west of the Westlake Fire Station off of Dove Road)

Cost: Free to attend! Annual memberships are available for purchase at various levels.

Click here for the membership form.

Yes, it is time to "spring forward" with...a friendly reminder from your Westlake Fire Department to change the batteries in your home's smoke alarms!

Did you know our Westlake Marriott serves an Easter Brunch?

With the completion of the new Marriott Greatroom, featuring stylish décor, functional furniture and unique areas to help you unwind, Marriott General Manager Todd Winch has extended a special invitation to our Westlake residents to stop by and enjoy not only the new renovations but also their exquisite Champagne Easter Brunch! Check out all the details here. Should you need further assistance, please contact GM Executive Assistant Rae Hnizdo by phone (817-430-5002) or email to make your reservation today!

Historical Marker Dedication Day: Star Stagecoach Line

And, springtime provides a great time for the placement of another Westlake historical marker! Join the Westlake Historical Preservation Society (WHPS) for a Historical Marker Dedication Day o n Sat., April 2 at 3 p.m. at 13117 Thornton Drive, on the corner of Thornton Drive and Roanoke Road.

On this special day we will be dedicating our 7th historical marker in Westalke and many special activities are being planned! This marker recognizes the Star Stagecoach Line which traveled from the old Denton county seat of Atol to the county seat of Birdville , later moved to Ft. Worth. This line followed the road that ran through what is now the Stagecoach Hills development. Contact WHPS President for further assistance.