BRANCH BULLETIN: eNews from Farmers Branch
Memo from the MANAGER
21st century housing

 

   In her 2004 essay on "21st Century Housing Trends," attorney and author Ellen Hirsch de Haan decries "urban sprawl" in metropolitan areas as "leap-frogging development around already established communities, without regard for design or function." She goes on to write that multi-family and mixed use developments are among the trends that will permeate the market in the coming years.
Memo from the Manager
   Four years later, The Dallas Morning News lauded Farmers Branch in an editorial as being among those inner ring suburbs on the forefront of re-thinking residential development in the 21st century as the mass residential growth heads north.
   At this juncture, I thought the time was right to look at the numbers in Farmers Branch that support our position as a 21st century housing destination.
   Between 2007 and 2010, four multi-family developments grew out of the ground, giving Farmers Branch families new options for housing. Evergreen and Portofino are out on the west side of town, near the Omni Hotel. Prairie Crossing in the middle of the City near Midway Road. And, Broadstone Parkway is across the Dallas North Tollway from the Galleria. Those four developments total 1,013 residential units with a combined value of more than $97 million. The estimated annual property taxes on all four total more than $512,000.
   Now, in 2013, four more developments are under construction - again, quite literally, all over the City.
   Mustang Station, of course, is gaining the majority of attention with its long-awaited creation of a residential "destination" on the DART Green Line. It's 256 residential units will be augmented by 10,000 square feet of future retail space on the ground floor. This is not to mention the 29 patio homes also under construction across the street.
   Elan City Centre is adjacent to the Sheraton Hotel, near LBJ and the Tollway. Lincoln Royal and Provident Luna are both underway and will bring additional housing options to the west side of the City.
   These four will bring 1,167 housing units worth more than $136 million and expected to bring nearly $725,000 in annual property taxes.
   The takeaway here is that Farmers Branch is on top of vertical housing developments, combined with the single family construction and neighborhood redevelopment of recent years. This forward thinking, combined with our excellent transportation options and centralized Metroplex location, will continue to make Farmers Branch an attractive place to live, work, learn and play.
   So, stay tuned. There is definitely more to come.
 
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ThisWEEK
Dallas Texans host Third International Girls Cup

 

ROSS STEWART SOCCER COMPLEX ~ Drawing competitors from 85 soccer teams across the U.S. and abroad, the Dallas Texans Soccer Club opened the third annual Dallas International Girls Cup tournament last night at the McFarlin Auditorium on the campus at SMU.
Soccer
   In addition to teams from the U.S., international players were expected to represent their clubs in Canada, Australia, Sweden, Ireland and England.
   The tournament continues through the week with semi-final matches set to move to the Cotton Bowl on Friday. Based in Farmers Branch, the Dallas Texans are the premier youth soccer club in the U.S.

 

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City lists holiday schedule for Easter weekend

 

CITY HALL ~ Most Farmers Branch City offices and facilities will be closed for the Good Friday holiday, Friday, March 29. There will be no garbage collection.

   Facilities with limited hours that day include the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center and Historical Park, each open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. The Manske Library and Farmers Branch Senior Center are both closed. 

   On Easter Sunday, all City facilities will be closed. For more information, call 972.247.3131.

 

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BranchBUSINESS
CCS Medical to double size of relocated headquarters

 

FARMERS BRANCH ~ When CCS Medical relocated its headquarters from Clearwater, Florida to Farmers Branch in 2011, they cited the superior business climate and strong workforce of the area as among the determining factors for the move. Economic Development Update

   Not quite a year and a half later, CCS Medical has already increased from their original size of 35,000 square feet to approximately 50,000 square feet. Now, they're looking to expand again, this time doubling their size to about 100,000 square feet and increasing their employment from the original 150 to about 500.

   Farmers Branch Economic Development Director John Land said the ever-increasing size of CCS Medical speaks to the quality of the company in a centralized location.

   "CCS Medical is obviously doing great business since their founding in 1994," he said. "We're extremely pleased that they've found the Farmers Branch economic climate so inviting that they have to continually expand to keep up with their business."

   The company distributes medical supplies to about 400,000 patients in 47 states.

 

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StaffUPDATE
Police Department promotes Damours to corporal

 

FARMERS BRANCH ~ In recognition of his accomplishments and qualifications, Farmers Branch Police Officer Chris Damours was promoted to the rank of corporal in a quiet ceremony held recently at the Farmers Branch Justice Center.

Corporal Chris Damours
Damours

   Farmers Branch Police Chief Sid Fuller said Corporal Damours has been with FBPD since 2004, after beginning his law enforcement career with the Fairbanks, Alaska Police Department in 2001. He has served as a member of the Farmers Branch SWAT team since 2007 and was assigned to Special Investigations as a Youth Investigator in 2009.

   Corporal Damours received the Life Saving Award in 2006, was selected Officer of the Year in 2007 and received the Certificate of Meritorious Conduct in 2011.


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ElectionINFORMATION
City elections coming in May

FARMERS BRANCH ~ The Farmers Branch City Council has called the annual City election for Saturday, May 11 to elect City Council members. As the result of a lawsuit, the federal district court has ordered that City Council members must now be elected from five geographically drawn single member districts, replacing the at-large system of elections used in prior years. 

   In 2013, Districts 1 and 4 are up for election. Candidates filing for the District 1 seat are William Capener and Ana Reyes. In District 4, Kirk Connally will face incumbent David Koch.    The implementation of the single member district system will be staggered during the next three years to coincide with the current staggered terms of office.   

   Next year, District 2 plus the Mayor's seat will be chosen. Then, in 2015, representatives from Districts 3 and 5 will be elected. Current Council members will retain their positions until the end of their respective terms, at which time they have the option to run for re-election according to the district of their residence, if that district is up for election in that year. The Mayor will continue to be elected at-large and all members of the Council will serve three-year terms.

   District 1 generally covers the northwest end of the City while District 4 encompasses most of the southeast section of Farmers Branch. District 3 extends from the center of the City to the southwestern edge while Districts 2 and 5 are located in the northern central area of town. Detailed maps are available for inspection at any City facility or online at www.farmersbranch.info.

   For more information, call 972.919.2503.
Farmers Branch Single Member Districts Map
Click Map to Expand
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PartingSHOT
Charles Cox with Dallas County Commissioner Mike Cantrell
Photo by LaJeana Thomas
Honoring service
Dallas County Commissioner Mike Cantrell (right) recognized Farmers Branch Finance Director Charles S. Cox at the Farmers Branch Chamber of Commerce Branch Out meeting today, for his service to the City and for his recent appointment to the national Financial Accounting Foundation Board of Trustees. Mr. Cox has served the City of Farmers Branch for more than 20 years and is a past president of the Texas and national Government Finance Officers Association.

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Volume 3 | Edition 12 | Number 108
Branch Bulletin
is published weekly by the  Communications Office of the City of Farmers Branch, TX.
Two-time TAMI Award Winner for Best eNewsletter in Texas 
Given by the Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers 

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Up TONIGHT    
DRT to present 32 flags over Texas tonight at Library

 

FARMERS BRANCH ~ The James Butler Bonham chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas will offer a presentation on the 32 historic flags that have flown over Texas, prior to statehood, on Wednesday, March 27 at 7 p.m. at the Farmers Branch Manske Library.

 Everyone is invited to learn about and view the flags that have flown over Texas during colonial times, the Republic, statehood, the Civil War and the present day. The session is free and open to the public.

   The Farmers Branch Manske Library is located at 13613 Webb Chapel Road, at the corner of Webb Chapel and Golfing Green. Call 972.247.2511 for more information.

 

Quick
HITS
   
Certified Tourism Ambassador class set April 30
 
CITY HALL ~ Those interested in becoming Certified Tourism Ambassadors for the City of Farmers Branch are invited to participate in a private certification class on Tuesday, April 30 from 1 until 5 p.m. at Farmers Branch City Hall.
   A nationwide certification, the CTA program seeks to increase tourism by training and inspiring front-line hospitality employees and volunteers to work together to turn every visitor encounter into a positive experience.
   The Farmers Branch Economic Development and Tourism Department is hosting the class with an emphasis on Farmers Branch attractions.
   Deadline for registration is April 15. For more information, costs and registration information, visit www.ctanetwork.com, using promotion code EC03081230007733.
Camping draws 71 for night under stars
 
HISTORICAL PARK ~ The Spring "Camping Under the Stars" event was held Saturday, March 16 at the Farmers Branch Historical Park. Camping Under the Stars drew campers of all ages.
   All 15 campsites were full with a total of 71 campers who enjoyed star viewing, a campfire, s'mores and a campfire breakfast on Sunday. For more information on future camping events, call the Historical Park at 972.406.0184.
Liberty Fest 2013
Coming 
SOON

Encounter Keenan Cemetery with annual tours


KEENAN CEMETERY ~ With an affectionate nod to Farmers Branch forefathers (and mothers), the Farmers Branch Historical Park presents "Encounters from the Past," on Fridays and Saturdays, April 5-6 & 12-13, beginning at 6:30 p.m. each evening.
   The unique, guided walks through Farmers Branch Keenan Cemetery will explore the lives and contributions of many of the community's early citizens, with the help of local, costumed actors. Tickets are on sale now. Call 972.406.0184.

 

CityWide CleanUp Day set April 13 at Oran Good

 

FARMERS BRANCH ~ In order to better facilitate traffic flow through the area, City officials have announced that CityWide CleanUp Day 2013 will be held at Oran Good Park, corner of Valley View Lane and Tom Field Road, on Saturday, April 13, from 9 a.m. until 12 noon.

  Again, the event will feature opportunities for electronics recycling and document shredding, along with regular refuse disposal and recycling drop off.

   Representatives of the Farmers Branch Manske Library will be on hand to accept any old books, DVDs or other media that residents would like to donate to future used book sales. Also, Metrocrest Social Services will be there to accept donations of clothing and canned goods to benefit the less fortunate in the area.

   Additionally, there will be public safety equipment on display, information on Liberty Fest, Community Watch, animals available for adoption and more.

   Oran Good Park is located at 13401 Tom Field Road, near the corner of Tom Field and Valley View Lane. Call 972.919.2510 for more information.  

 

Date Night planned for grown-ups
 
HISTORICAL PARK ~ Grown-ups should plan on spending an evening on Saturday night, April 20 as the City of Farmers Branch presents "Date Night" at the Historical Park, beginning at 6:30 p.m. 
   Entertainment will include the Dallas band, "The O's," along with some of DFW's best gourmet food trucks and an outdoor movie, "Trouble with the Curve." Child care is available at the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center, but must be pre-registered by calling 972.247.4607.

Military couples can win a Wedding in the Branch


FARMERS BRANCH ~ One deserving military couple will receive a dream Wedding in the Branch at the renovated Farmers Branch Rose Gardens, provided by the City of Farmers Branch with the help of local sponsors and partners.
   Military couples may apply for a chance to win the wedding, between March 30 and May 1. The wedding will accommodate up to 100 family and friends for the ceremony to be held in 2014. Details are at  www.weddinginthebranch.com.
Don't FORGET
Tax help Tuesdays continue into April

 

FARMERS BRANCH ~ Free tax preparation assistance from AARP volunteers is now available on Tuesdays at the Farmers Branch Senior Center and at the Manske Library.

   Volunteers are on hand at the Senior Center on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and at the Manske Library from 1 until 7 p.m. through April 16. The tax filing deadline is Monday, April 15. 

 

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ECO devo UPDATE
Click on the video or print links to download different media for the Farmers Branch Office of Economic Development and Tourism Year End Report
IN the BANNER
BRANCH BULLETIN: eNews from Farmers Branch
Spring is definitely springing in Farmers  Branch with flowering trees near City Hall, just in time for Easter weekend.
Photo by Tom Bryson
LBJUpdate
LBJ Express Project Animation VIDEO
LBJ Express Project Animation VIDEO
FARMERS BRANCH ~ The weekly update on the Interstate 635 expansion project has been made available by LBJ Express, the construction team responsible for the five-year project that will completely renovate the freeway from the Dallas North Tollway to Interstate 35E. This update is for Wednesday, March 20, 2013.

Valley View (at IH35E): The IH35E northbound frontage road left lane will remain closed at Valley View through June. In addition, there will be various lane closures along Valley View between the IH35E frontage roads for several weeks beginning this week to facilitate construction of a new IH35E northbound entrance ramp over Valley View. 
IH 635/IH35E Interchange: The ramp connecting westbound LBJ to northbound IH35E will be closed on the nights of March 27, April 1 and April 5 for bridge work. Traffic will be detoured via Luna Road.
Denton Drive: The westbound LBJ frontage road between Ford and Denton will remain closed until mid-April. The westbound frontage road between Metro and Denton will be closed on the nights of April 15-19.
Josey Lane: Construction of the permanent paving and drainage on Josey has experienced delays and will now require various lanes closed through April. Josey Lane will be closed at LBJ on the night of April 6 for bridge beam installation.
Webb Chapel: Webb Chapel will be closed at IH635 on the nights of March 29, April 10 and 16 for bridge construction.
Marsh Lane: The pavement and bridge work on Marsh south of Ridgeoak will continue through April when all lanes should be reopened. The southbound right turn lane will be closed until April 5 to allow for sidewalk construction. Various additional lanes may be closed during off-peak hours. Marsh Lane is scheduled to be closed during the weekend of April 12-14 to allow for paving of the intersection at the westbound frontage road. During this closure southbound marsh will be closed at Valley View Lane. The closure will also include the westbound Marsh exit and the westbound frontage road approaching Marsh.
Valley View (at IH635): Valley View is scheduled to be closed on the nights of April 11, 15 and 20 for bridge construction.
Midway Road: The southbound left turn lane on Midway Road between the LBJ frontage roads will remain closed indefinitely. Expect various lanes to be closed on Midway at LBJ during off-peak hours. The right southbound lane of Midway north of LBJ is scheduled to reopen on March 29. The right southbound lane of Midway south of LBJ is schedule to be closed from March 29 to April 19 for drainage installation. The westbound to eastbound U-turn lane will be closed March 28-April 5. The eastbound frontage road east of Midway will be closed during off-peak hours daily through June. Midway will be closed on the nights of April 19 for bridge construction.
Dallas North Tollway: LBJ is narrowed to 3 main lanes in each direction at the DNT.
Other Locations: The new westbound frontage road from Valley View to Marsh and the new eastbound frontage road from Marsh to Midway are now expected to be opened in April.

Various main lanes of LBJ will be closed frequently during night-time hours. There will also be intermittent night-time closures of various LBJ entrance and exit ramps. All scheduled work is tentative as permitted by weather conditions and other factors
About the City of Farmers Branch 
Farmers Branch Logo
An historic community in the geographic center of the DFW Metroplex, Farmers Branch boasts a residential population of 28,800 and a daytime employment population of 66,000. Located on the northwest border of the City of Dallas, the City's 27 parks and lush greenbelts feature nationally-acclaimed, award-winning soccer fields, football facilities as well as baseball and softball complexes. The city's location in the center of the Metroplex and only 15 minutes away from both DFW Airport and Love Field, along with the 2,200 hotel rooms within the city, make Farmers Branch an ideal location for residents and for business. For more information on the City of Farmers Branch, visit farmersbranch.info,  visitfarmersbranch.com, lovethebranch.com
or call 972.247.3131.