Master Plan Update
Municipal Sewer - Cross Timbers Conservation District
From: Lori DeLuca
To: mayor@flower-mound.com ; place1@flower-mound.com ; place2@flower-mound.com ; place3@flower-mound.com ; place4@flower-mound.com ; place5@flower-mound.com
Sent: Saturday, December 14, 2013 1:34 AM
Subject: Master Plan Update
Dear Mayor and Town Councilmembers:
I am writing to implore you to NOT extend town sewer service into the Cross Timbers Conservation Development District. Sewer extension was never planned for this area because of the high cost and to prevent development pressure for higher density housing and more intense commercial uses. Bringing in sewer to this area would destroy the unique country atmosphere that makes Flower Mound so different from the many contiguous cities and towns in North Texas that are virtually indistinguishable from each other. Preventing expensive piped, pumped, and treated wastewater is the only way to ensure the lower density residential development that protects the forest, scenic vistas, and other important natural and ecological resources in the Cross Timbers area.
Providing sewer service to this area would be a huge tax burden on existing and future residents. The individual septic systems that are currently available are sustainable, environmentally-friendly, and cost the town absolutely nothing. Homebuilders install the systems and homeowners maintain them. There are no long-term capital improvement projects or ongoing maintenance costs for the town. With all the very real needs that the town has, there is no compelling reason to take on such a huge, unnecessary, and permanent financial burden.
As the mayor for three terms, I know that the people who are pushing this issue are developers and agricultural land owners who want to develop their property. Those with development interests always seek major changes under the umbrella of the Master Plan update process. Contrary to what they would have you believe, the town has absolutely no obligation to maximize investment returns for developers or land speculators. The fact is, most of these investors bought or inherited agricultural land (and have enjoyed very significant agricultural tax exemptions) knowing full well what the regulations and restrictions were. Most do not even live in Flower Mound or care about the many burdens that increased residential density places on the town, school districts, existing or future residents and taxpayers.
The towns organization chart lists The Citizens of the Town of Flower Mound at the top and the Mayor and Town Councilmembers are elected to serve them. The overwhelming majority of these regular citizens are strongly opposed to extending sewer service into the Cross Timbers area. These are the people who have made their home here and who are raising their children here. Theyve made their biggest investment - their family home - in Flower Mound. They pay their taxes, care about what happens, and depend on you to make good decisions that protect their quality of life and keep their taxes low. Please do the right thing.
All of you have previously expressed support for the Master Plan. Saying the words was easy. Now you have the opportunity to back up those words through your actions by supporting the most important part of that plan for the Cross Timbers area. I urge you to please keep in place the backbone of the Master Plan that ensures high quality, low density residential development in the Cross Timbers Conservation Development District.
Thank you for your time and consideration and for your dedicated service to the citizens of the Town of Flower Mound.
Sincerely,
Lori DeLuca
Mayor, 1998-2004