Flower Mound Leader / August 9, 2000 / by Jason Heid, Staff Writer

EPA recognizes Flower Mound for Growth Management

       Flower Mound's efforts to preserve its natural environment have been recognized by one of the state's top agencies.

       The town recently received a special recognition award from the Environmental Protection Agency for its efforts to responsibly manage growth through the SMARTGrowth plan.  The open space component of the Comprehensive Master Plan also was honored.

       “Flower Mound's effort is worthy of recognition among rapidly developing communities, where recent growth has placed tremendous pressure on ecosystems and other natural resources,” said Bobby Hernandez, Region 6 EPA community planner.

       “After the hard work the citizens put into the SMARTGrowth plan, it's nice to receive recognition for it, especially from an organization like the EPA,” Mayor DeLuca said.

       Between 1990 to 2000, Flower Mound's population grew by more than 230%.  Town officials feared overcrowding and a loss of natural landforms and open spaces to become a problem.  Input from residents was the driving force behind the plan.

       “People were concerned that the natural beauty which brought them to Flower Mound was disappearing at an alarming rate,” DeLuca said.

       Adopted in January 1999, the SMARTGrowth plan's purpose is to preserve and enhance the town's community character and quality of life.

       “I think there's always been sensitivity to environmental concerns, a recognition of the natural environment,” Town Manager Van James said.  “The grassroots effort has really been growing for the last two or three years.”

       DeLuca and James both commented on the importance of Flower Mound's unique natural setting to the community.  Grapevine Lake, the Cross Timbers Forest area, wetlands and rolling hills all contribute to the town's distinctiveness, they said.

       “In Texas, it's rare to find one community that has so many different natural features,” DeLuca said.

       Even though there are similar programs across the country, the SMARTGrowth plan contains some unique aspects, James said.  Foremost among those are the threshold zoning criteria, which provide a checklist so that communitywide impacts, not just site-specific impacts, of proposed developments are considered.

       “The zoning criteria provided a toolbox to the community and property owners to be able to explore ways to preserve the natural heritage of Flower Mound,” James said.

       The Open Space Plan received special recognition from the EPA for its commitment to preserving the natural landscapes of the town.  Developers are encouraged through various incentives to preserve open space within their developments.  Expediting the approval process, waiver of certain permit fees, reduced street infrastructure requirements and reduced parkland requirements are among the incentives provided to developers who practice conservation development.

       “This emphasis on livability and quality of life is a leading example of how to grow while protecting the environment, and residents will reap the benefits of this foresight as the area continues to prosper,” Hernandez said.