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Discuss shared service and infrastructure opportunities with the Town of Addison
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BACKGROUND:
Subsequent to the approval of a Farmers Branch Creek settlement agreement between the City of Farmers Branch and the Town of Addison, a desire has been expressed to consider discussions about potential shared service and infrastructure opportunities between the two cities. A joint Council subcommittee has been suggested to discuss all opportunities that could provide for the betterment of both cities.
Potential areas could include: Library, Senior Center, Aquatic Center, Animal Shelter, Municipal Court/Jail, and Alpha Road Connector (Bella Ln).
Alpha Road Connector
During 2014, the City of Farmers Branch had been in discussions with the Town of Addison, Brookhaven College and UDR, the developer of the Vitruvian Park development in Addison, regarding extending a public roadway from the Vitruvian Park area south into and connecting with Brookhaven College and Alpha Road. The proposed roadway was viewed by Brookhaven College and Vitruvian Park as a benefit in order to allow the personnel, students and other users of the college, as well as the residents of Vitruvian Park and members of the public, to enjoy and benefit from the trails and open space within those communities. Additionally, a new northern entrance into the college would be constructed and accessible from the proposed roadway. Attachment 1 illustrates the initial location and design of the proposed roadway.
This proposed roadway, known as the Alpha Road Connector (or Bella Lane), was going to be constructed by the Town of Addison. Brookhaven College would dedicate the necessary street easements (or right-of-way) needed to allow for the roadway construction through their property. Upon roadway completion, the City of Farmers Branch would then assume maintenance and traffic enforcement responsibilities for the portion of the roadway within Farmers Branch, except for the north/south connection south of the traffic circle which would be maintained by Brookhaven College. Attachment 2 illustrates the City’s proposed roadway maintenance responsibilities.
In addition to the Alpha Road Connector, the City of Farmers Branch would receive an approximate 3-acre park dedication complete with passive park improvements (such as landscaping, trails/sidewalks, benches, and lighting) along the north side of the roadway, as well as a public sidewalk easement to allow for pedestrian access from the new park to the Brookhaven College internal trail system. Attachment 3 illustrates initial park design concepts.
A detailed site plan application was submitted by Brookhaven College (early 2015) to initiate the approval process with the City of Farmers Branch for the Alpha Road Connector (Attachment 1); however, the application was placed on hold due to awaiting resolution of other pending creek related issues between the two cities and UDR. As of to date, no additional action has been taken regarding the detailed site plan application.
DISCUSSION:
Staff seeks feedback from City Council related to potential shared service and infrastructure opportunities.
ATTACHMENT(S):
1. Alpha Road Connector Project Layout (January 13, 2015)
2. Future Park and Street Maintenance Exhibit
3. Initial Park Design Concepts
4. Letter from Cambridge Crossing Homeowners Association (February 12, 2014)
5. Staff Summary