Neighborhood Association on South Lake Worth: Archives

ARCHIVES

Silver Creek Road update:

Hi Neighbors:

On July 29^th there was a meeting at the Lake Worth Multi-Purpose Facility organized by Cecil Keller of Wolf Creek and Bob Woodhouse of La Cantera to bring to the attention of our Fort Worth and Tarrant County officials the need for repairs on Silver Creek Road. There were approximately 125 people, with 11 neighborhoods, many local businesses, Lakeside officials and 2 school districts represented. Also attending were District 7 Fort Worth City Councilman Dennis Shingleton, Precinct 4 Tarrant County Commissioner J.D. Johnson, Fort Worth Transportation and Public Works (TPW) Assistant Director Andy Anderson and TxDOT, as well as city and county law enforcement and emergency service agencies.

Fort Worth City Councilman Dennis Shingleton of District 7 and Fort Worth City Councilman Zim Zimmerman of District 3 are responsible for different portions of Silver Creek Road totaling 80%. Mr. Zimmerman was called out of town and was not able to attend the meeting, so Mr. Shingleton spoke for both districts. Commissioner J.D. Johnson controls a 20% portion of Silver Creek Road that extends from the northern entrance of the Estancia subdivision to Watercress Drive. He addressed the meeting in a supporting role, stating that his portion of the road was in good repair. However, he also stated that he would match any major improvements that Fort Worth planned. Tarrant County is currently busy with phase one of a 3-phase improvement on Silver Creek Azle Road (not part of Silver Creek Road) which runs north of FM1886 starting at Azle and working south to the Turkey Mountain intersection with FM1886.

Phase One - Silver Creek Bridge: There are three bridges on Silver Creek Road. The northern-most bridge, called the Silver Creek Relief Bridge (located about 50 yards south of Watercress Drive and runing across a dry creek bed) is not scheduled for replacement at this time. The Silver Creek Bridge that will be replaced is located about 150-200 yards south of the Watercress Drive junction. Construction on the Silver Creek Bridge will begin about October of 2014 and will take approximately 6 months to complete. During this time, Silver Creek Road will be closed at the bridge. Traffic flow will be either all from the north or all from the south depending on which side of the bridge you are on. It is currently 22 feet wide, but upon completion, the new bridge will be 44 feet wide consisting of two 14 foot lanes with an 8 foot shoulder on each side.

Phase Two - Live Oak Creek Bridge: Construction on the Live Oak Creek Bridge, the one farthest south and located immediately before the entrance to Silver Creek Materials as you travel south, will begin around October of 2015 and also will take approximately 6 months to complete. This bridge outage will not enable through traffic, just as stated above. However, all property owners will continue to have access to their property during construction. This bridge will also be widened from 22 to 44 feet.

Improvements to Silver Creek Road: Although both bridges will be funded by TxDOT, funds have just recently been appropriated from a Fort Worth bond offering to rebuild Silver Creek Road. The first portion of those funds will be adequate to construct the center portion between the bridges, and a small portion to the north up to Watercress Drive and will be completed at the same time the Silver Creek Bridge is being replaced. Funds to finish rebuilding of the southern portion will not be available until 2017. However, to coordinate with the rebuilding of the Oak Creek Bridge, Fort Worth Councilman Dennis Shingleton stated that both he and Councilman Zim Zimmerman will do everything possible to initiate a plan to borrow against the future bond fund so that the resurfacing can be done in parallel with the bridge replacement. That would make it possible to have all of Silver Creek road in good repair by early 2016. If this is not approved, then full completion will be delayed until 2017.

Ten inches of the existing asphalt surface will be ground up, cement and lime (where clay subsoil exists) will be added, then this mixture will be re-compacted to form the new sub-base with a new 4-inch overlay of asphalt. Due to limited rights-of-way and budgets, widening and straightening of curves will be minimal. Because this is a city-run project, the standard bureaucracy of red tape requiring pre-approvals from various agencies is minimized, thereby allowing the engineers to address and improve these issues as best and whenever they can in real time as the project is being completed.

Emergency Services During Road Closure: Plans have already been developed to insure that our neighborhood(s) will not experience a drop-off of current emergency services. If any delays occur, they will be negligible.

Oil Field Truck Traffic: Many attendees questioned what the role of the trucks from Silver Creek Materials played in degrading the road surface since it is felt that these trucks run over their approved highway weight limits on a consistent basis. The possibility for either a turn lane to accommodate north-bound trucks turning into the Silver Creek Materials entrance or an acceleration lane for south-bound trucks leaving that entrance are being considered by TPW Engineers and Assistant Director Andy Anderson.

Traffic Safety Improvements: Mr. Anderson stated that every effort will be made to trim tree growth in curve areas to provide better visibility for vehicles approaching the curves. He also stated that additional and improved signage will be added and that increased law enforcement will be considered. It was also stated that a study would be conducted as to whether a traffic light is needed at the intersection of Confederated Park and Silver Creek Roads.

If you have concerns or questions, you may contact:

Fort Worth City Councilman Dennis Shingleton of District 7 at 817-392-8807 or District7@fortworthtexas.gov

Fort Worth City Councilman Zim Zimmerman of District 3 at 817-392-8803 or District3@fortworthtexas.gov

Fort Worth Assistant TPW Director Andy Anderson at 817-392-8648 or Andy.Anderson@fortworthtexas.gov

Details from tour of FWPD mounted patrol facility

On Wednesday August 27th, several members of the NASLW Steering Committee* had the opportunity to attend a guided tour of the Fort Worth Police Department Mounted Patrol facility construction site that broke ground June 6th this year. From the Police Department, Mr. Joe Komisarz, Capital Projects Planning Manager and Officer Brandon Hill escorted members along with representatives of Sedalco Construction Services** who provided details of the project. This is a most reputable company with numerous examples of commercial buildings as noted on their web site (www.sedalco.com/blog/).
This project has been made a reality as a result of the generous financial and supportive contributions from the Citizens Support Group for the Fort Worth Police Mounted Patrol. This is an unparalleled opportunity for the City to have such an outstanding, primarily private funded facility deeded to the City.
As observed from 1901 N. Las Vegas Trail, the 2 primary buildings are well-under construction. These buildings include: the 5,600 SF Administration Building for offices and locker facilities, a large meeting room and storage areas. The well-equipped meeting room will be available for local neighborhood association meetings with no fee charge. For the horses, a 17,000 SF barn is to house up to 26 animals in individual stalls and runs. Grass pasture areas, a training arena and exercise paddock are also located on the site. Adequate parking areas have been incorporated in the final plan and there will be the presence of police marked vehicles. This facility is meant to be used exclusively by the Mounted Patrol Division and not as a police sub- headquarters or station so traffic in and out should be somewhat limited.
During the tour, questions from the SC were addressed and included:
1.    Storm water run-off: we were assured that the site meets all criteria required for storm-water control and will not add any more run-off than the original site. Water will flow to the park, and in addition, a concrete drain and natural water retention area will aid in reducing excessive runoff.
2.    Manure removal: a special cement-block holding area is built for collecting manure. Waste will be hauled away from the site every other day of the week to aid in odor and insect control.
3.    Securing the 10 acre site: the entire 10 acres will be surrounded by fencing to maintain safety and security; black pole fence and galvanized steel wire appropriate for horses will be installed.
4.    Traffic: Entrance to the site is between the 2 electric poles at N. LV Trail and will be designed with similar stonework found at the Admin. Building. This is a gated entrance open during the day, and locked at night. At N. LV Trail, a widened entryway will help to eliminate that ‘blind corner’ just as you pass the FFA barn.
5.    Landscape aesthetics: A professional commercial landscaper has been engaged by SEDALCO to handle the project. Landscaped planted beds at the entry, and at the Administrative building will have permanent irrigation. Irrigation will also be provided to the trees planted along the buffer zone at the Las Vegas Trail side of the facility and to other treed areas within the compound until they are well established. Overall, there will be a diversity of tree types most able to survive here in central Texas.
6.    Fort Worth ISD: Having the Mounted Patrol Facility next to the ISD’s FFA facility offers the opportunity for cooperative, educational activities although both areas will be maintained separately.
It’s anticipated that all construction will be completed before the end of this year and a ribbon cutting ceremony is planned in December.
We certainly welcome this aspect of Fort Worth Western Heritage to our neighborhood and for our entire City. As we know, the Officers and horses anxiously await their move here too.
*NASLW members: Marianne Armstrong, Bob Crow, Gale Cupp, Joe Waller
**Sedalco Construction Services:  Brent Weckar, Project Manager; Justin Tarpley, Site Manager and Tim Roth, Project Engineer

From Feb 2013:

NASLW UPDATE: March 17, 2014: FORT WORTH MOUNTED POLICE CITY FACILITY at Las Vegas Trail (to be located next to FFA Barn/ West Park)

Planned groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for May 14th with anticipated construction of the facility to be completed by end of this year or early 2015.

These are the plans that were reviewed during a meeting of NASLW representatives and Officer Brandon Hill, and Project Manager Joe Komisarz for the FW Police Mounted Patrol facility coming to the south shore Lake area @ Las Vegas Trail. Overall, the plans appear to have addressed the concerns of run-off, manure waste disposal, odor and insect control that had been outlined as major issues of concern during the NASLW meeting in 2012.

At this time, it appears that the entrance will be directly across from the Sandlin Home Lake Vista entrance. The site plan should have some short street entrance lanes at either side of the MP entrance going in, but we've asked that they also consider widening Las Vegas Trail in general to accommodate any trailers and subsequent facility traffic. The corner as you round LVT from Heron is fairly blind and signage will be required. It has been suggested that a solar panel type sign that would serve to alert oncoming drivers be considered.

The biggest change we saw from the original proposal from 2012 is that the front of the facility will not face LV Trail, but rather will run lengthwise with adequate (and professional) landscaping closest to the street. Drip irrigation is planned. We asked at this time that Joe K consider working with the FW ISD and the FFA to collaborate on the landscaping of the park property between the barn and MP fencing. Recall 10 years ago when the FFA project was proposed, we were told there would be landscape incorporated in the design. Unfortunately, the trees died that were originally planted at the FFA site. There is need to have a more formal plan in place to address this concern of aesthetics and adequate watershed protection for this new facility and this aspect is included in the site plans.

These plans are not yet final, and I've asked Mr Komisarz to be certain to notify NASLW if any detail of the plans change.

The timing for the project is tentatively set for April (groundbreaking) with project completion of 26 stalls, the 5500 sq ft administrative facility and 19,000 sq ft of pasture, arena and parking area on this park conversion by Dec 2014. Of note, is a training room that may be used for local community services such as NA meetings. This is a project in collaboration with the Parks department as well, so most likely they and the PD will handle such reservations. Details to be developed as the project moves forward.

Officer Hill is adamant that this will primarily be a Mounted Patrol facility and he's already informed others in the Fort Worth Police Department of this focus (so that there will not be constant traffic from officers not a part of the MP). Security will be tight with fencing and cameras located throughout the facility.

As more information is received, this site will be updated.

FWMP Plans provided to NASLW by:

Joseph J. Komisarz

Capital Projects Planning Manager

Fort Worth Police Department

Winter 2013

For the LAKE WORTH Centennial Celebration kick-off event in 2014, residents are encouraged to gather at City Hall (1000 Throckmorton St, Fort Worth TX 76102) on Tuesday, Jan 7, at about 6:30 P.M. to support the LWC Committee's acceptance of the Centennial Proclamation plaque to be presented by Mayor Betsy Price and the Fort Worth City Council. The council meeting starts at 7:00 P.M. and the presentation should be among the first items on the agenda. Hoping to see you there at this event for a special year-long celebration commemorating the City's very own Lake.

Stay abreast of the 2014 Centennial activities throughout 2014 by visiting these web sites: www.lakeworthcentennial.org or www.lakeworth100.org

Lights of Lake Worth (historical picture courtesy G. Abshire)

NASLW Meeting held November 7, 2013

A. Members elected by acclimation a roster of NASLW Steering Committee members for 2014 (click here)

B. Bob Crow unveiled details of the upcoming Lake Worth Centennial Celebration. Check out the new web site: http://www.lakeworthcentennial.org

NASLW News Notes: Click here for recent message from the Steering Committee

October 3, 2013: Fort Worth Partners With Silver Creek Materials For the 2012-2013 Lake Worth Dredge Project (Photos courtesy J. Waller)

Lake Worth Regional Coordinating Committee (LWRCC) members and representative City staff toured SCM to view the extraordinary mini-lakes created by silt and water during the intensive clean up of Lake Worth. For details from the Water Department about this project, refer to the City's web site link:
http://fortworthtexas.gov/boards/lakeworthrcc

Fall 2013

October Sunset on Lake Worth

(Courtesy G. Abshire, NASLW member)

The Michael Patterson group has sent us their website for the up n' coming

new CASINO BEACH at Lake Worth.....check it out at http://www.casinobeachlakeworth.com

Spring 2012-Summer 2013

Dredging around the South Shore of Lake Worth continues in 2013--this is the dredge equipment
of Great Lakes Dredge & Dock located currently near Goat Island

The estimated project completion date is the end of Summer 2013

Lake Worth Regional Coordination Committee Meeting Agenda - See City Tab

LAKE WORTH REGIONAL COORDINATION COMMITTEE

City of Lake Worth Multi-Purpose Center
7005 Charbonneau Road
Lake Worth, TX Thursday
February 21, 2013, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

AGENDA

Welcome                                                       Councilmember Dennis Shingleton, Chair

Lake Worth Project Updates

Casino Beach                                              Robert Sturns, Housing and Economic Development Department

Water Projects                                             Ron King, Freese and Nichols, Inc.

Park Dedication/Hike and Bike Trail         Nikki Sopchak, Eric Seebock, Parks and Community Services Department

Greenprinting                                               Eric Fladager, Planning and Development Kelley Hart, Trust for Public Land

Public Comments                                        All

Proposed Next Meeting:                           Thursday, April 18, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

A Winter Welcome to Lake Worth, South Shore and
Happy New Year To All

December 2012

Festive foto courtesy G. Abshire from his 2011 gallery)

From: Gale Cupp, Chair, Steering Committee

Please see below a copy of the NASLW letter sent to Councilman Dennis Shingleton regarding the proposed FWPD Mounted Patrol equine facility.

The letter is a composite of responses from neighbors and those who attended the NASLW General Meeting, November 1st. As the Steering Committee, we hope you agree that the intent supports bringing the Police Department's Mounted Patrol equine center to West Park and to our neighborhood, but also clearly states our neighborhood positions on park preservation and building recommendations.

The City's Public hearing on this project is scheduled for City Council on Tuesday, December 11, 2012 at City Hall and all are welcome to speak at these open meetings. To sign up for a speaker card, go to the City web site at www.fortworthgov.org, for the following:L-15459
Conduct Public Hearing and Authorize Use of a Portion of West Park for Construction of Equestrian Facilities for the Fort Worth Police Department Mounted Patrol Unit (COUNCIL DISTRICT 7)
I have signed up to speak up to 3 minutes in support of the project and summarize the primary points of our letter.

Thank you for your attention.

District 7 Councilman Dennis Shingleton
City Municipal Bldg, 1000 Throckmorton
Fort Worth, Texas

November 29, 2012

RE: NA on South Lake Worth- Comments to Address the Proposed Fort Worth Mounted Patrol Equestrian Facility at West Park

Dear Councilman,

NASLW is committed to conserving and protecting open green space and parkland around Lake Worth, particularly along the south shore of this historically significant and environmentally important water resource. We are providing this letter to you in a public forum to address the proposed construction of a City facility on 10 acres of Public Park.
As background, consider during Council Member Jeff Wentworth’s term of service the original plan for about 200 acres of City open space in order to establish “West Park”. The intent was to provide immediately several soccer fields, and in the future, various other public park attributes. Former Council Member John Stevenson had also successfully forged a partnership with local businessmen to build a livestock barn for the Future Farmers of America on 10 acres of West Park property in 2005 which greatly benefits Fort Worth ISD. The current plan for consideration today outlines carving another 10 acres of park to be used for the Fort Worth Police Department.
Realizing the tremendous need for a much better equine facility for our Mounted Police Patrol, we are supportive of bringing that facility to the proposed location on the south shore of Lake Worth at 1801 Las Vegas Trail. In meetings with representatives of the Police Department, PACSD and the Water Department, we understand the location’s attributes such as water and sewer line utility availability, ease of access to the nearby interstate, open pasture space for the horses, and office space for officers patrolling in the West sector. We’ve also been advised that it has potential for use as a multi-functional facility that could offer an extension of an equine program for the FFA as collaborative outreach. This is particularly important in consideration of the primary purpose of parkland--public use of public open space.

So in support of this new facility, we bring the following points before you:

1. Along with the use of these 10 acres of West Park for this new facility and in consideration of the 10 acres previously leased in 2005 for the Fort Worth ISD FFA barns and stalls, we propose that at least 20 additional acres of dedicated parkland be included in the perimeter of West Park. This acreage could be designed for hiking trails that can be used by both horseback riders and hikers. As noted, this would be consistent with previous Councils’ intentions and formally approved plans. This parkland-neutral approach--maintaining the original amount of land proposed as park for public use--is consistent with the formal Lake Worth Vision Plan. And certainly, this could also aid in any program used by the Mounted Patrol for training and exercising their horses.

2. While the City’s landscape ordinance will help to provide landscape planning for the FWMP police facility, we propose that both the FFA and Police Department be joined as a single unit for best practices in that design. First, these facilities are on park property and secondly, environmentally sound best practices will engage those needs important to the Lake Worth watershed. Although we were promised attractive landscaping for the FFA facility, the approach at that time was ineffective. Now, that FFA facility does not have landscaping on any of its acreage, and several trees were removed in its construction in 2004. This is an appropriate opportunity to coordinate efforts and improve the looks of the entire area of park property and the neighborhood.

Specifically with respect to waste management and runoff control, it was noted that the Mounted Patrol group regularly hauls off its animal waste from other sites. Manure removal and fly and pest control is paramount. In addition, Mr. Bounds has mentioned that the FW Water Department would be working closely on property design to assure proper control and practices in this context. We would like to have those plans available to us for review and comment, as we would endorse maximum, effective environmental controls.

There is significant roadway traffic on that portion of Las Vegas Trail. Therefore, appropriate roadway expansion and signage will be required to curtail traffic congestion at the entrances of the proposed facility and entrance to the residential development, Lake Vista.

Other issues related to this project requiring attention include: proper lighting that adds effective on-site security but does not interfere with the homes across the street or traffic traveling along Las Vegas Trail; fencing uniquely relevant to animal holding areas; monitoring and control of pests (mice, rats, fleas, ticks and flys) in a rural setting.

As stewards of the Lake and surrounding area, we residents propose that whenever possible, and well in advance, we have opportunity to provide input into the design elements that will directly affect the neighborhood along that sector of Las Vegas Trail. We look forward to our positive collaboration with the City toward balancing the interests of local residents and the City. We’re excited about the bright future for the Lake Worth area and we're proud to be a part of it.

We truly welcome the Fort Worth Police Mounted Patrol to our neighborhood on the Lake.
Best Regards,
Gale

Gale Cupp, Chair and on behalf of
Neighborhood Association on South Lake Worth (NASLW)

Forwarding From Lake Neighbor and NASLW Steering Commttee Member, Bob Crow:

The combined Lake Worth Sailing Club/Lake Worth Boat & Ski Club Holiday Light Parade is scheduled for December 8th, 6:30 P.M to 8:00 P.M.  wind conditions permitting.  If the 8th is weathered out we will try again on 15 December. 

The parade is scheduled to leave the sailing club at about 6:30, proceed to the dam, then return to the sailing club between 7:30 and 8:00.  This annual event is always a holiday favorite for lake shore residents and we invite you to share this information with your family, friends and neighbors. 

Holiday Cheer and Blessings to You and Your Families. 

Billy Heirendt, Commodore, Lake Worth Sailing Club

2 Notes of Interest/ Lake Worth Vision
FROM: Gale Cupp, Chair Steering Committee

#1.Sending you the Agenda from Becky Pils of the City's Planning Department for the upcoming meeting of the LWRCC. Representatives of the neighborhood associations are on the committee. Phil Wetzel will attend on behalf of NASLW on the 6th. For anyone interested in attending, there's a public gallery too. Here is the scheduled AGENDA:

LAKE WORTH REGIONAL COORDINATION COMMITTEE

City of Lake Worth Multi-Purpose Center, 7005 Charbonneau Road, Lake Worth, TX
Thursday, December 6, 2012, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

AGENDA

1.     Welcome                                                Councilmember Dennis Shingleton, Chair

2.     Lake Worth Project Updates

    a.      Casino Beach                                        Robert Sturns, Housing and Economic Development Department

    b.     Water Projects                                       Paul Bounds, Water Department

    c.      Park Dedication/Hike and Bike Trail      Nikki Sopchak, Eric Seebock, Parks and Community Services Department

    d.   Greenprinting                                             Eric Fladager, Planning and Development

3.     Marion Sansom Park Trail                      Larry Colvin, President, Fort Worth Mountain Bikers’ Association

4.     Lake Worth Centennial                                          Paul Bounds

5.     Public Comments                                                  All

6.     Proposed Next Meeting: Thursday, February 21, 2:00-4:00 p.m.

#2. Here is a link (copied below) that will take you to information on the City's website that outlines the funding proposal from gas monies to be used for an agreement with F&N to provide an engineering design of 11 miles of the "LW Trail" (map available on the City site).
As noted, the funding will be considered this Tuesday at Council with our Councilman Dennis Shingleton's full support and endorsement.

http://www.fortworthgov.org/council_packet/mc_review.asp?ID=16931&councildate=12/4/2012

DATE: 12/4/2012 REFERENCE NO.: **C-25989 LOG NAME: 80LAKE WORTH TRAIL PHASE I_FREESE AND NICHOLS
CODE: C TYPE: CONSENT PUBLIC HEARING: NO
SUBJECT:   Authorize Execution of an Engineering Agreement with Freese and Nichols, Inc., in the Amount of $293,328.00 for Design Services for the Lake Worth Preliminary Trail Design and Adopt Appropriation Ordinances (COUNCIL DISTRICT 7)

RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:

1.  Adopt the attached appropriation ordinance increasing estimated receipts and appropriations in the Lake Worth Gas Lease Capital Improvement Fund in the amount of $300,000.00 from Gas Well Revenues;

2.  Authorize the transfer in the amount of $300,000.00 from the Lake Worth Gas Lease Capital Improvement Fund to the Park Gas Lease Project Fund;

3.  Adopt the attached appropriation ordinance increasing estimated receipts and appropriations in the Park Gas Lease Project Fund in the amount of $300,000.00; and
4.  Authorize the execution of an engineering Agreement with Freese and Nichols, Inc., for engineering services associated with the Lake Worth Preliminary Trail Design in an amount not to exceed $293,328.00.

DISCUSSION:

The purpose of this Mayor and Council Communication (M&C) is to provide authorization for the execution of an engineering Agreement with Freese and Nichols, Inc. (Freese and Nichols), in the amount of $293,328.00 to develop a preliminary trail design along the perimeter of Lake Worth from the Lake Worth dam to Camp Joy Park (see Exhibit A on the City's site). Trail segments 1-7 and 9-13 of the Lake Worth Trail Routing Study are included in this contract.

On January 8, 2008, (M&C G-16013) the City Council amended the Gas Well Revenue Distribution Policy to allow for revenues derived from lease bonuses and royalties from properties in and around Lake Worth to be used for the execution of the 2007 Lake Worth Capital Improvements Implementation Plan. One of the major projects of this plan is the Lake Worth Dredging Project. In March 2008, Freese and Nichols was selected for the Phase 1 services. During contract negotiations, the decision was made to execute the design of the Lake Worth Dredging Project Phase 1 in two parts as a cost saving strategy due to the complexities of acquiring a permit through the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE).

On December 16, 2008, (M&C C-23262) the City Council authorized an engineering Agreement with Freese and Nichols in the amount of $1,519,279.00 for the initial design of the Lake Worth Dredging Project Phase 1. Under this contract, Freese and Nichols produced a preliminary Trail Route Study for the hike and bike trail around Lake Worth. This preliminary study will be used to define the scope of the final trail layout and design.

This Agreement will relate to the Lake Worth Trail Routing Study dated June 9, 2011 that Freese and Nichols produced for the City of Fort Worth Water Department and includes trail segments 1-7 and trail segments 9-13. Trail segments 1-7 include tying into the Trinity Trail at Meandering Road (Mapsco 60L) running along the southeastern and eastern edge of Lake Worth to Lake Worth Marina Park (Mapsco 45V). Trail segments 9-13 include beginning at Casino Beach Park West continuing along the nothern edge of Lake Worth to Camp Joy Park. The total combined length of trail segments 1-7 and trail segments 9-13 is 11.02 miles.

Freese and Nichols is in compliance with the City's BDE Ordinance by committing to 25 percent SBE participation on this project. The City's SBE goal on this project is 25 percent.

This project is located in COUNCIL DISTRICT 7.

November 2012

NASLW General Meeting

NASLW General Meeting

DATE: THURSDAY-November 1, 2012

PLACE: Best Western Inn & Suites Meeting Room

TIME: Program—Start at6:30pm

·         Captain Sudan and Sergeant Hill: Proposed Equine Facility at West Park

·         David Creek, Parks and Community Services

·         Paul Bounds: Dredging Update

·         100 Years-Planning for the Lake Worth 2014 Celebrations

·         Heritage Trees Around the Lake

·         Election of Steering Committee/COPS Discussions

NASLW Meeting Notes:

December 10, 2011
The Lake Worth Sailing Club and the Lake Worth Boat and Ski Club

offered us this breathtaking view during the recent Parade of Lights event.

What a Perfect Holiday Wish for Peace to All

To: NASLW Members

From: Gale Cupp, Chair, NASLW

For those who attended the NASLW General Meeting, you'll recall that Paul Bounds mentioned that City Council would most likely award the contract for the dredge project in the month of December.

In my recent correspondence with Paul asking for an update, he sent word today that there will be a delay in this action.

Therefore, as was also discussed at our meeting, the need for citizen support at Council Chambers is also delayed, so I'll be sending an updated message in early January as soon as a date is confirmed.

Copied below is the email message from Paul Bounds, Received today, Wednesday 7Dec2011.

I have had a number of questions about the status of the dredging project and when it can be expected to go to City Council so here is an update.

We have received the Letter of Permission (LOP) from the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) for the dredging of the Phase 1 areas. LOP is the ACOE term for this type of dredging permit. The award of contract by the City Council has been delayed due to problems meeting the Minority and Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) participation goal. The original goal was set at 6% based on the contractor utilizing diesel powered dredges and booster pumps. The low bidder, Great Lakes Dredge and Dock, choose to utilize electric pumps as a cost saving measure. They were unable to meet the original 6% goal and submitted a “Good Faith Effort” at roughly 2% MWBE participation. After a good deal of review the MWBE Office has finally approved the Good Faith Effort and the dredging project is now ready to go to the City Council for award of contract. With the holidays and several cancelled City Council meetings, the earliest that the dredging project could now get on a City Council agenda is January 10, 2011. I will let everyone know when the City Council date has been finalized.

I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

Looking forward to the New Year that will bring us the much anticipated dredging project at Lake Worth. Thanks everyone again for your support and patience.

Paul

Happy Holidays 2011 from the NASLW Steering Committee

The much awaited dredging activity around the south shore is projected to begin in early 2012 pending final City Council approval. As we heard from Paul Bounds at the recent NASLW General Meeting, November 17th, those residents wanting to have additional silt removed closer to resident shorelines will have an opportunity to contract that work. The details for such a project will be worked-out in the coming weeks 2011-2012, and as information is made available from Mr Bounds, a public meeting will be scheduled. It is possible that the City's contractor (Great Lakes Dredge and Docks) may offer an option for us to have them provide that additional dredging work (around docks). Or, other alternatives will be investigated and options discussed.

The link to the City's web site for Lake Worth:

http://fortworthtexas.gov/water/info/default.aspx?id= 4616

NASLW General Meeting-November 17, 2011

From Gale Cupp, Chair, and the NASLW Steering Committee

MARK YOUR CALENDARS for NASLW General Meeting(click here for flyer)

Date: Thursday, November 17th, 2011

Time: 6pm Program start promptly at 6:30pm

Location: Best Western Hotel, Meeting Room, Frontage Rd to I-820/Clifford St. Parking available front & back.

Refreshments will be provided....and, DOOR PRIZES

Please tell your neighbors and encourage all to attend. A flyer will be mailed only to those without email contact.

Special Guest-Paul Bounds, Fort Worth Water Department

1. PHASE 1 of the dredging project that is anticipated for the south shore will be discussed. A laptop to access Google Earth will be made available so that we can project the local shoreline areas, docks, etc., to see where the dredge 'line' will be and to aid in calculating how close the dredge equipment will come to private lakeshore areas.

Also, I've asked him to help us determine the feasibility for us as a group, to have the City's contractor (Great Lakes Dredge and Docks) sub-contract with us to provide any additional dredging that we may want to have done. I know for those without docks, we may want to have areas dredged between the shoreline & the 150 feet edge of the City's project; others with docks may want silt removal between docks and/or closer to their shorelines too. This most likely will require some smaller dredge equipment.  We'll need to see what options we may have for such contracting.

Also for discussions: there are some currently designated "wetland areas"--new islands created from years of siltation that have now become gathering areas for water fowl--that we'll need addressed by Paul as some of these pose potential boating safety issues.

2. General Meeting Discussions

--Update on the natural gas well drilling at Las Vegas Trail (White Settlement)

--COPS Patrols/Update of neighborhood issues

--Open discussion of topics important to members

CONSERVE WATER: Fort Worth Now Under Stage 1 Restrictions

(Lake Worth at Sunset courtesy NASLW Member G. Abshire)

Moving into Fall: Local Lake Updates

The status of the Lake Worth Dredging Project Phase 1: We have received a great deal of interest in the project from all over the country since we went out for bids. There are currently thirty-two general contractors on our plan holders list. Last Thursday (15th) we held our pre-bid meeting and we had over fifty general contractors and subs attend. There were contractors from as far away Niagara Falls, New York as well as a number of contractors from the Gulf coast. They brought up a number of questions about the bid specs and also offered suggestions for cost savings. A number of contractors also requested additional time to prepare their bids. These elements have been included in an addendum to the bid specifications that went out on Wednesday. The new bid opening date is now October 13, 2011. We are still shooting for the award of bid to go to the City Council on November 15. If we don’t make that date then it should be on the December 6 agenda.(NOTE: A public meeting regarding Phase 1 is in the planning stage and will most likely be held in early December 2011)

From the Office of Paul Bounds

1. Mr Bounds has provided PowerPoint slides listing the completed Projects for Lake Worth that were financed with gas lease revenues. Attached here are the slides that show what has been collected to date and how the funds are allocated.

2. Phase 1 of the Lake Worth Dredging Project was advertised in the Star–Telegram September 1st. Bid opening is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. September 29, 2011. The plans and specifications are being made available electronically on multiple websites and the Buzzsaw site is the easiest to get into. There is a wealth of information at this site that should answer most questions about the Phase 1 Dredging Project.

http://www.fortworthgov.org/purchasing

Project name on Buzzsaw is 2011-09-29 Bid Date Project 01166 – Lake Worth Dredging Project

Our water sources which include Lake Worth (pictured here courtesy NASLW member G. Abshire) are obviously at low levels. Tarrant Regional Water District requires the Stage 1 conservation plan when the combined storage capacity of all the system's reservoirs reach 75%.

We all realize our entire State is suffering. In January 2011 no part of Texas was in a drought; in August, 100% of the State is in some form of such conditions. See http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/

It is the most severe 1 year drought on record. Thus these conservation measures for outdoor watering: Stage 1 (2x/week); Stage 2 (1x/week), and Stage 3, outdoor watering prohibited.
So it could get worse. For now, we are

STAGE 1 Restriction:

1. Residential outdoor watering is limited to a twice per week schedule, and as usual only BEFORE 10am, or AFTER 6pm.

NO LANDSCAPE WATERING for anyone ON MONDAYS!

An address ending in EVEN #s (2, 4, 6, 8, 0) may water Wednesday AND Saturday

Those addresses ending in ODD #s (1,3, 5, 7, 9) may water Thursday and Sunday

2. Water may not run off a lawn or yard more than 50 ft (on to street or side areas)

3. Foundations may only be watered up to two hours on any day by hand, soaker or drip irrigation within 24 inches of the foundation.

More information at: www.savefortworthwater.org

Lake Worth Dredge Project

Most recent correspondence from Fort Worth Water Department, Paul Bounds:
Date: Tue, Aug 9, 2011 at 10:37 AM

We have recently completed the selection of the disposal site (Silver Creek Materials) and the final phase of the permit application for the Corps of Engineers. Currently we have $16 million in our gas lease revenue fund that is available for the dredging project. That is approximately $6 million less than what we need to complete the entire dredging project. Therefore we have decided to break up the dredging project into two phases. This will allow us to go out for bid on September 1 for the first phase and hopefully issue the contractor a notice to proceed by the end of this year. Phase II will be bid out when additional funds become available through the gas lease revenues.

The Phase 1 map (click here for map) shows the dredging areas totaling 1.6 million cubic yards and the route of the disposal pipeline to Silver Creek Materials. The second map shows (click here for map) the Phase II areas K,E,D and G totaling .6 million cubic yards. You will note that the dredge areas are shown to include some areas around existing boat docks. The City will not be dredging around boat docks. These areas were included in the Corps permit application in order to allow boat dock owners who desire to have dredging done around their docks to privately contract out the work under the City’s permit with the Corps. I am very excited and pleased to see all of the work that has been done by the City and the neighborhood associations final come together. Please feel free to make this information available to your association members.

New District 7 Councilman Dennis Shingleton is Sworn Into Office, Tuesday July 12, 2011

In ceremonies Tuesday evening, the Honorable Carter Burdette retired from office and turned over PLACE 7 to newly elected Councilman Dennis Shingleton. On behalf of NASLW, a small token of our appreciation to Mr. Burdette was presented by Steering Committee Chair Gale Cupp during his out-going ceremonies held at the July 12th City Council meeting. A small engraved desk clock in the shape of a book was given to him in recognition of his support of the various aspects of Lake improvements over the course of his six-year term in office (including the champion of the LWCIIP and LW VISION PLAN), and read:

As You Begin A New Chapter in Your Life Today, We Fondly Recall Those Measures You Took On Behalf of “Saving Lake Worth”.  THANK YOU CARTER (NASLW).

And so now we too begin another new and exciting time in the history of the Lake. With the Lake Worth Vision Plan in place, the continued activities under the LWCIIP, and overall City planning under new Mayor Betsy Price, there will be much to keep up with in the months ahead. And soon, this Lake will be a full century old. All of us look forward to working with Councilman Shingleton as we continue move ahead to address all that is, the Lake and its beautiful surroundings.



NASLW General Meeting Notes

1. Paul Bounds first presented commentary on the current approach of the Department to provide good water quality which will include exploration of options for 'greenprinting' and talking collaboratively with the Trust for Public Land regarding the open spaces around the Lake (for a preview of TPL, visit www.tpl.org) . He also reviewed the watershed area for Lake Worth and indicated that Silver Creek provides up to 65% of the water that pours into the Lake from the west side. The creek may offer an ideal area for a dike that could be used in the construction of the proposed bike trail mentioned in the LW Vision Plan. Paul also gave an overview of the dredging areas on the Lake as shown in this PDF file (CLICK HERE) This map shows the areas that have been determined to be dredged in order to achieve the 584” elevation goal. At the current time, the 2.2 million cubic yards shown is less than the original estimate of 3 million cubic yards. The difference is due to the more precise measuring techniques that were utilized in the Water Department's recent study. What is currently proposed will meet the original goal of the 584” elevation in the general recreation areas of the lake. After the Army Corp permit is obtained, the bid process is expected to be initiated in September. It's anticipated that dredging could start early in 2012. As this plan moves forward, we (NASLW) will keep up with the activity to determine where the actual dredging line will be. There is the potential option that silt fronting our own lakefront properties could be removed by a joint effort between us landowners and the City contractor in which we pay for removal at the time the lake water areas are dredged.

2. Review of the Procedure for Documentation of Existing Legal Nonconforming Docks Any dock that existed as of January 2011 is legal. If non-conforming (as described by the Ordinance) then the dock is nonconforming legal. Registration of a legal nonconforming dock is required to document the conditions of the dock at the time of adoption of the ordinance. (Ord. 19515, Eff. Date January 18, 2011). This documentation is intended to eliminate confusion and delays if future building permits are necessary.

Sect. 7.107 I. Docks, Piers and Boathouses

A property owner wanting to claim legal non-conforming status under this chapter must register with the City of Fort Worth, Planning and Development Department by December 31, 2011. The registration must include a digital photo of the existing dock. Owners desiring to register their existing docks per Section 7.107 of the Zoning Ordinance shall follow the procedures on the City's form. See the Water Department web site (available at: www.fortworthgov.org) Mr Bounds has offered his phone number for contact if there are questions regarding completion of the form (817 392-8567). He emphasized that the 'Google Earth' view of the docks only shows them from above and if you have an enclosed dock, you should register particularly if you want to do future expansion. If not registered, it makes future permitting difficult. It should be noted that permits aren't required for simple repairs. The Code Department is working to address those docks that are deemed unsafe and poorly maintained.

3. Citizens on Patrol Captain Tammy Saul, NASLW COPS, introduced NPO Vernon Gray and the program that supports patrols around our south shore area. If information is required about our program, contact Captain Tammy at lakeratz1@gmail.com. We fully appreciate all those who patrol our area and next time you see the sign SOUTH SHORE on the side of a vehicle, please give them a hearty THANKS.

4. Bob and Jennifer Crow who annually help NASLW organize during the Cowtown Clean Up received a small token of our appreciation. This year 2011, NASLW was the star 3rd place neighborhood association in the annual Fort Worth program to keep the City clean.

5. Sincere thanks to all who helped in the preparation for the meeting by bringing food items (Steering members N. Crosskill, B. & J. Crow, JW Hill, P.Wetzel), to J. Waller for donation of drinking water in Lake Worth Alliance labeled bottles, and to the clean-up crew (everybody) who had us tidied up within minutes after the last door prize was issued!

Look for our next meeting later this year come late fall.... keep an eye on this site and you can also email Gale Cupp, Chair, at ga.cupp@gmail.com.

*********************************

Our Neighborhood Association on South Lake Worth congratulates newly elected District 7 Councilman, Dennis Shingleton. As he stated in his recent letter to us (CLICK HERE) he will be our voice at City Hall and we look forward to our continued interaction with him on all things LAKE.

July 2011

Rachel Wiggins, Naval Air Staion, reports that they are having a fireworks display on July 4th. It will begin at dusk
(~9:15-9:30 pm) at the shore line area of the Lake.

May 2011

NASLW General Meeting--> Thursday, June 16^th, 2011

(May 4 2011: Photo at Mosque Point, by defender of the Park, G. Abshire)

MEETING LOCATION

Best Western Inn & Suites Meeting Room

201 West Loop I-820, Fort Worth 76108

(enter either off Clifford, or at White Settlement Rd)

Program

Time

Activity

5:30 pm

Beverages and Snacks will be provided

6:00 pm

Guest Speaker: Paul Bounds, Water Department

1.          Dock ordinance--process for registering the current docks (grandfathering/conforming & non conforming)*

2.     Update on the dredging project for Lake Worth, particularly forsouth shore areas

3.     Overview of options for conserving city-owned green space (now that Lake Worth VISION is approved

Comments and Questions

By 7:30

Other NASLW Business

By 8 pm

Closing Remarks and SUMMERTIME DOOR PRIZES

*(For information on non conforming docks, see: flyer)

LAKE WORTH VISION PLAN ADOPTED

IT’s OFFICIAL-the FIRST EVER, Lake Worth Vision Plan presented to Fort Worth City Council has been officially adopted and will now be incorporated into the overall City’s Comprehensive Plan 2011. This dynamic City document will be the template for Lake Worth improvements going forward, in collaboration with City planners and the (to be established) Lake Worth Regional Coordinating Committee (LWRCC) as now described in Part 4 of the Plan.

At the City Council meeting Tuesday evening (10May2011), letters were read in support of the resolution to adopt this VISION. To view a copy of the letter that was read from the four participating Neighborhood Associations on the Lake (ELWNA, NLWNA, SSNA and us, NASLW), click here. For the letter from the LAKE WORTH ALLIANCE Board, click here.

Soon there will be a new District 7 Councilman and Mayor of Fort Worth. We look forward to working with the new Administration as this Vision evolves for us citizens of Fort Worth.

(Posted/G.Cupp, Chair)

Lake Worth Vision Plan, FW City Council Meeting: May 10,2011 (7pm)

The Fort Worth Planning and Development Department has provided the following information updating us on the Lake Worth Vision Plan, 2011. As previously communicated, the principle issue from our perspective (neighborhood association’s around the Lake) was ‘a seat at the table’ of the LW Regional Coordination Committee. The wording has now been edited as follows (see underline)

Implementation Measures:

1.1(a) Create a Lake Worth Regional Coordination Committee (LWRCC) to oversee and guide review and recommend to the City of Fort Worth and participating jurisdictions relevant actions regarding development activity around the lake. The committee should include representatives from the City of Fort Worth, Tarrant County, surrounding jurisdictions, and other pertinent agencies watershed neighborhood leaders, major property owners, and other nonprofit stakeholders. The consultant panel suggested using the Trinity River Vision Authority as a template for Lake Worth. However, an authority may not be the appropriate body since an authority typically receives funds from all participating jurisdictions. A coordinating committee similar to the NAS JRB Regional Coordination Committee is recommended for Lake Worth. A Lake Worth Watershed Council made up primarily of landowners within the watershed may also be a future implementing body of the Vision Plan.

1.1(b) One of the first tasks for the Lake Worth Regional Coordination Committee should be to commission a study to assess the entire Lake Worth watershed during normal and flash flood rain events.The results from the study would provide essential information for the watershed master planning process.

1.1(c) The LWRCC should lead a detailed master watershed planning process, with input from allstakeholders in the Lake Worth watershed, to identify areas contributing excessively to sediment and pollution runoff into Lake Worth, and to determine the most appropriate strategies and actions to implement throughout the watershed to control erosion, reduce sediment pollution loading, and minimize nonpoint source pollution within the watershed.

1.1(d) Lake Worth stakeholders may wish to form a committee to provide input to the Lake WorthRegional Coordination Committee, the Fort Worth City Council, and other agencies to support implementation of the Lake Worth Vision Plan. This committee might include but is not limited to watershed neighborhood leaders, property owners, business owners, recreational users, environmental interests, and development interests.

Ms Pils has provided the following message. NASLW encourages anyone with an interest in the LAKE and this VISION to attend the May 10  Council session. The four associations will read a letter into the public record in support of the overall plan.

Lake Worth Stakeholders:

On April 27 the City Plan Commission recommended adoption of the Lake Worth Vision Plan to the City Council with revisions. The revisions are the result of City staff working with neighborhood leaders to create acceptable language regarding recommended Lake Worth Regional Coordination Committee representation.

On Tuesday, May 10 at 7:00 p.m., the City Council will conduct a public hearing to consider a resolution adopting the Lake Worth Vision Plan. The meeting will be held in the City Council Chamberat 1000 Throckmorton Street.

Below is a link to the Lake Worth Vision Plan webpage.

http://www.fortworthgov.org/planninganddevelopment/misc.aspx?id=70200

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Becky Pils, AICP

Senior Planner

Planning and Development Dept.

City of Fort Worth

1000 Throckmorton St.

Fort Worth, TX 76102

817-392-7645

City of Fort Worth
Lake Worth BOAT RAMP USE FEES

The Boat Ramp Use Fee program is underway. Fees apply only to boats with trailers that utilize the Casino Beach and Arrow S Park boat ramps.

There is no longer a fee for the use of Lake Worth.

NEW FEES

• Annual Non-Resident fee                    $20.00

•Annual Resident fee                             15.00

•Weekly Use fee                                     5.00

•Watercraft Dealers                               90.00

Water Department contractors are currently selling boat ramp use fee annual stickers and weekly tags :

Casino Beach Mart (817/237-5101)

7601 Jacksboro Hwy

Fort Worth, Texas 76135

Navajo Burgers (817/237-9992)

7028 Navajo Trail

Fort Worth, Texas 76135

The Lake Marshalls will not begin enforcement of the new boat ramp use fee ordinance until May 1, 2011

DON’T FORGET TO VOTE in MAY-(early voting) May 2-10th, or on May 14th

BUFFALO BOOGIE at the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge, Saturday May 7th, 2011

Registration Methods Online (closes May 3 midnight):

Active Registration (online only)

www.naturecenterfriends.org

(also to print registration form)

www.BuffaloBoogie.org

(also can print registration form)

March/April 2011

1.      VOTER RALLY REMINDER:

When: Saturday, April 9th, 2011, 11:30A to 1:30P
Where: Grace Baptist Church - I-820 & Las Vegas Trail
Who Will Attend: Lake residents, the mayoral candidates and District 7 Council Candidates.

When is election?: May 2-10 (“early voting”) and May 14th
When is last day to register?: April 14th
City Candidate Info: http://www.fortworthgov.org/citysecretary/info/default.aspx?id=80858

Goal of Rally: The goal of the voter rally is to maximize the number residents who attend the rally and ultimately vote. The number of homes on the lake is approximately 500. The number of voters on the lake is approximately 750.

2.      Cowtown Great American Cleanup- Annual LAKE CLEAN UP-April 2, 2011

Our sincere thanks to Coordinators/Captains Bob and Jennifer, and to the 2011 Co-Captains J.W. Hill, Beverly and Gary Rudder, and Sandy and Robin Mercer.

1. For anyone participating THIS YEAR, we MUST register as a volunteer at the City's site: www.fortworthgov.org/KFWB

(Each participant must register online by 17 March to get the shirt but anytime before April 2nd will get us 'credit' by the City for keeping Fort Worth Beautiful). Many folks cleanup the roads on a recurring basis during the year.  If you do this and will register online we all get credit for those efforts also.

2. The captains and co-captains report that the closest trash drop off location is at 600 Academy Blvd North ( off Clifford St.) between 9am and 1pm. A trailer for some trash pick up will be available if trash is properly bagged in plastic. Pick up of bags will need to be coordinated with the Crows, or or as directed by any of the co-captains.

3. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact Captain Bob at bobjencrow@sbcglobal.net

A sincere thank you from the NA South Lake Worth Board for making this another successful event for our collective neighborhood areas.

3. TO: Paul Bounds (March 1, 2011)

On behalf of the Neighborhood Association on South Lake Worth, I want to express our sincere appreciation to you and your staff for the quick action you took early this year to obtain bids and to get the fencing constructed at Freemons Park in an aid to prevent vehicle access to this area on the south shore of Lake Worth. We are all very grateful to you for getting this project implemented and completed so quickly. We're hopeful that this will prevent illegal dumping activities and yet, as shown in this photograph of the chain gate, it still allows walking access to the park.

Again, many thanks Paul. You are truly appreciated for all that you do for the City, for the Lake, and for us residents.

Best Regards,

Gale Cupp, Chair (NASLW Steering Committee)

Past correspondence from NASLW:

Subject: Freemon's Park/January 5, 2011

Quentin McGown recently sent our NASLW COPS captain, Tammy Saul, an email about a deer slaughtering spot he and his wife located at Freemon's Park on the west end of Heron Dr.  It has also been an area used as a dumping site for trash and yard debris. Certainly, the entire area needs to be closed off again until such time as the city improves the area with picnic tables, etc. for public use as noted in the LW Vision Plan. The primary use for the park is its access to the creek for fishing.

Paul Bounds of the water department, Mark Woolsey of FW Parks Dept., and TX Game Warden Patricia O'Neal have been alerted by me this month to the current situation. We've requested that the park be cabled with the short posts and steel cables to prevent vehicle access since there's plenty of room along the side of the roadway for a car or truck to park and for fisherman to walk back to the creek.

Sadly, we are still getting reports about these deer (including another incident noted this past weekend). Our Neighborhood Patrol Officer (Vernon Gray) has also kept up with the activity, and recently sent the following informative message to us regarding our area:

All of the Deer incidents have been reported to the Texas Parks and Wildlife department.  I have spoken with Texas Game Warden Clint Borchardt each time I have received a telephone call or email in regards to the discovery of a deer being either killed or dumped in and around the lake. I do know that Clint has been to Freeman park on several occasions to investigate the dumping of the Deer, including the latest incident. I have been advised by Clint that he is working on trying to determine who is responsible for killing and dumping the deer. I have requested extra patrol by the evening and midnight Officers as well. Unfortunately if the deer is killed elsewhere and only dumped at the park the persons responsible can drive in, dump the animal and drive out all in a matter of seconds, which will make it very hard to catch the responsible party.
I report the poaching and dumping of dead game animals to the Game Wardens because they are more experienced in dealing with those offenses.

Sincere thanks from NASLW to NPO Gray for helping in the reporting of these incidents and the continued surveillance work.

4.      Updating the Activity on the Lake Worth Vision Plan (March 23, 2011)

Here attached is a copy of the letter read to the Fort Worth Plan Commissioners at the City Plan Meeting held March 23, 2011. Other neighborhood association Presidents also provided commentary. The end-result was a vote to delay sending the L W V PLAN to CITY COUNCIL for 30 days to allow for additional wording to be added to the document that would better outline in the Implementation Section (#4) the formation of a ‘citizens committee’ to aid in the PLAN’s full development potential.

TO: Lake Worth Stakeholders

From: City Planning Office (Becky Pils-28 Mar 2011)

On March 23, the City Plan Commission voted to continue the public hearing on the draft Lake Worth Vision Plan until their next meeting at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 27.  The meeting will be held in the City Council Chamber, located on the second floor of City Hall, 1000 Throckmorton St.

If the City Plan Commission recommends moving forward with the Vision Plan as is or with revisions, then staff will brief the City Council on the Vision Plan on May 3.  The City Council will hold a public hearing on the Vision Plan at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 10 in the City Council Chamber, located on the second floor of City Hall, 1000 Throckmorton St.

Below is a link to the draft Lake Worth Vision Plan webpage.

http://www.fortworthgov.org/planninganddevelopment/misc.aspx?id=70200

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Becky Pils, AICP

Senior Planner

Planning and Development Dept.

City of Fort Worth

1000 Throckmorton St.

Fort Worth, TX 76102

817-392-7645

February 2011

Enjoying Our Winter Water Wonderland

photos courtesy neighbor E. Muelder, East Lake Worth NA

Bulk Trash Collection Calendar

As a quick reference reminder, a copy of the City's bulk trash calendar has been added to our Main Page tab

Freeman's Park

Quentin McGown recently sent our NASLW COPS captain, Tammy Saul, an email about a deer slaughtering spot he and his wife located at Freeman's Park on the west end of Heron Dr.  It has been an area that has also been used as a dumping site for trash and yard debris. The entire area needs to be closed off again until such time as the city improves the area with picnic tables, etc. for public use as noted in the LW Vision Plan. The primary use for the park is its access to the creek for fishing. Paul Bounds of the water department, Mark Woolsey of FW Parks Dept., and TX Game Warden Patricia O'Neal have been alerted this month to the current situation. We've requested that the park be cabled with the short posts and steel cables to prevent vehicle access since there's plenty of room along the side of the roadway for a car or truck to park and for fisherman to walk back to the creek.

Sadly, we are still getting reports about these deer (including another incident noted this past weekend). Our Neighborhood Patrol Officer (Vernon Gray) has also kept up with the activity, and recently sent the following informative message regarding our area:

All of the Deer incidents have been reported to the Texas Parks and Wildlife department.  I have spoken with Texas Game Warden Clint Borchardt each time I have received a telephone call or email in regards to the discovery of a deer being either killed or dumped in and around the lake. I do know that Clint has been to Freeman park on several occasions to investigate the dumping of the Deer, including the latest incident. I have been advised by Clint that he is working on trying to determine who is responsible for killing and dumping the deer. I have requested extra patrol by the evening and midnight Officers as well. Unfortunately if the deer is killed elsewhere and only dumped at the park the persons responsible can drive in, dump the animal and drive out all in a matter of seconds, which will make it very hard to catch the responsible party.

I report the poaching and dumping of dead game animals to the Game Wardens because they are more experienced in dealing with those offenses.

Sincere thanks to NPO Gray for helping in the reporting of these incidents and the continued surveillance work.

City Council Approves Zoning Ordinance/Boat Docks

At the Tuesday Council session January 4th, the boat dock ordinance was adopted by Council's unanimous vote. For those that view the Council sessions on line or TV, there was a large turnout of several Lake folk who spoke to the Mayor and Council members on various elements related to the original draft proposal. It was a long session and in the end, here very briefly are the primary changes that were finally adopted as part of this long awaited and much needed ordinance:

Use multiplier of 15 times the shoreline frontage (instead of 10)

The greatest maximum dock size-- 1600 sq ft (instead of 2,000)

The sidewall overhang heights allowed= four feet (instead of  two feet)

Date: Feb 15, 2011

From:
Rachel Wiggins, P.E.
Community Plans and Liaison Officer
NAS Fort Worth JRB
(w) 817-782-7609 (DSN 739)
rachel.s.wiggins@navy.mil

To:     Members of the Regional Coordination Committee
      Nearby HOA contacts
      And other interested parties

We recently received a variety of requests for information about the sounds that one may hear in the vicinity of NAS Fort Worth JRB. In response to those questions, we have put together the attached flyer. This flyer is intended to answer questions about aircraft activity, firing range activity, miscellaneous military exercises, and the daily use our loudspeaker system.

Please feel free to share this flyer with your neighbors and constituents, post to city and homeowners association websites, etc. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

CLICK HERE FOR THE FLYER

Thank you,
Rachel Wiggins
Community Plans and Liaison Officer
NAS Fort Worth JRB

*****************************************

Date: Nov 1, 2010

From:
Rachel Wiggins, P.E.
Community Plans and Liaison Officer
NAS Fort Worth JRB
(w) 817-782-7609 (DSN 739)
rachel.s.wiggins@navy.mil

Please feel free to share this information with others who may be interested. Let me know if you have any questions.

A copy of the Navy's sound insulation guidelines for residences exposed to aircraft operations.
That document is available on NCTCOG's website at:
http://www.nctcog.org/trans/aviation/jlus/Sound%20Insulation%20Report.pdf
A summary brochure is also available
http://www.nctcog.org/trans/aviation/jlus/SoundInsulationBrochure.pdf.

______________________________________________________

From NAS Fort Worth JRB

The installation recently received a request to provide a bit more information about how and when we fly. As promised by Captain Smyers, we wanted to provide the attached overview of operational trends. Click here for the slides.

Slide One: "Typical Runway Usage at NAS Fort Worth JRB"
This graphic shows the historic seasonal variation in our runway usage. The blue lines show usage of "Runway One-Seven", which is represented by take-offs heading south over Fort Worth. The red lines show usage of "Runway Three-Five", with take-offs to the north over Lake Worth. The information shown includes all operations from January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2009.

Slide Two: "Operations by Day of the Week at NAS Fort Worth JRB"
This graphic shows the total operations from January 1, 2007 through July 31, 2010, categorized by day of the week. This graphic illustrates that although we are at a Joint Reserve Base, weekday flying is quite high, and weekend flying is not uncommon.

Please feel free to share this data with your neighborhood associations and community groups. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Thank you,
Rachel Wiggins
(817) 782-7609
Community Planning Liaison Officer
rachel.s.wiggins@navy.mil

January 2011

Bidding 2010 Good-bye with a Lake Worth Sunset at Mosque Point

(photo courtesy G Abshire, NASLW Member)

And Welcome to a Brand New Year on Lake Worth, 2011
(photo courtesy J Waller, NASLW Member)

****New Neighborhood Activities and Important News for 2011 to be posted soon****

December 2010

   Happy Holidays

HOLIDAY EVENT ON THE LAKE

Bob Crow of the Lake Worth Sailing Club and also a NASLW Steering Committee member has informed us that the annual PARADE OF LIGHTS ON LAKE WORTH is now scheduled for next Saturday, December 18th.

They will start at dusk from the Sail Club near Sunset Park on the Northwest shore of the Lake, head to Casino Beach and the bridge at 199, circle over to Mosque Point and I-820 and finish at Woods Inlet near The Point.

Weather permitting of course, but mark your calendar for next Saturday and this Lake Worth tradition.

Pass the word along to all your Lake friends....many will be able to view the PARADE from their lakefront property. Others will be able to see them from the numerous parks around the Lake with views over the water.

****************************

FROM: Gale Cupp, Chair NASLW Steering Committee

TO: NASLW (via bcc) and the Honorable Carter Burdette

The latest copy of the "Boat Dock" Zoning Ordinance (amendment) - CLICK HERE FOR A COPY OF THE PDF - has been forwarded in an email to us by Deputy Director of Planning, Dana Burghdoff, Dana.Burghdoff@fortworthgov.org.

As a reminder, the principle changes proposed by the Zoning Commissioners at the Zoning meeting Dec. 8th (including Mr. Nicola Genoa, District 7, our representative) was to allow up to 2,000 sq ft as a maximum size (see page 2 of the PDF attached) if the property shoreline frontage is 81 ft or more. For smaller lots, (up to 80 ft) the maximum size is 1,000 sq ft). This does not include the walkway unless it exceeds 6 ft in width (maximum width = 8 ft).

This ordinance proposal will now go to City Council for hearing on January 4th. If you have concerns over the size of the docks allowed on Lake Worth (NASLW has been, and continues to support a more reasonable maximum dock size for this Lake, of 1600 sq ft), or concerns over any other elements of this ordinance, don't hesitate to email me within the next 2 weeks and I'll collate messages for Councilman Carter Burdette. Or, simply email him directly at Carter.Burdette@fortworthgov.org. As courtesy I'd appreciate a 'cc' of your message too.

Again, many thanks to all for your considerable time that you've devoted to reviewing the emails and the details of this ordinance.

Best Regards,

Gale

www.naslw.8m.com

NA on South Lake Worth, General Meeting Overview, October 14, 2010

Fall Meeting Agenda included the following topics:

I.                   SPECIAL PROGRAM: Guest Speakers for the Updated Lake Worth Vision Plan (NASLW had color map copies available for each attendee)

Dana Burghdoff, Interim Planning and Development Director
Eric Fladager, Planning Manager
Becky Pils, Senior Planner

II.        Other Topics After the City Program:

     A.                Boat Docks and the new City ordinance

     B.                 Lake Dredging & Clean Up; Current Gas Well Picture Joe Waller, President, Lake Worth Alliance

     C.                Mr Hickman property near the Stone Villas at Las Vegas Trail

     D.                Citizens on Patrol (COPS)-Tammy Saul (lakeratz1@ gmail.com)

     E.                 NASLW Election for the 2011 & 2012 Steering Committee

     F.                 Discussions: Perspectives, Comments and Questions

I.

SPECIAL PROGRAM: Guest Speakers for the Updated Lake Worth Vision Plan (NASLW had color map copies available)

As background and as a reminder of the topics in which we engaged the City in the overall plan in 2009, here briefly are the NASLW primary points that had been provided to the Planning Department to address the original City version of the LWVP (For the current MAP, click here).

Bulleted remarks in blue are those that were addressed at our October 2010 General Meeting by Dana Burghdoff, the newly appointed Planning Director for the City of Fort Worth, Planning And Development Department.

1.             NASLW Comments & Recommendations 2009: RE-Protect and enhance LW’s water quality, natural beauty, and recreational character

We fully support the elements outlined for protection of the land area and this important water supply source. Water is a scarce commodity in many areas of Texas and the rest of the country due to continuing drought, climate change, and overuse without conservation measures. Therefore, protection of Lake Worth is worthy in both the near term and for the future. Our City should certainly put into practice the measures outlined in this well thought-out section alongside with the companion document: the Lake Worth Comprehensive Improvement and Implementation Plan (LWCIIP).

2010:

·         According to Dana, the Planning Department have continued working on the LWVP which has included a continued review of the impact of the LWCIIP. NOTE: Two public meeting forums in November have recently been announced (each meeting will be held at the Lake Worth City Council Chambers and will review in 2 parts, the LWVP and the current status of the LWCIIP.

·         Select 1 Date to Attend: Wednesday, Nov 10, or Thursday, Nov. 11. Both sessions start:7pm

2.             NASLW Recommendations 2009: RE-City Draft: Develop Model Sustainable Communities in the Lake Worth area that create desirable places to live and work while enhancing livability of existing communities

Southwest Development of Sustainable Communities (maps/p. 49, 55 & 56; sections 1.5 and 2.1)

NASLW supports those elements promoting sustainable construction measures--low environmental impact practices, Earth conscious sourcing and re use of materials, and super efficient systems for neighborhood communities. However, it is our firm opinion that City-owned, undeveloped open-space in the southwest development sector should be conserved as open spaces for potential conservation areas and possible parklands because there are other more suitable areas of vacant land that can be reclaimed and used for sustainable communities. Retaining valuable City owned open green space should absolutely be elevated in priority. Once undeveloped land is gone, it can never be replaced nor easily regained. As Lake Worth surroundings evolved since 1914, the City should already be cognizant of the problem of residential development in areas that would better have been conserved and preserved for future public use. As outlined in numerous parts of the Lake Worth Vision Plan, the natural wooded and grassland areas surrounding the Lake are the best natural protective barrier for the water supply provided by Lake Worth. As we know, no plants work harder than trees to clean our air, absorb polluted storm water, prevent erosion, block sound and wind, and provide wildlife habitat both as individuals and by their multiple presence in forested areas. The current wildlife habitat provided by this bucolic area further works to keep birds and other animals in a natural setting offering a balance against urban encroachment. It also offers an enormous amount of additional land for future low impact public facilities to be used by all Fort Worth citizens. Given the social and economic realities of our times brought on by a nationwide financial crisis and ever-changing social circumstances, the prudent conservation of City owned spaces for future open space or municipal parks will contribute to and enhance the human condition of an increasingly diverse population in Fort Worth.

As proposed previously during the Vision focus of 2008, these are our suggestions:

2A.          Annex Silver Creek Materials and HJG sand and gravel operations in order to facilitate the monitoring of the waterways that directly impact the formation of silt in Lake Worth.

·         The silt in Lake Worth is a valuable commodity and should be utilized to reclaim the sand and gravel pits of Silver Creek Materials and HJG. The open space shown on map p. 50 of the 2009 DRAFT can actually be used for locations for sustainable communities when the land is reclaimed using the silt from the lake.

·         Owners of adjacent sand and gravel operations, (Silver Creek Materials and HJG), should be allowed to receive the silt from the dredging operation without cost to them except for the retaining systems that would need to be in place to capture the silt at their facility. This silt, is an integral part of the siltation problems reported in the 1997 Clean Lakes Phase II Study (commissioned by the Fort Worth Water Department), that stated, "It is estimated that 41,000 tons of silt per year enters Lake Worth." This would significantly increase the value of the gravel operations property thus allowing the land to be reclaimed for sustainable communities.   Contracts would need to be negotiated prior to providing the silt to these facilities that would restrict future land use for such low impact development.

·         2010: City did not address the gravel pits in the presentation of the October 17^th meeting. It is understood that this is a long-term type of effort but NASLW wants it kept on the City’s radar screen moving forward with the LWVP.

2.B       As noted on p. 57, Section 2.1(e), encourage the City Planning Department and other City offices to address ordinances and to meet in workshops with builders/large land owners in this area to provide them information about sustainable communities. At such meetings, input could be gathered about what incentives need to be in place to encourage their cooperation and insure the building of these communities. Such incentives as waving building permit fees, inspection fees and/or tax incentives are just a few of the possible cost cutting measures the City could provide builders. Example: The owners of property between Silver Creek Materials and Verna Trail previously had plans for a large single family community. This is a great place to start the Model Sustainable Communities dialog with any prospective buyers.

·         2010: Planning Department will engage in any future discussion those land owners for proposals of Model Sustainable Communities. To date, those details have not been outlined since no formal meetings with developers have occurred.

2.C.         Conserve all the City-owned ~400 acres currently recommended for low impact residential development (Model Sustainable Communities in Section 2, p. 56, of the LW Vision draft). In the near term, this undeveloped land should be set aside in conservation to hold for future public use. It is owned by the City (i.e., citizens of FW) after all.

We (NASLW) believe that the Lake Worth Vision Consultant team (Mark Dawson, Caryn Ernst, Cales Givens, Stephen Plunkard, and Scott Stoodley), pointed to research on urban temperatures and air quality which are directly related to how healthy a community is maintained. Further, that green space preservation and the forest canopy that it provides helps with water conservation to reduce evaporation, and that urban wetlands reduce flooding, which helps to manage storm water runoff. All of these parameters are available in the City-owned properties circling Lake Worth but none more than the ~400 acres in this quadrant.

We can gain those healthy attributes with conservation and simultaneously use such space for public use. The options for these acres could include the following in place of any type of residential development:

As an extension of West Park for future public access and as part of the LW Regional Park System useful to the entire City and its numerous schools. This future Metropolitan Park could be used for such amenities as equestrian trails, Fit-Trim running/walking tracks, a dog exercise park, and expansive, open areas for kite flying, model airplane events, natural nature trails, water parks,etc.

As an extension of the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge allowing for preservation under the stewardship of PACSD and/or any entities that may undertake the Nature Center (i.e., if privatized, the Castle property offers an opportunity for such commercial public business as an ideal extension of the FWNCR). This potential option has far reaching attributes.

City Forestry Unit: Historically, the City’s nursery was formerly located in the Lake Worth area. Now that water and sewer lines are easily accessible, and with the proximity to I-820 access, this option could make this valuable open space and forested property the new City forestry locale.

2010: A good part of Dana’s presentation was taken up by specifics to the south shore of Lake Worth and in particular the change to the original LWVP 2009 map in which all of this 400 acre parcel of City property was listed for Model Sustainable Communities. The current map now has it colored-coded tan as City Owned Property.

Other such designations (City Owned Property) have now been listed also for the former “Cowtown Bowman” area along Heron, and also for City acreage along Silver Creek Rd.

NASLW Recommendations 2009: RE For a LW Regional Park, a linear park that encompasses the lake and provides high-quality recreational amenities and cultural hubs and also connect communities, resources, and amenities with parkways, greenways, and trails.

We applaud the Planning Department’s vision of a linear park circling Lake Worth to add to the City's current 228 public parks (10,762 acres) that serve over 577,000 citizens and thousands of visitors annually, in order to address the need to accommodate the City’s massive future growth. We too support the framework that describes connecting communities with parkways, trails, etc. We urge again that the City-owned open spaces around the south shore be immediately conserved for such uses as those described in this section. Various City-owned lands could accommodate the proposed connections of parkways which in turn would lead to connecting the entire south shore to nearby lake areas and to the FWNCR.

2010: In the presentation to NASLW on October 14^th, Dana addressed the “Linear Park” whose footprint has been expanded from the current YMCA on the east side of the lake and circling- NOT by crossing privately owned properties but rather along City owned property corridors and easements-around the entire Lake to the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge.

4.       NASLW Recommendations 2009: RE Silver Creek Road--Constructing SCR as a scenic 4 lane parkway as described in the Vision Plan by following the contours of the land and consider the following suggestions.

·         Utilize Western Oaks Rd. as part of the new parkway rather than creating a separate adjacent road in addition to Western Oaks.

·         Purchase needed land now in order to preserve the planned roadway, control development and gas well drilling in areas needed for road construction.

2010: At this time, no specific plans have been detailed that address the infrastructure of SILVER CREEK Road. (NOTE: It has been determined since the NASLW meeting that the section of Silver Creek Rd. that is to be widened to accommodate more traffic around Brewer High School will soon start renovation/construction in early 2011.

Thus, the overall presentation addressed the following changes from the 2009 map:

Revisions to the October 2009 1st Draft Lake Worth Vision Plan map include:

•Removed Model Sustainable Community designation on City-owned property south of lake. The Lake Worth Vision Plan will not recommend specific uses for City-owned property shown in khaki color on map.

•Added open space designation as recommended future land use on eastern portion of City-owned property south of lake.

•Revised portion of general commercial recommended future land use on Loop 820 south of lake to single-family, neighborhood commercial, and institutional.

•Reduced size of Model Sustainable Community (mix of uses) areas and added new Future Sustainable Neighborhood (residential) designation north and south of lake.

•Removed Town Center designation north of Loop 820 adjacent to City of Lake Worth. Revised recommended future land use, light industrial and general commercial, is consistent with proposed future development.

•Revised recommended future land use on Highway 199 west of Casino Beach Park from single-family to neighborhood commercial.

•Revised recommended future land use at Mosque Point and The Point Restaurant from general commercial to neighborhood commercial.

•Added recommended camping locations.

•Revised conceptual bike/walking paths alignment

Comments to City Staff by NASLW at our General Meeting:

1.       We appreciate the changes to the current 2010 DRAFT map and we realize our challenge is formidable to maintain those undeveloped City properties as either open space, or, as historically presented on old City maps, as CITY PARK.

2.       Camping (as shown on current map): Need to better define the use—will it allow overnight camping? Electrical hook ups? Fire pits? Or will these actually be more in line with day camping/picnic areas ?(latter preferred for these areas)

Cultural area (ie/Castle): Has City actually discussed this use with the current owner, K. Broadie? City: No detailed discussions at this time.

4.   We are looking forward to the next public meetings and presentation. NOTE: A letter of thanks to Dana was issued on behalf of NASLW Click here for letter copy

II.

Other Topics After the City Program:

A.                 Boat Docks and the revised zoning ordinance

RE: City Ordinance to amend the comprehensive zoning ordinance of the City of Fort Worth, Article 3/Chapter 5, adding a new section 5.308, Docks, Piers and Boat Houses. Also to Amend Chapter 9 to add new definitions and other elements providing for the subject.

·         Hard copies of the draft documents had been mailed to south shore residents, first week October.

·         The following comments have been received by the NASLW Steering Committee and forwarded to Dana Burghdorf to be considered for this ordinance. The NASLW Steering Committee emphasizes that any individual has the opportunity to address Dana or Councilman Burdette, or any other City official regarding the changes. Currently the schedule of review is:

November 1: Comments due to staff

November 9: Report to City Council

November 10: Briefing to Zoning Commission

December 8: Zoning Commission public hearing

January 4: City Council public hearing

For a copy of the NASLW letter to Dana, regarding this Ordinance Click here for letter copy

B.                 Lake Dredging & Clean Up; Current Gas Well Picture

Presenter: Joe Waller, President, Lake Worth Alliance

Joe Waller summarized the current status of drilling around the Lake. The former ‘Cowtown Bowman’ city-owned property had been opened for bid; however no bid for drilling was received by the City, so that portion in zone 1B is considered unsuitable at this time for a drill site. Other areas on the west side of the Lake (Designated as ‘zone 3A) have been leased by the City for drilling. Joe went over the MAP (Click here to view the current map) and the areas that are currently considered for future drilling around Lake Worth. It will be extremely important for us as a group to continue to monitor the potential drilling activity and its overall impact on our water, the land, and this resource that is Lake Worth.

C.                 Mr Hickman property near the Stone Villas at Las Vegas Trail

At this time, there are no immediate development plans for the vacant property bordering the Stone Villas. This past summertime, trees were removed in anticipation for property sale; it is zoned commercial and may be developed for additional apartments. (Click here for the current look of the property— photo 1 and photo 2)

D.                 Citizens on Patrol (COPS)-Tammy Saul (lakeratz1@ gmail.com)

Members are encouraged to contact Captain Tammy Saul, and join in the efforts provided by our Citizens on Patrol group. Special thanks to all who participate in routine patrols of our neighborhood, and a very special note of appreciation to Captain Tammy and her “Deputy” Dale Saul.

E.                 NASLW Election for the 2011 & 2012 Steering Committee

Ballots were distributed for consideration; Mr Wetzel was also nominated in addition to the 6 persons already on the ballot. No other nominees were proposed after Paul Wetzel was added, and the following were elected through acclimation:

Nancy Crosskill
Bob Crow
Jennifer Crow
Gale Cupp
J.W. Hill
Paul Wetzel

Member-at- Large: Joe Waller, Lake Worth Alliance

        F.        Other Activities: By meetings end, there were no other subjects covered so door prizes ended the program and the meeting adjourned ~8:45pm.

From:

Gale Cupp, Chair, Steering Committee for NA South Lake Worth

(ga.cupp@gmail.com) www.naslw.8m.com

II.                 Boat Dock Ordinance Review by Zoning Commissioners/Wednesday December 8th

First, please be advised that we (NASLW) were not notified by Mr Michael Dallas, Scenic Shores NA that they wanted to place the yellow signs you've seen in the neighborhood in an effort to get residents en mass to attend the upcoming zoning meeting hearing for the DOCK ORDINANCE. With the public awareness of the ordinance and the City's policy for public hearings, certainly ANYONE WITH ISSUES, OR IN SUPPORT OF THIS ORDINANCE ARE ENCOURAGED TO ATTEND THE UPCOMING ZC MEETING, AND/OR THE EVENING COUNCIL SESSION January 4th.

However, as those of you who attended the NASLW General Meeting in October, and have been keeping up with our NASLW broadcast emails and the City's website since our meeting, our position has been clear:

That wording to incorporate grandfathering for present (safe) docks become a part of the ordinance and this has been done

We do not support overly large docks on this small lake. A 1600 sq ft dock (which doesn't even include the access 'boardwalks') is a pretty large surface area. From the inventory of docks on this Lake, it's apparent most residents have reasonably sized docks and that setbacks have been reasonably addressed in the proposed ordinance. Most of the docks on Lake Worth are at or under 1000 sq ft. Further, we are confident that if a builder of a dock wants more for their project, then a process for variance may be routed through the Board of Adjustment. This option applies to all building projects in the City and is used because of the impact of such projects on surrounding neighbors.

Recently, we received (and support) recent communication from Paul Bounds for those residents who lease their lake property: it is the City of Fort Worth’s intent to grant a “Water use and Access Easement” to persons holding a Lake Worth Lease to allow them to build a boat dock. These Water Use and Access Easements will be granted to Lease Holders when they apply for a building permit.

Here is the URL for the most current version of the ordinance that will be presented to the Commissioners on Wednesday (see also ZC-10-191

http://www.fortworthgov.org/PlanningandDevelopment/ZoningCommission.aspx

A NASLW letter will be forwarded to the the Zoning Commissioners in support of the current ordinance. It's imperative that this amendment move forward so that there will be basic guidance for those residents on the lake wanting a building permit to simply build their dock. Such a document has been a long time coming. More on this point, I am also providing you a copy of the letter from Lake Worth Alliance President Joe Waller, to the Commissioners that I feel outlines succinctly the overall picture of the current state of the 'dock ordinance'.

Joe Waller, Pres. LWA LETTER TO ZC IN SUPPORT OF THE ORDINANCE

TO: Zoning Commissioners

RE: ZC-10-191 – 12 / 8 / 2010 Hearing

Dear Commissioners:

The Lake Worth Alliance BOD believes the city has approached the development of a dock ordinance with a responsible, open and collaborative process. This was done in a manner respectful of both residents’ and the public’s interests. In view of: Dock Ordinance Steering Committee meetings; a number of lake wide public meetings with various city staff; meetings with Lake Worth Alliance; meetings with individual Neighborhood Associations; and the countless hours of deliberation many of us have spent over the past 2 1/2 years, we believe the local stakeholders have had many opportunities to express their preferences. We also want to specifically express our appreciation of the City Staff’s cooperative and collaborative approach toward developing a reasonable ordinance.

Although our organization speaks only for itself, the BOD is made up of individuals from all but one area NA. Included are Officers and Board members of their respective associations, representatives from the Lake Worth Sailing Club, advisers from the Lake Worth Boating and Ski Club as well as other stakeholder organizations around Lake Worth. From what we’ve seen and heard, we believe the majority of the Neighborhood Associations have also been thorough and fair in their presentation of the issues under consideration by their specific memberships. In light of the above, we’re confident that the residents, most importantly through their respective Neighborhood Associations, have provided their valuable recommendations.

Lake Worth Alliance supports ZC-10-191 for the following reasons:

1. A fair and reasonable Dock Ordinance is needed. There has been too much subjectivity and subsequent confusion related to decisions for existing and/or future docks.

2.  Zoning is the appropriate place for this ordinance and that, as with other zoning issues, the Board Of Adjustment is the proper and fair mechanism allowing an appeals process for individuals who need to make a variance request.

3.   Implications for future lake dredging and area land use plans—“Lake Worth CIIP” (dredging/infrastructure related) & “Lake Worth Vision” (master land use related)—must be paramount considerations going forward. Firm guidelines are critical.

4.  The interests of Lake Worth shoreline residents must be balanced with the interests of the city—the owner of the lake. All citizens’ interests in this public water supply reservoir, and soon-to-be vastly improved public recreational destination, must be considered.

  Although it has been a difficult and challenging process, we believe this is a profoundly important initiative. We urge the Zoning Commission to recommend this collaboratively developed ordinance proposal for City Council’s approval.

Sincerely,

Joe Waller

President and on behalf of the Board of Directors

Lake Worth Alliance

November 2010

Boat Dock Ordinance: UPDATE FROM THE CITY
Jocelyn Murphy AICP

Planning Manager, Zoning and Land Use Section

City of Fort Worth

(817) 392-6226

fax (817) 392-7526

Attached is the FINAL DRAFT (click here) of the ordinance that incorporates the suggested changes as provided in many of your comments. They are highlighted in the ordinance.

The Zoning Commission received a briefing at their regular meeting this past Wednesday, November 10. The adoption schedule remains as:

December 8: Zoning Commission public hearing starting at 10 am in the Council Chambers

January 4: City Council public hearing starting at 7 pm in the Council Chambers

Again, thank you for your input through this process.

Two public meeting forums in November have recently been announced by Paul Bounds, Water Department (click here for the announcement)

Two public meeting forums in November have recently been announced by Paul Bounds, Water Department

Select 1 Date to Attend: Wednesday, Nov 10, or Thursday, Nov. 11. Both sessions will start at 7pm

Each meeting to be held at the Lake Worth City Council Chambers

Information about both the Lake Worth Vision Plan(LWVP) and the Lake Worth Comprehensive Implementation and Improvement Plan (LWCIIP-dredging update) will be presented

October 2010

As part of the Agenda, we will have a Special Guest Speaker from the City, Ms. Dana Burghdoff, Interim Planning and Development Director who will give us an update of the current Lake Worth Vision Plan. In addition, below is a link that was forwarded to us by Ms Becky Pils, Senior Planner, that will take you to the current draft Map of the LWVP.

From: Pils, Becky <Becky.Pils@fortworthgov.org>
Date: Wed, Oct 6, 2010 at 12:22 PM
Subject: Second Draft Lake Worth Vision Plan Map
To: Lake Worth Stakeholders:

The Second Draft Lake Worth Vision Plan Map is on the City of Fort Worth website at the link below.

http://www.fortworthgov.org/planninganddevelopment/misc.aspx?id=70200

Changes to the map based on stakeholder comments since the October 2009 public meeting include:

Removed Model Sustainable Community designation on City-owned property south of lake. The Lake Worth Vision Plan will not recommend specific uses for City-owned property shown in khaki color on map.

Added open space designation as recommended future land use on eastern portion of City-owned property south of lake.

Revised portion of general commercial recommended future land use on Loop 820 south of lake to single-family, neighborhood commercial, and institutional.

Reduced size of Model Sustainable Community (mix of uses) areas and added new Future Sustainable Neighborhood (low-density single-family) designation north and south of lake.

Removed Town Center designation north of Loop 820 adjacent to City of Lake Worth. Revised recommended future land use, light industrial and general commercial, is consistent with proposed future development.

Revised recommended future land use on Highway 199 west of Casino Beach Park from single-family to neighborhood commercial.

Revised recommended future land use at Mosque Point and The Point Restaurant from general commercial to neighborhood commercial.

Added recommended camping locations.

Revised conceptual bike/pedestrian path alignment.

NOTES TO NASLW MEMBERS

FROM: Gale Cupp, Chair and NASLW Steering Committee (ga.cupp@gmail.com)

Development of the Boat Dock Standards

Paul Bounds and other City staff have worked diligently since late 2008 with representatives from local neighborhood associations including members of the NASLW Steering Committee to draft a workable set of standards and regulations for the construction of boat docks on Lake Worth. As participants in this effort, we and many others have provided reviews and comments over the course of this endeavor to devise a reasonable set of standards.

Most recently, the drafted document has been reformatted for incorporation into the Fort Worth Zoning Ordinance rather than as a separate, LW Boat Dock Standard.   This new direction is appropriate especially since these regulations pertain to the size of docks, coverage areas, setbacks and other zoning related items, and current City building codes already stipulate construction standards. Most importantly, applications for variances would go to the Zoning Board of Adjustment (BOA) for review and action rather than routing such requests to the Water Department/Lake Worth Management Office. The approach to incorporate these regulations into the Zoning Ordinance will allow for standard reviews and permitting just as we do now for building any other structures on our lake property.

Forwarded along with this email is an attachment of the presentation the City (Susan Alanis/Planning Department) provided us at a recent Boat Dock Steering Committee meeting (Sept 9). CLICK HERE to view that document.
Susan Alanis provided an update on Friday October 8, 2010. This will allow the Lake neighborhood associations to obtain comments from interested members and provide a summary of those comments for this ordiance:

Schedule

As requested, we have pushed back the schedule to provide this information :

November 1: Comments due to staff

November 9: Report to City Council

November 10: Briefing to Zoning Commission

December 8: Zoning Commission public hearing

January 4: City Council public hearing

Removal of Submerged Hazards in the Lake

From Paul Bounds (Paul.Bounds@fortworthgov.org)

Fri, Jul 9, 2010 at 8:32 AM

We opened bids yesterday for the Lake Worth Maintenance and Hazard Removal Project. The goal of this project is to improve boating and water recreation safety at Lake Worth by identifying and removing submerged hazards. The low bidder was Apeck Construction at $281, 625. This is within the budgeted amount of $300,000 allocated for this project. This project will include removal of all known submerged hazards within the main body of Lake Worth and a survey and removal of submerged hazards that have not yet been identified. The Code Compliance Department is currently working on substandard and hazardous boat docks at the lake. Those that are not removed or repaired by their owners will be part of a future contract.

Response from City to N. Crosskill

Response from City to N. Crosskill related to her concerted and much appreciated efforts to bring to the attention of Councilman Carter Burdette and City Manager Dale Fisselor the poor road conditions of Silver Creek Road. Our sincere thanks, Nancy.

On Jul 9, 2010, at 2:33 PM, Verkest, William wrote:

Ms. Crosskill,

This is in response to your June 30, 2010 e-mail to City Manager Dale Fisseler concerning Silver Creek Road. The Transportation and Public Works Department agrees with your assessment that Silver creek Road needs total reconstruction. Although, at this point, no budget for total reconstruction is available:
We are currently working with a developer to reconstruct the section from Loop 820 to the ISD drive entrance. This work will be completed later this year.
We are currently working with Tarrant County to rehabilitate the remainder of Silver Creek Road through an Inter-local Agreement that would allow for cost sharing between the City and County. In all likelihood, the work will not be completed until summer of 2011.
In the interim, I have directed my staff to perform a level of maintenance that will keep the road safe until funding and related work is accomplished.

Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention.

Bill
William A. Verkest, P.E.
Director
Transportation and Public Works Department
1000 Throckmorton Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
817-392-7801
william.verkest@fortworthgov.org

May - August 2010

A Summer of Boating on Lake Worth

1. Our Volunteer COPs Captain, Tammy Saul reports that there have been several local burglaries recently around Heron Dr., and Castle Circle. While the Citizens on Patrol surveillance continues, we do need more volunteers who can take shifts to patrol during daytime hours. If you can contribute to this effort, please contact her at:

   Tammy Saul -- lakeratz1@gmail.com

2. New from The City: The following information and LW Vision Plan Map were received March 24, 2010 from Becky Pils with the Planning Department. Note that another public meeting will be scheduled to discuss changes to the plan and overall perspectives.

Lake Worth Stakeholders,

Attached is a revised Draft Lake Worth Vision Plan Map for your review. The draft map was revised based on stakeholder comments received since the October 26, 2009 public meeting. We are still meeting with stakeholders to discuss long-range land use and development around the lake, so additional revisions to the map may occur. Click here for the map

We will schedule another public meeting soon to discuss the overall Draft Lake Worth Vision Plan.

If you have any comments on the updated map, please contact Eric Fladager at 817-392-8011 or eric.fladager@fortworthgov.org, or Noah Heath at 817-392-2536 or noah.heath@fortworthgov.org

NASLW Citizens on Patrol Information

CRIME STAT TOOLS

1. CrimeReports – www.crimereports.com

View crimes near an address, as well as within a specific boundary.

Select from a template of crime types.

Enhance our community oriented policing efforts by keeping our citizens and business owners well informed.

2. Crimeview Community – http://www.fortworthpd.com/CrimeView

View crimes near an address, park or landmark as well as within a specific boundary.

Select from a template of crime types.

Enhance our community oriented policing efforts by keeping our citizens and business owners well informed.

3. CrimeMapping – www.crimemapping.com

View crimes near an address

Select a specific date range

Pick from a template of crime types

All three tools have an alerts system that will allow residents and business owners to receive email alerts regarding recent incident activity in their desired area.

If you have questions or would like additional information about any of these tools feel free to contact Research and Planning at 817-392-4240.

Courtesy of

Cory Figueiredo, Planner

Ft Worth, TX PD

817-392-4263

February 15, 2010

Area in the News:

>NEW BOOK:

There are 2 newly released books highlighting the surroundings of the Lake Worth

Area and they're available at local book stores and on-line.

IMAGES OF AMERICA-LAKE WORTH, by Lawana Mauldin and Susan A. Kline's FORT WORTH PARKS. Our own Steering Committee members, Bob and Jennifer Crow & Gale Cupp, contributed photo's for the Parks book.

>NEWS ARTICLES:

Here is a link from the Fort Worth Weekly to the article on the Lake, by Dan McGraw.

He's done another great job of covering the various aspects so integral to the preservation and reclamation of Lake Worth.

On behalf of NASLW and the Steering Committee, THANKS Dan, for your continued surveillance and informative reporting.

-Gale Cupp, Chair

Greetings from Lake Worth
Wednesday, 27 January 2010 08:55 DAN MCGRAW

Click Here for Fort Worth Weekly Article

The South Shore of Lake Worth, A VISION in White

Short Update: The Lake Worth Vision Plan drafted in October 2009 by the City Planning Department, presented to NASLW at our December 2009 general membership meeting (see below), continues to be presented to other stakeholders in recent meetings (ex: North Lake Worth NA, River Oaks Community). The plan continues to evolve and the NASLW Steering Committee encourages comments to be directed to the Planning Department (refer to previously posted information below).

December 4, 2009

Mark Your Calendar for DECEMBER 9, 2009

Attend the NASLW General Meeting

Time: Start 6pm*

Program: Start 6:30

Location

Best Western Inn & Suites Meeting Room

201 West Loop I-820, Fort Worth 76108

….. (enter either off Clifford, or at White Settlement Rd)

Plenty of Parking Available

*PROGRAM

Time

Activity

6pm

Festive beverages and snacks (just bring your appetite!)

6:30

Guest Speakers:

The City of Fort Worth Planning Department will provide an overview of the LAKE WORTH VISION draft plan with an emphasis on the elements that impact the south shore area of the Lake.

~7:15

Comments and Questions from stakeholders

By 8pm

Closing Remarks and HOLIDAY DOOR PRIZES

CLICK HERE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS VERY IMPORTANT MEETING

Gale Cupp
(Cell 817 253 4243)www.naslw.8m.com

Mark Your Calendar for DECEMBER 9, 2009

Attend the NASLW General Meeting

Time: Start 6pm*

Program: Start 6:30

Location

Best Western Inn & Suites Meeting Room

201 West Loop I-820, Fort Worth 76108

….. (enter either off Clifford, or at White Settlement Rd)

Plenty of Parking Available

*PROGRAM

Time

Activity

6pm

Festive beverages and snacks (just bring your appetite!)

6:30

Guest Speakers:

The City of Fort Worth Planning Department will provide an overview of the LAKE WORTH VISION draft plan with an emphasis on the elements that impact the south shore area of the Lake.

~7:15

Comments and Questions from stakeholders

By 8pm

Closing Remarks and HOLIDAY DOOR PRIZES

CLICK HERE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS VERY IMPORTANT MEETING

Gale Cupp
(Cell 817 253 4243)www.naslw.8m.com

November 2, 2009

Drafting a LAKE WORTH VISION MASTER PLAN

Several NASLW members and other local Lake residents attended the City of Fort Worth Planning Department meeting held Monday, October 26, 2009 at C.F. Brewer High School. To get a perspective of the recently drafted Lake Worth Vision Plan click the following City of Fort Worth website link:

http://www.fortworthgov.org/planninganddevelopment/misc.aspx?id=70200

The meeting was also highlighted in the Channel 8 news cast that same evening, and during the newscast the following morning.

Presenters of the plan were Councilman Carter Burdette, Mr Eric Fladager, Comprehensive Planning Manager who provided PowerPoint slides and the details of the 6 part document , and also Ms Becky Pils, Senior Planner, who was instrumental in gathering public commentary. Many local residents, and several neighborhood association members, offered intelligent, heartfelt and insightful comments to the presenters and us attendees.

The Planning Department plans to have additional meetings over the course of coming months (primarily November-December) which will be scheduled with local neighborhood associations and other groups to further discuss the Plan’s recommendations and to receive more detailed comments from stakeholders.

The Steering Committee of NASLW is in process of organizing our NASLW public meeting with the Planners for primarily south shore residents. The date, time and location will be identified and communicated via this website and by emails to members. It will likely be in EARLY DECEMBER.

Meantime, the Committee is providing here our NASLW 2008 Slide presentation that we gave last year to the LW Vision Consultant Team. You will note that we advocated strongly for conservative measures to preserve open space around the Lake and also addressed other issues we've been working to remedy. (Click Here for the Presentation)

We respectfully request that our south shore residents who care to make written comments on any aspect of the City's DRAFT VISION PLAN, or on any other important and relevant elements related to the PLAN, direct them to the Steering Committee c/o Gale Cupp at ga.cupp@gmail.com

All comments will be collected into a written response to be reviewed by NASLW members, and then ultimately pressed into a document for communication to Councilman Carter Burdette and the Planning Department.

back

Neighborhood Association on South Lake Worth

Pages

Archives

No comments:

Post a Comment

Time	Activity
5:30 pm	Beverages and Snacks will be provided
6:00 pm	Guest Speaker: Paul Bounds, Water Department 1. Dock ordinance--process for registering the current docks (grandfathering/conforming & non conforming)* 2. Update on the dredging project for Lake Worth, particularly forsouth shore areas *3. Overview of options for conserving city-owned green space (now that Lake Worth VISION* is approved Comments and Questions**
By 7:30	Other NASLW Business
By 8 pm	Closing Remarks and SUMMERTIME DOOR PRIZES

I.	SPECIAL PROGRAM: Guest Speakers for the Updated Lake Worth Vision Plan (NASLW had color map copies available)
	As background and as a reminder of the topics in which we engaged the City in the overall plan in 2009, here briefly are the NASLW primary points that had been provided to the Planning Department to address the original City version of the LWVP (For the current MAP, click here). Bulleted remarks in blue are those that were addressed at our October 2010 General Meeting by Dana Burghdoff, the newly appointed Planning Director for the City of Fort Worth, Planning And Development Department.
	1. NASLW Comments & Recommendations 2009: RE-Protect and enhance LW’s water quality, natural beauty, and recreational character We fully support the elements outlined for protection of the land area and this important water supply source. Water is a scarce commodity in many areas of Texas and the rest of the country due to continuing drought, climate change, and overuse without conservation measures. Therefore, protection of Lake Worth is worthy in both the near term and for the future. Our City should certainly put into practice the measures outlined in this well thought-out section alongside with the companion document: the Lake Worth Comprehensive Improvement and Implementation Plan (LWCIIP). 2010: · According to Dana, the Planning Department have continued working on the LWVP which has included a continued review of the impact of the LWCIIP. NOTE: Two public meeting forums in November have recently been announced (each meeting will be held at the Lake Worth City Council Chambers and will review in 2 parts, the LWVP and the current status of the LWCIIP. · Select 1 Date to Attend: Wednesday, Nov 10, or Thursday, Nov. 11. Both sessions start:7pm
	2. NASLW Recommendations 2009: RE-City Draft: Develop Model Sustainable Communities in the Lake Worth area that create desirable places to live and work while enhancing livability of existing communities Southwest Development of Sustainable Communities (maps/p. 49, 55 & 56; sections 1.5 and 2.1) NASLW supports those elements promoting sustainable construction measures--low environmental impact practices, Earth conscious sourcing and re use of materials, and super efficient systems for neighborhood communities. However, it is our firm opinion that City-owned, undeveloped open-space in the southwest development sector should be conserved as open spaces for potential conservation areas and possible parklands because there are other more suitable areas of vacant land that can be reclaimed and used for sustainable communities. *Retaining valuable City owned open green space should absolutely be elevated in priority*. Once undeveloped land is gone, it can never be replaced nor easily regained. As Lake Worth surroundings evolved since 1914, the City should already be cognizant of the problem of residential development in areas that would better have been conserved and preserved for future public use. As outlined in numerous parts of the Lake Worth Vision Plan, the natural wooded and grassland areas surrounding the Lake are the best natural protective barrier for the water supply provided by Lake Worth. As we know, no plants work harder than trees to clean our air, absorb polluted storm water, prevent erosion, block sound and wind, and provide wildlife habitat both as individuals and by their multiple presence in forested areas. The current wildlife habitat provided by this bucolic area further works to keep birds and other animals in a natural setting offering a balance against urban encroachment. It also offers an enormous amount of additional land for future low impact public facilities to be used by all Fort Worth citizens. Given the social and economic realities of our times brought on by a nationwide financial crisis and ever-changing social circumstances, the prudent conservation of City owned spaces for future open space or municipal parks will contribute to and enhance the human condition of an increasingly diverse population in Fort Worth.
	As proposed previously during the Vision focus of 2008, these are our suggestions: 2A. Annex Silver Creek Materials and HJG sand and gravel operations in order to facilitate the monitoring of the waterways that directly impact the formation of silt in Lake Worth. · The silt in Lake Worth is a valuable commodity and should be utilized to reclaim the sand and gravel pits of Silver Creek Materials and HJG. The open space shown on map p. 50 of the 2009 DRAFT can actually be used for locations for sustainable communities when the land is reclaimed using the silt from the lake. · Owners of adjacent sand and gravel operations, (Silver Creek Materials and HJG), should be allowed to receive the silt from the dredging operation without cost to them except for the retaining systems that would need to be in place to capture the silt at their facility. This silt, is an integral part of the siltation problems reported in the 1997 Clean Lakes Phase II Study (commissioned by the Fort Worth Water Department), that stated, "It is estimated that 41,000 tons of silt per year enters Lake Worth." This would significantly increase the value of the gravel operations property thus allowing the land to be reclaimed for sustainable communities. Contracts would need to be negotiated prior to providing the silt to these facilities that would restrict future land use for such low impact development. · 2010: City did not address the gravel pits in the presentation of the October 17^th meeting. It is understood that this is a long-term type of effort but NASLW wants it kept on the City’s radar screen moving forward with the LWVP.
	2.B As noted on p. 57, Section 2.1(e), encourage the City Planning Department and other City offices to address ordinances and to meet in workshops with builders/large land owners in this area to provide them information about sustainable communities. At such meetings, input could be gathered about what incentives need to be in place to encourage their cooperation and insure the building of these communities. Such incentives as waving building permit fees, inspection fees and/or tax incentives are just a few of the possible cost cutting measures the City could provide builders. Example: The owners of property between Silver Creek Materials and Verna Trail previously had plans for a large single family community. This is a great place to start the Model Sustainable Communities dialog with any prospective buyers. · 2010: Planning Department will engage in any future discussion those land owners for proposals of Model Sustainable Communities. To date, those details have not been outlined since no formal meetings with developers have occurred.
	2.C. Conserve all the City-owned ~400 acres currently recommended for low impact residential development (Model Sustainable Communities in Section 2, p. 56, of the LW Vision draft). *In the near term, this undeveloped land should be set aside in conservation to hold for future public use. It is owned by the City (i.e., citizens of FW) after all.* We (NASLW) believe that the Lake Worth Vision Consultant team (Mark Dawson, Caryn Ernst, Cales Givens, Stephen Plunkard, and Scott Stoodley), pointed to research on urban temperatures and air quality which are directly related to how healthy a community is maintained. Further, that green space preservation and the forest canopy that it provides helps with water conservation to reduce evaporation, and that urban wetlands reduce flooding, which helps to manage storm water runoff. All of these parameters are available in the City-owned properties circling Lake Worth but none more than the ~400 acres in this quadrant. We can gain those healthy attributes with conservation and simultaneously use such space for public use. The options for these acres could include the following in place of any type of residential development: As an extension of West Park for future public access and as part of the LW Regional Park System useful to the entire City and its numerous schools. This future Metropolitan Park could be used for such amenities as equestrian trails, Fit-Trim running/walking tracks, a dog exercise park, and expansive, open areas for kite flying, model airplane events, natural nature trails, water parks,etc. As an extension of the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge allowing for preservation under the stewardship of PACSD and/or any entities that may undertake the Nature Center (i.e., if privatized, the Castle property offers an opportunity for such commercial public business as an ideal extension of the FWNCR). This potential option has far reaching attributes. City Forestry Unit: Historically, the City’s nursery was formerly located in the Lake Worth area. Now that water and sewer lines are easily accessible, and with the proximity to I-820 access, this option could make this valuable open space and forested property the new City forestry locale.
	2010: A good part of Dana’s presentation was taken up by specifics to the south shore of Lake Worth and in particular the change to the original LWVP 2009 map in which all of this 400 acre parcel of City property was listed for Model Sustainable Communities. The current map now has it colored-coded tan as City Owned Property. Other such designations (City Owned Property) have now been listed also for the former “Cowtown Bowman” area along Heron, and also for City acreage along Silver Creek Rd. NASLW Recommendations 2009: RE For a LW Regional Park, a linear park that encompasses the lake and provides high-quality recreational amenities and cultural hubs and also connect communities, resources, and amenities with parkways, greenways, and trails. We applaud the Planning Department’s vision of a linear park circling Lake Worth to add to the City's current 228 public parks (10,762 acres) that serve over 577,000 citizens and thousands of visitors annually, in order to address the need to accommodate the City’s massive future growth. We too support the framework that describes connecting communities with parkways, trails, etc. We urge again that the City-owned open spaces around the south shore be immediately conserved for such uses as those described in this section. Various City-owned lands could accommodate the proposed connections of parkways which in turn would lead to connecting the entire south shore to nearby lake areas and to the FWNCR. 2010: In the presentation to NASLW on October 14^th, Dana addressed the “Linear Park” whose footprint has been expanded from the current YMCA on the east side of the lake and circling- NOT by crossing privately owned properties but rather along City owned property corridors and easements-around the entire Lake to the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge. 4. NASLW Recommendations 2009: RE Silver Creek Road--Constructing SCR as a scenic 4 lane parkway as described in the Vision Plan by following the contours of the land and consider the following suggestions. · Utilize Western Oaks Rd. as part of the new parkway rather than creating a separate adjacent road in addition to Western Oaks. · Purchase needed land now in order to preserve the planned roadway, control development and gas well drilling in areas needed for road construction. 2010: At this time, no specific plans have been detailed that address the infrastructure of SILVER CREEK Road. (NOTE: It has been determined since the NASLW meeting that the section of Silver Creek Rd. that is to be widened to accommodate more traffic around Brewer High School will soon start renovation/construction in early 2011. Thus, the overall presentation addressed the following changes from the 2009 map: Revisions to the October 2009 1st Draft Lake Worth Vision Plan map include: •Removed Model Sustainable Community designation on City-owned property south of lake. The Lake Worth Vision Plan will not recommend specific uses for City-owned property shown in khaki color on map. •Added open space designation as recommended future land use on eastern portion of City-owned property south of lake. •Revised portion of general commercial recommended future land use on Loop 820 south of lake to single-family, neighborhood commercial, and institutional. •Reduced size of Model Sustainable Community (mix of uses) areas and added new Future Sustainable Neighborhood (residential) designation north and south of lake. •Removed Town Center designation north of Loop 820 adjacent to City of Lake Worth. Revised recommended future land use, light industrial and general commercial, is consistent with proposed future development. •Revised recommended future land use on Highway 199 west of Casino Beach Park from single-family to neighborhood commercial. •Revised recommended future land use at Mosque Point and The Point Restaurant from general commercial to neighborhood commercial. •Added recommended camping locations. •Revised conceptual bike/walking paths alignment Comments to City Staff by NASLW at our General Meeting: 1. We appreciate the changes to the current 2010 DRAFT map and we realize our challenge is formidable to maintain those undeveloped City properties as either open space, or, as historically presented on old City maps, as CITY PARK. 2. Camping (as shown on current map): Need to better define the use—will it allow overnight camping? Electrical hook ups? Fire pits? Or will these actually be more in line with day camping/picnic areas ?(latter preferred for these areas) Cultural area (ie/Castle): Has City actually discussed this use with the current owner, K. Broadie? City: No detailed discussions at this time. 4. We are looking forward to the next public meetings and presentation. NOTE: A letter of thanks to Dana was issued on behalf of NASLW Click here for letter copy
II.	Other Topics After the City Program: A. Boat Docks and the revised zoning ordinance RE: City Ordinance to amend the comprehensive zoning ordinance of the City of Fort Worth, Article 3/Chapter 5, adding a new section 5.308, Docks, Piers and Boat Houses. Also to Amend Chapter 9 to add new definitions and other elements providing for the subject. · Hard copies of the draft documents had been mailed to south shore residents, first week October. · The following comments have been received by the NASLW Steering Committee and forwarded to Dana Burghdorf to be considered for this ordinance. The NASLW Steering Committee emphasizes that any individual has the opportunity to address Dana or Councilman Burdette, or any other City official regarding the changes. Currently the schedule of review is: November 1: Comments due to staff November 9: Report to City Council November 10: Briefing to Zoning Commission December 8: Zoning Commission public hearing January 4: City Council public hearing For a copy of the NASLW letter to Dana, regarding this Ordinance Click here for letter copy
	B. Lake Dredging & Clean Up; Current Gas Well Picture Presenter: Joe Waller, President, Lake Worth Alliance Joe Waller summarized the current status of drilling around the Lake. The former ‘Cowtown Bowman’ city-owned property had been opened for bid; however no bid for drilling was received by the City, so that portion in zone 1B is considered unsuitable at this time for a drill site. Other areas on the west side of the Lake (Designated as ‘zone 3A) have been leased by the City for drilling. Joe went over the MAP (Click here to view the current map) and the areas that are currently considered for future drilling around Lake Worth. It will be extremely important for us as a group to continue to monitor the potential drilling activity and its overall impact on our water, the land, and this resource that is Lake Worth.
	C. Mr Hickman property near the Stone Villas at Las Vegas Trail At this time, there are no immediate development plans for the vacant property bordering the Stone Villas. This past summertime, trees were removed in anticipation for property sale; it is zoned commercial and may be developed for additional apartments. (Click here for the current look of the property— photo 1 and photo 2)
	D. Citizens on Patrol (COPS)-Tammy Saul (lakeratz1@ gmail.com) Members are encouraged to contact Captain Tammy Saul, and join in the efforts provided by our Citizens on Patrol group. Special thanks to all who participate in routine patrols of our neighborhood, and a very special note of appreciation to Captain Tammy and her “Deputy” Dale Saul.
	E. NASLW Election for the 2011 & 2012 Steering Committee Ballots were distributed for consideration; Mr Wetzel was also nominated in addition to the 6 persons already on the ballot. No other nominees were proposed after Paul Wetzel was added, and the following were elected through acclimation: Nancy Crosskill Bob Crow Jennifer Crow Gale Cupp J.W. Hill Paul Wetzel Member-at- Large: Joe Waller, Lake Worth Alliance
	F. Other Activities: By meetings end, there were no other subjects covered so door prizes ended the program and the meeting adjourned ~8:45pm.

Time	Activity
6pm	Festive beverages and snacks (just bring your appetite!)
6:30	Guest Speakers: The City of Fort Worth Planning Department will provide an overview of the LAKE WORTH VISION draft plan with an emphasis on the elements that impact the south shore area of the Lake.
~7:15	Comments and Questions from stakeholders
By 8pm	Closing Remarks and HOLIDAY *DOOR PRIZES*