As we embrace 2015 and all the exciting development poised to begin, in our hometown, I once again want to say that Rowlett is definitely On the Move! I’m sure you’ve noticed all the wonderful updates to downtown that have been made in the past year – green spaces, beautiful lighting and landscaping, additional parking, not to mention the extension of Martin Drive right into the heart of downtown, which provides access from the DART Light Rail station and SH66. These enhancements are just the beginning, for you will soon see the Village of Rowlett downtown development begin!

 

As with any new development, it will not occur without change to the existing structures. We are an extremely open and transparent organization, so in an effort to ensure everyone in Rowlett understands what is coming our way, and why the City Council makes the decisions we do, this month, I would like to provide some information about the Library transition and Chamber of Commerce relocation plans.

 

I am extremely passionate about our quality of life here in Rowlett and a library is an integral component to the quality of life in a vibrant community. Your City Council and City staff have made a commitment to OUR community to ensure the Rowlett library continues to thrive in a temporary location while the downtown development occurs. The Library will remain a key component of downtown and, when the project is completed, will be located on the ground floor of the most prominent building along Main Street. We are also very grateful to the Rowlett business community, served by the Chamber of Commerce, for their continued community support and the way they have enthusiastically embraced the new form based development code. A similar commitment was extended to the Chamber of Commerce, whose current building will be permanently relocated.

 

There has been a lot of misinformation offered on social media and blogs regarding these transition plans. I hope the information in this newsletter serves to clear up some of that confusion and provides you, the Rowlett citizen, a level of clarification and transparency that allows you to share in our enthusiasm about all the fantastic new development and tax base diversification coming to our hometown!! 

 

Regards,

Mayor Todd Gottel