Development has always followed transit lines. A more modern concept, transit-oriented development (TOD), attempts to maximize the development potential at transit stations. Mockingbird Station along the DART line was the first recognizable TOD in the Metroplex. Many have followed and each with its own character. The recent development we have seen Downtown Garland is another budding example.
 
The DART station least recognized throughout the system has been our Forest/Jupiter station. No one has been knocking on our doors expressing interest starting major new development at that station in spite of favorable zoning initiated several years ago. Part of the challenge has been the limited potential development area. To the south is only industrial development and that's not likely to change. To the north is a river of dense traffic, Forest Blvd, and beyond are multiple properties with diverse ownership, pretty much the maximum challenges for a developer.
 
While I recognize those challenges, I've always felt the station had significant development potential, partly because I have spoken to almost every property owner in the area at one time or another and most would like to see new development. However, to develop a workable plan that encapsulates the area's potential and creates a vision for the property owners, investors, developers, and the area's residents is a significant hurdle. Such hurdles are not easily assailed and usually doing so takes money and the assistance of experienced professionals.
 
We are finally preparing to ascend that hurdle. Neil Montgomery, planning and development director, sent word to the Council last week that the city had received a grant to start the planning process. As the area is also one of the nodes being studied for enhanced economic development efforts, this is very timely news.
 

 
Mayor and Council,
 
I am pleased to inform you we received notification from the North Central Texas Council of Governments that the City has been awarded $120,000 for the preparation of a redevelopment plan for the area surrounding the Forest Jupiter DART station. Our application was ranked 2nd of the 28 projects submitted by various municipalities and agencies in the region and is one of only nine to be funded.
 
This project will result in a detailed implementation strategy for the redevelopment of this area, which is one of the Catalyst Areas identified in the draft Economic Development Strategy, and will be an integral part of our Citywide efforts.
 
I want to thank the Council for your continued support as we move forward with our long range planning and redevelopment plans. Without this, from both a policy standpoint as well as through budget support, these efforts would not be possible.
 

 
My appreciation to Mr Montgomery and his staff for their continued efforts to seek grants and other opportunities that will benefit all Garland residents and especially the long efforts to map a new vision and future for Garland that started with Envision Garland and will, hopefully, be in place by year's end. If so, my primary reason for holding this office will have been realized. (There are still plenty of things that need to be done though.)