May President's Update
- Rick Wood
- 4 hours ago
- 5 min read
Hello, Woodgate! April was (as promised) a very active, fun and informative month in Woodgate. There is lots to cover, so let’s get started...
Entrances in Bloom
The weeding and cleanup were followed a few weeks later by the planting of mostly perennial plants and bushes have brought our entrances back to life. As the plants take root, it should be even more noticeable and beautiful in the coming months. That is especially true at the Clinton entrance because it has water for first time in several springs!
Coffee, Donuts and Great Neighbors
What more could you ask for? Well, how about lots of good neighbors and amazing Carrollton Police Officers! We had them…over 40 neighbors attended with many staying for much of the event. It was also great to have officers from Carrollton PD as well.
An Informative Town Hall? Oh yeah, we had that too!
As you know, we met on Saturday morning, April 25, at Kent Elementary. For those who couldn’t attend the meeting, here is an overview of the topics we covered:
Upcoming Events
Family Ice Cream Social (July - TBD)
Virtual Town Hall (August - TBD)
Texas National Night Out/Fall Festival (Tuesday, October 6th)
Woodgate Holiday Event (Sunday, December 13th)
Potential Zoning Requests and Development
I was contacted by representatives acting on behalf of the owner of a commercial lot located directly behind the residences on upper Magnolia of our neighborhood. As depicted in this aerial photograph it is bound by Frankford Rd on the north and Sonic/Chase bank on the East.
A meeting was held with representatives for the commercial lot behind upper Magnolia. I've asked Ken Wray (2nd WNA VP) and Brian Morrow (who was involved during the 2022 request) to attend as well.
The representatives asked about our concerns to address them in their next rezoning attempt. We are waiting for further updates from them.
What they want zoning to allow:
Taller two-story buildings that would double the square footage available.
Not just office space, but mixed use that would allow for restaurant zoning as well.
Our concerns (if not addressed) and why we probably need to oppose:
Sight lines and lights from building, shining into backyard on Magnolia
Restaurants bring varmints, odors and noise. Not only to Magnolia but other residents as well.
Increased density over original zoning brings more traffic, noise etc. to us all.
Next steps
If the owner/developer where to request a rezoning of that property and it was allowed by Carrollton's Planning & Zoning, a few steps would happen prior to Carrollton City Council hearing and voting:
Homeowners within 200ft would be notified of request.
A sign stating change of zoning would have to be posted on the property for at least a month.
Our WNA Government Liaison, Susan Michell, is continuing to monitor any upcoming Planning & Zoning meetings so we can stay informed on whats going on.
Current Status and Community Action
We are waiting to hear from developers or see if zoning change requests move forward. If the P&Z department advances the request, we’ll notify everyone so Woodgate residents can write letters and attend city hall to protect our neighborhood.
Treasurer Report
We also announced that our Treasurer, Greg Horwitz, resigned due to the amount of time he needs to spend focusing on his home reconstruction project. It is totally understandable and we thank him for his service to Woodgate.
I appointed a special financial committee to function until a temporary treasurer is named. That committee consists of: Ken Wray 2nd VP, Patti Patak former VP and Treasurer and Susan Michell, Government liaison and former Treasurer. At our upcoming general meeting in October, the Treasurer position will be on the ballot for those wishing to run.
Ken Wray went over first quarter report. It is available to any WNA member on request. In summary, our income is up due to more member dues paid than at this same time last year. The gain is mostly offset by higher expenses than last year, mostly legal. WNA started the year with approximately $1,100 less in the bank than last year due to an operating deficit last year.
Some good news, we as a board decided to offer a few sponsors to be shown on our communications platforms. We felt it was needed revenue due to expenses, and it was something in our past that was done frequently with our print newsletters. It lends itself to being even better digitally.
I am excited to announce our first sponsor is Dentist Kimberley Capua. Several people in our neighborhood are already patients with her practice and have many good comments. And she is practically on our doorstep at 3105 Old Denton rd. Behind Starbucks. You'll begin to see her sponsorship on our website, emails and social channels in the near future.
Committee Reports
Architectural Committee
Steve Sainton, Chair
Discussed important role of Architectural committee as the main guard of upholding our deed restrictions in a consistent neighborly way. Discussed out of compliance non brick mailbox and number of notifications to occupant. Five out compliance mailboxes have taken necessary steps to get back in compliance over last few years.
Woodgate Cares
LuAnn Blough Chair and Deb Moss
The Woodgate committee that matches volunteers with neighbors that needs assistance. If someone you know needs assistance notify the cares committee. If you can help give assistance notify them.
Government & Crime
Susan Michell, WNA Government Liaison
Reminded us that even though any new short-term rentals are now prohibited, unregistered ones may still attempt to operate. Look for the signs and report if you see: Multiple different cars. Different groups of people and varying times of no occupancy followed heavy occupancy.
Beautification
Gary Gunter VP reporting for Patti Patak
Said the planting at the entrances was completed and thanked those who showed up and got it done! Noted these were perennial type plants. Also, stated most block Captain positions were filled but Sycamore and Mesquite were not yet filled.
Woodgate Standards & Expectations
We asked the question, “What do we want our neighborhood to be?”
When you purchased your homes, you probably noticed the curb appeal, design, number of bedrooms, cost/value as well as appearance of the other homes around the neighborhood. What you may not have thought about was the overlapping framework ordinances, services and governing rules. All those work together to set expectations, standards and support neighborhood quality.
The City of Carrollton provides several of those benefits, but our CCR’s/deed restrictions that you signed when you bought your home provides some as well that are over and beyond that of the city. So, the city does not enforce them. The deed restrictions are shared standards: any homeowner may ask that they be upheld. But to keep things consistent and possibly reduce neighbor to neighbor friction, the Architectural Committee (AC) serves as the primary, organized process for review and follow up. It does so with a process that is intended to be practical, fair and respectful.
When concern is raised, the goal is de-escalating approach:
(1) Notify the homeowner when something appears out of compliance.
(2) Discuss options and agree on a reasonable plan and timeline.
(3) Consider further steps only if repeated attempts to resolve the issue are unsuccessful.
The WNA Board works with Architectural Committee at arm’s length, but still coordinates for direction and funding. There is more, but not now, this is already too long. How we uphold our neighborhood will be discussed in future updates.
Open Discussion
We had great discussions on several topics. The biggest one was probably around upholding our standards in Woodgate. Most were for enforcing our standards, and doing so in a neighborly, helping way to largest extent we can. Other topics were advertising material left on sidewalks, future changes to Frankford Rd.
As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me or any members of the WNA Board.
Stay Classy, Woodgate!
Rick Wood
WNA President