Apartments on Eagle Drive

There is a rumor going around (I am not sure where it started) that the apartments being constructed on Eagle Drive are going to be section 8 housing, low-income housing, or whatever.

This is NOT true.

Mr. Gerald Teel, the developer of the complex, indicates that the rents will be around $1000/month for the two bedroom units (which will be what most units will be) and slightly more for the three bedroom and slightly less for the one bedroom. $1000/month is a lot to pay for an apartment. I think this speaks to the quality of apartment that these units will be, as well as the relative affluence of those living there. It's safe to assume that $1000/month represents 1/3 of a person's income, so these folks will need to make $3000/month in order to comfortably afford these apartments.

Please use this information to dispel any lingering doubts or rumors that may be out there. Please also let people know that if they have questions or concerns to let me know and I'll do what I can to help.

Thanks!

Eagle Drive

I travel Eagle Drive several times a day. I have been here in Mont Belvieu for nearly two years now, and I am grateful for how beautiful this community is and the potential that exists. But honestly, until today, I didn't notice much about the drive in to work or back home. Today was different.

I got stuck behind a slow-moving tractor.

Fortunately, I had left home in plenty of time so driving 20 MPH didn't make me late. But rather than become frustrated by the extra time it was taking me, I did kind of a mental inventory of things that are going on along Eagle Drive. It was kind of a fun little exercise.

So - I pulled out of my subdivision on the south end of town headed north - towards City Hall. First thing to notice is the large open field on the west side of the road - just past that small stand of trees. That's the site of the eventual new Mont Belvieu Assembly of God. The plans for that building have been submitted, and while they're going to need to make some changes to the site layout, the actual building is quite lovely. It's going to look really good there on the south end of Eagle Drive.

Next, to the east is the Primary School. The school district recently completed a new track there and there were several people walking out on the track in the early morning. We all know that's pretty much the only time to walk around here... And we also know that the track there is a good place to do your walking. While we're on the subject, let me just mention how nice the grounds look at the school district. People obviously put a great deal of pride into their work, and it's exemplary. Thank you to all of those who work so diligently to make our community shine like this. It also compliments the buildings and sets a standard for other businesses along Eagle Drive to maintain and beautify their properties.

Back to the west side of the road, I passed Eagle Creek and Colony subdivisions. These subdivisions are currently working on adding some additional homes in a second phase each - Eagle Creek will add about 60 homes, while Colony will add about 20. This should be the full build-out of these subdivisions.

Next, back to the east, the skyline of our City is changing. Not only is the school district putting in an improved press box at the stadium, but the City is putting in a new high-capacity water tower. It will be concrete and look like many of the other water towers in the area. Associated with that water tower is a new water well to help provide culinary water to the people in the City. The tower and well should help relieve pressure on our current system and maintain pressure during times of regular maintenance and/or emergencies.

Further along we get to the new City Park. They are doing great things there. The overall project is ahead of schedule and it's fun to see the dramatic progress that's taking place. One thing that has come up that is interesting is that the detention basins planned for the south east end of the park have water in them. This was not according to plan, and it appears that there is a significant amount of water in the soil and also that flows in from the adjacent drainages and canals. We're going to have to figure out how to eliminate that water - we had always planned to pump out the water (it's lower than the outfall at Cotton Bayou) but if it keeps filling back up it doesn't make sense to keep pumping water all the time. Potential solutions include leaving the pond wet (which may decrease storm event water storage) or clearing the siphon under the CWA canal.

Across from the Park is Eaglebrook Apartments. They are getting the ground ready to pour foundations and slabs for the 152 unit apartment complex that will be built there. That's estimated to be complete in about 6 months.

Further up the road, also on the west side, is Sonic. Yea! Sonic! Every time I have driven past the place is packed! Incidentally, if you know of anyone who is looking for that kind of work, Sonic is still hiring... I still need to stop by and get some tots...

Finally, there's Eagle Drive itself. Our consulting engineers are working on completing the surveys and drainage work for our Eagle Drive improvements. This is taking such a long time because it involves a lot of water and a lot of ground to cover. It has to be engineered just right so that the road is not impassable at the slightest rain fall. Further, it has to be able to function well, encouraging smooth vehicular traffic in addition to providing sidewalks and landscaping. It's going to be beautiful, we just want to make sure it's done right.

As I pulled in to work this morning, I am humbled and grateful to be a part of this community. It's growing and it's exciting. Good things are happening. Stay tuned for more!

For the Beauty of the Earth

This month's APA produced Planning magazine features on its cover a very beautiful image of multi-colored vegetables and fruits. Red peppers and radishes intermix with oranges and carrots, eggplants and plums, cucumbers and kale.

I have been impressed with how well things grow here in Texas. The soil is dark and rich and fertile. The plants grow quickly and easily. The growing season lasts most of the year and all but the most sensitive plants flourish all year long. Everything is verdant and beautiful. It is very different from what I am used to - something I was reminded of last week while I was on vacation in the intermountain west... It's beautiful there, too, but not nearly the same.

My thought was this - we have a beautiful location here in the center of the City - City Hall - which would make a great place for a farmer's market. Farmer's markets (for those who don't know) are places where local small farmers can gather to sell their wares. It provides a venue for these small timers to gain access to markets they otherwise would not be able to access. I know there are other farmer's markets around. But there is a long-time agrarian tradition in our community. I, for one, would love to have access to locally grown produce - supporting the local farmers in their efforts while gaining better and fresher produce.

Anyone else out there interested? Shoot me an email. If I get a critical mass of folks interested perhaps we can get something set up...