By JIM HARDIN
CNHI
Heath —
City of Heath staff members got the nod recently to move forward in the development of concepts for entry corridors, beginning with the Farm to Market 740 entry into the city.
The entry corridor topic was listed for presentation and discussion on the agenda for the July 20 meeting of Heath’s City Council. No action was taken, but council members voiced their support for the staff moving forward to receive proposals for the design phase.
Because FM 740 is a key entry into the city, it would be No. 1 on the list. The FM 740 widening project that is in the early stages is another reason the highway is atop the entry list.
Mayor Pro Tem Lorne Liechty, who presided in the absence of John Ratcliffe, said he was glad the topic was on the agenda. He mentioned that completion of the widening project is two years away.
According to discussion at the meeting, Chandler’s Landing officials also are exploring a new entry design for their residential community.
City council members talked about the possibility of Chandler’s Landing and the city working together because the possible entry feature for the residential development is near the city’s probable site.
“Cooperation would benefit everybody,” said architect Jim Cooper, who made a presentation to the council on entry corridor concepts.
The project could cost between $600,000 and $700,000, according to City Engineer Pedram Farahnak. Funds for the project could come from the state reimbursing the city for the relocation of utility lines in public right of way for the FM 740 widening.
Background information provided in the city council packet provided some details about the city’s master plan adopted in 2008.
According to the written information, the city council, planning and zoning commission and the comprehensive planning and advisory committee placed emphasis on roadways within Heath “to reflect the quality, positive aesthetics and unique character of the city to residents and visitors as they utilize these roadways.”
