Allen City Council met on Tuesday, Feb. 22. Read on for the highlights and approved projects. The full agenda and meeting video are available here.
Parks and Open Space Master Plan Update
During the City Council Workshop, Allen Parks and Recreation Director Kate Meacham provided an update to councilmembers on the Parks and Open Space Master Plan. This document is built on community input to help staff identify and address the needs of our community over the next 10 years.
Since December, Parks and Recreation staff have presented highlights of the plan at nearly 20 community meetings, including a public town hall on Jan. 31. Citizens were also encouraged to complete a final Needs Analysis Poll to help prioritize project timelines. The poll will remain open through 5 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 28 for final community feedback. Give your input now. The final draft of the Parks and Open Space Master Plan will be presented for Council approval later this spring. Pictured: Front cover of the Allen Parks and Open Space Master Plan 2021-2031
Zone Amendment and Specific Use Permit approved for new winery
Councilmembers unanimously approved a Zone Amendment and Specific Use Permit for a new Winery at 13 Prestige Circle, located in Allen Central Business District.
Vinum55 is a premier members-only wine tasting and storage business based in Arizona. Allen is the winery’s first Texas location, and it’s the first business of its kind in Allen. The development will combine two existing suites for a total of 8,530 square feet. While most of the space is reserved for wine storage, the venue will have some dedicated space for office use and wine tasting. Pictured below: Wine storage area at Vinum 55
New parking lot walls and fencing approved for Police Headquarters
Council members approved a $600K construction agreement to install parking lot walls and fencing at Allen Police Department (APD) Headquarters.
The design creates increased security for employees while maintaining public access and parking. Secured parking was identified several years ago as a needed security measure for sworn and civilian Police Department personnel. The parking lot design was developed by City staff, in concert with a volunteer steering committee of APD employees. Pictured: Exterior photo of Allen Police Headquarters
Council approves disassembly, relocation, and reconstruction of a Historic Barn from Anna, TX
A historic barn has found a new home at the Allen Heritage Village! Council approved a contract to disassemble, relocate, and reconstruct a historic barn from Anna, Texas, to the Allen Heritage Village for $326,600. Expenses will be drawn down from the Heritage Village project budget as approved for funding by the Allen Community Development Corporation back in 2020.
The 1,650-square-foot vintage barn was donated by Robert Young of Richardson and was at risk of being demolished after the property it sits in was sold in late 2021. It will be relocated and restored to the Allen Heritage Village by late summer 2022. The historic barn serves as an integral part of the entire Heritage Village master plan, slated for completion by 2023.
Council recognizes marketing staff for state awards
Allen Parks and Recreation received one local and several state-level recognitions at the annual Texas Recreation and Parks Society (TRAPS) Conference, including three separate awards and a statewide award for staff member Tori Thibodeaux.
In July 2021, Allen Parks and Recreation, in collaboration with Allen Public and Media Relations Office, created an extensive marketing campaign to deliver new members and member retention revenue for the department. The campaign, titled ‘Discover Life In Allen!’ received the TRAPS State Promotion and Marketing Excellence Award. Pictured: Members of the City of Allen marketing team join Parks and Recreation Director, Kate Meacham, during Council meeting recognition
Follow council news and future meetings
Allen City Council meets at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month. Meetings are held in Council Chambers at Allen City Hall (305 Century Parkway). A calendar of upcoming meetings is available on the City website.
To receive a link to upcoming meetings by email, visit CityofAllen.org/NotifyMe and sign up for City Meeting Notices. Meeting agendas are posted at least 72 hours prior to each meeting. Agenda links are provided within the meeting details of each calendar listing and at CityofAllen.org/Agendas.