District 8

In the popular novel, The Hunger Games, heroine Katniss describes District 8 "as an ugly, urban place stinking of industrial fumes, the people housed in run down tenaments, barely a blade of grass in sight."   ~  Sound familiar?

As Arlington, TX  turns into an industrial zone, we'd like to introduce you to a candidate who is running for the At-Large Council seat in our very own District 8.     

Frisco resident Charla Hawkes Vinyard running for Arlington, TX City Council?? 

First, let's talk about that proposed zoning change for Overcoming Faith Drill Site which is still tabled ~ most likely until the elections are over.   Mind you, it is crystal clear that a gas drilling site is not compatible with the vision for the Tierra Verde overlay.  A future development for high-end exclusive homes is planned for that area.  Nevertheless,  here is how Frisco resident, Realtor,  and Arlington Planning & Zoning member, Mrs. Vinyard, voted on that case:

Also in question is her eligibility to run for Arlington City Council when she has dual residency.   Even if she is eligible, we question 1) Is this ethical?  and,  2) Will she be able to focus on Arlington's complex issues when she lives in Frisco?

Here is what the Fort Worth Star Telegram says about Charla Hawkes Vinyard:     

"The Star-Telegram reported late last month that Hawkes Vinyard apparently violated state law by claiming two homestead exemptions."

"One of the homes is at xxxx Bever Blvd. in central Arlington. She lists that address on her voter registration, her professional real estate licenses and her application to be placed on the May 12 general election ballot. The home is valued at $141,000."

"She has also taken a homestead exemption on a house valued at about $610,000 near Lewisville Lake, according to public records."

"David Weaver, a commercial and bankruptcy lawyer, said reports that Hawkes Vinyard previously claimed two homestead exemptions -- for homes in Arlington and in Denton County -- raise questions about where she really lives... "It's not about me. It's about the process and whether the city is going to follow it or not."

To read the full story click on this LINK.

Perhaps Mrs. Vinyard spends the majority of time by her Lake Lewisville home because she doesn't like living in Arlington's industrial zone.  We don't either.  We wonder if there is an extra guest bedroom for our Fish Creek neighbors when Chesapeake starts the fracking nightmare all over again.

Casting your vote does make a difference. 

When you cast your vote think about whether your choice of candidates will help beautify this city or slowly transform it into a post-apocalyptic scene like that in the Hunger Games.

For voting information click HERE.
For additional voting information call (817) 831-VOTE (8683).

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/04/03/3858463/attorney-seeks-inquiry-into-rlington.html#storylink=c

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/04/03/3858463/attorney-seeks-inquiry-into-arlington

Overcoming Faith and the Little Children

Mansfield gas release March 23, 2012 Fort Worth Star Telegram photograph Arlington Fire Department

Two mansfield schools go into lockdown mode as incident occurs at 7:44 a.m. 

On Tuesday, April 3rd Arlington, TX City Council will take a final crucial vote on a controversial ordinance change which will allow Overcoming Faith Drill Site to be permitted at Village on the Green at Tierra Verde.  The vision for this overlay is to maintain a village-like atmosphere and rural character.  Commitment to that vision is being jeopardized, and children may be placed in harm's way if this ordinance change is approved.  Click HERE to view agenda details. 

The proposed Overcoming Faith Drill Site brings to the table many complex issues.   A big problem exists as its close proximity to RF Patterson Elementary School in Kennedale lies a mere 1,875 feet to the northeast (less than 1/2 mile).  This public school educates young children in grades K-4.  Imagine dropping off your son or daughter to school unaware of the dangerous chemicals they may get exposed to on the playground during recess because of a nearby drill site.  Since Arlington still does not make available to its citizens a gas drilling status report, it would be difficult to obtain specific activity information for any given location. 

A Kennedale school official indicated that he did not receive notification about this ordinance change and added that he would not be in favor of this drill site if it will be a detriment to the kids. 

We believe it will be a detriment to the children, and here are just a few of the reasons why: (click on the links below.)

"Middle class schools in Denton and Tarrant get drilled and fracked more"

"New research on the air quality around natural gas wells provides additional evidence and controversy about the possible health effects from hydraulic fracturing or "fracking." In Colorado, scientists found that fracking wells emit potentially toxic hydrocarbons into the air."

"Cancer rates in Barnett Shale climb, residents want answers why"

 "We know that the toxic compounds travel farther than 1/2 mile. In Argyle – Bartonville, the community did baseline testing when drilling was just starting. The results showed 7 detects of the 84 chemicals TCEQ routinely tests for. Follow up testing, on the lot where the high school band practices–1/2 mile from the offending facility–showed 65 detects. We have asked many scientists to explain the increased risks when our children go from breathing 7 chemicals to breathing a cocktail of 65 different chemicals. None can explain that risk because that science has not happened yet."

How could we as a society allow the greed of mankind to transform our once beautiful communities into industrial zones?   Very few people would choose to live next door to industry or deliberately place our children in harm's way.  It is with heavy hearts that parents across North Texas plead with lawmakers to stop this dangerous activity in our backyards before it's too late.   Amen.

Arlington Citizen-Journal "News Flash"

The Arlington Citizen-Journal has been covering the status of the Overcoming Faith Drill Site, which is proposed to be located in the Tierra Verde Master Plan.  The March 21st "News Flash" (paper edition) reads, "Last month the council gave initial approval for the permit, then tabled it for additional research." 

Clarification:  This first stage is not approval of a gas drilling permit ~ it is approval of an ordinance/zoning request for a specific use which will allow heavy industrial mining operations.  Edge does not have approval for a drilling permit ~  not yet anyway.   See the gas well permitting process:

The news flash also reads, "The council has never approved a drilling request for that section of southwest Arlington." Is that a typo? Look at this Arlington gas drilling map and count the drill sites in that vicinity.

Do we really need one more? 

Overcoming Faith Tabled - Stay Tuned

Yesterday Arlington, TX City Council decided to keep Specific Use Permit SUP 11-13 (Overcoming Faith Drill Site - 4700 Eden Road) tabled.

Perhaps Edge Resources is not finished tagging the wildlife and completing the inventory of trees and vegetation that will be lost if that drill site is permitted.  As you may recall, Aubudon International accepted Edge into their Signature Program which is quite confusing.  Make no mistake ~ wildlife, vegetation, and human life cannot co-exist alongside horizontal, slickwater hydrofracking. 

ABC Alliance

Crucial Arlington City Council Vote March 20, 2012

The final vote for a critical zoning request will be taken this Tuesday night March 20, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. at Arlington, TX City Hall. 

As you may recall, that zoning request change for Overcoming Faith Drill Site had been removed from the consent agenda on March 6th.  That was a wise move, motioned by Councilman Robert Shepard, and seconded by another male council member.  We were very pleased because that was, in fact, a controversial item.  

We pray that this zoning request gets voted down on March 20th because:

• A drill site does not fit into the original vision for the Tierra Verde overlay, which was intended to be environmentally sustainable, memorable for its village-like atmosphere and rural character.  Even Jim Parajon, Planning and Development Director, stated this fact during the February 21st public hearing.
• Two strong opposers:  Our champion, Councilwoman Sheri Capehart; and the Children's Psychiatrist of Sundance Hospital who represents doctors and many patients.  [The City Secretary told us that - according to Planning & Development - the doctors' opposition letter does not meet the criteria for a petition.  We believe, however, in the spirit of fairness, that the letter be considered acceptable - especially since they were kept out of the loop during the entire planning process and only found out days before the hearing.]  Was this intentional?
• The two main entities in favor of the drill site are: 1) The operator, Edge Resources; and 2) The Pastor of Overcoming Faith Christian Center.  And did we mention that one petition in favor was signed by the COO of Sundance who is supposedly not authorized to make such decisions?
• And finally, agenda details indicate that Edge sent out notice about this zoning change to neighborhood groups throughout Arlington.  To date, we cannot find evidence that one of these groups ever received this notice.  Hmmm.

One thing is certain, this crucial vote could be precedent-setting for the rest of the City and all of North Texas.  Think about this ~ if a city can change zoning in a beautiful, high-end community, then what hope is there for the rest of us?  We pray we can save one corner of this wonderful City before it undergoes destruction.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntLsElbW9Xo&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PLEE46EE9F12C3CB64

We Overcame

Overcoming Faith Drill Site

If you will recall from the February 21 Arlington, TX Council Meeting, three councilwomen voted in unison against the ordinance change for the Overcoming Faith Drill Site.  The vote was 4-3.  Despite the fact that they did not have a 3/4 super majority vote, that item appeared on the March 6 consent agenda.  Here is the city's web page defining the meeting process:

During the March 6 council meeting Councilman Robert Shepard motioned to remove and table SUP 11-13 Overcoming Faith Drill Site from the consent agenda.  That was a wise thing to do since this remains a controversial issue.


Fire Department's Operational Permit Fee

Mayor Cluck reported that last Friday's meeting with the drillers was unpleasant.  There was tension in the room, a feeling of distrust, and some were bordering on disrespect towards the Fire Chief.  He stated that the drillers would be happy with it off the consent agenda and into the trash.  The City also received a letter from the Chamber of Commerce stating that they were not in favor of these fees. The Mayor said he was willing to have another meeting with the same people in two weeks.

Something changed his mind, however, between the afternoon and evening meeting, because this consent agenda item was unanimously approved.  We appreciate his stand of courage to do what is in the best interest of public safety despite industry pressure and opposition.

Several speakers were in favor of putting this plan into motion without delay due to the catastrophic nature of heavy industrial mining in densely populated areas.

Jim Tidwell, a retired firefighter, and currently a consultant representing Chesapeake, blew it when he went to the mic.  He stated to the council that, "this could become more adversarial than is necessary."  The Mayor seemed to have perceived his statement as a threat.  Bad move.  Where was Laura Patton?

For those who missed the meetings, the evening session may be viewed by clicking HERE, and the afternoon session may be viewed HERE.


Thank you Arlington City Council.