Mayoral Message: ‘Good things are happening in Rockwall’

(Rockwall) Good things are happening in the City of Rockwall– life is good and our residents are engaged.

2012 is expected to be the year our economy begins recovering from the financial challenges of the last several years.

We are already seeing increased commercial development with the new office complex (PD-32) at The Harbor, the opening of the Olive Garden Italian Restaurant and with the announcement by the city’s Economic Development Corporation of $105 million in taxable value to the Rockwall industrial base.

More great news for the city’s 2012 economy: December sales tax revenue was up 7.74% – much more than anticipated and a good indicator of what is to come.

Our staff has projected a slight increase in homebuilding – probably the hardest hit industry in this multi-year financial slump. Of course, it’s not even close to the 900 residential permits issued in 2004, but I’ll take 202 any day in these times!

Overall, 2011 was a good year for Rockwall. We were designated by CNN Money as the #1 City for Job Creation, which is a reflection of our conservative vision and successful strategic planning. The results of the 2011 Citizen Survey were more than we could hope for – 97% of respondents were either extremely satisfied or satisfied with the city’s quality of life. There was a new buyer found for The Shores Golf Course and Country Club, and we look forward to the renovated project reopening this year. Also, Allure restaurant opened last year at the former site of Chandler’s Landing Yacht Club.

Although we had to closely budget expenses for the 2010-11 fiscal year, we managed to maintain city services, providing good value for your tax dollars and maintaining our high quality of living.

I truly think one of our main successes in 2011 was engaging our residents. That was one of our goals last year when we were able to turn our central focus from major road projects to you. As a result, our volunteer list grew significantly as did participation in events and meetings. As your mayor, I was happy to see more people interested in city government and willing to give their time, talents and energy to serving on city boards and commissions (we count about 500), and there are another 500 signed on as volunteers at our Animal Services and Adoption Center.

One of the most exciting happenings in 2011 was the major reemergence of Downtown Rockwall! Great restaurants continue to open as do unique retail shops mingled with a pretty eclectic group of businesses. Downtown became the place to be and be seen. Events such as Farmers Market, Scare on the Square, Rib, Rub and Run and the city’s Founder’s Day celebration drew thousands to our historic square.

This year, there are several road projects nearing completion such as the expansion of FM740 (Ridge Road) and the John King Blvd. interchange, which will do a great deal to further improve what has been our most critical problem for years – traffic! And, I don’t want to forget the Capital Improvement Program bond election May 12.

Our council thought it prudent last year to delay the bond election until we had a better idea of the economic climate. We recently voted to put it on the May 12 ballot so you can decide its fate. It’s an ambitious plan with four major projects: Downtown Improvements ($10.2 million), development of Heritage Park ($5 million), an Athletics/Sports Complex ($25.1 million) and Street and Roadways ($19.2 million). You have the option to vote for all of them as a package ($59 million) or to vote for each initiative separately.

Please be a good citizen – vote on May 12 and let your voice be heard. You will also be asked to select three city council members. The CIP projects are paid for with your money and would require a hike in the property tax rate – and the three council members will be your representatives. Bottom line, you have a big investment in the May 12 election – please vote!

  David Sweet, economy, mayoral message, Rockwall Mayor, voting