Lake Bend Estates residents press council for timeline to rebuild screening wall

Rowlett — Residents of Lake Bend Estates pressed the Rowlett City Council during citizens input on Oct. 14 for a clear timeline and a permanent design for a city‑maintained screening wall along Dalrock Road.

Several residents described long‑running concerns about the wall’s condition and about deferred city maintenance. Shannon Bandle, a Lake Bend Estates resident, told the council the neighborhood has repeatedly requested the wall be rebuilt and asked that the replacement be masonry rather than wrought iron or wood. "Actions speak louder than words, and we're looking very, very forward to action," Bandle said.

Patrick Bridal, who also identified himself as representing the neighborhood, echoed Bandle’s request and asked for a clear timeline: "We ask for a clear update and a timeline for when this wall will be rebuilt," he said. Margie Manns raised related concerns about failing irrigation and lighting at the Phoenix entrance area and relayed a constituent’s report that live oaks there are dying because sprinklers have not worked for months.

Mayor Wingett responded that he had met with the city manager and that Deputy City Manager Christophe is working on the matter. "He’s probably just about as tired of screening walls as one individual could be, but be assured that he is working on it," the mayor said, adding he did not yet have a timeline to provide but that staff were looking into it. The council also publicly thanked neighborhood volunteers who had undertaken cleanup efforts at the entry.

Why it matters: The screening wall and related entryway infrastructure straddle immediate quality‑of‑life and public‑works maintenance concerns for residents on a principal thoroughfare. Residents asked for masonry to provide privacy, noise reduction and long‑term durability; council members acknowledged the neighborhood's patience but did not commit to a completion date during the meeting.

Provenance: topicintro — First resident comment on neighborhood wall (transcript time 2195.65–2208.63): "Margie Manns. Thank you, Ron. I live in Lake Bend Estates... The wall is still ugly." topfinish — Mayor response and move to next agenda item (transcript time 2625.55–2663.39): "I did meet with our city manager last night... he is working on it. So when you mentioned there's a lot going on behind the scenes, that is definitely the case."