Highland Village boards review FM 407 trail study, grant readiness and public safety concerns

Consultants from Half and Associates presented a preliminary assessment of trail alignments and grant positioning for the FM 407 corridor at a joint workshop of the Highland Village Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Community Development Corporation Board on Monday.

The presentation outlined potential east–west connections along FM 407, nearby spurs and connectors to parks and schools, grant programs that could fund construction, and next steps including more detailed alignment studies and neighborhood meetings. Board members and many residents pressed for clearer timelines, neighborhood outreach and immediate safety measures on existing sidewalks and trails.

"We are here tonight to present to you all the FM 407 corridor and amenities and project update," said Kevin Groll, public works team leader for Half Associates, introducing the consultant team and the scope of work.

James Kindred, Half's senior landscape architect project manager, said the study emphasizes filling gaps between existing trail segments and improving safe pedestrian crossings across busy roadways. "One of the key things that we see is connecting that gap between the east and the West property city limits of the town, to provide safe connections across the roadways for the pedestrians," Kindred said.

Liz Range Pindell, Half's grants and funding lead, reviewed likely funding sources and competitive requirements,…