Farmers Branch staff outline Mercer Crossing median transfer; HOA proposes $168,000 in pre-transfer improvements and $120,000 cash payment

Robert Diaz, director of Parks and Recreation for Farmers Branch, briefed the council on March 18 on the proposed transfer of median landscaping in Mercer Crossing from the homeowners association (HOA) to the city and the expected timeline for the legal agreement and work.

The update matters because the transfer will shift ongoing maintenance responsibilities and could reduce or eliminate HOA assessments for residents once medians and irrigation are accepted by the city.

Diaz said the city and the HOA (Essex Management Company) did not have a final agreement in time for the study session but that staff plan to present the final item at the April 1 council meeting. He told council the HOA is proposing to complete about $168,000 in improvements to Mercer and Whittington medians before giving them to the city and will transition irrigation systems back to municipal control. Diaz also said the HOA will provide a one-time cash payment of $120,000 to the city; city staff expect the HOA’s contractor to have 60 days to complete the work after the agreement is executed.

Diaz summarized the anticipated schedule: once the agreement is executed (targeted for the April 1 meeting), the HOA contractor will begin the improvements and has 60 days to complete the scope; the city will take over routine mowing, trimming and maintenance after the transition, and staff plan to reforecast the budget with the intent to apportion any rebates for homeowner dues. Diaz also noted council staff asked for the HOA or its contractor to appear at the April 1 meeting to answer questions; the contractor and HOA representatives plan to attend that meeting.

Council members raised additional details. Parks staff showed a map created by park planner Tara Bradley identifying 15 medians included in the proposed transfer. Councilman Neal asked whether future development along Mercer Parkway and Senlac could expand the medians the city will maintain; staff said the agreement covers the medians in their current configuration and that any later additions would require council review and an amendment. Diaz said one notable budget item in the HOA’s current finances is Essex’s management fee; the council discussed the possibility that homeowner dues would fall significantly or be eliminated after the transfer but staff said the HOA’s 2026 budget had not yet been approved and amounts were not definitive.

No formal council action was taken at the study session; council will consider the finalized agreement and related budget adjustments at the April 1 meeting.