Dozens of residents of Lake Bend Estates pressed the Rowlett City Council on Aug. 5 to repair and restore a deteriorating red-brick screening wall along Dalrock Road, saying the wall protects property values and neighborhood character. Several residents — including Carissa Panos, Rachel Ashworth, Alan Hogan, Kathy Hobson and Margie Manns — told the council they were concerned about structural damage, vehicle impacts, the wall’s appearance and lost property value when the city stopped making repairs that residents said had been routine.

The city manager, identified in the meeting only as the city manager, told the council he paused the city’s screening wall repair program after reviewing the city’s legal authority and receiving advice from the city attorney. The city manager said his review found “no legal basis” to substantiate the city spending funds to fix the wall and that the prior practice of repairing sections may not have been supported by law. He said his role was to present the facts and that the council must decide policy and direction.

Residents said they had been told for decades the city would maintain the wall and cited a plat and development agreement (Lake Bend Estates Phase 2) they said showed the city’s commitment. Several speakers said they do not own the land under the wall and produced plat excerpts to support that claim. Residents urged the council to fund repairs rather than ask homeowners to shoulder large, unexpected costs.

Council members acknowledged the issue is emotional and encouraged further dialogue. No formal policy change or vote to allocate repair funds was made at the Aug. 5 meeting. Several council members and the city manager said they were willing to meet with residents to review records and continue the conversation in public sessions.

Why it matters: The dispute raises a question about long-standing informal municipal maintenance practices versus the city’s formal legal obligations. If the council directs staff to fund repairs, that would create a precedent and a budgetary commitment; if not, affected homeowners could face substantial repair bills or legal action to clarify ownership and maintenance responsibility.

What happened at the meeting: Residents provided sworn or recorded evidence — including a developer’s owner’s certificate and dedication filed with Dallas County in 1986 — and described years of city repairs after vehicle collisions. The city manager said the city’s fund balance has increased during his tenure and defended his decision to investigate the program before spending. He invited residents to review records at city hall. Council received public comment but took no formal action on the wall that night.

Next steps: Council members said they will keep the issue on their radar and meet with residents and staff. The council did not place a specific repair appropriation on the Aug. 5 agenda.

Attribution: Direct quotes and attributions in this article come from speakers who addressed the council during citizens input and from the city manager’s remarks at the Aug. 5 meeting.