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Resident criticizes apartment development, tax breaks and calls for council transparency
Summary
Resident Jera Heron told the council fewer people attend meetings because they feel unheard, urged stopping apartment construction and questioned tax breaks and the use of bond funds for a new city hall.
Jera Heron, a Rowlett resident of 3409 Summer Solstice, told the council she and other residents feel the council does not listen and that many avoid meetings for that reason. Heron urged the council to stop allowing apartment buildings to be built and said apartment projects often seem to receive tax breaks.
"Why do you continue to do things that the citizens have told you that they don't want and if there is a reason for that why can't you share that input with us to help us better explain?" Heron asked the council, urging officials to explain decisions and stay available after the meeting for follow-up.
Heron also cited local projects, saying planned retail around Bayside and the "190 apartments" has not materialized and that some of that land appears to be for sale. She questioned the timing and need for a new city hall tied to a CO bond and said that, given recent development, residents are concerned about increases to their tax burden.
Her remarks were taken during the citizens-input portion; council members later responded that some apartment development predated the current council and that staff and council have been working to address prior decisions.
