CITY OF HEATH BREAKS GROUND ON PLAZA PARK IN THE HEART OF TOWN

HEDC/HMBC PURCHASED PARKLAND

The City of Heath hosted a festive groundbreaking ceremony this morning for a plaza park at FM 740/FM 550/FM 549 in front of the Tom Thumb/Town Center.

The Heath Economic Development/Municipal Benefits Corporation (HEDC/HMBC) purchased the parkland, which was formerly TxDOT right-of-way left over from the widening of the FM 740 project. By law, the County, RISD and City have the first rights in that order to purchase surplus TxDOT property.

“Mayor Kelson Elam first brought the opportunity to purchase this piece of land to the HEDC/HMBC Board’s attention,” said HEDC/HMBC President Justin Saunders. “The County and ISD were not interested, but we sure were.”

INVESTMENT IN THE COMMUNITY

“The purpose of the HEDC/HMBC is to support initiatives that expand the sales tax base and quality of life in Heath through economic development that fits the culture of our city,” Saunders explained. “As in many cities, parks and trails are economic development for Heath.”

“This investment will serve our community and enhance quality of life, and it will enhance business in this center by offering customers a place to enjoy before, during and after a visit to any of the establishments,” he said.

COMMITMENT TO PARKS & TRAILS SYSTEM

Park Board Chair Katie Dyer echoed Saunders comments during the ceremony, thanking the Mayor for his vision and the Council and HEDC/HMBC for their commitment to the City’s parks and trails system.

“The Park Board’s vision for this plaza park was to create a safe and beautiful place citizens could walk to, bike to or just stroll over from one of the businesses to enjoy a green place and space to relax and gather,” she said. “The design Michael Black of la terra studios and Assistant City Manager Kevin Laser delivered, achieves our goal.”

Weather permitting, the plaza park will be completed in the Spring of 2024. The Park Board will deliberate a formal name for the site at its January meeting.