City of Heath Participates in Rockwall Area Chamber’s Growth Summit
City of Heath leadership joined surrounding Rockwall County leaders at the Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce’s Growth Summit Luncheon, featuring economic development updates from each community.
“Our Council and EDC are facing the reality of growth with a guided approach to Keep Heath, Heath,” said David Lane, who represented Heath as president of the Heath Economic Development and Heath Municipal Benefits Corporations (HEDC/HMBC).
“We’re working towards that magical formula of achieving business growth that expands our sales tax base with preserving that small town feel and quality of life that we treasure.”
Lane noted that as expected, the completion of the FM 740 expansion through Heath brought an increase in new businesses, including the Tom Thumb grocery store, the Standard Service entertainment and dining venue, CVS Pharmacy, Manny’s Tex-Mex and Gianni’s restaurants, a UPS Store and more. As a result, the City’s annual sales tax revenue has increased over 80% from 2016 to 2020 and is expected to continue to grow.
“The Comprehensive Plan is our tool for maintaining a semi-rural feel while bringing services and amenities that make Heath home,” Lane explained. “The plan specifies one acre of developable land per home, encourages estate lots of three or more acres, and addresses restaurant / retail / commercial density and development within Heath.”
Additional focused planning efforts to guide growth include a Downtown Overlay District Master Plan, which is being developed by the Kimley-Horn consulting firm under the direction of the HEDC/HMBC Board with extensive stakeholder involvement, including property owners.
The HEDC/HMBC has also funded a master plan for the adjacent Towne Center Park that has been completed under the direction of the Park Board.
Heath citizens will have an opportunity to give input on both plans this fall. Watch next month’s newsletter, heathtx.com and the City’s Facebook page for more information.
“Managing and planning for inevitable growth, while involving the collaboration of community and stakeholders will remain the ultimate goal of the City of Heath HEDC/HMBC” said Lane.
SALES TAX GROWTH
