Forney · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Forney public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Carter Automotive Expansion and Rezoning
Ryan Auto is seeking site plan approval at the northwest corner of E. Broad Street and Kaufman Street, with a public hearing where residents can weigh in.
Forney Hospital Addition revised site plan
The hospital development near U.S. Highway 80 is back with a revised site plan, moving the project another step forward.
O'Reilly Auto Parts store near Monitor Boulevard and F.M. 741
A new O'Reilly Auto Parts could open on vacant land near Monitor Boulevard and F.M. 741, bringing an auto parts option close to the Fox Hollow area. The plan still needs fixes before it's ready for approval.
Fox Hollow Commercial Plaza Addition Preliminary Plat
Three plat actions in the Village at Gateway Addition — a replat and two final plats — would let developers finalize lots near North Gateway Boulevard and Concord Drive.
District boundary expansion of approximately 13.6253 acres
Adding about 13.6 acres to the road district expands the area subject to its powers and consent conditions. The city's existing conditions would apply to the whole district after the addition.
Gail Wilson Way Extension acceptance
The city would take over the completed public improvements on the Gail Wilson Way Extension, meaning future maintenance becomes the city's responsibility.
FY 2026-2027 Budget and Tax Rate
A budget amendment ordinance for the current fiscal year is on the agenda; the details of what spending is being adjusted were not included in the packet excerpt.
Municipal Investment Policy and Broker's List
The city's $100 million-plus investment portfolio earned about $970,000 this quarter at a 3.85% average yield, with its market value down slightly as cash was shifted to cover operating expenses.
Unlimited Tax Road Bonds, Series 2026 (MDD No. 1)
The road district wants to issue up to $3.655 million in bonds backed by district taxes to build road improvements. The council's resolution is a key gatekeeping step before the bonds can go forward.
Parks and Recreation Department Updates and Programming
The board will review upcoming parks and recreation projects, programs, and community events to ensure local facilities meet neighborhood needs.
Wrecker and Towing Services Agreement
The city is establishing a formal towing agreement with Chubs Towing & Recovery, Inc.
Master Fee Schedule Amendments
The city is updating its fee schedule to include nuisance abatement charges that were missed in earlier revisions.
Residential Traffic-Calming Policy and Funding
The council debated a new traffic-calming handbook that proposed splitting costs 50-50 with residents, ultimately tabling the policy because members felt traffic safety is the city's full responsibility.
NTMWD Water and Wastewater Rate Increases
A resident expressed alarm after her sewer usage bill more than doubled following three separate rate increases in a single year without prior notice, requesting a city financial audit.
Industrial Park Concept Plan Amendment for Planned Development 22-25
An auto repair shop operator received permission to use an industrial park bay on Industrial Drive for repairing fleet and public vehicles by appointment only, with strict rules against overnight outdoor parking.
Abatement of Substandard Residential Structures
The city is cracking down on long-neglected properties that pose safety hazards and drag down neighborhood property values. Officials will weigh whether owners can afford to fix them up or if the city should step in to mandate repairs or demolition.
Regional Housing Authority
Council members discussed establishing an interlocal agreement with the Dallas Housing Authority to share crime, code, and rental registration data to address housing voucher concentrations.
Youth Center Zoning Regulations
The city adopted stricter zoning rules to ensure data centers can only be built in light industrial zones with a conditional use permit and cannot use planned development loopholes.
Broker Representation for Corporation-Owned Properties
The corporation evaluated broker representation agreements to help market and manage properties owned by the FEDC.
Economic Development Incentives and Business Prospects (Project House)
The Economic Development Corporation discussed confidential financial information and potential incentives for business prospects including Doe Belly's, Project Sale, Project Health, and Mix It Up Creamery to encourage local business growth.
Economic Development Recruitment & Incentives
The economic development board met to discuss financial incentives and negotiations with prospective businesses looking to locate or expand in Forney, including Doe Belly's, Project Sale, Project Health, and Mix It Up Creamery.
Historic District Preservation
Homeowners requested approval to build a metal flat-roof carport attached to their garage within the Historic Overlay District. Neighbors spoke in favor, and the board approved the request.
Parking Standards in Industrial Districts
Forney residents are fighting a new development project, worried that more growth will lead to higher crime rates in their neighborhoods. The City Council is now stuck in the middle, trying to balance the town's expansion with the safety concerns of locals.
Comprehensive Data Center Prohibition
Forney officials are on high alert after a neighboring county got slapped with a $100 million lawsuit for trying to block data centers. It’s a wake-up call that zoning restrictions need to be airtight to avoid burning through taxpayer cash in court.
Data Center Prohibition
Council members are set to discuss initiating a zoning text amendment to completely remove 'Data Center' as an allowed conditional use in Light Industrial districts and prohibit them across all city zoning districts. This follows previous ordinance actions and addresses community concerns regarding industrial tech development.
EMS Funding and Leadership
Forney is using new tax revenue to put more police on the streets to tackle the traffic chaos caused by the city's rapid expansion. It’s a direct move to keep roads safer and hopefully get things moving a bit smoother for everyone.
Rental Inspection and Crime Addendum
A resident expressed concerns during open forum regarding high concentrations of rental homes and potential section 8 allocations in new master-planned subdivisions, impacting home resale values.
Animal Shelter Operations
Forney is considering a 4-day work week to compete with other cities for top talent. This shift could mean longer daily hours for city staff but might change when you can actually get your errands done at City Hall.
Library and YMCA Bond Proposal
The city is moving forward with a November bond election to fund a $49.5 million joint library and YMCA facility. While supporters point to the lack of a public library for nearly seven years and the benefits of indoor recreation, critics worry about rising property taxes and the lack of a finalized agreement with the YMCA.
Commercial Development Expansion
Approval of multiple plats and site plans for new retail, restaurant, entertainment, and housing options in the Village at Gateway development, expanding services and amenities for Forney residents.
Commercial Growth and Traffic
Forney is exploding, with the population doubling in a decade, which means more cool shops but also major headaches for our roads and utilities. We're getting the perks of a bigger city, but we have to figure out how to keep the infrastructure from buckling under the pressure.
Public Safety and Crime Prevention
Police Chief White presented the 2024 crime report, showing a slight decrease in overall NIBRS crimes per capita. The council discussed increases in domestic violence and proactive narcotics enforcement.
Crime Control and Prevention District Budget for FY 2026 and FY 2027
The City Council and Crime Control and Prevention District Board are scheduled to review and consider approval of budget expenditures for FY 2026 and the proposed budget for FY 2027. This funding directly impacts local crime prevention initiatives and public safety operations.
Regional Housing Authority
Forney is growing fast, and the rules governing our housing and city boundaries have a complicated history. This deep dive breaks down how past annexation battles and local housing policies shaped the town you see today.
Annual Board and Commission Reappointments
Forney is refreshing its volunteer boards and commissions with experienced community members to keep local planning, zoning, and advisory groups operating smoothly over the next two years.
Mulberry Park Four-Plex Renovations and Drainage Improvements
The council is scheduled to consider funding allocations for necessary renovations and drainage improvements at Mulberry Park's four-plex facility. These upgrades aim to improve recreational infrastructure and resolve localized drainage issues.
Public Safety Promotional Examinations
The Civil Service Commission reviewed eligibility lists, exam appeals, and study materials for police and fire department candidates to ensure fair and structured hiring and promotions.
FM 1641 Wastewater Utility Relocation and SIB Loan
The city is applying for a low-interest TxDOT State Infrastructure Bank loan to finance the relocation of sewer lines along FM 1641, spreading out the high upfront costs.
Construction Noise and Hours
The city updated its noise ordinance to set stricter hours for commercial and residential construction, stopping work at sunset for commercial sites and 6 p.m. for residential sites, while banning work on Sundays and federal holidays.
Removal of Downtown Mural at 117 E. Main Street
Property repairs will paint over a popular downtown mural, sparking debate between preserving local public art and supporting necessary building maintenance.
Interim Water Service for Smurfit Kappa Facility
Tauti SUD will provide temporary retail water service to the Smurfit Kappa coatings facility under an interlocal agreement while the city works on long-term infrastructure upgrades.
City Council Runoff Election
Forney is heading to the polls this Saturday to pick a new representative for the City Council Place 4 seat. This vote is a big deal because whoever wins gets a direct say in how our tax dollars are spent and how the city grows.
Conditional Use Permit for U-Haul Rentals at 109 Industrial Drive
A local nonprofit operating out of an industrial warehouse requested a permit to run a U-Haul rental service to raise funds for community programs. City staff opposed the request due to a lack of required parking spaces and active code enforcement violations.
Early Redemption of 2013 Sales Tax Revenue Bonds
The EDC is paying off its old 2013 bonds ahead of schedule to cut down on interest costs. This smart financial move frees up revenue for future economic development projects in Forney.
Local Election
Forney’s city council elections are happening this Saturday, so don't miss your chance to pick the people calling the shots. It’s a quick way to make sure your voice is heard on how our town grows.
Comprehensive Exterior Renovation at 411 S. Center Street
The property owner requested major exterior updates, including fence replacements, historic window and door replication, painting, roof dormers, and a guest house veranda. The board approved the extensive plans.
Elections
Early voting for the Forney City Council election wraps up this Tuesday. Make sure you get to the polls before the deadline if you want a say in who runs the city.
Water Leak Notification System
Forney is building a new water tower on the north side to stop those annoying low-pressure issues and handle all the new houses popping up. Swing by City Hall on May 27 to check out the blueprints and grill the engineers on how this impacts your street.
Public Safety Staffing
Forney is growing fast, but the police department is struggling to keep up with the influx of new residents. The city is currently weighing how to scale up public safety resources to ensure response times don't slip as the population explodes.
Community Park Safety
Forney Community Park got shut down by police after a massive fight broke out at an unsanctioned party. Expect the city to start cracking down on park rules or beefing up security to keep things under control.