Escadrille Makes Final Preparations for Tournament of Roses Parade

Posted by rbutler on Saturday, December 31 @ 10:44am

After more than a year and a half of planning and community support, the Allen Eagle Escadrille will travel to Pasadena, California on December 28 to perform in the 2006 Tournament of Roses Parade.

A total of 608 students, 40 staff members and 800 parents will make the 3,000-mile roundtrip. The combined Allen High School band, color guard and drill team will perform at the Rose Parade on January 2 before returning to Allen on January 3.

The parade will be broadcast on ABC, NBC, Univision, HGTV, Travel Channel and Discovery HD beginning at 10 a.m. (CST). The Escadrille will perform twice prior to the parade, at the Rose Parade Bandfest at Pasadena City College on December 30-31 and at the Disneyland Evening Parade on New Year’s Eve.

Fun Facts

• It will take 6 airplane flights to transport the Escadrille, which is believed to be the largest in the United States.
• 26 charter busses will be required to transport the group between locations in California.
• If the students stood in a single-file line fingertip to fingertip, it would stretch over 3,400 feet.
• Six sets of twins are members of the Escadrille, including two sets who coincidentally have the same first names and birthdates.
• The combined weight of the Escadrille is over 40 tons.

Jan 3rd Planning & Zoning Meeting

Posted by rbutler on Saturday, December 31 @ 10:39am

During the January 3rd Planning & Zoning commitee meeting, there will be a discussion of two topics for neighborhoods in the nearby area:

• Final Plat - Consider a Final Plat for Parkside Village, being 28.012± acres located at the southeast corner of Shelley Drive and Malone Road.
• Preliminary Plat – Consider a Preliminary Plat for Morgan Crossing, being 156 Residential lots on 51.597± acres of land located at the southeast corner of Shelley Drive and Malone Road.

"Mike" the scam artist is back!

Posted by rbutler on Wednesday, December 28 @ 2:58pm

For at least two years, a man has been approaching in Allen and Plano residents and posing as a new neighbor in order to scam them out of money. He is so calm and smooth that resident's never suspect and he doesn't even try to hide his car. There is no telling what else he is up to (he could be scoping out your house for burglary or he could be a sexual predator) and there is no telling what someone that fearless is capable of.

If you see him, call 911 immediately and try to get a license plate. If you see any adult male on your street that is not a neighbor, call the Allen PD's non-emergency tip line at (214) 509-4321 and ask them to come check it out. Follow this link for stories from residents discussing their unfortunate encounters with "Mike" the scam artist.

HOA Dues For 2006

Posted by rbutler on Wednesday, December 28 @ 1:02pm

As most everyone should be aware by now, HOA dues for 2006 have been increased to $230 from the previous $180, a difference of $4.17 per month.

None of us like to see our expenses go up, but the Maxwell Creek Homeowners Association, to remain viable and able to serve our community, must have the funds to do so on a current basis and build a contingency fund for ongoing as well as unforseen expenses. Right now, the Association is operating very close to the nub, with very little money in reserve.

For the past several years, to save money, the Board has tried to self-manage the Association, and has done a most creditable job. Board members have served without pay while working full time, (with little or no help from the membership or volunteers) and the responsibilities have become overwhelming. As a result, we are now in the process of hiring a Management Company to assume responsibility for the day-to-day workings of the Association.

All members of the Association were alerted to the necessity of an increase, in writing, in advance of membership meetings, and in the in the 3rd quarter newsletter. Unfortunately, at this time we are not equipped to handle credit card payments. As indicated in the letter that accompanied the statements, accounts are not considered delinquent until February 28.

New Speed Limits Set for Allen Roadways

Posted by rbutler on Wednesday, December 28 @ 12:53pm

Completion of several roadway projects and relevant speed studies led the Allen City Council to pass an ordinance amending maximum speed limits for Bethany Drive, Bray Central Drive, Exchange Parkway, Hedgcoxe Road, and Watters Road within the city limits.

In many cases, existing speed limits were used for extended portions of roadways either nearing completion or recently completed. Other speed limits were based on speed studies and set in accordance with the Texas Administrative Code, Title 43, Part 1, Chapter 25, Subchapter B, Rule 25.20. This rule calls for a maximum speed limit to be set based on an 85% speed calculation. In simplified terms, the average speed of the majority of vehicles in a speed study sets the maximum speed allowed for that roadway.

Residents are encouraged to note and adhere to the new speed limits were applicable.

Halloween Party

Posted by rbutler on Saturday, October 29 @ 2:28pm

The neighborhood Halloween party is today, Saturday October 29th from 4:00 - 6:00pm in the cul-de-sac on Woodstream Lane (closest to Malone). We'll be having candy bag handouts and popcorn for children, and hay and pumpkins for pictures.

Open Forum Meeting Monday Oct. 3rd 7:00pm

Posted by rbutler on Friday, September 30 @ 8:29pm

The next open forum meeting will be held on Monday, October 3rd at the Allen Public Library, starting at 7pm. Please note the new location at 300 N. Allen Drive. As with previous meetings, there is no specific agenda, the plan is to hold an informal question and answer session, and to help everyone meet their neighbors.

HOA Board Vice-President Appointed

Posted by rbutler on Tuesday, September 20 @ 8:33pm

Yesika Fletcher, currently the Volunteer Coordinator for the HOA, has been appointed to the HOA Board and will act in the Vice-President role. Yesika's appointment comes shortly after the previous Vice-President, Bill Butt, resigned last Wednesday.

Social Committee Meeting Minutes

Posted by rbutler on Tuesday, September 20 @ 8:18pm

The meeting minutes from the August 29th Social Committee meeting have now been posted.

HOA Board Vice-President Resigns

Posted by rbutler on Thursday, September 15 @ 8:09pm

Vice-President of the HOA, Bill Butt, resigned at the regularly scheduled HOA Board meeting yesterday. Bill had spoken privately with Robert Butler, President of the Association, in early August about resigning, and Robert had asked him to consider remaining on until his term expired next April. However, due to ongoing health concerns he did so last night.

It is with much regret that I resign my position as Vice-President of the Villates at Maxwell Creek HOA. Health complications necessitate that I withdraw from any evening activities at least for the foreseeable future.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my association with the Villages at Maxwell Creek HOA and am particularly sorry to give up my office. If I can be of any help to my successor, I am available by telephone.

Best wishes to all of you. I will look forward to joining again as soon as possible.

3rd Quarter Newsletter Published

Posted by rbutler on Thursday, September 15 @ 8:07pm

The 3rd quarter HOA newsletter has just been published, and should be distributed to everyone by this weekend. The main topics in this issue are:

• Management Company Decision
• Halloween Kick-off Party
• Yard of the Month
• Fundraising for the Allen Eagle Escadrille

Board Meeting Minutes (September 14th, 2005)

Posted by rbutler on Thursday, September 15 @ 8:01pm

The meeting minutes from the yesterday's HOA board meeting have now been posted.

Board Meeting Minutes (August 17th, 2005)

Posted by rbutler on Tuesday, August 23 @ 8:39pm

The meeting minutes from last Wednesday's HOA Board meeting are now available.

Website Problem

Posted by rbutler on Wednesday, August 10 @ 9:18pm

It looks like there was a small problem with one of the updates yesterday, which caused the web site to be inaccessible. Everything should be resolved, please let us know if you're still seeing a problem.

The error message that users of IE are seeing ("We're sorry, your browser doesn't support XMLHttpRequest functions.") should be resolved later this week.

Sprinkler Problem on Shelley

Posted by rbutler on Monday, August 8 @ 12:41pm

Just to let everyone know, we're aware of the sprinkler problem on Shelley (two zones running for 24hrs+) and contacted our landscape company about the problem on Sunday.

Thanks to everyone who let us know about the problem!

July Yard of the Month - 1736 Oak Brook Ln.

Posted by rbutler on Wednesday, August 3 @ 2:53pm

Congratulations to Michael & Cherlyn White, their home at 1736 Oak Brook Ln. was the winner of Yard of the Month for July!

Candidates for August's Yard of the Month have just been posted, everyone go vote!

Next Open Forum Meeting Saturday August 13th @ 2pm

Posted by rbutler on Wednesday, August 3 @ 10:32am

The next open forum meeting will be held on Saturday, August 13th at the Allen Public Library, starting at 2pm. Please note the new location at 300 N. Allen Drive. As with previous meetings, there is no specific agenda, the plan is to hold an informal question and answer session, and to help everyone meet their neighbors.

HOA Newsletter

Posted by rbutler on Wednesday, August 3 @ 10:29am

The 3rd quarter HOA newsletter will be going out in a few weeks. If there are any topics you would like to see covered, or advertisements you would like to place, please contact us as soon as possible.

Two Rows Classic Grills hosts Escadrille Spirit Night

Posted by rbutler on Tuesday, August 2 @ 2:12pm

Every Thursday night from 5:00 pm – closing Two Rows Classic Grill of Allen will host Escadrille Spirit Night to raise funds for the Escadrille's march in the 117th Tournament of Roses Parade held in Pasadena, California.

Two Rows Classic Grill was one of the first restaurants to offer a Spirit Night in which each and every patron mentioning their support of the Escadrille or March to the Roses, will be donating 10% of that ticket total to the Allen Eagle Escadrille via Two Rows.

Fundraising efforts have been underway since November, 2004 in order to move this enormous band from Allen, Texas to Pasadena, California. The band members will tip the population scale at 630 for the 2005/2006 school year. Not only will the Escadille bring its gigantic band, directors and chaperones, but over 800 family and friends will also attend the Tournament of Roses Parade in person on January 2, 2006.

For additional information go to www.allenband.com.

Neighborhood Along Shelley and Malone

Posted by rbutler on Monday, July 18 @ 12:48pm

At Tuesday night's City Planning and Zoning meeting, there will be a discussion and vote for the Preliminary Plat for Parkside Village Addition, being 28.012± acres located at the southeast corner of Malone Road and Shelley Drive. This proposal represents property previously owned by the Allen Independent School District that was zoned for CF Community Facilities. In January 2005 it was determined that a school is not required at this location and the tract was rezoned for residential uses.

City of Allen Water Emergency Ended

Posted by rbutler on Friday, July 15 @ 10:34am

The North Texas Municipal Water District has lifted all water use restrictions and terminated their water emergency alert. The City of Allen has also lifted all water use restrictions and terminated its water emergency alert.

• Please note that the City's water conservation plan, a separate plan from the drought and emergency water plan, is still in effect. That plan continues to restrict landscape irrigation uses from 10AM to 6 PM daily from June 1st through September 30 annually. The complete City water conservation ordinance is available at the following URLs:
  1. http://www.cityofallen.org/commservices/23320904 Water Conservation Plan.pdf
  2. http://www.cityofallen.org/commservices/aFinal Model Water Conservation Plan.pdf
• The City of Allen will complete its work to turn residential irrigation systems back on by noon today, Friday, July 15th. Residents are encouraged to check to assure their landscape irrigation (lawn sprinkler) systems have water supply as soon as possible after noon on Friday. Please report any water supply problems to the utility billing office at 214-509-4510/4509/4562/4563/4564/4566/4568/4570. The City's water and sewer division is staffed on Saturdays. Customers who do not discover that they do not have water supply to their irrigation systems after 5 PM and over the weekend may call the Stacy Road Pump Station at 214-509-4530 for assistance.
• The City staff appreciates the residents' understanding and support during this emergency situation.

City of Allen Water Emergency Update

Posted by rbutler on Thursday, July 14 @ 10:33am

North Texas Municipal Water District completed repairs on the broken water line at the Wylie plant last night. They are in the process of restoring full system capacity and water reserve storage today.

Allen's ground and elevated storage reached maximum storage capacity of 25.5 million gallons during the night.

This morning North Texas Municipal Water District and the Allen City Manager have lowered the City's Drought Contingency level from Stage 4 (Emergency) to Stage 2 (Moderate).

At stage 2:

• City governments are asked to halt nonessential use and use for governmental landscape irrigation.
• The public is encouraged to wait until the emergency situation has passed to establish new landscaping.
• The public is encouraged to make voluntary water use reductions.

During the day today, staff will circulate the City to turn residential and commercial irrigation systems back on. Allen residents with an irrigation system that does not flow water by 9 a.m. Friday morning, can contact the City's utility billing office at 214-509- with any of the following extensions: 4562/4563/4564/4566/4568/4570. City staff will check reported systems during the day on Friday, July 15.

The City of Allen expects the drought contingency stage to continue to improve later today or tomorrow if the water line repairs at the NTMWD plant in Wylie continue to hold.

HOA Board Meeting Minutes

Posted by rbutler on Wednesday, July 13 @ 9:05pm

The meeting minutes from the July 12th HOA Board meeting are now available.

City of Allen Water Alert!

Posted by rbutler on Wednesday, July 13 @ 9:12am

Allen residents and businesses must curtail all non-essential use of water until further notice due to a broken water pipe at the Wylie production plant of the North Texas Municipal Water District. NTMWD stopped delivering water to the City of Allen (and several other cities) early this morning. NTMWD is requesting all water customers in affected areas to not irrigate, use minimum water, not wash cars, etc. Allen has about one-half of its ground storage capacity at the present time.

NTMWD states that it will be at least noon before they can deliver water at low flow to Allen and it will take at least 24 hours to affect complete repairs. This estimate may change as time goes by. Check the City of Allen web site (http://www.cityofallen.org/) for updates.

Update @11:21AM: There is currently NO water delivery taking place to Allen. We now have only 10 hours supply in our ground and elevated storage tanks at normal usage levels. If we successfully limit our water use to essential uses only, we can make this water last 36- 48 hours.

The water the City of Allen still has to deliver to residences and businesses is still safe and drinkable- the present situation is not a water quality issue.

The North Texas Municipal Water District has issued a News Release on the current Water Emergency situation:

• Allen, Frisco, McKinney, Plano, Melissa, Lucas, Parker, Prosper, The Colony, Princeton, and several smaller towns and water supply systems are all affected.
• The problem is a broken pipeline that NTMWD is going to repair as soon as possible. Actions by the water district are underway to restore JUST partial service to affected communities; about 30-40% restoration of delivery is all that is anticipated. This partial restoration is hoped for in the next 12 to 24 hours. When repairs are affected, it will take several days to restore full system capacity. The water district cannot estimate how long it will take to affect full repairs at the present time.
• The NTMWD and the City Manager of The City of Allen have declared a Stage 4 Emergency Condition. The following water use restrictions are now in affect:
  1. All non essential usage of water is prohibited. Essential means required for health, safety, and welfare of our citizens.
  2. Vehicle washing is prohibited, including commercial car washing.
  3. All commercial and residential landscape watering is prohibited.
  4. No filling of new swimming pools; existing pools may maintain their water levels.
  5. All commercial water users must reduce uses by 60-70%.
  6. The City is also shutting down all commercial construction including home building with below ground activities, directional boring, and water/sewer line installation to help avoid water line breaks.

Update @1:13PM:

• The Community Services Staff and Parks and Recreation Staff field staffs have met to implement a decision to cut off all landscape irrigation systems in the City at the Check Valves as soon as possible. This will be done City-wide for all 21,000 residential and commercial customers. We have made this decision because the current best-case scenario is for 30-40% water supply restoration by NTWMD by this evening some time. At even 40% supply, we cannot afford to allow any landscape irrigation.
• NTMWD reports that they are soon to establish the alternate delivery system to provide 30-40% of normal supply but it will take several hours to fill the pipes with water and for the cities to see any delivery.
• At 1 PM, we had about 11.5 million gallons of water in ground and elevated storage; this is down from 13 million gallons we had at 9 AM. We have reduced consumption to 0.5 million gallons per hour. Curtailing irrigation uses is critical to maximizing our time with the water we have on board now.
• If repairs to the broken 78" line in Wylie are completed as expected in 24-36 hours, it will still be a total of 3-4 days with reduced water supply to the many affected cities.
• We have not shut down any businesses in Allen except car washes. We have shut down all residential home and commercial construction with underground activities to minimize our chance for a water main break. McKinney has shut down all restaurants and some other businesses as they evidently did not have as much water in storage when the event hit as we did in Allen.
• The water that is in our system is safe. This is not a "water quality" issue, it is a water supply issue.
• A decision will be made later today about activating the City EOC to manage calls and our response. The Collin County EOC was activated at about noon. The City's Emergency Manager, Craig Gillis, is in constant contact with Collin County.
• Teresa Warren us inviting media coverage through print and television media to aid in getting the word out on conservation. Staff has already met with Channel 11 and spoken with 8; and the Dallas Morning News and the Allen American. Both papers will have articles tomorrow.

Update @ 8:15PM

• North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) has begun to deliver the 30-40% of the City's usual water demand. The limited supply will be directed first to the cities that have the lowest current water supply.
• The low supply allows for continued residential usage for purposes other than landscape irrigation and car washing.
• Allen plans to continue the Stage 4 (Highest Stage) Water Emergency Condition until NTMWD repairs the broken water main in Wylie and restores full system capacity. Repair is expected to be completed by tomorrow, Thursday, July 14.

Updated: Wednesday, July 13 @ 8:15pm

Volunteer Trash Pickup

Posted by rbutler on Thursday, July 7 @ 1:11pm

Beginning this coming Sunday, July 10th, the HOA will be organizing volunteers to help with roadside trash pick up in and around our neighborhood. We will be looking for volunteers on the 2nd Sunday of each month. If you would like to participate, please contact Yesika Fletcher.

June Yard of the Month - 1716 Mapleleaf Falls Dr.

Posted by rbutler on Friday, July 1 @ 9:15pm

Congratulations to John and Nikki Butcher, their home at 1716 Mapleleaf Falls Dr. was the winner of Yard of the Month for June!

Candidates for July's Yard of the Month have just been posted, everyone go vote!

No Fireworks Permitted Within Allen City Limits

Posted by rbutler on Thursday, June 30 @ 4:17pm

With the 4th of July fast approaching, the City of Allen released a reminder about fireworks being prohibited within the city limits. City Ordinance No. 256-2-79 prohibits fireworks including sparklers. A fine of up to $2,000 can be imposed for those in violation of the ordinance.

Collin County also released a notice about the restriction of certain types of aerial fireworks within county limits due to a burn ban that began June 24. The burn ban is effective for a period of 90 days or such time conditions change and the ban is either lifted or extended.

Allen Eagle Escadrille Sonic Drive-in Takeover

Posted by rbutler on Wednesday, June 29 @ 8:40pm

The Allen Eagle Escadrille, the largest marching band in the world, is set to overtake Collin County Sonic Drive-in Restaurants on July 23, 2005 as it raises funds for its upcoming trip to the 2006 Tournament of Roses Parade.

To support the Escadrille takeover, simply go to any Allen, McKinney or Plano Sonic Drive-in restaurants July 23rd. All tips made to your Escadrille server go directly to the Allen Eagle Escadrille Tournament of Roses fundraising goal.

For more information please contact Pam Toups at (972) 727-3078 or go to www.allenband.com.

Allen Eagle Escadrille Featured on CNN Headline News

Posted by rbutler on Wednesday, June 29 @ 8:37pm

The Allen Eagle Escadrille of Allen, TX will be featured on Comcast local edition of CNN Headline News beginning June 27, 2005 through July 17, 2005.

The Allen Eagle Escadrille has been invited to march in the 2006 Tournament of Roses Parade and that's big news to Comcast since the Escadrille is thought to be the largest high school marching band in the world. The Escadrille, directed by Chuck Pennington, High School Band Director and Anthony Gibson, Allen Independent School District Director of Bands, just finished taping the CNN Special Feature at Comcast studios in Irving, TX.

Gibson said, Moving the Escadrille community from Allen, Texas to Pasadena, California won't be a small feat because we're Texas size! Over 600 students, plus chaperones and directors will be making the trek and that doesn't even include all the families and friends who will attend The Tournament of Roses Parade in support of the Escadrille. The Allen Eagle Escadrille is thought to be the world's largest High School Marching Band and is in the process of certification in the Guinness Book of World Records. The award winning Escadrille is well known for its bold sound, precise drills as well as its fun-loving spirit and it is certainly hard to miss when its eighteen busses arrive at an event.

The Comcast local edition of CNN Headline News Special Feature will begin airing June 27, 2005 through July 4, 2005, four times per day at 55 minutes past the hour. It will also be available on Comcast Video On Demand beginning June 27 through July 17.

For more information concerning the Allen Eagle Escadrille go to www.allenband.com.

Open Forum Meeting

Posted by rbutler on Monday, June 27 @ 11:21am

Due to the delay in publishing the 2nd quarter newsletter, many people were not aware of the date of the last Open Forum meeting on Tuesday, June 14th.

Because of this delay, we will be holding a second special Open Forum meeting on Tuesday June 28th at the Allen Public Library, starting at 7pm. As with previous meetings, there is no specific agenda, the plan is to hold an informal question and answer session, and to help everyone meet their neighbors.

Please note the new location at 300 N. Allen Drive.

Yard of the Month Voting

Posted by rbutler on Thursday, June 23 @ 9:37pm

Everyone should now see the Yard of the Month voting box on the left side of your screen, there was a small error that took longer than expected to resolve.

Board Meeting Minutes (June 20th, 2005)

Posted by rbutler on Tuesday, June 21 @ 12:38pm

The meeting minutes from Monday's HOA Board meeting are now available.

Allen Sets Public Meeting for SH 121

Posted by rbutler on Friday, June 17 @ 8:36pm

The City of Allen will host a public meeting in regards to the future development of SH 121 on Thursday, June 23, beginning at 7 p.m. at Allen City Hall, 305 Century Parkway. Tolling and non-tolling options for funding the expansion of S.H. 121 will be presented.

Allen USA Celebration

Posted by rbutler on Thursday, June 16 @ 7:14pm

You're invited to join a large group of neighbors during the Allen USA Celebration on June 25th.

We're planning on gathering together mid-field in front of the main stage early in the afternoon, and staying through the fireworks. See familiar faces and meet new people from your neighborhood!

More information about the Allen USA Celebration is available online at http://www.allenparks.org/AllenUSA05.htm

Open Forum June 28th

Posted by rbutler on Thursday, June 16 @ 7:12pm

Due to the delay in publishing the 2nd quarter newsletter, many people were not aware of the date of the last Open Forum meeting on Tuesday, June 14th.

Because of this delay, we will be holding a second special Open Forum meeting on Tuesday June 28th at the Allen Public Library, starting at 7pm. As with previous meetings, there is no specific agenda, the plan is to hold an informal question and answer session, and to help everyone meet their neighbors.

Please note the new location at 300 N. Allen Drive.

Board Meeting Minutes (June 8th, 2005)

Posted by rbutler on Monday, June 13 @ 2:38pm

Meeting minutes from last Wednesday's HOA board meeting are now available.

Open Forum Meeting

Posted by rbutler on Monday, June 13 @ 1:15pm

The next open forum meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 14th at the Allen Public Library, starting at 7pm. Please note the new location at 300 N. Allen Drive. As with previous meetings, there is no specific agenda, the plan is to hold an informal question and answer session, and to help everyone meet their neighbors.

2nd Quarter Newsletter Published

Posted by rbutler on Monday, June 13 @ 11:49am

The 2nd Quarter Newsletter has just been finished, and should be distributed to everyone later this week. The big topics in this issue are:

• Annual Meeting and Elections
• Web Site Updates
• Allen Goes Extreme
• Yard of the Month

Bethany Road Expansion

Posted by rbutler on Monday, June 13 @ 9:38am

The City will award the contract to widen Bethany Drive to four lanes divided (two lanes each direction divided by a median) from Malone Road to FM 2551 on June 14, 2005. This means that Bethany Drive should be under construction starting mid-July. The Bethany Road project will also widen the Malone Road intersection. Due to funding limitations, the project does not include lighting or improved medians at this time; however, the roadway will be constructed with sleeves and conduits under the paving, such that those improvements (lighting, irrigation) can be added at a later date. The total budget for this project is estimated at $1,872,217.

There will be a new lane for northbound right turn and northbound through traffic. There will also be a dedicated left turn lane on Malone Road to serve northbound traffic that is turning left on Bethany Drive. The northbound right turn and through traffic lane is identified for the initial phases of construction so you may expect to see the City's contractor start work in this area shortly after July 15th. The Malone Road and Bethany Drive intersection will also have a traffic signal added as part of this construction.

Staff does not plan to allow for a complete Bethany Drive or Malone Road closure as part of this construction project. However, residents should anticipate the temporary traffic interruptions that are a normal part of such construction. The Bethany Drive widening project is expected to be about a six month construction period, subject to weather delays and is about a $1.2 million construction project.

Development Plan for SE Corner Malone & Shelley

Posted by rbutler on Monday, June 6 @ 11:04am

At tomorrow night's City Planning and Zoning meeting, the committee will be considering a General Development Plan for Parkside Village Addition, being 28.012± acres located at the southeast corner of Malone Road and Shelley Drive. A drawing of the proposed development is also available.

This proposal represents property previously owned by the Allen Independent School District that was zoned for CF Community Facilities. In January 2005 it was determined that a school is not required at this location and the tract was rezoned for residential uses. This proposal includes 113 residential lots and 4 open space lots at a density of 4.03 units per acre.

Bethany Road Expansion

Posted by rbutler on Wednesday, May 25 @ 9:07am

The City opened bids on May 24th for our City project to widen Bethany Drive to four lanes divided (two lanes each direction divided by a median) from Malone Road to FM 2551. We anticipate that City Council will award this construction project to a contractor at the June 14th City Council meeting. This means that Bethany Drive should be under construction starting mid-July.

Residents will notice that no curb is being placed by SJ Louis Construction on the east side of Malone Road near Bethany Drive. This is because the Bethany Road project will widen the road to provide for a new traffic lane at that location. The new lane will be for northbound right turn and northbound through traffic. There will also be a dedicated left turn lane on Malone Road to serve northbound traffic that is turning left on Bethany Drive. The northbound right turn and through traffic lane is identified for the initial phases of construction so you may expect to see the City's contractor start work in this area shortly after July 15th. The Malone Road and Bethany Drive intersection will also have a traffic signal added as part of this construction.

City staff does not plan to allow for a complete Bethany Drive or Malone Road closure as part of this construction project. However, residents should anticipate the temporary traffic interruptions that are a normal part of such construction. The Bethany Drive widening project is expected to be about a six month construction period, subject to weather delays. The Bethany Road widening project is about a $1.2 million construction project.

Sewer Line Construction

Posted by rbutler on Wednesday, May 25 @ 9:05am

Last Friday, the City met with the NTMWD and their sewer line contractor, SJ Louis Construction, to discuss the NTMWD sewer line project that is progressing along Malone Road south of Bethany Drive. The new 60-inch sewer line in this area is now in the ground and ends inside the fenced NTMWD Junction Structure enclosure. Because the contract stipulated a maximum closure of two (2) months, the contractor indicated that the roadway replacement work will continue until June 18, 2005. This is a few weeks longer than we had previously indicated that the project would run.

The City is pleased that construction did not impact Bethany Ridge Estates homeowners' property as severely as originally thought. However, many residential and homeowners' association (HOA) landscape sprinkler systems were damaged and are to be repaired by the contractor. If your or your HOA's irrigation system was damaged, please test your sprinkler system as soon as it is repaired or the road is reopened, whichever is first. We understand that SJ Louis will make every attempt to repair known irrigation breaks and landscape damage, but overlooked problems attributed to the construction project may well happen. Anyone with a problem may call Chris Flanigan from the City's Engineering Staff to report the problems. Chris is available at 214-509-4578. He will interface with the NTMWD and the construction firm to have any problems corrected. You do not have to directly confront the construction contractor if you have an issue.

Parental Advisory

Posted by rbutler on Thursday, May 19 @ 10:24pm

The City of Allen has issued a parental advisory regarding a web address that is similar to the web address maintained by the Allen Public library. The Allen Public Library's official and only web address is www.allenlibrary.org.

The alternate web address is the same, but with a .com suffix. The .com site contains material and content that is inappropriate for minors.

Though the City has pursued efforts to negotiate the purchase of the alternate domain name to eliminate this conflict, the domain is registered to a foreign company and these efforts have been unsuccessful to date.

Honda Dealer In Allen?

Posted by rbutler on Tuesday, May 17 @ 12:24pm

One of the topics being discussed at tonight's City Planning and Zoning commitee meeting is the consideration of a General Development Plan for Honda of Allen, being 5.38± acres located west of US 75 between Venture Drive and McDermott Drive.

City of Allen Initiates Blue Star Program

Posted by rbutler on Tuesday, May 17 @ 11:36am

The City of Allen initiated a new tradition with the presentation of Blue Star Flags to local families with deployed service members.

To be eligible to receive a Blue Star Flag, the serviceman or servicewoman must be currently deployed and their parent(s) and/or spouse must currently reside in Allen. An application to receive a Blue Star Flag must be completed through the City Secretary's Office on the third floor of Allen City Hall, 305 Century Parkway. An online application form will be available soon.

Blue Star Flags will be awarded to families at the first City Council meeting of each month (second Thursday). Meetings begin at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers located at Allen City Hall, 305 Century Parkway, Allen, Texas. Information about the program is available by calling 214-509-4105.

Board Meeting Minutes

Posted by rbutler on Wednesday, May 11 @ 4:15pm

Meeting minutes from the last two HOA Board meetings on May 4th and May 10th are now available online.

Escadrille March for the Roses Golf Tournament

Posted by rbutler on Monday, May 9 @ 10:42am

Excitement is building as the June 4th date for the inaugural Allen Escadrille March for the Roses Golf Tournament draws near.

This community wide Golf Tournament will be held at the Woodbridge Golf Club in Wylie, Texas. Its four person format beginning with shotgun start at 1:30 promises to be a fun afternoon for the proficient as well as novice golfer. All golfers will be treated to an afternoon which includes a full 18 holes, half cart, unlimited range balls, unlimited use of practice facilities, Hole-In-One contest on all par 3's, personalized cart labels and rule sheets, custom score cards and professional scoring and posting of results. As if that's not enough, the day also includes a hamburger buffet and beverages. Early bird special will run until March 31 at a cost of $90.00. After March 31st regular registration will still be a great value at $100.00. A maximum of five Mulligan's (do-overs) may be purchased for $5.00 each.

All proceeds will go to help the Allen Eagle Escadrille march its way to California to perform in the 2006 Tournament of Roses Parade.

A limited number of Multi-level corporate as well as personal sponsorships are still being accepted. To show your support for the Allen Escadrille March for the Roses, or to register for the Golf Tournament please go to: www.allenescadrille.com or call Pam Toups at (972) 727-3078.

Pictures from the Spring 2005 Blockparty

Posted by rbutler on Tuesday, May 3 @ 1:28pm

Pictures from the neighborhood Block Party last Saturday have now been posted online. We want to thank all of our volunteers for their assistance, including Kevin and Michelle Welch, Andrea Westmoreland and Matt Golub, Zubir and Jeremy, Yesika and Adrian Fletcher, Bill Butt, and Stephanie and Robert Butler.

Lighting at Neighborhood Entrances

Posted by rbutler on Thursday, April 28 @ 2:14pm

As most people have seen by now, the HOA has recently finished having lighting installed at the neighborhood entrance signs. Now that this work has been completed, we are requesting bids for enhanced landscaping around the signs and the north median along Maxwell Creek Dr. This work will involve (at a minimum) removing and/or rearranging several large bushes obscuring the sign and the installation of new seasonal flowers. Additionally, the bed around the south entrance sign on Shelley will need to be raised several inches.

A Few Bugs...

Posted by rbutler on Wednesday, April 27 @ 8:42pm

There have been a few bugs found and squashed with the new message boards, hopefully they're now working as expected for everyone. If you still see problems, please let us know!

Message Boards Active!

Posted by rbutler on Monday, April 25 @ 10:02pm

After way too much testing and rewriting and retesting (the message boards were originally working almost a year ago), we've gone ahead and opened up the server to allow people to create user accounts and post messages. There are bound to be some problems and errors with something, but we're just not sure what at this point. If you run into any problems, please send a message to webmaster@maxwellcreek.org and let us know.

Once we shake out all of the bugs, we'll gradually start enabling new features.

Board Meeting Minutes (April 20th, 2005)

Posted by rbutler on Friday, April 22 @ 11:37am

Meeting minutes from the HOA Board meeting this past Wednesday are now available online.

Spring Block Party

Posted by rbutler on Thursday, April 21 @ 4:00pm

The HOA will be holding the 4th Annual Family Block Party on Saturday, April 30th in the Woodstream cul-de-sac from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

The HOA will be providing BBQ Brisket, Beans, Rolls, and Cotton Candy, as well as water and soft drinks. We encourage everyone to bring a side dish or dessert to share with their neighbors.

You may want to bring lawn chairs or blanket if desired.

Neighborhood Garage Sale

Posted by rbutler on Thursday, April 21 @ 3:57pm

The HOA will be holding the Neighborhood Garage Sale this Saturday, April 23rd, from 7:30am until 12:00pm. Individual homeowners may, of course, start as soon and end whenever you wish.

The Homeowners' Association has placed advertising in the Dallas Morning News, Allen American, Plano Star Courior, and McKinney Messenger newspapers. Additionally, we will be putting out signs at the neighborhood entrance and medians on Bethany.

Due to the construction on Malone shutting down that avenue into the neighborhood, which may affect overall traffic during the garage sale, the HOA is also planning on holding an additional neighborhood garage sale in the fall (October timeframe).

Annual Meeting Restults

Posted by rbutler on Thursday, April 21 @ 3:52pm

At the backup Annual Meeting on April 15th, unfortunately only five homeowners attended the meeting in person; however we were able to reach a quorum thanks to the additional proxies that were received. The three candidates for the HOA Board, Robert Butler, Bill Butt, and Howard Fisher, were all elected to serve for the next year.

Annual Meeting

Posted by rbutler on Wednesday, April 6 @ 12:48pm

There will be another calling of the HOA Annual Meeting Saturday, April 16th, because we were unable to reach a quorum at last night's (April 5th) meeting. Out of the 250 homeowners eligible to vote, we needed 100 representatives in order to reach a quorum. We only had 10 homeowners present at the meeting, and another 48 proxies.

A new meeting announcement and proxy form will be mailed to all homeowners later this week.

Yard of the Month Program

Posted by rbutler on Monday, March 28 @ 3:28pm

The HOA is going to kick off the Yard of the Month (YOTM) program beginning this May, and the winner each month will be announced at the next Open Forum meeting, on the HOA website, and in the next HOA newsletter. Additionally, the winner each month will receive a $25 Home Depot gift card.

As part of this program, we will be inspecting all properties in the neighborhood. So, everyone has a month to clean up and fix up. We will post the progress of the inspections, as well as give everyone an opportunity to vote for the winner on the home page of our website.

We can complete the process faster with your help, give us a call at (972) 739-5221 to volunteer your time, which should be no more than an hour each month.

All candidates for YOTM should have:

• Well manicured, weed-free yards,
• Trimmed bushes and shrubs,
• Aesthetically appealing flowers or other elements.

For more information on the exact details, please check out the Community Beautification Standards.

New HOA Newsletter Ready

Posted by rbutler on Friday, March 25 @ 5:27pm

We're cutting it close, but the first quarter HOA newsletter is ready, and should be dropped off at your home sometime in the next few days, along with several other items we've printed, but haven't distributed yet, including copies of :

• Results from last falls's homeowner survey,
• The Frequently Asked Questions list,
• A notice about speeding in the neighborhood,
• And a notice about recent crimes in the area.

Board Meeting Minutes

Posted by rbutler on Tuesday, March 22 @ 12:40pm

The meeting minutes from Monday night's HOA board meeting are now available online.

Annual Meeting Notification

Posted by rbutler on Tuesday, March 22 @ 9:56am

The Annual Meeting of all Members of the HOA is fast approaching on Tuesday, April 5th. You should receive your meeting notice in the mail by the end of the week. The primary goal of the meeting is to elect new board members for the upcoming fiscal year (the HOA fiscal year runs from April 1st - March 31st).

Even if you do not expect to attend the meeting, please sign, date, and mail the enclosed proxy promptly. A quorum must be present at the meeting, either in person or by proxy, in order to conduct any Association business. It is imperitive that we establish a quorum, to avoid further meeting notices and additional Association expenses.

Web Site Reorganization

Posted by rbutler on Tuesday, March 22 @ 9:50am

We're in the process of reorganizing a few sections of the web site to make it easier to find information; basically, we're trying to become more task-oriented, rather than information-oriented.

There may be a few problems here and there that we've missed, but hopefully everything is working. Depending on how much time is available, everything should settle down in the next few weeks.

March 14th Social Committee Meeting Minutes

Posted by rbutler on Tuesday, March 22 @ 9:46am

The meeting minutes from the March 14th Social Committee meeting are now available online. The main topic being discussed was preparation for the Spring Block Party — however, if we do not receive more volunteers, the event will be canceled this year. Please contact social@maxwellcreek.org if you wish to volunteer.

Board Meeting Minutes

Posted by rbutler on Monday, March 21 @ 2:22pm

The meeting minutes from the February 26th HOA Board Meeting are now available online. There is another meeting tonight (March 21st), it should not take as long this time for those minutes to be available.

Easter EGGStravaganza Finds New Home

Posted by rbutler on Tuesday, March 15 @ 2:04pm

Spring is in full bloom, and what better way to celebrate the new season than with the City's annual Easter EGGStravaganza. Held on Saturday, March 26 at 10 a.m., the hunt has moved to Celebration Park and will feature more than 25,000 plastic eggs filled with candy and toys.

This year's event also includes a giant hunt area for children ages three and up with an additional hunt area designated for children ages two and under. Special "Prize Eggs" will be scattered throughout the park and can be redeemed for exciting gifts. Parents are encouraged to bring a camera to capture a picture of their children with the Easter Bunny. For more information about Easter EGGStravaganza, call the Special Events Hotline at 214-509-4811.

Sewer Line Construction / Bethany Expansion Update

Posted by rbutler on Wednesday, February 9 @ 10:58am

Originally slated to begin on February 1st, the sewer line construction project has been delayed again slightly. We received this update from the City on February 9th:

The North Texas Municipal Water District had a preconstruction meeting with their contractor (SJ Louis) last Friday (Feb 4) that will be performing the work. Their estimated schedule is to start as soon as possible and be complete with the installation along Bethany by March 31.

The installation of the pipeline along Malone Road, which will require the closure of Malone, is yet to be determined. The City of Allen is urging NTMWD and SJ Louis to consider doing this work immediately following the installation along Bethany.

If they are able to meet our request, it will permit us to immediately follow their work with paving improvements to both Bethany and Malone, which the City of Allen already has designed and is ready to implement.

Elementary School Platting

Posted by rbutler on Tuesday, January 18 @ 1:04pm

At tonight's (Tuesday) Planning and Zoning meeting, the commision will consider a combination Preliminary/Final Plat for Carlena Chandler Elementary School, being 12.984± acres of land located at the southwest corner of Water Oak Dr. and Bur Oak Dr.

HOA Board Meeting Minutes Posted

Posted by rbutler on Thursday, January 13 @ 12:25pm

The meeting minutes from yesterday's Board meeting have now been posted.

Zoning Change Hearing

Posted by rbutler on Wednesday, January 12 @ 1:23pm

The Allen City Council will hold a public hearing on January 25, 2005, at 7:00 p.m. in the Allen City Hall Council Chambers to consider a recommendation for approval from the Planning & Zoning Commission on the zoning case as described below:

28.012± acres of land situated in theD. B. Hearne Survey, Abstract No. 427, City of Allen, Collin County, Texas; located at the southeast corner of Malone Road and Shelley Drive. CURRENT ZONING: Planned Development No. 65, Tract 2, for CF Community Facilities. REQUESTED ZONING: The request is to change the zoning on Tract 2 from CF Community Facilities to R6 Residential

This is the tract of land originaly purchased by the Allen ISD for construction of a new middle school. After purchasing, the AISD decided that the additional school was not needed, and began the process of selling the property. More information is available on the City's web site.

Sewer Line Construction / Bethany Expansion Update

Posted by rbutler on Wednesday, January 12 @ 1:04pm

The City has recently updated the timeline information for the installation of the sewer line along Bethany and Malone, as well as the expansion of Bethany in front of the neighborhood:

Malone Road will be closed for approximately two months, while the pipeline is installed along Malone Road, south of Bethany. Anticipated start of construction is February 1, 2005 and is expected to start along Bethany Drive first. The segment of the project between FM2551 and the junction structure along Malone is expected to be complete by March 31, 2005. Once NTMWD finishes the installation of the pipeline along Bethany Drive, the City of Allen plans to begin the widening of Bethany from Malone to FM 2551. The widening of the roadway will be phased such that one-lane each direction will be provided throughout all phases of construction - so that East Bethany will not have to be entirely closed.

The project should be completed by Spring, 2006.

Post Office Expansion Proposal

Posted by rbutler on Wednesday, January 12 @ 12:54pm

During last nights City Council meeting, there was a presentation by representatives of the United States Postal Service announcing plans for expanding operations of in Allen. The plan calls for either expanding the existing facility on Boyd, or building a new facility elsewhere.

The actual presentation can be viewed during replays of the council meeting on COATV-15, or online through the video on demand trial.

Volunteer Coordinator Needed!

Posted by rbutler on Tuesday, January 4 @ 4:12pm

As a result of the survey sent out with the annual dues invoice, we've received a number of responses from people willing to volunteer their time. Unfortunately, we haven't had a chance to contact everyone yet, and we could really use a volunteer coordinator!

If you think you can help us with this job, please contact us!

H₂Ome Improvement Rebate Program

Posted by rbutler on Monday, January 3 @ 12:57pm

As part of the water conservation rules passed last year, the City of Allen has announced a new rebate program is designed to offset the initial investment residents may have with water conservation efforts. Rebates are available for the purchase of qualifying rain and freeze sensors, rain barrels, low-flow toilets and washing machines, and pressure reducing valves. More information is available on the City's Community Services page.