Podcast #5: Former Mayor Archie Hall
July 26, 2006
In this edition we begin a series of interviews with some of Cedar Hill’s former Mayors. One of our Mayors who has been a familiar figure in Cedar Hill for many years is Archie Hall. Mayor Hall was Cedar Hill’s 8th Mayor, serving from 1983 to 1985. He has an interesting view of Cedar Hill’s past and an optimistic view of Cedar Hill’s future.
A True Servant Retiring
July 15, 2006
Assistant Fire Chief Bobby Grashel is retiring after 33 years of service.
Bobby started his career in the early 70s when Cedar Hill had a volunteer Fire Departement. He spent some time with the DeSoto Fire Department, and came back to Cedar Hill becoming the first Instructor and Captain. Bobby became the first Assistant Fire Chief in the mid-90s, where he has served to this day.
Bobby’s career and life exemplify the servant spirit. His love for people and his dedication to public service have left a permanent mark on Cedar Hill and the men and women who serve in the CHFD.
Thank you Chief 212 for who you are, and what you have given to this City!
The City Council Likes Trees Too!
July 12, 2006
I’ve had a couple of citizens contact me to express concern about the loss of trees on the land where the lifestyle center is being built (FM 1382 & Uptown Blvd.). Given the importance of the issue, I thought I would provide all of you with a little information that might affect your impression of what’s going on.
I agree it is rather shocking to see the land with the trees removed. I too am used to seeing the Juniper and Cedar trees there.
I know first hand, however, that the City Council is committed to the preservation of Cedar Hill and its natural resources. I believe we have done more than most cities to preserve its natural beauty.
First, we have directed most of the retail development to major thoroughfares, like Hwy 67, Beltline, and FM 1382. In doing so, we are trying to balance the city’s need for retail growth, which results in sales tax revenue, with the desire to preserve our natural beauty.
This sales tax revenue is vital as the city is trying to increase police officers and firefighters. The importance of increasing police and fire protection cannot be understated. We are already behind the state average and are trying to increase our numbers in a responsible manner.
Second, we have created a number of nature preserves in the city, and are in the process of implementing a comprehensive hiking/biking trail system. Consider the preserves available in Cedar Hill:
- Calabria Nature Preserve — 750 W. FM 1382, approximately 76.5 acres. This property is an undeveloped special use nature preserve.
- Cedar Mountain Nature Preserve — 1300 W. FM 1382, approximately 110 acres. This joint (Dallas County Open Space Program/City of Cedar Hill) special use park offers 1,320 ft. (approximately .3 mile) paved trail, and 3,960 ft. (approximately .7 mile) unpaved nature trail, 1 bench, and 12 paved parking spaces (1 handicapped).
- Lester Lorch Nature Preserve — 1823 Texas Plume Road, approximately 86 acres. This special use nature preserve (Dallas County Open Space Program/City of Cedar Hill) offers a challenging 36 hole disc golf course suitable for tournament and casual play, 2 picnic tables, 1 pond, open play area, and paved parking.
That is in addition to our approximately 20 neighborhood or special use parks.
I would also like to point out that Cedar Hill and the Audubon Society are collaborating to purchase about 300 acres that will make up Dogwood Canyon. I haven’t looked at any statistics, but I would bet that Cedar Hill has the largest percentage of its incorporated city limits dedicated to nature preserves and parks than any city in north central Texas.
Third, we have held the developer to strict development standards. The developer, MG Herring Group, is incorporating many design elements into the lifestyle center to compliment Cedar Hill’s topography, stones, and foliage/fauna. They also will be planting some trees as part of fairly strict landscaping requirements.
As an aside, we are in the process of creating a comprehensive tree ordinance that will further protect our indigenous trees. Our Mayor Pro Tem Cory Spillman personally is heading up that effort.
In sum, I too am used to seeing the trees there. But I want you to know that the City Council has been very deliberate about this process and trying to balance the interests of the city as a whole.
Welcome!
My name is Wade Emmert and I am a Council Member for the City of Cedar Hill. This web site is a way for me to share with you some of my thoughts about issues important to the City.
It is my sincerest goal to be a good steward of the citizens’ trust. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to serve you.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me at Wade.Emmert@cedarhilltx.com or (214) 740-3164.