By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews
The Allen City Council approved more than $7 million in infrastructure projects at its April 14 regular meeting, funding sidewalk, utility, and street upgrades in older neighborhoods, while a resident used the public comment period to raise concerns about pickleball noise near his home.
$7 Million in Infrastructure Focused on Aging Neighborhoods
The council approved two projects totaling more than $7.3 million in the Green Gate and Oak Hill neighborhoods.
The first project allocates approximately $2.16 million for sidewalk, ramp, and accessibility upgrades in the Green Gate neighborhood, including work along Allen Heights Drive.
The work includes replacing 109 ADA-compliant ramps and addressing sidewalk conditions throughout the area, with Director of Engineering Chris Flanagan estimating roughly 63% of sidewalks will be replaced based on current conditions.
The second project, totaling about $5.24 million, includes water and sewer line replacement in the Oak Hill neighborhood, along with street repairs, sidewalk reconstruction, and lighting upgrades.
Flanagan said the work is part of a broader effort to address aging infrastructure.
“This concept of the neighborhood stabilization program is that there are various means at our disposal to combat decline within different neighborhoods of our community,” Flanagan said.
He said the Green Gate neighborhood was built in the early 1980s, while Oak Hill dates to 1979.
The Oak Hill project includes replacing nearly 6,000 feet of water lines and approximately 4,000 feet of sewer lines, along with roadway and sidewalk improvements.
Both projects are funded in part through bonds approved by Allen voters in 2023, along with utility and city program funds.
Flanagan said the Green Gate project received 18 bids, while the Oak Hill project received five bids before contracts were awarded.
Timeline and Construction Impact
Construction is expected to begin in May.
The Green Gate project is scheduled to take approximately 180 days, with completion expected in late fall, while the Oak Hill project is expected to take about 231 days.
Flanagan said construction will require temporary disruptions, including impacts to street parking, yard access, and normal trash and mail service during certain phases of the work.
Solar Lighting and Additional Upgrades
The Oak Hill project also includes solar-powered streetlights as an alternative to traditional wired lighting.
“Solar is an ideal application here, and we’re really excited about the product that we’ve chosen for this,” Flanagan said.
Additional improvements include tree removal, sidewalk upgrades, and a new neighborhood entry monument near Bethany Drive.
Pickleball Noise Concern Raised During Public Comment
During public comment, a Twin Creeks resident asked the city to consider a noise ordinance specific to pickleball courts.
“A few months ago, I sent an email to the council asking that the city consider an ordinance specifically for pickleball noise,” the resident said.
He said courts located about 350 feet from his home created persistent noise that differed from other recreational activities.
“Pickleball noise is very different than noise from tennis and other activities. The noise was making it into our homes, waking people up in the morning and keeping people from falling asleep at night,” he said.
The resident said the homeowners association ultimately removed the courts but that the issue exposed limitations in HOA enforcement.
“The fundamental problem is that our HOA bylaws have no way to make binding rules over the use of an amenity,” he said.
He asked the city to consider clear standards for court placement and noise.
“Pickleball presents a unique challenge and it requires a unique solution,” he said.
Small Residential Development Approved
The council also approved a residential development near Allen Heights Drive and Bethany Drive, allowing eight single-family homes on just over two acres.
Planning staff said the proposal aligns with the city’s comprehensive plan, with the only exception being a reduction in lot depth from 100 feet to 75 feet.
Other Meeting Items
The meeting also included recognition of the Allen Police Department for raising more than $100,000 for Special Olympics Texas, a proclamation declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, and a presentation marking the 50th anniversary of the Allen Sports Association.
City officials also reminded residents that early voting for the May 2 election will run from April 20 through April 28, with no voting on April 21 due to a state holiday.
Editor’s Note: This article is based on the April 14 Allen City Council meeting. TX3DNews reviews meeting recordings and official documents to ensure accuracy.
