Plans for a new dog park at Jupiter Park will move forward following funding approval from the Allen Community Development Corporation (CDC).
The initial design phase has been completed and a public hearing is scheduled for the November 15 Allen CDC meeting, at which residents may speak for or against the project. Construction documents will be finalized and bids gathered after the public comment period, then presented to Allen City Council for final consideration.
If approved, construction is expected to take 9 to 12 months with expected opening in Spring 2023.
What is the Allen Community Development Corporation?
The Allen CDC was created by a citizen vote in 1996 to use money collected though Allen’s half-cent sales tax to pay for parks, trails and other amenities which enhance Allen’s quality of life. A group of seven Allen residents appointed by Allen City Council evaluate projects to determine the best use of these funds.
What is the benefit of funding projects in this way?
Unlike property taxes, which are paid almost entirely by Allen residents, sales tax is paid by anyone who spends money in Allen. Retail destinations such as Allen Premium Outlets, Watters Creek, The Village at Allen and Cabela’s attract shoppers from across the region and even out of state. When an Oklahoma resident buys a kayak or Coach bag, 0.05% of the purchase price is funneled to the Allen CDC to be used for amenities enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
How are projects selected?
Every March, the Allen CDC hosts a public meeting so residents and City staff can provide input on potential projects. Staff recommendations are based on public input gathered during master planning processes and from resident feedback surveys. The CDC board reviews submissions and selects projects in May for recommendation to Allen City Council. Final funding approval occurs when Council adopts the annual City budget in September.
Only certain kinds of projects are eligible to be funded in this way. Land acquisition, building and construction, equipment, facilities and targeted infrastructure improvements are the most common uses; however, CDC funding can also pay for maintenance and operating costs associated with projects. With Council approval, the CDC funded more than a dozen projects for the 2021-2022 budget year, including trail development, playground shade structures, recreation center cardio equipment and the expansion and redevelopment of Rolling Hills Park.
How can I find out what CDC is doing?
Like all public meetings, CDC meetings are posted to the City Meeting Notices calendar. Meeting agendas are attached to each calendar entry at least 72 hours prior to the meeting time. A list of CDC board members is provided on the City website. CDC board members must be qualified Allen voters with at least one year of residency in the City of Allen. Applications to City boards are accepted each August and promoted on City communication channels and in Allen in Focus newsletters mailed to utility billing customers. Appointments are made in September and terms begin on October 1.