The City of Allen’s planning and zoning commission discussed multiple upgrades coming to the town during a meeting in early August.
The upgrades are detailed in the city’s five-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) 2023-2027, which was originally authorized by a May 7, 2016, bond election.
Allen Parks & Recreation Department Director Kate Meacham and Engineering Manager Kevin Bates gave a presentation on some of the CIP projects during the meeting. Such projects include the construction of a new fire station, fields, and trails for local parks. The city is also looking to add medians to some roads and build its very first dog park, reported the Allen American.
Jupiter Park, located at 510 S. Jupiter Rd., is expected to be replaced by the “Bark Yard.” The city announced in June that a contract for the park’s construction had been approved. Officials expect the park to be completed in the first half of 2024.
The city is also expected to spend $2 million of taxpayer money to rehabilitate key roads. Another $7 million will be spent connecting Chelsea Road to U.S. Highway 75, which will require the construction of a four-lane road.
Another $1.5 million of taxpayer money is slated to be spent installing public art along Allen Drive. Two medians will also be installed at roundabouts on the road as part of phase two of the city’s 75-acre Allen Gateway Project.
The presentation also included details on the $14 million effort to build and equip Fire Station #6. The new facility will be located at the southwest corner of Ridgeview Drive and Watters Road. It is expected to be completed in 2024.
In terms of the city’s parks, Meacham discussed a number of enhancements coming to the area, including the addition of shade to Green Park and Lost Creek Park, the development of the 50-acre Molsen Farm, and the redevelopment of Ford Park, among others.