Heritage Park South

Between April 2023 and October 2024, the Community Enhancement Department facilitated a Neighborhood Stabilization Initiative in Heritage Park South that included a neighborhood survey, meeting, workday, block party and the repair or replacement of failing screening walls and entryway features along Bethany Dr.. Tab #1 is dedicated to that process.

** Note: Updates are posted from most recent to oldest. Go to the bottom of the page and scroll up to view the updates in chronological order.

Update: October 10, 2024

At the neighborhood meeting, residents shared several ideas for future needs, and we are pleased to report that three of the requests have been completed:

1. The City has repainted the crosswalks on Aylesbury Dr, particularly at the intersections with Mark Twain Dr and Bethany Dr, to enhance pedestrian safety.
2. "Dead End" street signs have been installed on the cul-de-sacs at Kipling Dr and Cornell Ln.
3. Greenbelt light near the bridge has been repaired.

Update: September 11, 2024

*Notice for Vaughan Elementary School Parents: Please Plan for Delays and Alternative Routes*

Please expect delays over the next six weeks as the City of Allen in contract with Ratliff Construction works to replace screening walls along Bethany Dr. roughly located between Cottonwood Bend Dr. and Heritage Pkwy., as shown on the map below. Construction is scheduled to start on Thursday September 12th. Lanes of traffic and sidewalks will be closed at different times throughout this project in the areas indicated in yellow.

Please allow for extra time at drop off and dismissal. Students who walk or bike to school should avoid Bethany Dr. during construction as the sidewalk will be closed and heavy equipment in use. Please use an alternative route through the neighborhood to the pedestrian bridge to access the school. An example is shown in red on the map below.

Update: Bethany Dr. Screening Walls (In-Progress)

The Community Enhancement Department in contract with Ratliff Hardscape is currently working to repair/replace three major sections of screening walls along Bethany Dr., two of which directly affect Heritage Park South. This project is scheduled to begin in early Mid-September. Check back for updates.

1. Heritage Park Stone Wall Replacement

Location: Bethany Dr. between 801 Hemingway Ct. and 800 Livingstone Dr.

Scope: This stone wall is currently 4 ft. in height and has damaged stone throughout. In some cases, the stones regularly make their way into the alley creating an obstacle to driving. This construction project will fully replace the portion of wall shown in yellow below with an 8ft. stone wall.

This project was identified in 2023 as part of the discussion surrounding the Heritage Park South Neighborhood Stabilization Plan.

2. Heritage Heights Brick Wall Replacement

Location: Bethany Dr. between 801 Kipling Dr. and 801 Heritage Ct.

Scope: This red brick wall currently has sagging panels, mismatched brick and the portion of brick along 801 Heritage Ct. was replaced with wood fencing years ago. This project seeks to bring consistency to the area by replacing the panels and wood fence with consistent brick panels as seen in yellow below. It will remain 6 ft. in height and reuse the existing columns.

This project was also identified in 2023 as part of the discussion surrounding the Heritage Park South Neighborhood Stabilization Plan. Although Heritage Heights is platted as a separate subdivision, after talking to residents, they indicated that they identify as part of Heritage Park, so the city included them in that process.

Please note this timeline is subject to change.

Update: October 6, 2023

As mentioned in the introduction, the key physical improvement included in the Heritage Park South NSP is the repair/replacement of failing screening walls and entryway features along Bethany Dr. Those improvements are scheduled to begin in 2024.

Based on feedback provided by residents in the on-line survey and neighborhood meeting (See Phases 1 and 2 for a refresher), City Staff met with multiple City Departments to determine what additional improvements beyond the screening wall repairs/replacement might be possible in the future. These include improvements to the trail & greenbelt, infrastructure repair, property maintenance, pedestrian safety/traffic calming.

While most of the above improvements can be achieved overtime through existing City Departments and programs, Pedestrian Safety, Speeding, and Traffic Calming are complex issues that often require specific traffic studies, resident meetings, and significant resources to implement successful solutions. To that end, City Staff is seeking more input from residents to understand the issues and determine the best path forward.

Screening Walls and Entryway Features

The City has entered into a contract for screening wall repair/replacement between Cottonwood Creek and Mustang Creek as shown below and is currently evaluating options. These improvements are scheduled to begin in 2024.

As for entrance features, an overwhelming majority of residents voted to keep the existing neighborhood signage at the entryways and restore them as best as possible to original condition. City staff will pursue that option where possible and aim to replace them with similar signs if it is not possible with the new screening wall construction. Landscaping will be evaluated at that time as well.

Trail and Greenbelt

Per resident input, the Greenbelt is considered one of the greatest assets of Heritage Park South. Several areas were brought to Staff’s attention and further discussed with the Parks and Recreation Department. Below is a list of the items discussed with the results. The trail along Heritage Parkway is scheduled to be widened in 2024. Staff is evaluating trail safety as well as opportunities for benches.

Infrastructure Repair and Property Maintenance

The City has conducted an initial evaluation of sidewalks, accessibility, curbs and streetlights. Staff is currently evaluating the need for additional streetlights and repairing existing damaged streetlights. Sidewalk repairs will continue to be facilitated through the City of Allen 50/50 Sidewalk Replacement Program, which can be initiated by residents or City Staff. Accessibility and curb repairs are scheduled based on need and budget. The appropriate City Departments have been contacted to begin the evaluation process. Code Compliance will continue to monitor the area for property maintenance violations and residents are encouraged to use the MyAllen App to report property maintenance concerns.

Between April 2023 and October 2024, the Community Enhancement Department facilitated a Neighborhood Stabilization Initiative in Heritage Park South that included a neighborhood survey, meeting, workday, block party and the repair or replacement of failing screening walls and entryway features along Bethany Dr.. Tab #1 is dedicated to that process.

** Note: Updates are posted from most recent to oldest. Go to the bottom of the page and scroll up to view the updates in chronological order.

Update: October 10, 2024

At the neighborhood meeting, residents shared several ideas for future needs, and we are pleased to report that three of the requests have been completed:

1. The City has repainted the crosswalks on Aylesbury Dr, particularly at the intersections with Mark Twain Dr and Bethany Dr, to enhance pedestrian safety.
2. "Dead End" street signs have been installed on the cul-de-sacs at Kipling Dr and Cornell Ln.
3. Greenbelt light near the bridge has been repaired.

Update: September 11, 2024

*Notice for Vaughan Elementary School Parents: Please Plan for Delays and Alternative Routes*

Please expect delays over the next six weeks as the City of Allen in contract with Ratliff Construction works to replace screening walls along Bethany Dr. roughly located between Cottonwood Bend Dr. and Heritage Pkwy., as shown on the map below. Construction is scheduled to start on Thursday September 12th. Lanes of traffic and sidewalks will be closed at different times throughout this project in the areas indicated in yellow.

Please allow for extra time at drop off and dismissal. Students who walk or bike to school should avoid Bethany Dr. during construction as the sidewalk will be closed and heavy equipment in use. Please use an alternative route through the neighborhood to the pedestrian bridge to access the school. An example is shown in red on the map below.

Update: Bethany Dr. Screening Walls (In-Progress)

The Community Enhancement Department in contract with Ratliff Hardscape is currently working to repair/replace three major sections of screening walls along Bethany Dr., two of which directly affect Heritage Park South. This project is scheduled to begin in early Mid-September. Check back for updates.

1. Heritage Park Stone Wall Replacement

Location: Bethany Dr. between 801 Hemingway Ct. and 800 Livingstone Dr.

Scope: This stone wall is currently 4 ft. in height and has damaged stone throughout. In some cases, the stones regularly make their way into the alley creating an obstacle to driving. This construction project will fully replace the portion of wall shown in yellow below with an 8ft. stone wall.

This project was identified in 2023 as part of the discussion surrounding the Heritage Park South Neighborhood Stabilization Plan.

2. Heritage Heights Brick Wall Replacement

Location: Bethany Dr. between 801 Kipling Dr. and 801 Heritage Ct.

Scope: This red brick wall currently has sagging panels, mismatched brick and the portion of brick along 801 Heritage Ct. was replaced with wood fencing years ago. This project seeks to bring consistency to the area by replacing the panels and wood fence with consistent brick panels as seen in yellow below. It will remain 6 ft. in height and reuse the existing columns.

This project was also identified in 2023 as part of the discussion surrounding the Heritage Park South Neighborhood Stabilization Plan. Although Heritage Heights is platted as a separate subdivision, after talking to residents, they indicated that they identify as part of Heritage Park, so the city included them in that process.

Please note this timeline is subject to change.

Update: October 6, 2023

As mentioned in the introduction, the key physical improvement included in the Heritage Park South NSP is the repair/replacement of failing screening walls and entryway features along Bethany Dr. Those improvements are scheduled to begin in 2024.

Based on feedback provided by residents in the on-line survey and neighborhood meeting (See Phases 1 and 2 for a refresher), City Staff met with multiple City Departments to determine what additional improvements beyond the screening wall repairs/replacement might be possible in the future. These include improvements to the trail & greenbelt, infrastructure repair, property maintenance, pedestrian safety/traffic calming.

While most of the above improvements can be achieved overtime through existing City Departments and programs, Pedestrian Safety, Speeding, and Traffic Calming are complex issues that often require specific traffic studies, resident meetings, and significant resources to implement successful solutions. To that end, City Staff is seeking more input from residents to understand the issues and determine the best path forward.

Screening Walls and Entryway Features

The City has entered into a contract for screening wall repair/replacement between Cottonwood Creek and Mustang Creek as shown below and is currently evaluating options. These improvements are scheduled to begin in 2024.

As for entrance features, an overwhelming majority of residents voted to keep the existing neighborhood signage at the entryways and restore them as best as possible to original condition. City staff will pursue that option where possible and aim to replace them with similar signs if it is not possible with the new screening wall construction. Landscaping will be evaluated at that time as well.

Trail and Greenbelt

Per resident input, the Greenbelt is considered one of the greatest assets of Heritage Park South. Several areas were brought to Staff’s attention and further discussed with the Parks and Recreation Department. Below is a list of the items discussed with the results. The trail along Heritage Parkway is scheduled to be widened in 2024. Staff is evaluating trail safety as well as opportunities for benches.

Infrastructure Repair and Property Maintenance

The City has conducted an initial evaluation of sidewalks, accessibility, curbs and streetlights. Staff is currently evaluating the need for additional streetlights and repairing existing damaged streetlights. Sidewalk repairs will continue to be facilitated through the City of Allen 50/50 Sidewalk Replacement Program, which can be initiated by residents or City Staff. Accessibility and curb repairs are scheduled based on need and budget. The appropriate City Departments have been contacted to begin the evaluation process. Code Compliance will continue to monitor the area for property maintenance violations and residents are encouraged to use the MyAllen App to report property maintenance concerns.

Heritage Park South Block Party - October 14, 2023

WOW! What a Party! In the Community Enhancement Department, we like to say that a good block party contains, at a minimum, the “3 Fs: Food, Fun and Fellowship!” Add in some FOAM and FIDDLING and its next level good. Thank you to the 200+ residents who came out to meet their neighbors and enjoy the beautiful Fall weather.

Neighborhood Workday - August 26, 2023

“Neighbors Helping Neighbors” is a clean-up campaign utilizing the City’s tool trailer quarterly and offering assistance to neighbors who may need yard work or simple tasks like tree trimming, mowing, landscaping, patching a fence, anything that can be done within a few hours on a Saturday. Please start thinking through neighbors/addresses that you may want to nominate for such a program.

What a day! Heritage Park South showed up and completed 3 projects with 25 volunteers before 10 a.m. You made this a success, and you should be proud.

Neighborhood Meeting - May 1, 2023

Community Enhancement hosted a public meeting at Vaughan Elementary for residents living in the Heritage Park neighborhood. This neighborhood meeting was organized by the Community Enhancement Staff to inform residents about the stabilization project happening in their neighborhood and facilitate feedback. The neighborhood project focuses on repairing and enhancing entryway signage at Aylesbury Dr., Rockefeller Ln. and Heritage Parkway where they all interest with Bethany Rd.

Meeting Summary

After the presentation, residents were invited to give their input in three different areas — visual preference for signage options, committee sign up and workday ideas, and future needs within the neighborhood. A summary of the results are as follows:

Visual Preference

Eight different styles of signage were displayed. Each resident was given three dots (votes) to indicate their visual preference. Of these six options, the overwhelming favorite at 34 votes was to keep and clean-up the existing sign, followed by the grey painted aluminum signs. This was a good first step and helped City staff, along with additional input from the steering committee, to make the final selection.

Committee Volunteers

9 residents volunteered to serve on the three committees:

• Steering (4)
• Workday (7)
• Block Party (2)

Future Needs

• Greenbelt bridge streetlight is currently not working
• Cornell & Carnegie sign topper “No thru traffic”
• App reminder for trash
• Add benches along trails
• Traffic slow-down features
• A new bridge closer to Vaughan Elementary for kids to easily cross over and a closer trail for them
• Dog water fountain at neighborhood park
• Change or remove the sharpness of right turn from Bethany Rd onto Aylesbury Dr
• Replace the screening wall behind Hemingway Ct….it is too noisy & more traffic than 20 years ago
• Garbage services has damaged the screening wall and has been reported on Allen App Incident #2634757.
• Garbage services has damaged the screening wall behind 905 Hemingway Ct
• Repave Heritage Pkwy
• Dog poop on walking areas needs to be addressed
• Add streetlights
• Replacing RR ties used as retaining walls
• Light at Aylesbury & Bethany too long
• Need to provide new pedestrian islands along Aylesbury Dr & Heritage Pkwy at major crosswalks
• Need more pedestrian movements not vehicles
• Pedestrian focused improvements
• Remove dead and/or fallen trees along the greenbelt on a regular basis
• Crosswalks at intersections leading to the Greenbelt
• Pedestrian crossing signs at Aylesbury and Hopkins Workday Ideas
• Safely clean up poison oak and ivy along the trails
• Create a neighborhood Clean-Up Campaign (x times a year) using the tool trailer
• Group to help maintain homes where owners would like assistance

Neighborhood Survey (Pre-Public Meeting)

In April 2023, City staff launched a month-long, online survey including two open ended questions:

1. What is your neighborhood’s greatest asset?
2. What could be done to make your neighborhood a better place to live?

22 residents took the survey. A summary of the results including a detailed list of all the comments received can be downloaded and view below. The key physical improvement was the repair or replacement of failing screening walls and entryway features along Bethany Dr.