The Woodhaven Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIF) No. 13 board met on Oct. 7, its first session since January, to chart how the remaining $27.358 million will be used before the zone terminates at the end of 2028. Economic development manager Phillip Michael Smart told board members that all unspent funds will be allocated to development projects prior to termination.
Current finances and project history
City staff reported a current TIF balance of $27.358 million, a final revenue gross total of $37.72 million, and a projected allocation total of $33.95 million. Since the zone’s inception in 2016, completed projects have cost $2.94 million and include street‑light upgrades, traffic‑pole painting, two rounds of tree planting, the Highwoods Village development, sidewalk repairs linking to Randol Mill Road, the Woodhaven Neighborhood Conservation Plan, and a pocket park beside the East Regional Library.
Tier‑1 priority: community center
The board prioritized three Tier‑1 projects that together consume the lion’s share of the remaining TIF funds—$33.3 million of the $33.95 million allocation. The centerpiece is a new community center slated to provide roughly 25,000 square feet of space for recreation, meetings, and health‑and‑well‑being programs. The Conservation Plan lists community centers first under its health and well‑being recommendations, reflecting resident desire for a hub that supports family life and neighborhood cohesion.
Tier‑2 projects under consideration
Tier‑2 proposals total about $13 million and focus on connectivity and streetscape improvements. They include the High Woods Trail sidewalks, the Oncor Easement Trail, and a streetscape upgrade on Boca Raton Avenue. These projects aim to enhance pedestrian safety, encourage active transportation, and boost local business visibility.
Public input and next steps
Woodhaven residents voiced a desire for better connectivity, economic‑development opportunities, and attractive public spaces. The board’s briefing reflected that feedback by ranking projects into Tier 1 and Tier 2. One public speaker, Paul Kerpoe of the Woodhaven Neighborhood Association, expressed opposition to the community‑center component, urging the board to weigh the HOA’s concerns before any vote.
Because the Oct. 7 meeting was a briefing, no votes were taken. The board will reconvene on Nov. 4 to consider approval of the funding recommendations. Smart explained that his office evaluated each proposal by weighing neighborhood benefits, total cost, alignment with the financing plan, the Conservation Plan, the parks‑and‑rec master plan, and the amount of TIF money available.
Why the plan matters for Woodhaven families
For families in Woodhaven, the proposed community center promises a safe, locally‑run space for after‑school programs, fitness classes, and community gatherings—services that align with traditional family values and strengthen neighborhood ties. The Tier‑2 sidewalk and trail projects will make it easier for parents to walk their children to school, for seniors to stay active, and for local merchants to attract foot traffic.
With the TIF set to expire in 2028, the board’s focus on high‑impact, community‑oriented projects reflects a commitment to using public‑funded resources wisely, ensuring that the remaining dollars translate into lasting benefits for Woodhaven’s residents.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
