Keller - Roanoke - Northeast Fort Worth | November 2024

The e-edition is an exact replica of the newspaper with interactive and searchable articles from all your favorite sections.

Keller Roanoke Northeast Fort Worth Edition VOLUME 6, ISSUE 7 NOV. 29DEC. 30, 2024

AllianceTexas celebrates 35 years

Perot Field continues to attract new corporations, including AVX Aircraft and Embraer INSIDE 11

Airport adds 66K jobs, provides nearly $120B in regional economic impact since opening in 1989 INSIDE 20

The Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport opened Dec. 14, 1989, and operates as a key piece in the AllianceTexas development’s industrial complex.

COURTESY HILLWOOD

Also in this issue

Subscribe to our free daily email newsletter!

Education: See how the Northwest ISD Education Foundation is supplying students and classrooms with essential supplies (Page 9)

Business: Check out how one local artist creates functional art and conversation pieces using metal parts (Page 23)

Must-have gifts at cheerful savings

Finds for everyone on your list at up to 70% OFF

& MANY MORE

SCAN TO JOIN AND SAVE MORE

Skate Texas’ Largest Outdoor Ice Rink!

Skate Texas’ largest outdoor ice rink in the glow of the 60’ Christmas tree. Individual and Group Tickets are Available.

Visit us at ChristmasCapitalofTexas.com or call 817.410.3185 • #VisitGrapevine • Grapevine, Texas

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

FRESH FOAM X 1080 v14

Store Hours Saturday: 10am-6pm

Monday-Friday: 10am-7pm

Closed Sundays

Locally owned & operated

Locations

4017 Northwest Parkway Dallas, TX 75225 214-696-4313

8300 Gaylord Parkway, Suite 4 Frisco, TX 75034 214-618-4442

951 IH 30E Rockwall, TX 75087 214-771-0528

2704 E. Southlake Blvd Southlake, TX 76092 817-749-0177

4601 West Freeway Fort Worth, TX 76107 817-737-8454

3751 Matlock Rd Arlington, TX 76015 817-466-3882

KELLER - ROANOKE - NORTHEAST FORT WORTH EDITION

Warm, compassionate VETERINARY CARE

Membership Pet Perks

UNLIMITED EXAMS

BECOME A MEMBER TODAY

Our new membership plans are convenient for you while providing top-level care for your pet. With our bundled membership care services, you will not only save money – but get access to members-only perks!

VO Vets .com | 682.327.1855 | Ft. Worth + Trophy Club

JOIN US THIS HOLIDAY SEASON IN ROANOKE!

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 TH NOON TO 8 PM

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 ROANOKE COMMUNITY CENT

FREE

$ 10

HOMETOWN HOLIDAY SPONSORS

FOR ALL!

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA SPONSOR

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14 TH ROANOKE COMMUNITY CENTER

www.RoanokeTexas.com

@CityofRoano

FREE

HOMETOWN HOLIDAY SPONSORS

FOR ALL!

www.RoanokeTexas.com

@CityofRoanokeTX

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity. About Community Impact

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Heather Aldridge

Dustin Butler Karen Chaney Mark Fadden Colby Farr

Hannah Johnson Jonathan Perriello Connor Pittman Alex Reece Cody Thorn Jacob Vaughn Graphic Designers Nicolas Delgadillo José Jiménez

Lexi Canivel General Manager lcanivel@ communityimpact.com

Chelsea Peters Armando Servin Quality Desk Editor Deekota Diaz Managing Editor Miranda Jaimes Senior Product Manager Breanna Flores

Gabby Bailey Editor gbailey@ communityimpact.com

Arlin Gold Account Executive agold@ communityimpact.com

3803 Parkwood Blvd., Ste. 500 Frisco, TX 75034 • 2146189001 CI Careers

Proudly printed by

communityimpact.com/careers linkedin.com/company/communityimpact gcsnews@communityimpact.com gcsads@communityimpact.com communityimpact.com/advertising

Press releases

Advertising

Email newsletters

communityimpact.com/newsletter

Pools Spas Water Features Outdoor Living & Structures Leisure & Recreation Master Planned Communities

& Custom Outdoor Environments Free Consultations 817.618.5731

500 Grapevine Hwy, Hurst, TX 76054 www.selahpools.com

KELLER ROANOKE NORTHEAST FORT WORTH EDITION

Impacts

Now open

1 Cowboy Express Car Wash The business offers express and detailed car washes. • Opened Oct. 25 • 1655 Keller Parkway, Keller • www.cowboycw.com 2 Trilogy Studios The studio has Texas’ largest volume stage for filming. • Opened Oct. 15 • 5501 Alliance Gateway Freeway, Fort Worth • www.trilogystudios.com 3 818 Creative Studios The studio has spaces for meetings and events. • Opened Sept. 1

Northeast Fort Worth

35W

377

114

GRAPEVINE LAKE

BYRON NELSON BLVD.

LITSEY RD.

N. OAK ST.

Roanoke

170

• 409 N. Oak St., Ste. 110, Roanoke • www.818creativecompany.com

DOVE RD.

WESTPORT PKWY.

OTTINGER RD.

377

Coming soon

BLUE MOUND RD. E.

TIMBERLAND BLVD.

4 Mr. A Barbers The barber shop will offer haircuts and beard trimming. • Expected opening in December

RANDOL MILL AVE.

GOLDEN TRIANGLE BLVD.

ALTA VISTA RD.

T H LAKE BLVD.

HARMON RD.

KELLER PKWY.

• 1751 N. Hwy. 377, Roanoke • www.mr-a-barbers.com

8 6

CONTINENTAL BLVD.

HERITAGE TRACE PKWY.

BONDS RANCH RD.

HILL ST.

Pet Wants The pet store will provide natural dog and cat food.

KELLER SMITHFIELD RD.

35W

287

TOWN CENTER LN.

SHADY GROVE RD.

G E R D R .

• Slated to open April 2025 • Address TBD in Roanoke • www.petwantsroanoke.com

SORREL TRL.

TARRANT PKWY.

E. HARMON RD.

Keller

Relocations

TEHAMA RIDGE PKWY.

5 Kims Kloset The business offers embroidery and decal services. • Opened Oct. 18

BASSWOOD BLVD.

HIGHTOWER DR.

WESTERN CENTER BLVD.

WATAUGA RD.

MID CITIES BLVD.

• 228 Sorrel Trail, Keller • www.kims-kloset.com

MAP NOT TO SCALE

CANNABIS Wellness THC&CBD

MERALD E O

C RGANICS ANNABIS.COM

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COMMUNITY IMPACT STAFF

6 The Blends and Co. Salon and Spa The salon offers haircuts, facials and massages for men and women. • Grand opening Oct. 27 • 1600 Keller Parkway, Ste. 130, Keller • www.theblends.net 7 Soccer Post Keller The sports store sells soccer gear and apparel. • Relocated Oct. 2 • 770 S. Main St., Ste. 413, Keller • www.soccerpostkeller.com 8 Mindwell Therapy The therapy practice opened in Keller Town Center. • Opened Oct. 14 • 201 Town Center Lane, Ste. C1103, Keller • www.mindwelltherapy.org

• 137 Hill St., Keller • www.houghtonhorns.com

Now open

In the news

10 Walmart Neighborhood Market in Keller The store held a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony. • Reopened Oct. 25 • 2130 Rufe Snow Drive, Keller • www.facebook.com/Walmart2981

11 Urban Air Adventure Park The reopening highlights renovations and new management to the trampoline park. • Grand reopening Nov. 9 • 9157 Harmon Road, Fort Worth • www.urbanair.com 12 Runyon’s Fine Furniture The business sells upscale, high-end furniture. • Celebrating 30 years in business • 500 US-377, Roanoke • www.runyonsfinefurniture.com

13 Sumo Smash Blending smash burgers with Asian fare, Sumo Smash’s menu also includes chicken tenders, salads and roti wraps and a variety of fries. The restaurant is taking the location over from Char’d Southeast Asian Kitchen, which closed earlier this year. • Opened Oct. 10 • 8901 Tehama Ridge Parkway, Ste. 137, Fort Worth • www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=61566127656707

Expansions

9 Houghton Horns The expansion for the music store will allow for a concert series. • Expected opening late November

Learn something new in just 90 minutes.

NON-CREDIT COURSES SES

FallC Sept Nove

Classes tember - ember!

NO TESTS OR GRADES R

8 CLASSROOM LOCATIONS

3 SEMESTERS PER YEAR

DESIGNED FOR ADULTS AGE 50+

olli.unt.edu

KELLER - ROANOKE - NORTHEAST FORT WORTH EDITION

Government

BY MARK FADDEN

Fort Worth PD works on sexual assault kit backlog

Tarrant County extends jail mental health services The Tarrant County Commissioners Court voted Oct. 15 to renew a contract with My Health My Resources of Tarrant County to provide behavioral health and intellectual disability services to inmates in jail. The big picture Tarrant County commissioners voted 4-0 on the contract extension. County documents state MHMR services performed in the Tarrant County jail system include addiction services, court liaison/ aftercare services, employment services and day rehabilitation programs among others. The term of this contract, which is bud- geted at $1.6 million, is from Oct. 1 through Sept. 30, 2025.

During the Nov. 5 Fort Worth City Council work session, Police Chief Neil Noakes said as of Nov. 4, the number of unprocessed sexual assault cases in the system is 708. At his prior update on Oct. 22, Noakes reported a backlog of 969 unprocessed kits. What’s new New activity with regard to the clearing the backlog includes: • Assistance from the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office • 30 detectives making phone calls to each victim with backlogged sexual assault kits/cases • The Office of the Police Oversight Monitor has been included to oversee the lab’s progress • Job openings for forensic scientists were posted on social media What’s next To ensure transparency and accountability, the

Unprocessed sexual assault kits

October 2024

969

November 2024

708

SOURCE: CITY OF FORT WORTH/COMMUNITY IMPACT

news release states FWPD officials will take several more proactive steps, including: • Reporting progress to the City Manager’s Office and Fort Worth City Council • Engaging in weekly meetings with the City’s Legal Department and OPOM • Working with the Fort Worth crime lab and third party to complete audit on the lab • Completing phone calls to victims and look for contract employees to enter DNA samples

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Education

BY MARK FADDEN

NISD Education Foundation takes teacher supply shop mobile

The resource store and library is located at 1800 SH 114 in Justin. Regular operating hours are: • Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2-5 p.m. • Wednesdays, noon-6:30 p.m. • Third Saturday of each month, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The backstory NEF Executive Director Jennifer Burton said teachers have been providing supplies and resources to students by using their own money for years. Last year, the store saved educators more than $500,000. This year, the store served more than 700 teachers in the rst four days of being open. The idea for Nee came when Burton was asked about the sustainability of the store in response to the fast growth of the district. Burton said the plan is for Nee to visit every district middle school this semester. Middle schools were chosen because of their central locations to neighboring campuses.

Nee is Northwest ISD Education Foundation’s new mobile resource store and library that allows teachers to “shop” for free classroom supplies and resources. According to a NEF Facebook post, the Nee mobile store opened Sept. 10. The details The mobile shop’s rst stop was Worthington Middle School where 79 teachers from the Worth- ington campus and nearby district schools were able to use its services. According to NEF’s website, while Nee is the organization’s mobile resource store, the original brick and mortar store and library—which was created during the COVID-19 pandemic—is still available to help ll the gap for NISD teachers and students through free resources and educational materials. NISD teachers can “shop” for school items such as supplies and books. The supplies are donated through “NEF donors,” including NISD sta, according to the website.

Members of the Metroport Chamber helped NISD ocials and volunteers celebrate the opening of Nee.

COURTESY NORTHWEST ISD EDUCATION FOUNDATION

Nee mobile store supplies Through donations, NISD’s Nee store helps students and teachers with classroom essentials.

Supplies

Snack packs

Clothing items

Books

SOURCE: KELLER ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

EAT, DRINK

BOOK NOW TO SAVE

It's never too early to get the party planning started! Get your holiday party on the books to wrap up the best deals.

20% savings for bookings Monday-Thursday OR a free package upgrade when booking Friday-Sunday

Contact your local sales team for more details. Mention code MECI. PLAN A HOLIDAY PARTY EVEN THE GRINCH WILL LOVE!

FORT WORTH SOUTH 4801 CITYLAKE BLVD E FORT WORTH, TX 76132 (817) 292-5555

Must book by December 31st 2024 to redeem. A group min. of 50 or more with a signed contract and deposit required. Valid for bookings Monday-Thursday only. Not valid on full venue rentals or December dates. 20% discount does not apply to alcohol or add on items. 20% Discount and Package upgrade applied prior to tax and service charges. F&B Revenue minimums apply. Valid only on new bookings, cannot be applied to existing event. Certain restrictions may apply.

KELLER ROANOKE NORTHEAST FORT WORTH EDITION

Education

BY MARK FADDEN & HANNAH NORTON

Following the failure of Northwest ISD’s Voter-Approval Tax Rate Election from the Nov. 5 election, NISD officials will begin planning for class size changes for the 2025-26 school year. The details According to a district news release, the 3-cent increase in property taxes would have generated approximately $16 million in the district’s main- tenance and operations budget. Funds from this budget are used, in part, to help retain and attract teachers while also preventing cuts to student programs. Potential changes may be in store for other operations, as well. Before any campus-based cuts are implemented, the news release states district officials will meet with department leadership to make adjustments Northwest ISD to begin class size adjustments after failure of VATRE

KISD announces date for The Big Event Each Keller ISD campus will participate in The Big Event on April 12, 2025, with various age-appropriate service activities, according to a district news release. The details The Big Event is Keller ISD’s one-day ser- vice project open to all Keller ISD students, families, teachers and staff members from the district’s 42 campuses. It is the largest one-day, student-run ser- vice project in the United States, according to the release. The event website states each campus will have their own registration process to volunteer. For more information, students and parents can email event coordinators at TheBigEvent@KellerISD.net.

Possible NISD adjustments The VATRE would have covered NISD’s $15.8M shortfall that was adopted with the 2024-25 budget.

Larger class size ratios

Cuts to student programs

Lack of raises for teachers and staff

SOURCE: NORTHWEST ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

at both the district and campus levels. Superintendent Mark Foust said while the outcome is not what district officials hoped for, NISD staff will continue to provide high-quality educational services. What else? The news release states as NISD officials con- tinue budget planning for the 2025-26 school year, they will create various budget scenarios based on potential legislative updates—or lack thereof—to public school funding.

Private school vouchers ‘top priority’ for state leaders

Allotment vs. inflation in Texas Since 2019, inflation in the U.S. has risen by 22%.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who oversees the Texas Senate, said passing school vouchers was his “top policy priority” for 2025. Vouchers give families public money to send their children to private schools, which opponents argue would strip public schools of critical funds. The House now has 79 “hardcore school choice proponents,” Gov. Greg Abbott said Nov. 6. A 76-vote majority is needed to approve legislation.

Current situation State lawmakers have not adjusted the base amount of money schools receive per student since 2019. The basic allotment is $6,160, and schools receive about $10,500 per student annu- ally, according to the Texas Education Agency. Nationally, $16,281 was spent per-student in 2022-23, per the National Education Association.

Allotment if adjusted for inflation

Per student allotment

$7,556

$8K $7K $6K 0

$6,160

SOURCES: TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY, BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

ou g h P

This Holiday Season we are graciously accepting gift cards and diapers Adopt a family in need this Christmas!

Please contact us today to change a life

(817) 753-6222 www.ph4upartners.org

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

News

BY MARK FADDEN

AVX, Embraer lead aviation/tech hiring in AllianceTexas

Two companies, AVX Aircraft Company and Embraer, are increasing their operations at Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport with new facili- ties and are hiring to ll open positions. The gist AVX Aircraft, a rm that develops unmanned aircrafts for use in both military and commer- cial applications, established its headquarters at Perot Field Oct. 18 with a facility that includes 14,000-square-feet of oce space and 7,000-square-feet of prototyping and testing space. Forty engineers and professionals will work at the site testing vertical-lift technology for the aircrafts for military and commercial applications. Company ocials anticipate doubling its work- force within a year to roughly 80 professionals. Fort Worth City Council approved incentives for Embraer, the third-largest jet manufacturer in the world, during its session Oct. 15. The company’s new $70 million service center is expected to bring approximately 250 new aviation industry jobs to the region. Completion of the rst facility in its existing hangar is scheduled for the second quarter of 2025. The construction of a new state-of-the-art hangar is slated for completion in 2027. The backstory Perot Field is the centerpiece of AllianceTexas, Hillwood’s 27,000-acre master-planned development. At a February 2024 presentation to the Fort Worth City Council, Hillwood President Mike Berry touted the development’s economic impact, saying AllianceTexas has generated approximately

ALLIANCE BLVD.

35W

AVIATOR WAY

AVX Aircraft Company has 21,000-square-feet of work space at Perot Field and expects to double its workforce within a year.

COURTESY AVX

$119.8 billion in regional economic impact and paid more than $3.8 billion in total taxes to local public entities from 1990-2023. Quote of note “We’re up to 574 companies inside the Allian- ceTexas platform with 66,198 direct jobs, and that doesn’t include all of the indirect [jobs] that get generated o of those direct jobs,” Berry said.

Job growth from AllianceTexas

Jobs from AVX and Embraer: 330 Total jobs from AllianceTexas since 1990: 66,000+ Indirect jobs brought in since 1990: 162,000+

SOURCES: EMBRAER, AVX, HILLWOODCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Advertise in the Health & Wellness Edition

Private Offices | Day Office Rentals | Coworking Space

FOUNDERS’ SPECIAL 10% OFF The first 12

months of rent

8376 Davis Boulevard North Richland Hills, TX 76128 (817) 500-0040 - CaddoOffices.com

ADS@COMMUNITYIMPACT. COM PRINT + DIGITAL PACKAGES | DIRECT MAIL

KELLER ROANOKE NORTHEAST FORT WORTH EDITION

Development

BY MARK FADDEN & CODY THORN

Keller Sports Park on track for late 2025 finish The Keller Sports Park is still on track for com- pletion by the end of 2025, despite some recent changes to its timeline. Director of Community Services Cody Maberry provided an update on the $30 million project during a work session that followed the Oct. 15 Keller City Council meeting. The big picture Maberry said there were some adjustments to the timeline since overhead electric lines had to be buried underground; the city is working with Tri- County Electric Co-op on the project. Due to that, the work on the splash pad has been pushed back. About $28 million of project comes mostly from certificates of obligation to be repaid by the Keller Development Corp.’s sales tax revenue. Maberry said the project should be done by the end of 2025.

E R I T A G E T R A C E P K W Y .

Timeline for Keller Sports Park

2025

287

35W

February: Rodeo arena, soccer and lacrosse fields completed April: Field house, two multipurpose fields completed

Urban Air reopens with new updates Urban Air Adventure Park, just west of Alliance Town Center, was renovated and reopened Nov. 9 with new attractions and new management. The details Director of Marketing Adam Schmidt said the renovation, which includes five new indoor slides, is the largest one since the facility opened. He added the business will have a new management team in place.

Late spring: Rugby fields completed

November: Baseball and softball fields completed October: Road work inside Keller Sports Park finished May: Work starts on existing fourplex field Early summer: Equestrian arena completed

December: Project mostly complete; facilities and ballfields in use

2026

January: Splash pad completed; Keller Sports Park ribbon cutting

CITY OF KELLER/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Keller City Council approves $98.5K design contract for trail expansion

for a 10-foot wide, 6-inch thick concrete trail, a retaining wall and crosswalk pavement markings. The contract is for an amount of $98,550 from the Parks Capital Improvement Project fund for fiscal year 2024-25. The work will be done on a .35-mile stretch between Woodborough Lane and Roanoke Road, plus an additional 500 feet north of Roanoke Road to the boundary of the Overton Ridge subdivision.

A hike and bike trail expansion is coming to Keller. During the Oct. 15 Keller City Council meeting, a design contract was awarded to Fort Worth-based Westwood Professional Services to design the Mt. Gilead Road bike/pedestrian trail. The details The plans call for the city to add 1,300 linear feet

MELODY LN.

Keller

MT. GILEAD RD.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

KELLER - ROANOKE - NORTHEAST FORT WORTH EDITION

WESTLAKE 2341 Highway 377 (817) 490-9072

KELLER 101 Keller Smithfield Rd S (817) 482-8295

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Real estate

In October, the number of homes under contract in October 2024 versus October 2023 increased by an average of 15% in the Keller-Roanoke- Northeast Fort Worth market year over year. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

October 2023

October 2024

-27.78%

+30%

+58.62%

+31.25%

76177

76244

76248

76262

377

114

76262

35W

76177

Median home sales price

170

October

2023

2024

76244 76248

114

$387,500 $375,000 $650,000 $640,000

$419,000 $405,000 $606,500 $681,000

76177

Homes sold by price point

76244

October 2024

76248

$1,000,000+

76262

$700,000-$999,999

$400,000-$699,999

Average days on the market

$100,000-$399,999

+29.27%

+18.92%

+4.88%

+72.5%

<$99,999

MARKET DATA COMPILED BY COLLIN COUNTY AREA REALTORS • WWW.CCAR.NET

76177

76244

76248

76262

Perfect for Your Holiday Party!

YOUR PREMIER EVENT AND CREATIVE SPACE IN ROANOKE, TX

409 N Oak St Suite 110, Roanoke, TX 76262 www.818creativecompany.com | 1-682-352-7707

KELLER ROANOKE NORTHEAST FORT WORTH EDITION

Transportation

BY CODY THORN

Fort Worth Kay Granger Elementary School

Grapevine

121

CHAMPIONS VIEW PKWY.

Route runs every 30 minutes

Keller

114

35W

SARATOGA SPRINGS CIR.

121

183

820

Fort Worth

DFW Airport Terminal B station

Trac signals receive update by NISD school Trac signal improvements will be coming to an intersection near Kay Granger Elementary School in Fort Worth by Decem- ber 2025. What’s happening? A $2 million project at North Beach Street and Champions View Parkway will add new sidewalks, crosswalks, ramps and pedes- trian signals that will announce when to walk, according to the city website.

121

Fort Worth T&P station Trinity Metro TEXRail now operates every half hour between Fort Worth T&P Station and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport’s Terminal B. Trinity Metro TEXRail to update schedule frequency CODY THORNCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Trinity Metro TEXRail increased the frequency of its midday services Nov. 3, according to a news release from Trinity Metro. The service from Fort Worth T&P Station to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport now runs every 30 minutes instead of every hour, according to the news release.

What’s happening? The rst trip starts at 4:13 a.m. and continues through a 6:43 p.m. departure from Fort Worth. After that, trains run every hour until 10:43 p.m. From the airport heading west, the rst trip is at 5:10 a.m. and runs through 7:40 p.m. The train’s last trip is at 11:40 p.m. to T&P Station.

START NEW TRADITIONS WITH US Truewood by Merrill, Georgetown knows how to celebrate—with music, entertainment, and special dining experiences. Join us and enjoy the benefits of our community lifestyle!

Spend the Holidays With Our Pack! Get Natural Pet Food, Treats, & Chews Delivered Right To Your Door.

25% OFF Your First Order Use Code PETS25

TRUEWOOD BY MERRILL SENIOR LIVING

Ask About Our Special Savings!*

Give your pet the nutrition they deserve! VISIT PETWANTSROANOKE.COM or call today! (972) 898-0415

512.549.4191 • truewoodgeorgetown.com 4907 Williams Dr, Georgetown, TX 78633

ID #105556 *Limited time offer. Call for details.

Assisted Living • Memory Care

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Events

BY HEATHER ALDRIDGE

December

Lightscape at Botanic Garden Walk through millions of lights that transform the garden into a winter wonderland. More than 80% of the trail is new this year and features new installations. Local vendors will serve treats and drinks for purchase. • Nov. 22-Jan. 5, 5:30-8:30 p.m. • $12-$30 • 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., Fort Worth • www.fwbg.org/lightscape Gift of Lights This drive-thru event features a colorful lights display at Texas Motor Speedway. • Nov. 28-Jan. 5, 6-9 p.m., Sunday-Thursday, 6-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday • $35 per car, $75 per bus/limo • 3300 Championship Parkway, Fort Worth • www.giftoflightstexas.com Breakfast with Santa Head to Keller Pointe and enjoy a breakfast provided by FnG Eats with the whole family. Children are invited to taste treats from Mrs. Claus and experience a special visit and photo opportunity with Santa. • Dec. 7, 8-11 a.m. • $15 • 405 Rufe Snow Drive, Keller • www.thekellerpointe.com/activities/special-events/ breakfast-with-santa Community Christmas Concert Local artists are scheduled to perform Christmas carols at Northwood Church. The concert is free but tickets are still required for entry. • Dec. 8, 6 p.m. • Free (admission) • 1870 Rufe Snow Drive, Keller Toyful Tidings: A Christmas in Keller Enjoy family activities, including arts and crafts, and meet Santa Claus at Bear Creek Park. Local vendors will be set up for holiday shopping and a holiday movie will play at sundown. Guests are invited to bring an unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots. • Dec. 12, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. • $5-$30 • 400 Bear Creek Park Road, Keller • www.facebook.com/events/bear-creek-park-keller-tx/ toyful-tidings-a-christmas-in-keller ‘Mamma Mia!’ The Timber Creek High School Theatre Department will perform “Mamma Mia!” for its December musical. All residents are invited to support the cast and school. • Dec. 12-14, 7 p.m.; Dec. 15, 2 p.m. • $10 for students, $15 for adults • 12350 Timberland Blvd., Fort Worth • www.onthestage.tickets/show/falcon-theatre1 Wreaths Across America Greater Keller Women’s Club invites guests to help honor veterans who served by laying remembrance • www.northwoodchurch.org/events/ community-christmas-concert-2024

Roanoke’s First Responders Breakfast with Santa Roanoke’s first responders will attend and serve guests at the annual Breakfast with Santa. This is a ticketed event that includes breakfast, door prizes

and arts and crafts. • Dec. 14, 9 a.m.-noon • $10 • 312 S. Walnut St., Roanoke • www.roanoketexas.com/606/Breakfast-with-Santa

Christmas Cookie Class Decorate holiday cookies at Wine 30 on Oak Street. Tickets include six full-sized Christmas-themed cookies and everything needed to decorate, a themed scribe to take home and a full-sized decorated cookie from the host, Cookies that Ruyule. • Dec. 18, 6:30-8:30 p.m. • $60 • 400 S. Oak St., Roanoke • www.cookiesthatruyle.com/cookie-classes Mini Pretzel Log Cabin Make your own mini log cabin with pretzel sticks and icing and learn about the construction of historic North Texas log cabins and log houses. This event is limited to 25 participants. • Dec. 20, 1-2 p.m. • Free (admission) • Fort Worth Public Library - Golden Triangle, 4264 Golden Triangle Blvd., Fort Worth • www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/library/events/ pretzel-cabin-gdt December Couples By The Creek This holiday event will include dancing, archery, cornhole, a bonfire, a photo booth and a catered dinner. Guests are invited to wear their holiday ugly sweaters for an ugly sweater contest. J’s Dueling Pianos will be performing. • Dec. 20, 6:30-11 p.m. • $65 • Cinnamon Creek Ranch, 13794 Old Denton Road, Roanoke • www.cinnamoncreekranch.com/community-events

wreaths on graves at Mt. Gilead Cemetery. Participants can sponsor a wreath or volunteer at the event. • Dec. 14, 11 a.m. • Free (admission) • 1351 Bancroft Road, Keller • www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/167583

Whimsical Winter Wonderland: A Cookie Class

This beginner cookie decorating class will show guests how to decorate sugar cookies with icing. Attendees can decorate three cookies and purchase wine or treats. The class will be taught by Aly’s Sweet Spot. • Dec. 14, 3-5 p.m. • $45 • Two Brothers Winery, 110 Lamar St., Keller • www.alyssweetspot.com/cookie-classes Christmas Fair and Market Live music, vendors, raffles, food and a special performance will occur at the Lions Club. Kids can enjoy crafts and a chance to meet Santa Claus. • Dec. 14-15, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. • Free (admission) • 532 Keller Parkway, Keller • www.facebook.com/events/845419247430852 Jingle Lights The Keller High School Band will be putting on a drive- thru performance in the KHS parking lot. Guests are invited to order hot cocoa and treats as they sing along to performances by the students. • Dec. 16, 6-7:30 p.m. • Free (admission) • 601 Pate Orr Road N., Keller • www.kellerhighband.org/copy-of-march-a-thon

KELLER - ROANOKE - NORTHEAST FORT WORTH EDITION

AllianceTexas celebrates 35 years From the cover

The current situation

Number of flights at Perot Field

2023 landed cargo rankings

Perot Field ranked 20th in the U.S. for the amount of cargo that landed at the airport throughout 2023.

25K

Before the Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport opened in 1989, Tarrant County was experiencing job loss at a rate higher than the rest of the country, said Bill Burton, executive vice president of marketing and development. The county netted just over 750 jobs in 1989, while Collin, Dallas and Denton counties added thousands, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Two years before that, the county lost nearly 9,000 jobs in 1987. The airport, then called the Fort Worth Alliance Airport, was the first component to open as part of AllianceTexas, which is celebrating 35 years of operation in December. In that time, the development is estimated to have created more than 66,000 jobs and left a $119.8 billion economic impact on the region, according to an AllianceTexas economic impact report released in 2024. The airport laid the foundation for the rest of the 27,000-acre mixed-use development, Burton said. “Without the airport, we wouldn’t have had the rest of it,” Burton said. “It brought the infrastructure, it brought the investment, it brought the focus to the area that has now

20K

Pounds

Rank Airport

15K

Philadelphia International George Bush Intercontinental Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Phoenix Sky Harbor International Portland International

18 19 20 21 22

2.71B 2.31B 2.04B 1.99B 1.99B

10K

2020 2021

2019

2022

2023

yielded in excess of $3.5 billion of property taxes.” Perot Field is an industrial airport, meaning it only sees cargo flights and occasional charter flights. Several corporations, including Amazon, FedEx, Gulf Stream and Tarrant County College, have opened locations at Perot Field. Alliance Aviation President Christian Childs said he believes the airport offers an environment that attracts those types of “heavy hitters.” Perot Field is ranked within the top 20 airports across the U.S. for the highest amount of cargo seen each year, Childs said.

Breakdown of Perot Field space

Two jet fuel farms

1,198 acres

Two 11,000-foot runways

Four hangars totaling 130,000 square feet

16 aircraft based at the airport

SOURCES: FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION, HILLWOOD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Zooming out

35W

Officials from Hillwood and AVX Aircraft held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Oct. 29 for AVX’s new 21,000-square-foot headquarters at the airport. AVX Aircraft specializes in testing unmanned aircraft systems for military and commercial purposes. During the ceremony, AVX President and COO Kendall Goodman said the new facility gives the company space to continue developing, designing and testing vertical lift technology. Attracting AVX to the airport plays into Alliance- Texas’ Mobility Innovation Zone, Burton said. The zone refers to a supply chain ecosystem made up of different components, including the airport, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway intermodal hub and the AllianceTexas Flight Test Center. The zone aims to connect innovative mobility companies with resources and partnerships to commercialize new technologies related to transit. “I love attracting [AVX Aircraft] up here because that tends to bring new energy, new focus and cavities that will continue to build on itself,” Burton said.

Fort Worth

Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport

Airport boundary

1 Amazon Regional Air Hub

2 FedEx Southwest Regional Sort Hub

156

ALLIANCE BLVD.

3 Tarrant County College Center of Excellence 4 AVX Aircraft Company 6 Gulfstream Aerospace Service center 5 FedEx Ground facility

Roanoke

7 Paramount Aerospace Systems

8 Aspire service center

35W

9 Prime Flight 10 Approximate location of new Embraer service center

WESTPORT PKWY.

SOURCE: HILLWOOD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY COLBY FARR

How it happened

What’s next?

AllianceTexas timeline and impact

Fort Worth

Tarrant County Keller ISD

The airport opened under a public-private partnership between the Hillwood development company, the city of Fort Worth and the Federal Aviation Administration. The AllianceTexas development has since grown to impact Roanoke, Westlake, Northlake, Denton County, Keller ISD and other entities. In addition to the 66,198 jobs the development is projected to have created, more than 162,000 indirect jobs are estimated to have come from the development as well, according to the economic impact report. Job creation can indicate location and project sustainability, said Jann Miles, a planner for Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County. In the case of AllianceTexas, Miles said she believes it’s attractive for its ability to move goods anywhere within the North American continent. AllianceTexas has also had a direct impact on the communities it’s located in. The overall devel- opment is estimated to have contributed more than $3.8 billion in property taxes to multiple cities, school districts and counties since 1990, according to the economic impact report. The development was estimated to have a $9.84 billion economic impact on the region in 2023 alone. For a place like Roanoke, that impact can be seen in its daytime population. The city’s Eco- nomic Development Manager Siale Langi said the AllianceTexas development has helped increase the city’s daytime population to 60,000 people a day. Roanoke’s residential population was esti- mated at 10,798 in 2023, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. The increase in daytime population can mean an increase in customers for local businesses in the city, Langi said.

Heading into 2025, the airport still has some preexisting office and hangar space available for leasing, Burton said. The airport also has about 500 acres of land nearby that’s available for development. Embraer, a commercial jets manufacturer, announced it was expanding to the airport with a new service center in October 2024. The company is expected to begin operations in 2025 within a preexisting facility while a new facility is expected to finish construction in 2027. Embraer is expected to bring 250 new aviation jobs to the area. AllianceTexas wants to continue attracting companies that can take advantage and benefit from the development’s infrastructure, Burton said. Burton and Childs agreed that it was important to maintain the infrastructure of the airport and surrounding area while attracting new companies to the area. In paraphrasing AllianceTexas founder H. Ross Perot Sr., Childs said the key to a successful business was to run it with the same vigor and enthusiasm as a 30-year-old.

Roanoke

1992 BNSF Railway's Alliance Intermodal Facility breaks ground 1989 Fort Worth Alliance Airport opens Airport history

Direct property taxes generated

$561K $291K $199K $324K

1994 BNSF Railway’s Alliance Intermodal Facility opens

$1.42M $586K $191K $793K

1995 FedEx Southwest Regional Sort Facility breaks ground 2017 Airport completes 11,000-foot runway extension

$1.82M $736K

$191K $1.1M

$40.54M

$47.59M

$3.89M

$38.59M

"Our goal is to attract the best companies in the world that are working on new and innovative activities." BILL BURTON, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING AND DEVELOPMENT, ALLIANCETEXAS

$53.43M $53.44M

2019 Amazon opens regional air hub at the airport

$4.35M

$47.86M

2022 Airport was

$63.68M

$57.44M

renamed to Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport

$5.13M

$56.09M

SOURCE: HILLWOOD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

ISRAEL.ROANOKELSCAPES@YAHOO.COM ROANOKELANDSCAPINGANDIRRIGATION.COM RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL 817-888-2876 Roanoke LANDSCAPING & IRRIGATION

Harvest a Healthy Lawn: Keep Your Yard Thriving This Fall! Irrigation | Drainage | Lighting Repair & Install

A $115 value. (up to12 zones) Expires 12/31/24 $ 59 SPRINKLER SYSTEM CHECK DON’T WAIT TO CHECK YOUR SPRINKLERS!

ISRAEL SOLIS, OWNER LI27375 OVER 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE!

KELLER - ROANOKE - NORTHEAST FORT WORTH EDITION

Business

BY GABBY BAILEY

Walmart, Wing collaborate for drone deliveries in Fort Worth

The Walmart Supercenter o North Beach Street in Fort Worth has started using 18 drones to make deliveries to customers living in a 6-mile radius. What’s happening The retail giant partnered with Wing, a drone company, to start drone deliveries for 11 Walmarts in Dallas-Fort Worth, including the location at 8520 N. Beach St., said Catherine Lovett, the policy and community aairs manager for Wing. Wing oered drone demonstrations at Ninnie Baird Park on Oct. 19, delivering candy, water bottles and other small items. The drones can carry 2.5 pounds of household items, groceries and over-the-counter medications. “As this becomes more popular, [people] are more comfortable with it,” Fort Worth District 4 council member Charlie Lauersdorf said. “There are no real privacy concerns, which helps by having Wing come out, pull back the curtain and show there’s nothing to be afraid of.” The breakdown Through the Wing app, customers plug in their address then add small-package items to their delivery order. If the drone is unable to nd the customer’s location, it will send a notication that it has returned to the store, Lovett said. She added there could be contingencies for drone delivery, like if residents live in heavily wooded areas or are surrounded by power lines. The app has a notice customers must check to clarify they have cleared obstacles from the pinpointed location. When the drone delivers items, it hovers about 20 feet in the air and drops the package down with a tether. “It’ll lower the package, unhook it, the spool then goes back up into the drone and the drone climbs back up to 200 feet, which is cruising altitude, and then takes o for speed,” Lovett said. “It’s coming to us at 65 miles an hour.” If the tether is tugged on three times to bring the drone closer to the ground, it will unhook itself for safety, Lovett said. What else? The drones are autonomous and use the GPS coordinates to set up a ight path to the custom- er’s location. However, Federal Aviation Adminis- tration-certied pilots work out of Coppell to make sure the drones are operating properly and that there are no issues in ight, Lovett said. Each drone can y up to 400 feet, below the

A drone was displayed for community members to check out during a demonstration in Fort Worth.

PHOTOS BY GABBY BAILEYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

limit of planes and helicopters, but normally remains 150-200 feet above the ground for the duration of its journey. It’s also programmed not to y over restricted airspace and to avoid wildlife, such as migrating birds, Lovett said. They have 12 propellers for vertical movement, four for horizontal motion, and can still operate if one of those propellers stops working. “The drone itself weighs about 11 pounds, Lovett said. “It’s literally wrapped in Styrofoam and recycled plastic parts. The goal is to make the drone sustainable, but also, in the event that there was an incident where there’s a collision, the drone would break apart.” The drones are stored at Walmart and operate between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. What’s next? Lovett said the operations have expanded around Dallas-Fort Worth and include Walmart partnerships in Frisco, Garland, Manseld and Arlington. She added that the environmental impact will help with carbon dioxide emissions since the drones are completely electric. Lauersdorf agreed, saying the partnership promotes a healthier environment and will allow customers exibility when shopping. “There’s one less car on the road; that’s huge,” Lauersdorf said. “You’re going to start seeing more drones, which means less trac.”

A drone makes a Walmart delivery during a demonstration at Ninnie Baird Park on Oct. 19.

Walmart Supercenter

N. TARRANT PKWY.

Fort Worth

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY KAREN CHANEY

Flag sculptures can be customized with business logos.

A large part of the art production process at Iron Chinchilla includes owner Patrick Neuwirth welding metal in the shop.

PHOTOS BY KAREN CHANEYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Iron Chinchilla owner customizes unique welded art When Patrick Neuwirth was 16 years old and living in Des Moines, Iowa, he took his rst welding class. The class sparked a lifelong interest and directed his career path. schemes, including thin blue and red lines. Neu- wirth also takes custom orders, such as incorporat- ing company logos into the sculpture. Sometimes,

The promise cross is a top-selling item at Iron Chinchilla.

custom requests become an inventory piece. “A childhood friend asked me to add a cardinal to a cross because his father-in-law just passed away and he was from St. Louis,” Neuwirth said. “So I made one, painted it red and put it online. I’ve sold probably 15,000 of them ...” The framework Neuwirth uses mostly mild steel, also known as low carbon steel, for his artwork. His production process includes bending the metal through arm strength and a bench vise, then welding and painting.

He partnered with a client in 2001 to start Iron Chinchilla and now owns the store with his wife, Tina Neuwirth. The inspiration Neuwirth’s promise crosses and ags are his top-two selling items at Iron Chinchilla. “The promise cross touches people,” Neuwirth said. “The inspiration for the artwork on that piece is John 3:16. It’s the promise that God made to the world, he sent his son to save us.” The ag sculptures come in a variety of color

HEN HOUSE RD.

Fort Worth

EGG FARM RD.

FEED MILL DR.

5601 Feed Mill Drive, Ste. 300, Fort Worth www.ironchinchilla.com

$5 OFF! WITH PURCHASE OF 2 ENTRÉES & 2 DRINKS Steak, seafood, and alcohol not included. Valid at Colleyville and Fort Worth locations only. Expires 1/31/25. Non-transferable. Not good with any other offer. For terms and conditions visit costavida.com/legal

COLLEYVILLE 5615 Colleyville Blvd., Ste 390 FORT WORTH Alliance Town Center 9530 Feather Grass Lane Suite 180

15% OFF DISCOUNT FOR UP TO FOUR GUESTS Steak, seafood, and alcohol not included. Valid at Colleyville and Fort Worth locations only. Expires 1/31/25. Non-transferable. Not good with any other offer. For terms and conditions visit costavida.com/legal

KELLER ROANOKE NORTHEAST FORT WORTH EDITION

Vinyl & Hi-Fi

Virtually flip through any e-edition! Enhance your experience with hyperlinked stories and ads.

Specializing in Pre-Owned and New Records, CDs, Cassettes & Posters Mobile Fidelity • Music Hall • Vulcan Audio • Wharfedale • Vincent • Cambridge Audio Ortofon • Pangea • Audio Technica • Adcom • Rega • Dayton Audio

SPECIAL FINANCING 6 to 60 months on qualifying purchases and credit approval. Gear Up for the holidays!

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM PRINTARCHIVES Snap or visit

148 S ELM ST, KELLER, TX 76248 COUNTYLINERECORDS.SQUARE.SITE | (817) 917-8885

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

WHERE YOUR GAME TAKES CENTER STAGE

Available Tues & Wed 5pm-8pm in December (before Christ- mas) - see attached photo Address or map: 5801 Golden Triangle Boulevard Suite 106, Fort Worth, TX 76244 Your Day Just Got A Lot Sweeter!

Private Session • Fun Experience NOT your TYPICAL golf lesson!

$60/HR HOLIDAY SPECIAL EXPIRES 12/31

Your Neighborhood Ice Cream Spot is Now Open!

Meet the Grinch! Perfect for photos! Available Tues & Wed 5pm-8pm in December (before Christmas) 5801 Golden Triangle Boulevard Suite 106, Fort Worth, TX 76244

ALL NEW CLIENTS WILL RECEIVE A BOX OF VOLVIK MARVEL-THEMED GOLF BALLS ROCKSTARGOLFSTUDIO.COM • (682) 268-1313 WE PAY CASH

Jewelry | Coins | Buillon | Flatware Broken or Tarnished No amount too big or small - we love it all! Local Veteran Owned

GOLD AND SILVER

*EXPIRES 12-31-24

CROWN GOLD AND SILVER EXCHANGE 12412 Timberland Blvd #328 Fort Worth, TX 76244 817-734-5981 OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK!

WWW.CROWNGOLDTEXAS.COM

KELLER - ROANOKE - NORTHEAST FORT WORTH EDITION

Plant-based essentials for the whole family

5 soaps for $35 PERFECT FOR HOLIDAY GIFTS

(682) 681-4137 | www.mymagnoliasoap.com/alliance 3201 Tracewood Way STE 111, Fort Worth, TX

East Coast Pizza in Keller, Texas!

A new spot to enjoy great coffee, great food, and one another! RENT OUR CONFERENCE ROOM, ENTIRE VENUE, OR BOOK US TO CATER YOUR NEXT BIG EVENT!

Dough made fresh daily l Lunch Buffett Mon-Sat l Private Party Room

BUY ONE BREAKFAST TACO GET ONE FREE! Dine-in only

$4.00 off 20" Mama’s Size (one coupon per visit)

$3.00 off 16" Mama’s Size (one coupon per visit)

$2.00 off 13" Mama’s Size (one coupon per visit)

Text " MAMAS " to 21333 for specials! 801 S Main St, Keller, TX 76248 • (817) 660-6001 online ordering @ mamaspizzakeller.com

817-953-4080 • 2725 Heritage Trace Parkway • harvestcoffeedfw.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

��-��-�� CALL FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE

Baths • Showers • Windows • Doors • Kitchen Cabinets

Our Special Offer For You! 20% Off ANY PROJECT + FLEXIBLE FINANCING

We understand hiring a contractor can be stressful, but rest assured, we’ll treat you and your home with a respect not commonly found in the industry. Let us show you that quality service and integrity can go hand in hand. What Makes Us Different?

Scan to get started!

M-39963

KELLER - ROANOKE - NORTHEAST FORT WORTH EDITION

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14-15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28

communityimpact.com