Next Steps for Pioneer Grove

We knew our project wasn't going to be everyone's cup of tea. But it was going to bring more quality, yet affordable starter homes to our community, reignite the commercial use by reinvigorating the Market Days with on site artisanal pop-up shops and the refurbishment of the century old farm house and nearly as old, barn. We'd expand the parking, improve the entrance, and create a real hub for the community as a whole. 

It was equally as important to me, to preserve as much of the land as possible; the old growth trees that the project would be named for, Pioneer Grove, and restoring the native prairie with its wild grasses, wildflowers, native trees & perennials. In the process, this meant cleaning up the invasive intruders and weeds that come with over-grazing and, quite honestly, a lack of grazing by bio-diverse species.  Horses will eat a lot, but there's a lot they will not eat, too. 

Over all this project is a win for everyone. The community, the city's tax base, the neighbors, the DFW area and future farmers and generations, would all see benefits from Pioneer Grove - from job creation to environmental beautification, and parkland expansion. I, would get to retire with dignity and knowing I'm leaving this place better than I found it - a Girl Scout oath I took a long time ago: an oath by which I still try my best to live. 

The team I assembled came in with pencils blazing and brains buzzing to put this idea on paper. Between the urban planning expertise, the development experience and the vision - it was bound to be cool. And, Pioneer Grove is. But it's still just on paper. 

We all really hope that changes. 

The community as a whole has come together and shown their support of this project and its founder in many ways. I'm honestly blown away by the passion shared by all of you. I seem to have hit a good nerve and it feels good. 

Many spoke passionately in support of Pioneer Grove to Council at meetings, sent notes of support, stopped by and applauded the plans during one of several on-farm tours at public meetings. There's been no one who has not thought this was going to be a good thing. Even, initially, Council seemed in favor. During conversations in meetings without objections, the lack of questions during briefings, and the full support of the Planning & Zoning Board - as well as the recommendation for the project and its mixed use zoning by staff. 

What changed? 

Who knows? 

But the community and beyond has come together to support the project's legal fund to defend the rejection by Council. The sabotage of our dream for a better future for this place, can not stand. The community has spoken and Council has given no solid reason to say no to this mixed use project when it has said yes to so many others - with much less, if ANY, scrutiny.  

I should be able to re-zone this land to make the best use of it - even the comp plan said mixed use was recommended. 

Details like driveway entries, circulation and even the negative, hypothetical issues that people dream up, are all worked out once the engineers do their detailed work - AFTER zoning, platting, surveying, etc. The engineers, and those familiar with the ordinances of the city, pull all of the details together and create lasting neighborhoods that leave a footprint of progress in a community. I may be new to all of this, but my team is not. They have done it dozens of times all across the country. I have no doubt in their abilities. They've got contacts with builders, contractors and lawyers - suppliers and everyone needed along the way for an undertaking like this. It's no small potatoes, but I've seen their work, they're recommendations and I know they can do this!  And Balch Springs deserves this. 

Pioneer Grove is a unique, but sensible approach that would address many issues facing our society today; Lack of starter housing, too many automobiles, need to travel for necessities/sundries and lack of green space. 

But the land has to be zoned mixed use to allow any of this to happen. Mixed use just makes sense. 

Today, I'll take an important step forward to help secure this dream of ours. I should have a better idea of the upfront costs, too. I never dreamed it would come to all this. But I'm honored to have so many behind me in this struggle.

Thank you all for every dollar that you've contributed thus far. I feel so much more empowered knowing my friends, neighbors, customers, and strangers alike, believe this is the right thing to do! 

 If you'd like to kick in a few bucks to help us get Pioneer Grove off the paper and into reality - here's the GoFundMe link. Or you can always Zelle the farm at our number - 2143483336 Thanks! 

 

Now, go Eat Your Food - Naturally!

 Farmer Marie