I made reference to stories that I hear that Rowlett "officialdom" doesn't. That's true. If you know anybody in the development business well, you will hear slightly different stories than the ones told by "officialdom." That is normal. Some in the development business have had excellent relationships with various cities, and some not so good. In order to have any accuracy in understanding any difficulties between the development industry and any given city, you must hear a lot of stories.
To cite only one developer's difficult story with a city is not representative. To cite only one extremely satisfied developer's story with a city is also not representative. It is the trending of many stories that reflect what is probably closest to the truth. A keen observer will be aware of that fact and look for trends. This is all a part of the appraisal process.
I have heard stories on four different recent developments in Rowlett. All reported difficulties with the city of Rowlett. I have one opinion based on my own observations that I consider bad. I have also heard one very good report about dealing with the City of Rowlett. Of course, what I want to hear is that all city/developer relationships are good. Of course, that's not going to happen, so you look for trends.
I'm trying to be objective here. What I would like to hear is that five stories were positive and one was negative. That means the city would be positive problem solvers, not problem makers. Now, it doesn't make a flip what I think. However, it does matter what the development community in general thinks. If the "good guys" avoid us, whether the rumors are true or not, the damage is done.
Generally, I hate rumors. I rarely pass them on. There is only one place I tend to follow up on them. That's in regards to a development site. That's what I do for a living. Some of the things I hear from "officialdom" regarding development, I don't believe. I don't believe "officialdom" is lying to me. I do believe they are telling me what they have been told. I know this is hard to believe, but sometimes developers do not always tell "officialdom" the truth. So..... if you can't believe the developers and you can't believe "officialdom," who do you believe? I think you listen to the skuttlebutt. I follow the rumors. I see. I talk. I mostly listen. With my experience, I can usually conjure up a reasonable truth. "Officialdom," both staff and elected, sometimes walk a lonely path. Who are the ones that are wise to believe? I always had good luck listening to the ones that had access to knowledge, but nothing to gain.
The folks of Rowlett are going to have to make due with a little common sense. It works well a lot of the time. I'm a little worried about where we're going. We are poised for great things. This election is important. I would like to see a lot of common sense elected.