The question was: "Assuming the lake, DART, and the tollway are a main attraction for the additional development of Rowlett, do you think:?" The results were:
1. The amenities above influenced commercial development (1 vote) 4.2%
2. The amenities above influenced residential development (2 votes) 8.3%
3. The amenities above have not influenced any development. (2 votes) 8.3%
4. Development in Rowlett has been slowed by competition from surrounding cities. (3 votes) 12.9%
5. Rowlett development has been slowed by "officialdom". (16 votes) 66.7%
Well, there's the numbers. I was surprised. I honestly thought the higher percentage would have been competition from surrounding towns, like Murphy, Wylie, Sachse, and Rockwall. I also thought the amenity package favored residential development rather than commercial. I knew there would be some resentment of "officialdom." There always is. However, I had no idea that such a large percentage would have such a low opinion of "officialdom's" participation. But, the biggest surprise of all was the one vote whereby Rowlett's amenity package favored commercial development. We citizens of Rowlett have been hammered over the past two years about the arrival of this immensely valuable commercial development heading our way. We are even restricting other development to wait for it. Apparently, a lot of people aren't buying into it. Maybe the fact that there is empty commercial space all over Rowlett has something to do with it. I don't think the citizens believe it.
I have been told that Rowlett "officialdom" thinks I am writing this blog because I'm angry that I lost a bid to get a property rezoned. Apparently, it is thought there is no way "officialdom" can be at fault for anything. There isn't a number above that has anything to do with my rezoning bid. The above are facts; not my opinion, nor disappointment. Facts seem to be in short supply around here. However, we have plenty of experts and opinions.