I believe that adding more apartment complexes in Allen will negatively impact the city in a number of ways.  More apartments would mean more water and wastewater issues. On the surface this might not seem like a big issue, but let’s dive deeper. The water district is building a new pumping station which means higher water bills for all of us. They are also building a new “lake” for the expected growth and water needs of the future. It will increase our wastewater treatment needs, including new larger sewer pipes.

  All of these new apartments will lead to increased traffic on the roads. More cars on the road will mean more pollution, more congestion, and more accidents. It will be less safe for pedestrians. Increased traffic will also lead to the need for more roads and repairs. Where will all that money come from? Taxes. I do realize that we will increase our tax base with more apartments, but will it really offset the rise in sewers, water and roads? I say it won’t. If you look at cities with older apartments, they always go through a “decline period”. While some do make a turnaround, the decline in most cases is permanent.  

    I want to point out that I am not anti apartment. I have lived in an apartment before, and they do have their place in a community. There are some new ones going up on Highway 121, and it looks like it will be a beautiful addition to Allen. I don’t see a need for apartments in our existing neighborhoods. There is no need for towering apartments in our CBD area as well. I believe that we should focus on rebuilding downtown with respect to history and the concern of citizens that live near or in the CBD.