The Colony, Texas Explained

Official Name:The Colony, Texas
Settlement Type:City
Nickname:City by the Lake
Mapsize:250px
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name:United States
Subdivision Type1:State
Subdivision Name1:Texas
Subdivision Type2:County
Subdivision Name2:Denton
Government Type:Council-Manager
Leader Title:City Council
Leader Name:Mayor Richard Boyer
Judy Ensweiler
Robyn Holtz
Brian Wade
David Terre
Perry Schrag
Joel Marks
Leader Title1:City Manager
Leader Name1:Troy Powell
Area Total Km2:41.83
Area Land Km2:36.28
Area Water Km2:5.55
Unit Pref:Imperial
Area Total Sq Mi:16.15
Area Land Sq Mi:14.01
Area Water Sq Mi:2.14
Elevation Ft:554
Coordinates:33.0908°N -96.8847°W
Population As Of:2020
Population Total:44534
Population Density Km2:1224.73
Timezone:CST
Utc Offset:-6
Timezone Dst:CDT
Utc Offset Dst:-5
Postal Code Type:ZIP code
Postal Code:75056
Area Code:214, 469, 945, 972
Blank Name:FIPS code
Blank Info:48-72530[1]
Blank1 Name:GNIS feature ID
Blank1 Info:2412058
Pop Est Footnotes:[2]
Area Footnotes:[3]
Population Density Sq Mi:3172.10

The Colony is a city in Denton County, Texas, United States, and a suburb of Dallas. The population was 44,534 at the 2020 census.

History

The Colony derives its name from the original Peters Colony. The Peters Colony headquarters was located within the current boundaries of The Colony in the historical community of Stewartsville and the site of the Hedgcoxe War.[4] [5] The Colony is also the site of Bridges Settlement (established during the years of the Republic of Texas and the oldest community in Denton County), Stewarts Creek, Rector, Stoverville and Camey, also known as Camey Spur.[6]

One of the oldest portions of The Colony is Bridges Cemetery, established in 1857 on land owned by the Bridges family, is found on Morningstar Drive.[7] The cemetery gates stand closed to the public except during certain dates when it is open to visitors by the local history committee.[8]

The Colony did not exist before 1973, when home developers Fox and Jacobs (which became part of Centex) purchased located around State Highway 121 and Farm to Market Road 423.[9] The name "The Colony" was chosen by Fox and Jacobs because they wanted its new development to share a sense of kinship with Texas' early history and "to create a living monument to the spirit and courage of the Peters Colonists ... those men and women who braved considerable hardships to begin new lives, in new homes, on new land."[10] They planned the development to be a new "dream city" consisting primarily of single-family homes grouped as a "colony" and based on the city of Dallas' infrastructure specifications.[11] In 1973, Fox and Jacobs negotiated an agreement with the city of Frisco to begin construction in its extraterritorial jurisdiction.[12] In 1974, street construction began with many streets being named after early settlers and members of the construction crews. The first model homes were completed in August 1974 and the first families moved into their homes in October that year.[13] The homes were served for water services by The Colony Municipal Utility District formed in 1974,[14] electricity via Texas Power and Light, cable television via Lakeside CATV and telephone service via Southwestern Bell.

In 1977, the homeowners associations' petition to disannex the development from the city of Frisco's extraterritorial jurisdiction was approved.[15] The Colony voted to become an incorporated city in January 1977[16] [17] and became a Home Rule City in 1979.[18] Residents of The Colony participated in two polls to select a name for the new city. Both polls chose the name "The Colony" and the name was ratified by the City Council in May 1977.[19] In 1987, The Colony voted to merge with the small lakeside community of Eastvale.[20]

Geography

The Colony is located at (33.090874, –96.884659).[21] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 41.7sqkm, of which 36.3sqkm is land and 5.4sqkm, or 12.93%, is water.[22]

The city is bordered on the west by Lewisville Lake and the city of Lewisville, on the north and east by Frisco, and on the south by the cities of Carrollton and Plano. Approximately of shoreline on Lewisville Lake (including two peninsulas) are contained within the city's boundaries, thus providing the basis for the city's nickname "City by the Lake."

Demographics

The Colony racial composition as of 2020[23]
(NH = Non-Hispanic)!Race!Number!Percentage
White (NH)23,69153.2%
Black or African American (NH)4,3319.73%
Native American or Alaska Native (NH)1670.37%
Asian (NH)3,9108.78%
Pacific Islander (NH)320.07%
Some Other Race (NH)1820.41%
Mixed/Multi-Racial (NH)2,1934.92%
Hispanic or Latino10,02822.52%
Total44,534
According to the 2020 United States census, there were 44,534 people, 17,401 households, and 10,957 families residing in the city. In 2017, there were 41,388 people.[24] The racial makeup of the city was 74.6% White, 11.2% African American, 5.3% Asian, 0.4% Native American, 5.1% from other races, and 3.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 19.2% of the population. In 2020, the racial and ethnic makeup was 53.2% non-Hispanic white, 9,73% African American, 0.37% Native American, 8.78% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 0.41% some other race, 4.92% multiracial, and 22.52% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Politics

The Colony is a home rule municipality with a council-manager form of government. It has a six-member council, with two members elected at large, as well as a city mayor. All meetings of the City Council are open to the public, and meetings are broadcast live on Time Warner Cable government access Channel 16, AT&T Uverse channel 99, as well as on the broadcast page of The Colony's website.[25]

In November 2021, Richard Boyer ran unopposed to become mayor of The Colony,[26] succeeding Joe McCourry who had been mayor of The Colony for 11 years.[27]

Council members

NamePlaceTerm expiresYear started serving on City CouncilConcurrently serving on these boards
Richard Boyer Mayor Nov. 2024Mayor since 2021[28] Place 2 2009-2021 Boyer served on the 4B board for six years (2003) prior to his role on the city council. Also served several positions as a member of the Stephen F. Austin State University Board of Regents.[29] [30] Hotel Development Corporation; Local Development Corporation; Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Board #1 and #2
Judy Ensweiler One (at-large)Nov. 2024Place One since 11/2021
Robyn Holtz Two (at-large)Nov. 2024Place Two since 11/2021
Brian Wade ThreeNov. 2023Place 3 since 11/2014 Wade served for over 12 years as commissioner on The Colony's Planning and Zoning Commission (both chair and vice chair). Prior to that he served on the Parks and Rec Board from 2002 - 2004 when it was dissolved.[31] Brian Wade faced a runoff election in 2020[32] Hotel Development Corporation; Local Development Corporation;
David Terre FourNov. 202305/2011 Terre served on the Planning and Zoning Commission before being elected to the Council.[33] He also currently serves on the Denton County Appraisal board of directors.[34] And he has served as Mayor Pro Tem.[35] Terry faced a runoff election in 2020Animal Services Advisory Board; Hotel Development Corporation; Local Development Corporation; Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Board #2
Perry Schrag Five Nov. 202305/2002 Schrag faced a runoff election in 2020Hotel Development Corporation; Local Development Corporation; Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Board #1 and #2
Joel Marks Six Nov. 202305/2002 Marks is a long-time resident and board member of The Colony. He was elected to place 6 in 1988 and served 3 terms thru 1994. He was re-elected to place 6 in 2002 and has been the place 6 representative since then. He has also held both Mayor Pro Tem and Deputy Mayor Pro Tem positions.[36] Hotel Development Corporation; Local Development Corporation; Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Board #1 and #2
The Colony has several Boards and Commissions, all of which list their current members, Term expiration dates, and meeting minutes on The Colony's website. Meetings usually have time setup in the agenda for Citizen input which can be submitted by email or presented in person at most board's meetings. Board applications are available on The Colony's website or at City Hall and a list of currently vacant positions can be found on the site as well.
!Board Name!Board Purpose!Overview
Animal Services Advisory BoardThe purpose of the board shall be to serve as an advisory body to the City Council with respect to matters concerning regulations for adoption by the City Council and recommendations for animal control.The board has five members - to include a licensed veterinarian, a municipal official, an animal shelter employee, the supervising captain, and a resident of the City of The Colony.[37]
Board of AdjustmentIn communities that have adopted zoning regulations, boards of adjustment serve as a relief valve that can allow for the use of property that is not otherwise permitted under the property’s specific zoning category.[38] The Board of Adjustment is a quasi-judicial body consisting of five Council appointed members and two alternates. The members of the Board of Adjustment also serve as the Sign Board of Appeal and the Building Standards Commission.[39]
Building Standards CommissionSee Board of AdjustmentThe members of the Board of Adjustment also serve as the Sign Board of Appeal and the Building Standards Commission.
Capital Improvements Advisory CommitteeThis committee is appointed by the City Council to serve in an advisory capacity to assist the City Council in adopting land use assumptions, review the capital improvements plans and file written comments, monitor and evaluate implementation of the capital improvement plans, and advise the City of the need to update and revise the land use assumptions. The land use plan and capital improvements plans are as adopted by City Council for imposition of impact fees.The committee is composed of the Planning and Zoning Commission members and one additional member from The Colony’s Exterritorial Jurisdiction (they are currently seeking to fill that vacancy, must reside in the ETJ).[40]
Community Image Advisory BoardThe purpose of the board shall be to serve as an advisory body to the City Council with respect to matters concerning regulations for adoption by the City Council and recommendations for beautification efforts throughout the city. Serves as the Keep The Colony Beautiful Board and Community Image Advisory Board.The board is made up of seven members, each serving a two-year term.[41]
Community Development Corporation BoardOversee funds designated for promotion of new or expanded business enterprises through the development of athletic, tourist, and recreational facilities. They conduct public hearings to obtain citizens' input relating to community development projects and may raise funds through issuance of bonds, notes or other debt instruments.The Community Development Corporation (Type B) Board includes seven members who serve two year terms.[42]
Economic Development Corporation (4A)The Economic Development board oversees funds designated for the use of improving and developing The Colony's commercial base. The board is made up of five members who serve three year terms.[43]
Hotel Development CorporationAids, assists, and acts on behalf of the city to implement and finance public works, public improvements, and other programs determined by the city.This board includes nine members each serving two year terms. This board may raise funds through issuance of bonds, notes or other debt instruments. Many of the current members concurrently serve as City Council members.[44]
Keep The Colony Beautiful BoardThe purpose of the board shall be to serve as an advisory body to the City Council with respect to matters concerning regulations for adoption by the City Council and recommendations for beautification efforts throughout the city.Seven members serve two year terms. Serves as the Keep The Colony Beautiful Board and Community Image Advisory Board. Currently there are 3 vacant board positions.[45]
Library BoardThe Library Board makes suggestions and recommendations respecting the development of the Library and Library services to the City Council.There are seven members on the Library Board and each serves a two-year term. The Board also provides advice to the Library Director upon request.[46]
Local Development CorporationAids, assists, and acts on behalf of the city to implement and finance public works, public improvements, and other programs determined by the city.This board includes nine members each serving two year terms. Many of the current members concurrently serve as City Council members.[47]
Planning and Zoning CommissionThe planning and zoning commission approves preliminary, final plats and replats, and makes recommendations to the city council on site plans, specific use permits, zoning changes and planned development issues.The Planning and Zoning Commission is made up of seven citizens who are appointed by the City Council. Appointments are for a two-year term and a member can be reappointed at the term’s expiration. Currently there are two vacant positions, place 3 and 6.[48]
Sign Board of AppealsSee Board of AdjustmentThe members of the Board of Adjustment also serve as the Sign Board of Appeal and the Building Standards Commission.
Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Board
Board #1Establishes and provides administration of programs to develop and diversify the economy in Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Number One, and develop and expand business and commercial activity within the zone.Meetings as needed, currently consists of several members of the City Council, in addition to two County Representatives. Nine members make up this board and each serves a 2-year term.[49]
Board #2Establishes and provides administration of programs to develop and diversify the economy in Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Number Two, and develop and expand business and commercial activity within the zone.Meetings are as needed; Nine members make up this board and each serves a two-year term. Currently, the Tax board membership consists of the entire City Council (current) plus Two County Representatives.[50]
Technologies BoardThe board shall identify rapidly emerging and evolving technologies in the areas of computers, telecommunications, the Internet, data, voice, video, wireless, and other future technologies.This board includes seven members who serve two year terms. The board provides recommendations (approve / disapprove) on all technology initiatives / purchases / programs prior to any council approval requests.[51]

Education

The Colony is located inside both the Lewisville Independent School District (LISD) and Little Elm Independent School District.

Lewisville ISD has built six elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school inside the city limits. The elementary schools are Peters Colony Elementary, Camey Elementary, B.B. Owen Elementary, Stewart's Creek Elementary (retired 2020–2021), Ethridge Elementary, and Morningside Elementary. The two middle schools are Griffin Middle School and Lakeview Middle School.

Little Elm ISD built Prestwick STEM Academy in 2014, which serves K–8 in The Tribute subdivision, as well as Strike Middle school (opened Fall of 2020) which also serves the residents from The Tribute subdivision.[52] [53] Strike Middle School is named after former superintendent Dr. Lowell H. Strike who served the district for three years.

During a December 2020 meeting of the LISD Board, several changes were made, including rezoning the area and a closure of one of the elementary schools. Effective the end of the 2020–2021 school year, the LISD board voted to close Stewart's Creek Elementary.[54] Many of the students affected by the rezoning will be attending the new school LISD is building to service the area opening for the 2021–2022 school year, dubbed by the LISD Board as Memorial Elementary – STEM Academy.[55] There were three written-in names submitted by the community with no clear winner of the LISD Naming Survey: Sterling (The school's chosen descriptor of students), Cox (name of B.B. Owen Elementary's influential coach and teacher, and supporter of the annual Kids Chase by the Lake [56]), and Josey Lane (The street the school is on).[57] LISD chose to name the school Memorial elementary instead of the submitted names because "...having a Memorial Elementary School will allow us to have the opportunity to memorialize, if you will, a number of important and influential people in the communities we serve.”[57]

Owing to its original history as part of Frisco, The Colony is located inside the community college district of Collin College,[58] unlike most other places in Denton County. However, since residents of The Colony do not pay taxes to said district they must pay out-of-county tuition rates to attend the college.

In May 2009, Griffin Middle School student and The Colony resident Eric Yang won the National Geographic Bee, beating out 54 other state competition champions to win a scholarship and travel package valued at more than $25,000.

The Colony High School is located just north of Texas State Highway 121 on Blair Oaks Drive.

Transportation

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: U.S. Census website. United States Census Bureau. 2008-01-31.
  2. Web site: Population and Housing Unit Estimates. May 24, 2020. United States Census Bureau. May 27, 2020.
  3. Web site: 2019 U.S. Gazetteer Files. United States Census Bureau. August 7, 2020.
  4. Web site: The Colony Historical Map 1841-1969. The Colony GIS Department. The Colony Public Library History Collection. thecolonypl.org. 2009 .
  5. Web site: The Hedgcoxe War Historical Marker . Texas State Historical Commission . StoppingPoints.com . August 8, 2009.
  6. Web site: Bridges to the Future. 1st . Donald J.. Beckel. thecolonypl.org. The Friends of The Colony Public Library, The Colony Public Library History Collection. 2012 .
  7. Web site: Bridges Cemetery, Denton Co. Cemeteries of Tx. 2021-06-08. www.cemeteries-of-tx.com.
  8. Web site: Local History Committee The Colony, TX. 2021-06-08. www.thecolonytx.gov.
  9. Web site: Oral history interview . Ron . Walden. The Colony Public Library Oral History Project. May 3, 1985. thecolonypl.org. The Colony Public Library History Collection.
  10. Web site: Untitled Fox & Jacobs new resident question and answer booklet. The Colony Public Library History Collection. thecolonypl.org. 1975 .
  11. News: Man who helped shape The Colony to be in walk. Denton Record Chronicle. 4. August 6, 1998 . newspaperarchive.com.
  12. Web site: Oral history interview with Dave Fox, owner of Fox and Jacobs. The Colony Public Library History Collection. May 11, 1985 . thecolonypl.org.
  13. Web site: 1st Three Families Settle in F&J's Lake Colony. Dallas Morning News. October 20, 1974 .
  14. Web site: The Colony Municipal Utility District No. 1 of Denton County, Texas. Microfilm. The Colony City Secretary's Office. March 29, 1974 .
  15. Web site: Frisco City Council Regular Meeting, Item 7. 1–2. Ordinance No. 421. January 4, 1977 . FriscoTexas.gov.
  16. Web site: The Colony's voters decide to incorporate. Dallas Morning News. January 16, 1977 .
  17. Web site: legis.state.tx.us. Texas Senate . 85(R) SR42: Senate Resolution No. 42. July 2, 2020.
  18. Web site: Minutes of The Board of Alderman . The City of The Colony, Texas. January 22, 1979 . thecolonytx.gov.
  19. Web site: Minutes of Regular Meeting (Board of Alderman). The City of The Colony. May 16, 1977 . thecolonytx.gov.
  20. Web site: Merger receives public approval Saturday. The Colony Leader . The Colony Public Library History Collection, thecolonypl.org. August 12, 1987 .
  21. Web site: US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990. United States Census Bureau. 2011-04-23. 2011-02-12.
  22. Web site: Geographic Identifiers: 2010 Demographic Profile Data (G001): The Colony city, Texas. United States Census Bureau. June 29, 2012.
  23. Web site: Explore Census Data . 2022-05-22 . data.census.gov.
  24. Web site: Races in The Colony, Texas (TX): White, Black, Hispanic, Asian. Ancestries, Foreign born residents, place of birth - Detailed Stats. www.city-data.com. 2019-02-08.
  25. Web site: City Council The Colony, TX. 2021-06-08. www.thecolonytx.gov.
  26. Web site: Richard Boyer For Mayor - The Colony. 2021-06-08. www.richardboyer.com. en.
  27. Web site: Roark. Chris. After 11 years as mayor, The Colony's McCourry says this will be his last term. 2021-06-08. Star Local. January 9, 2021 . en.
  28. Web site: Day. Lorelei. Profile: Mayor Richard Boyer. Star Local. August 17, 2021 . en.
  29. Web site: Crimmins. Blaine. Boyer to run for Place 2. 2021-06-08. Star Local. March 3, 2009 . en.
  30. Web site: Staff reports. Councilman named secretary of SFA board. 2021-06-08. Star Local. May 3, 2010 . en.
  31. Web site: Goodwin. Heather M.. Wade files for The Colony City Council Place 3. 2021-06-08. Star Local. August 25, 2014 . en.
  32. Web site: Roark. Chris. The Colony candidates head to run-off. 2021-06-08. Star Local. November 3, 2020 . en.
  33. Web site: Crimmins. Blaine. TC: Terre, incumbents win council seats. 2021-06-08. Star Local. May 14, 2011 . en.
  34. Web site: Members - Denton CAD. 2021-06-08. www.dentoncad.com.
  35. Web site: Reid. Marshall. New face elected to Denton Central Appraisal District board. 2021-06-08. Denton Record-Chronicle. December 16, 2019 . en.
  36. Web site: Staff report. The Colony City Council Place 6 candidate bios. 2021-06-08. Star Local. October 23, 2017 . en.
  37. Web site: Animal Services Advisory Board The Colony, TX. 2021-06-08. www.thecolonytx.gov.
  38. Web site: Zoning Regulations: What Does the Board of Adjustment Do?. 2021-06-08. The National Law Review. en.
  39. Web site: Board of Adjustment The Colony, TX. 2021-06-08. www.thecolonytx.gov.
  40. Web site: Capital Improvements Advisory The Colony, TX. 2021-06-08. www.thecolonytx.gov.
  41. Web site: Community Image Advisory Board The Colony, TX. 2021-06-08. www.thecolonytx.gov.
  42. Web site: Community Development Corporation Board The Colony, TX. 2021-06-08. www.thecolonytx.gov.
  43. Web site: Economic Development Corporation The Colony, TX. 2021-06-08. www.thecolonytx.gov.
  44. Web site: Hotel Development Corporation The Colony, TX. 2021-06-08. www.thecolonytx.gov.
  45. Web site: Keep The Colony Beautiful Board The Colony, TX. 2021-06-08. www.thecolonytx.gov.
  46. Web site: Library Board The Colony, TX. 2021-06-08. www.thecolonytx.gov.
  47. Web site: Local Development Corporation The Colony, TX. 2021-06-08. www.thecolonytx.gov.
  48. Web site: Planning & Zoning Commission The Colony, TX. 2021-06-08. www.thecolonytx.gov.
  49. Web site: Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Board #1 The Colony, TX. 2021-06-08. www.thecolonytx.gov.
  50. Web site: Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Board #2 The Colony, TX. 2021-06-08. www.thecolonytx.gov.
  51. Web site: Technologies Board The Colony, TX. 2021-06-08. www.thecolonytx.gov.
  52. http://www.leisd.ws/pages/leisd/Groups/K-8_STEM_Academy Prestwick STEM Academy homepage
  53. Web site: Heather Goodwin. Slaten. Little Elm ISD officials break ground on two new schools. 2021-06-08. Star Local. February 15, 2019 . en.
  54. Web site: Roark. Chris. Lewisville ISD to retire Stewart's Creek Elementary, approves rezoning. 2021-06-07. Star Local. January 13, 2021 . en.
  55. Web site: April 8, 2021. LISD STEM Academy at Memorial Elementary on its Way. 2021-06-07. http. en.
  56. Web site: Roark. Chris. The Colony honors longtime volunteer, B.B. Owen coach. 2021-06-07. Star Local. September 2019 . en.
  57. Web site: Roark. Chris. LISD names new elementary school. 2021-06-07. Star Local. February 10, 2021 . en.
  58. https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/ED/htm/ED.130.htm Sec. 130.175. COLLIN COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT SERVICE AREA.