It seems like this year is just flying past! The children are already back in school again and the TEA is still dawdling around about deciding on what to do with Fort Worth ISD. Uncertainty can have significant effects, as indicated by Mr. Morath. A timely decision is required to enable our local educators to continue advancing the ongoing achievements.
Our August meeting was not a full house because so many were still vacationing. We heard from three Texas Wesleyan folks about the athletic program and how it is progressing. Head Coach Brad Sherrod spoke about the football program. He was followed by the Athletic Director, Rickey Dodson, with all kinds of interesting points about the different athletic programs being offered at Wesleyan. Glenn Lewis, Chairman of the Board at Wesleyan told us the good news about the stadium. It has taken shape and will be a real asset to East Fort Worth when it is completed and up and running. This was a very informative program and once again our caterer did a delicious job with the food.
In alignment with our focus on local education, the speaker for September will be Dr. Daniel Lufkin, President of Tarrant County College South Campus. Dr. Lufkin is an engaging speaker and a member of our organization. Many of our members have been students at Tarrant County College. It is an important first step in higher education and Dr. Lufkin will have a lot to tell us about how much has been added to the curriculum.
The two zoning cases we were concerned with at Zoning Commission and city Council were decided in the way we had hoped they would be. The application to change the zoning at the old savings and loan building at 2621 Oakland Boulevard was denied by City Council with prejudice. They had wanted to change the zoning from ER to E for the ability to have a convenience store which could sell alcohol. This building is at the entrance to Historic Kenwood court. East Fort Worth Business Association was in opposition to this change.
The other case was a too intense zoning application for a vacant lot on Dallas Avenue. We opposed this one as well because of the effect it would have on the residential area abutting it. The applicant changed his application to a more compatible category at Zoning Commission.
Be sure to put the September 4th meeting on your calendar. Bill Schwennsen and the nominating committee will read the slate of proposed nominees for the 2026 board. If you have not yet arranged sponsorship or tickets for the November event, this is the time to do so.
The Prez
Order your EFWBA Polo Shirt for $30! Click the button below to select a size & complete the sale.
Order your embroidered logo button polo shirt for $30. Wear this shirt to represent our organization at your community or civic events.
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Joel McElhany serves as Assistant Director of the Planning & Resource Management Division for the City of Fort Worth's Park & Recreation Department.
In this role, he oversees the Capital Improvement Program, Planning, Forestry, and Trades Infrastructure and Maintenance sections. His team is responsible for parkland acquisition, long-range planning, asset management, and implementation of the department's Neighborhood and Community Park Dedication Policy.
Joel has more than 30 years of professional experience, including over two decades in parks and recreation. His work has focused on aligning capital investments with community needs, maintaining and expanding Fort Worth's park system, and guiding major initiatives such as GREENprint Fort Worth, the 2025 Park, Recreation & Open Space Master Plan.
He has also played a key role in the delivery of voter-approved bond programs, including the 2022 Bond Program and preparation for the upcoming 2026 Bond Program.
A licensed landscape architect, Joel holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Iowa State University and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Texas at Arlington. He is a graduate of the Leadership Fort Worth Class of 2019 and works closely with city and regional partners to ensure that Fort Worth's park system continues to grow in step with the city's rapid development.
Outside of work, Joel and his wife, Anna, enjoy exploring Fort Worth's parks and trails with their two children. He is an avid cyclist and often spends time on the Trinity Trails.
Meadowbrook-Poly United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall
3900 Meadowbrook Drive, Fort Worth, 76103.
Usually in the building on North side of church complex, closest to Meadowbrook. Overflow Parking on West side of street.
Doors Open 11:30 Lunch 11:45 – 1:00 pm
Meals $15.00 Members • $20.00 Non-Members
Josh Eadie is vice president, development for NexMetro Communities, the national leading developer of luxury leased home neighborhoods with more than 40 projects in multiple markets either built, under construction or in development and a robust pipeline of projects in new and existing markets. Josh is responsible for all land acquisition, entitlements and due diligence, and construction execution in the Dallas Fort Worth metro area.
Will Northern is reshaping the eastside through his real estate transactions and is providing the new growth and development we have needed for years. His company, Crescendo Development, recently purchased the closed Woodhaven Golf Club for new residential redevelopment.
See the plans at: Crescendo Development