News

UPDATE (01/10/2024):
Utilities completed, tested and connected. Concrete pavement has been completed from RR to Preston St. Excavation for drainage and pavement along VA Pkwy will continue west past Preston St intersection. It will be followed with work on Preston south to Cooper.

Van Alstyne is in the process of a downtown revitalization.

Phase 1 included the construction of a new parking lot at Main and Marshall.

Phase II addressed drainage issues, a project that is now complete.

Phase III will pave Van Alstyne Parkway from the railroad tracks heading west to Waco Street. This phase will also pave Preston Ave from Van Alstyne Parkway to Cooper St. Concrete streets, curb and gutter, landscaping islands, and the installation of underground chase ways that will enable the city to take overhead utilities underground. Phase III has been awarded to Quality Construction and commenced work October 16, 2023.

Phase IV will be a sizable segment of the project and will cover the paving of Preston Ave starting at Cooper St. heading south to Marshall St. The project will then turn east on Marshall St and pave Marshall to Main before turning north and paving Main St back to Jefferson. New concrete streets, curb and gutter, streetlights, park benchers, landscaping, overhead lighting and underground chase ways. While the renderings depict the railroad tracks on Preston Ave being stamped as they are in the Central Social District, the interurban tracks that are presently on Preston Ave will be saved and reused.

Get the monthly updates on this project and others straight from City Manager, Lane Jones, is his monthly reports here.

City Manager’s Report – December 2023 Update:
Contractor has completed upgrades to Sanitary Sewer lines and manholes along
VA Pkwy.
Water line along VA Pkwy has been completed, tested and service restored to
residents and the Downtown Park.
Excavation for drainage and pavement along VA Pkwy is expected to commence
soon.
Once complete the contractor will move to installation of electrical and
communications sleeves along Preston St (S) from VA Pkwy to E Jefferson.
Affected businesses will be contacted to coordinate any lane closures.

City Manager’s Report – November 2023 Update:
Contractor has completed field “potholing” for Sanitary Sewer line and manholes
along VA Pkwy. Line will be completed by Nov 10. Manholes will be pour in place.
Water line along VA Pkwy has also commenced and will be installed over the next 2
weeks. Water connections are being coordinated with the residents and businesses.
Excavation for drainage and pavement along VA Pkwy will follow utilities.
Once complete the contractor will move to installation of electrical and
communications sleeves along Preston St (S) from VA Pkwy to E Jefferson.
Affected businesses will be contacted to coordinate any lane closures.
Project will start with Sanitary sewer improvements on VA Pkwy and Water main
replacements on VA Pkwy and N Main.

Crystal DeBacker
Media Coordinator
City of Van Alstyne

cdebacker@cityofvanalstyne.us
903-357-1088

Chief Ryan Dockery of the Van Alstyne Fire Department met with me to discuss the brand new ambulance the department ordered as well as the new public safety facility coming to Van Alstyne.

This new ambulance brings the Fire Department vehicles to:

2 engines

2 ambulances

2 brush trucks

1 command vehicle

And the current roles at the fire department are 12 full time positions, 9 paramedics, and 3 positions available

When did we move forward to purchase of new ambulance

Chief Dockery knows the lead time for the required chassis can be up to 2 years, so being proactive to stay within the desired equipment replacement plan, early 2022 quotes were requested and the selection was made. A proposal was taken to city council for approval and the order was placed in May of 2022. We anticipate we will get it as early as the last week of October.

Focus behind this addition

We know we are growing, not shrinking. But this is replacing older equipment to maintain adequate services within the equipment replacement plan. The new ambulance is replacing our oldest ambulance that was purchased in 2013, which is being traded in.

Additional new vehicle plans

The VAFD has also ordered a new fire engine, and this will serve as the new frontline engine and putting the old frontline engine in reserve. The old reserve engine will be sold. The estimated completion date is summer 2024.

This engine is being purchased with funds from the agreement with the Mantua Point development.  There are also funds to order another ambulance. We may order another ambulance soon with these funds to stay proactive with the vehicle replacement plan because of the lead time needed.

New Public Safety facility

The new public safety facility will house police, fire and have a community area. FD is being designed to be a double company station, which means it will operate an ambulance, ladder and engine and possibly a brush, and would also house administration.

We currently are a single company station because we don’t have a ladder. We have a fire engine and an ambulance.

A Fire Marshall would be hired when the city grows into that. In planning for this facility, the design allows us to grow into it in the next several years. The plan for this facility is to fit our department for many many years into the future as Van Alstyne continues to grow.

New hires

In 2024, 1 new firefighter position will become available in January, and that will bring all shifts to 5 personnel per shit.

Future plans include additional command and administrative staff as well as a Fire Marshall position.

Crystal DeBacker
Media Coordinator
City of Van Alstyne

cdebacker@cityofvanalstyne.us
903-357-1088

UPDATE (1/18/2024):
If you were unable to attend this community event and leave your input with DADCO Consulting on the future of Van Alstyne, please download this fillable form. You can return the filled out form, or just email your answers directly, to our consultant, Mary Ann Moon, at maryann@prosperedc.com. Please complete by January 26th.

UPDATE (1/9/2024):

Attendees can expect a collaborative event where they share their feedback to create a community Strengths, Weakness and Opportunities analysis and future vision for Van Alstyne. Length of the event will depend on attendance and participation, but most likely will not exceed 2 hours. The venue, Grayson College South Campus, is reserved until noon and someone will be in attendance to receive community member feedback through the entirety of that reservation. Donuts and coffee will be provided for those attending at the start of the event.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to share your vision for Van Alstyne’s future. The Van Alstyne Economic Development Corporation has hired DADCO Consulting to facilitate gathering input from Van Alstyne city leaders and community members on the direction of our future economic growth.

In January, DADCO and the VAEDC are hosing an event for community members. Don’t miss this opportunity for your voice to be heard and to help shape the future of Van Alstyne. Reserve your spot for this pivotal event on the VAEDC Facebook event and mark yourself as ‘Going’ and follow the event page for updates and additional information. This event is once in the lifetime of a town and gathering the opinions of community members is of vital importance as we shape the future of Van Alstyne. We hope you all will join us and share your opinion on what you would like to see for our growing town.

DADCO & Van Alstyne Economic Development Corporation Community Event
Saturday, January 13th 9am-1pm
Grayson Community College, Van Alstyne Campus
1455 W. Van Alstyne Pkwy, Van Alstyne, TX

Stay up to date and reserve your spot on the Facebook event here: https://fb.me/e/1I0BzRUGH
If you do not have a Facebook, please call City Hall and reserve your spot with Paige Boatman with the Van Alstyne Economic Development Corporation.  903-712-2002

Crystal DeBacker
Media Coordinator
City of Van Alstyne

cdebacker@cityofvanalstyne.us
903-357-1088

UPDATE (01/10/2024): See the updates to all of these projects on January’s City Manager’s Report here.

12/12/2023 UPDATE: Project updates here in the December City Manager’s Report.

You may notice some road work going on around town.  This is evolving daily of course, but we want to make sure to share the scope of the project and it’s current stage.

Nunnalee Ave. Improvements

Sanitary Sewer Line A is 95% complete on East side of Nunnalee from VA Pkwy north
to Baldwin. One manhole (at VA Pkwy) is left for installation.
Sanitary Sewer Line B is 90% complete on West side of Nunnalee (SSB) from VA Pkwy
north to Texana.
Storm collection box culverts and pipe are being installed along the East side of
Nunnalee. Gas line crossings were delayed by weather and have been completed by
Atmos’s sub-contractor. Storm pipe installation North of Stinett will re-start
November 6 (Monday). Contractor expect to complete storm pipe installation and
backfill before Thanksgiving. No work from Thursday Nov 23 – Sunday Nov 26.
Water line replacement has commenced from North to South along the West side
outside the curb line. Construction installation will re-start after Thanksgiving and is
expected to complete by mid-December (i.e. before Christmas). New service
connections will be in place, but not active until the water line is tested and
approved. This should be before end December.
Pavement concrete is scheduled to start in late December / early January. The
excavation, Lime Stabilization and concrete will start with the West lane and once
completed S to N, the contractor will move to the East lane. Completion expected
by end February.
Gang mailboxes unit (temporary during construction) is being moved for ALL
residents to 430 Stinnett. Once moved, a picture and paper communication will be
dropped at every house. Completed on November 6. Delivering letters on
Wednesday Nov 8 to residents.
Trash pick up will be changed (temporary during construction) to 2 or 3 locations on
adjacent streets where truck access is not hampered by site work. These will be
communicated to both Sanitation Solutions and the residents immediately.
Contractor will be responsible to move trash containers and return to each resident
once collected. Working out the logistics at this time.

Preston St. Improvements

Sanitary manhole, collection piping, lateral and clean out installation is completed
from VA Pkwy to Tolson.
Storm collection pipe installation at the Van Alstyne Pkwy intersection has been
completed.
Water line (cir 1980) has been located at a very shallow depth along the west curb
line of the proposed concrete road. Public Works has decided to replace this line
immediately. Contractor is procuring materials and preparing to commence work.
Pavement subgrade preparation has been delayed until after completion of the
additional water line from VA Pkwy to Wade. It will commence as the water line is
completed north to Tolson.

Collin McKinney Pkwy Improvements

Lane markings have been installed and the road was opened to traffic on Friday
October 20. Directional signage and speed signage has been installed. A substantial
completion walk-through was conducted and punch list items are being completed.
Final contract close out is expected in early December.

For continued updates on these projects, see the City Manager’s Report that is posted monthly, here on our website, or attend our monthly City Council meetings and hear the project updates and discussions.

Crystal DeBacker
Media Coordinator
City of Van Alstyne

cdebacker@cityofvanalstyne.us
903-357-1088

In an era of growth and development, Van Alstyne is taking a significant step to bolster public safety by planning a new, state-of-the-art facility for its police and fire departments. This $20 million project is not just an investment in infrastructure but a commitment to the safety and well-being of our community. Located at the corner of Waco St. and Blassingame Ave., the new site remains central to Van Alstyne and provides easy access to Hwy 5 and Hwy 75.

The process to realize this facility has been meticulous and collaborative. Input from 14 distinguished architects and studies conducted by two external companies have played a crucial role in shaping the size and design of the facility. A project manager will also be brought on board for this project. This comprehensive approach ensures that the facility will meet the highest standards of functionality and efficiency.

The chosen designer, Brandstetter Carroll, Inc., is working closely with Police Chief Barnes, Fire Chief Dockery, and the City Manager. Their joint efforts focus on creating a design that not only addresses current requirements but also anticipates the needs of our community for years to come.

This new facility is more than a building; it’s a symbol of our city’s dedication to ensuring a safe, secure, and thriving community for all residents of Van Alstyne. Stay tuned as we continue on this exciting journey towards a safer future.

Crystal DeBacker
Media Coordinator
City of Van Alstyne

cdebacker@cityofvanalstyne.us
903-357-1088

UPDATE (01/10/2024):
Exciting progress on the new park. Pond is excavated and local clay soil has been installed for pond lining purposes. Contractor has completed major materials submittals and long lead time items are on order for delivery. Water and sewer improvements are being completed. Contractor is working on schedule.

Van Alstyne Parks & Recreation is adding an incredible new park to our community!  Located just north of the Georgetown Village subdivision, between Kelly Ln. & S. Dallas Ave., this park will be 24 acres and includes a fishing pond, pavilion, playground, restrooms, and plenty of green space, and of course walking trails. In the city’s masterplan, the walking trails will connect all of Van Alstyne’s parks.

A nice feature of this new development in our community is it is fully paid for and will not impact taxes at all!

Van Alstyne City Council awarded the construction contract in September the groundbreaking took place on September 25th. The expected completion date is Spring of 2024!

See news on the park groundbreaking here:
https://www.kten.com/story/49649021/new-park-coming-to-van-alstyne
https://www.kten.com/story/49724274/van-alstyne-breaks-ground-for-new-city-park

Crystal DeBacker
Media Coordinator
City of Van Alstyne

cdebacker@cityofvanalstyne.us
903-357-1088