FM 455 Collin County Thoroughfare Petition
Petition: Proposed 2025 FM 455 Collin County Thoroughfare
To: Collin County Engineering Department
Attention: Engineering Department Clarence Daugherty, P.E. & Caren Chambers, P.E.
Address: 4690 Community Ave, Suite 200 McKinney, Texas 75071
Attention: Engineering Department Clarence Daugherty, P.E. & Caren Chambers, P.E.
Address: 4690 Community Ave, Suite 200 McKinney, Texas 75071
Attention: Madeline Shepherd Project Team
Address: 13737 Noel Rd., Suite 700, Dallas, TX 75240
Address: 13737 Noel Rd., Suite 700, Dallas, TX 75240
From: The Rigsby Community in the Weston ETJ: includes all impacted property owners & families in our private community and broader community
Rigsby Lane-Ballinlough Lane-Windy Hill Property Owners will be referred to and known as "The Rigsby Community" &/or "The Rigsby Lane Community"
Rigsby Lane-Ballinlough Lane-Windy Hill Property Owners will be referred to and known as "The Rigsby Community" &/or "The Rigsby Lane Community"
Subject: The Rigsby Lane Opposition to the New Proposed 2025 FM 455 Collin County Thoroughfare.
The primary purpose of this petition is to oppose the proposed 2025 FM 455 route outlined in the Collin County Thoroughfare Plan, which
designates a major six-lane, 120-foot right-of-way arterial road through the heart of the Rigsby Community.
The petition being submitted on behalf of The Rigsby Community will include maps and two addendums:
designates a major six-lane, 120-foot right-of-way arterial road through the heart of the Rigsby Community.
The petition being submitted on behalf of The Rigsby Community will include maps and two addendums:
- Petition Addendum 1: Additional Topics of Concerns and Community Impact
- Petition Addendum #2: Bee - Pollinators, Agriculture, Environmental & Habitat Concerns
While the petition, addendums and maps are focused on the aforementioned community, the proposed changes involve a broader community
who may have similar concerns and impact; therefore their signatures may be reflected.
who may have similar concerns and impact; therefore their signatures may be reflected.
The Rigsby Community:
The Rigsby Lane Community is a peaceful, picturesque area comprised of privately owned residential and land properties. The roadway and easement are privately maintained by the landowners and are not open to the public. Access is strictly limited to authorized resident traffic only. Clear signage throughout the neighborhood states “Private Road – No Trespassing” to enforce this restriction.
We have worked hard to make it an exceptional place where we can farm with freedoms associated with rural living.
The City of Weston and the area has been growing in recent years. Various road proposals to accommodate growth have been entertained that has not involved our community. Any proposals for our road to be developed for public access would have been made without knowledge or consent of the property owners.
Preserving Weston's rural beauty provides a unique charm, attracting new residents looking for peace, space, and community they can call it "home". Without protection, it risks losing its unique character and becoming just another overdeveloped city, stripped of the beauty and peace that draw people here in the first place.
Road development would take 2-4 years, forever dividing our community and wreaking havoc for residents to reach the main road. Construction trucks and resulting traffic would be devastating to our privacy, security, animals, agriculture and way of life.
Our community recently became aware of the new 2025 proposed plans involving these changes and taken us by surprise. We kindly request that you choose from various route options and take into consideration the additional concerns for our community area. We also request a meeting to discuss in person finding Win-Win solutions.
We have worked hard to make it an exceptional place where we can farm with freedoms associated with rural living.
The City of Weston and the area has been growing in recent years. Various road proposals to accommodate growth have been entertained that has not involved our community. Any proposals for our road to be developed for public access would have been made without knowledge or consent of the property owners.
Preserving Weston's rural beauty provides a unique charm, attracting new residents looking for peace, space, and community they can call it "home". Without protection, it risks losing its unique character and becoming just another overdeveloped city, stripped of the beauty and peace that draw people here in the first place.
Road development would take 2-4 years, forever dividing our community and wreaking havoc for residents to reach the main road. Construction trucks and resulting traffic would be devastating to our privacy, security, animals, agriculture and way of life.
Our community recently became aware of the new 2025 proposed plans involving these changes and taken us by surprise. We kindly request that you choose from various route options and take into consideration the additional concerns for our community area. We also request a meeting to discuss in person finding Win-Win solutions.
Key Highlights and Concerns
- Major Route Shift: The newly proposed FM 455 route significantly deviates from the previously approved alignment south of the City of Weston via Cowan Road. The revised route now cuts directly through our private residential and agricultural community.
- Overwhelming Road Scale: The proposed 2025 Collin County Thoroughfare Plan fails to reflect the full impact of a 120-foot-wide, six-lane principal arterial route on nearby residents, private landowners, agriculture and beauty of our rural Rigsby community.
- Protection of All Private Roads: All Rigsby Lane private roads is a private road easement for property owners and authorized access. The road has been posted with a "Private Road No Trespassing" signs. The Rigsby Lane residents maintain the road and want it to remain excluded from future public access or expansion plans.
- Preservation of All Rigsby Community Private Roads: ie: Rigsby Lane, Ballinlough Lane, Windy Hill Lane, and any potential future roads developed on private land. Rigsby Lane to Windy Hill - Bourland Bend is currently not connected. It is shown to be developed for which we would want this to remain a closed private road.
- Unclear County Road Extension: A new county road is shown extending from CR 206, through the Venetian Subdivision and onto private wooded property, ultimately connecting with Rigsby Lane. This proposed road—especially given its proximity to FM 543—raises concerns, as local residents were unaware of this plan and request full transparency, notifications, review of options and input prior to any plan proceedings.
- Lenthy Procedure, Construction Time & Impact: The process is lengthy with plenty of daunting uncertainties. Once the construction begins, it can take 2-4 years to complete disrupting lives, wreaking havoc on travel, livestock, agricultural, and environmental concerns.
- Agriculture & Farming Concerns: Major roads threaten farming operations, pollution, loss of habitat, disrupting crops, livestock, and the livelihood of landowners.
- Environmental, Agricultural, and Lifestyle Impacts: High-traffic roads through this peaceful rural area will disrupt local ecosystems, displace wildlife, and negatively affect agricultural operations as detailed in the petition addendums.
- Property Values & Zoning Changes: With major roads often comes potential altered property values and zoning changes, further disrupting community lifestyles, altering the landscape of residential areas, and potentially leading to unwanted commercial or industrial developments.
- Traffic, Trespassing and Crime: Major roads often bring more traffic, higher crime, trespassing, and increased noise, all of which threaten the safety, peace, and overall quality of life in the community.
- Lifestyle & Community Impact: We moved for rural, country living. It would also forever fracture our close knit, peaceful, country lifestyle and community valued by current landowners and residents.
Legal Issues: Legal issues may arise due to various amendments, changes, procedural, zoning, challenges to the legality of the changes, eminent domain along with challenges unforeseen. - Addendums: Addendums cover additional important concerns in detail.
FM 455 Collin County Thoroughfare Maps:
- The 2020 Approved Map: In a 2020 plan, the City of Weston and Collin County Engineering had proposed to expand FM 455 from Anna through Weston, just south of the city along Main Street and reconnect to FM 455 on west side.
- The Proposed 2025 FM 455 Map: The map fails to capture the true scale, reach, and devastating impact a 120-foot-wide, six-lane road would unleash on every property adjacent to the Rigsby Community (Rigsby Lane, Windy Hill, and Ballinlough Lane) along its path. The resulting catastrophic impact on the community is why we are fiercely challenging it with this petition.
- Ancillary Issues Included: Although the #1 and #2 ancillary issues listed below may not currently be part of the County’s official development plans or the primary focus of the current meeting, they are shown on the maps and therefore directly impact the Rigsby Community. For that reason, we are including them in this petition. We respectfully request to be informed of any current or future plans so that our community can provide input, explore all available options, and participate before any final decisions are made.
#1 CR 206 -Chambersville Road: A proposed county road is extending from CR 206-Chambersville Road through the Venetian Subdivision to Rigsby Lane. Rigsby Lane, Ballinlough Lane, and Windy Hill Lane are private one-lane roads maintained by the property owners. We find this proposal unacceptable for several reasons as outlined in the petition addendums attached.
#2 Rigsby Lane FM 543 to Bourland Bend – is showing on the map to connect. The maps do not reflective of what the proposed road boundaries, width etc. would include. As stated, we would not want a full pass through our community due to increased traffic. There are routes accessing Bourland Bend north and south of Rigsby Lane.
Route Plan Overview:
- The 2020 original plan for FM 455 shows the straightest shot from the east side Cowan – Main Street – and then west towards Celina. It utilizes and maximizes current roads that could be upgraded and modified without having to purchase and develop new land acquisitions at tax payer’s expense. It is certainly the least obtrusive preserving the rural beauty and charm of the Weston ETJ.
- The New Proposed 2025 FM 455 Route The 2025 proposed route takes a lengthy U-shaped detour through undeveloped lands, various properties, flood plains, communities, requiring new land acquisitions, surveys, environmental evaluations etc that will complicate development. Bridge(s) may be required to navigate the flood plains. This is massively expensive for the tax payers and calls for questioning the real need, requiring further detail vs utilizing existing routes and prior proposals.
The U-Shape Route Details :
- Southward Leg: The route detour begins at Cowan Road and east of Bourland Bend. While various routes are available along existing roads, this route takes an extreme detour south, cutting through undeveloped lands and vast flood plains.
- East - West Leg: The road then crosses Bourland Bend onto private land owned and lakes by Andrew Robbins, a recent property owner and developer. From there, the road shows to cut through a neighbor's land to reach Windy Hill and Rigsby Lane, ultimately connecting to FM 543. Some of these regions and/or lakes are regulated by Collin County Soil and Conservation Department and other associated agencies entities.
- West - North Leg: The new proposed plan then proceeds from Rigsby Lane over FM 543 to CR 208. Instead of taking established roadways, the new plan extensively crosses over more farmland and residential areas, ultimately reconnecting into FM 455 leading to Celina on the west side.
- Collin County Outer Loop: Currently, the Collin County Outer Loop is already under construction. It is 500 ft wide major freeway around 2 miles south of Rigsby Lane and will provide significant travel east and west.
- Existing Routes: The existing roads are shown to be modified and expanded. As a result, there is no need for FM 455 to come south, taking an extensive U-shape route through rural property, simply to return to FM 455 west. The existing roads can be properly constructed to curves for smooth traffic flow as seen in many highways, resulting in minimal land aquisition.
- Extensive Costs: The cost to the taxpayers would be exorbitant with huge route detours, extensive land acquisition and development, flood plain environmental considerations, probable bridge(s), potential legal challenges etc.
- Flood plains: The expansive floodplains in the area could significantly affect local wildlife and the environment, likely requiring formal assessments and environmental studies. Moreover, to prevent flooding of the roadway, costly elevated bridges may be necessary.
- Environmental: In particular, these sections of land and lakes may fall under the jurisdiction of agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, FEMA, and other federal entities. Their involvement would introduce additional regulatory requirements, delays, and substantial expenses—none of which are accounted for in the 2020 development plans.
- Impact Rigsby Community: Loss of land, rural lifestyle, agriculture and fractured community.
Justifications and feasibility studies considering various routes has not been made public. Public meetings with county officials—intended to review plan routes and answer questions—have been crowded with many concerned residents. As a result, the responses given were understandably broad and non-specific, making it challenging to get clear answers about issues unique to our area. While comments online are available as input, there are deeper issues we will detail here and show our community solidarity.
Fiduciary Responsibility to Residents and Taxpayers
- Tax Payer Cost Effective Solutions by Maximizing Existing Road Upgrades & Modifications – For example: The County upgraded and modified existing roads when the Trinity Falls and other subdivisions were developed along Trinity Falls Parkway near I75.
- Waste of Taxpayer Dollars – Public taxpayer funds should be allocated to road maintenance, safety improvements, or necessary expansions utilizing current road systems, not excessive new construction through undeveloped properties, flood plains, and cost of numerous new land acquisitions. These new plans could involve extensive flood plain, wildlife, environmental, etc. potential requiring additional surveys and impact studies.
- Collin County Outer Loop - This is a major freeway, six-lane artery with a 500 ft ROW. Its location is nearby within 2 1/4 miles south, making the proposed route needless.
- Existing Roads are shown to be modified and expanded
- Current Residential Private Landowners Considerations – Long-term devastating and irreversible impact on their lifestyle, family history, finances, home values, agriculture etc.
- Legal Costs – Potential and realized arising from various issues, changes and challenges increase the time, money and expense for the project and taxpayer funds.
Exploring Road Proposal Alternatives: See Map Addendum for Route Options
Logical routes:
The 2020 Approved FM 455 Route Plans from Cowan to Main street or utilizing Cowan and/or FM 455 to 134 route north of Weston is a straightforward, cost effective approach by maximizing the use of existing roads. The extreme u-shaped south bend to end up back north vs modifying the existing roads with the least land aquisition does not make sense. and the current FM455 north of the City of Weston shown below stands out as the smartest choices. With the Collin County Outer Loop just 3 miles south of Weston—2 miles below Rigsby Lane—and roads like CR 206 already primed for widening, sticking to the routes just north of Weston is both the most logical and budget-savvy move.
The 2020 Approved FM 455 Route Plans from Cowan to Main street or utilizing Cowan and/or FM 455 to 134 route north of Weston is a straightforward, cost effective approach by maximizing the use of existing roads. The extreme u-shaped south bend to end up back north vs modifying the existing roads with the least land aquisition does not make sense. and the current FM455 north of the City of Weston shown below stands out as the smartest choices. With the Collin County Outer Loop just 3 miles south of Weston—2 miles below Rigsby Lane—and roads like CR 206 already primed for widening, sticking to the routes just north of Weston is both the most logical and budget-savvy move.
North of Weston: Next logical path
North provides the best existing routes with less interference – connecting to FM455 on the west side of Weston. The U-shape detour is slated to go back north anyway. It would avoid a costly south U-shape detour through undeveloped, flood plains and acquisition properties disturbing home-farm lands.
North provides the best existing routes with less interference – connecting to FM455 on the west side of Weston. The U-shape detour is slated to go back north anyway. It would avoid a costly south U-shape detour through undeveloped, flood plains and acquisition properties disturbing home-farm lands.
- #1 FM455 to CR 134. Straight Existing Roads: Less developed, few homes if any. Will connect with route going north. Modify established roads – cost effective.
- #2 path: Instead of Cowan to Main Street, it could loop just north of Weston before CR 134.
South of Weston:
- CR 206 Existing Straight Roads – connect on west side to Cave Lane-CR 125: to be widened anyway
- Bourland Bend to CR 206. Curves can be added into the roads without major route changes.
- CR 285 – could go straight and access behind Venetian Subdivision to FM 543. The Venetian Subdivision-Megatel community may welcome direct access to FM 455 vs destroying the Rigsby Community.
Farming Impact:
Construction and roadbuilding kick up dust, pollutants and will eliminate important pollination patches. A bulldozer’s worth of topsoil disturbance can linger in the air, coating plants bees rely on.
- Bee Farms: Honey Bees: In our community, a number of us have bee farms. Land aquisition, loss of pastures and habitat would take away the bees and pollinator food supply. the long term construction kick up a tremendous amount of dust, pollutants and road runoff. A bulldozer's worth of topsoil disturbance can linger in the air, coating plants bees rely on. This would further wreak havoc on the bees health, and ultimately devastate the colonies.. Any remaining honey bees that may survive, the quality and quantity of honey produce would be impacted by the pollutants, similar to the dust bowl effect. Further concerns are detailed in the #2 Petition Addendum.
- Wild Bees & Pollinators: In general, agricultural scientists and experts are increasingly alarmed about the future of bee colonies, both wild and honey bees and their cascading effects on the food supply.
- Vineyards: A few Rigsby Community owners nurture vineyards, where vines take years to mature into fruitful bounty. These delicate plants are highly vulnerable to construction dust, herbicide and pesticide runoff, and oil spills—threats that could sicken the vines, degrade fruit quality, and even obliterate entire crop yields.
- Crops: Beyond that, our community supplies vegetables, fruits, and hay for livestock, with much of the hay grown naturally, free of pesticides. The native prairie grasses and wildflowers not only supply hay, it is vital food for the bees, pollinators and wildlife. The proposed new route would slash or outright destroy this vital supply, compromising the quality of the natural meadows and hay our ecosystem and animals depend on.
- Water, Ponds: The added environmental impact and pollutants on our local water, ponds and wells could cause detrimental harm to all life, eco-system, livestock, crops, and fish. Migrating birds such as monarch butterflies, herrons, ducks, geese etc. rely on our native pastures and pond waters that will be immensely impacted by the close proximity of a major road.
- Livestock: Increased construction, noise, and traffic disrupt livestock by causing stress, which can lead to reduced productivity, anxiety, and health issues. The destruction of natural habitats and hay sources limits grazing areas, while heavy traffic and construction noises interfere with feeding and breeding patterns, ultimately harming livestock well-being and farm operations.
- Native Pasture Prairie The proposed road path cuts through and impacts significant areas of native prairie pasture, where pesticides are not used. This land is essential for supporting bees, pollinators, wildlife, crops, vineyards and provides hay for local residents. The proposed new route would slash or outright destroy this vital food supply, compromising the quality of the natural meadows and hay our ecosystem and animals depend on.
- Water, Wildlife and Migrating Birds The added environmental impact and pollutants on our local water, ponds and wells could cause detrimental harm to all life, eco-system, livestock, crops, and fish.
- Deed Restriction Boundaries: Changes to our private community will also violate deed boundary and development restrictions entered into by various resident property owners.
- Addendums: Additional reasons for opposing the 2025 Collin County Thoroughfare FM 455 proposal are again outline in two detailed addendums: #1 Petition & Maps Addendum: Proposed FM 455 Road-Topics of Concern Impacting the Rigsby Community”. #2 Petition Addendum: Bee – Pollinators Agriculture, Environmental & Habitat Concerns.
In Summary:
The residents of The Rigsby Community remain strongly opposed to this action for any development plans or any proposals that would affect our private community, consistent with previous discussions and petitions submitted to the County.
We oppose the proposed significant, expensive detours that fail to utilize a more direct route and/or existing roadways through Weston as in prior proposals and needlessly devastate stunning properties and rural landscapes for a superhighway or bypass.
Maximizing existing roadways would lessen the costs for taxpayers, land acquisitions, the steep costs of developing land and tackling floodplains along with environmental challenges that loom large.
Our community has always fostered a close-knit environment, where we come together in support of one another—a sense of belonging rarely seen, that will be forever shattered if this road divides our lands, permanently altering the dynamics of our neighborhood. We value the privacy and serenity provided by our private road, and we are resolute in preserving this vital aspect of our lifestyle.
Developers, outsiders, and investors have no apparent personal connections to the area beyond their financial investment. In contrast, this is our home—where we’ve raised our children and animals, built our lives, and where our own investments are rooted.
The Rigsby Community adds to Weston's rural charm and beauty, drawing residents who appreciate its unique, peaceful environment.
The Rigsby Community adds to Weston's rural charm and beauty, drawing residents who appreciate its unique, peaceful environment.
Lastly, there are potential litigation concerns arising from various issues that may include, condemnation proceedings of the forcible taking of private property, property valuation, challenges to the legality of the changes, future amendments, surveys, agricultural-environmental impact, past petition concerns involving the adjacent Bourland Bend property owner-developers—or any future owners—seeking to utilize our private roads for development access, and other unforeseen issues that could arise now and over the years. Litigation will increase the time, money and expense for project and taxpayer funds.
While we as a community, realizing the area is growing, we feel it can be done while preserving our area and maintaining Weston's grace and beauty.
An in-person meeting to discuss specific concerns to our community would be appreciated. With time, money, and resources at stake in planning, resolving this soon is key.
We trust you will take our matters into serious consideration and find win-win alternative routes to avoid disrupting our lifestyle, friendships and peaceful community.
While we as a community, realizing the area is growing, we feel it can be done while preserving our area and maintaining Weston's grace and beauty.
An in-person meeting to discuss specific concerns to our community would be appreciated. With time, money, and resources at stake in planning, resolving this soon is key.
We trust you will take our matters into serious consideration and find win-win alternative routes to avoid disrupting our lifestyle, friendships and peaceful community.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
The Rigsby Community Families, Impacted Neighbors and Concerned Citizens
The Rigsby Community Families, Impacted Neighbors and Concerned Citizens
Review Petition & Addendums
After Reviewing:
Sign Main Petition & Signature Tab
Please review the petition, maps and addendums. If you are directly impacted, then it is best to add your address as the road authorities generally want to verify your ties. Families who are non-residents and concerned citizens can sign as well. You do not need to provide your address.
Petition: Proposed 2025 FM 455 Collin County Thoroughfare
To: Collin County Engineering Department
Attention: Engineering Department Clarence Daugherty, P.E. & Caren Chambers, P.E.
Address: 4690 Community Ave, Suite 200 McKinney, Texas 75071
Attention: Engineering Department Clarence Daugherty, P.E. & Caren Chambers, P.E.
Address: 4690 Community Ave, Suite 200 McKinney, Texas 75071
Attention: Madeline Shepherd Project Team
Address: 13737 Noel Rd., Suite 700, Dallas, TX 75240
Address: 13737 Noel Rd., Suite 700, Dallas, TX 75240
From: The Rigsby Community in the Weston ETJ encompasses all impacted property owners and families, both within our private neighborhood and the surrounding community. Rigsby Lane-Ballinlough Lane-Windy Hill Property Owners will be referred to and known as "The Rigsby Community" &/or "The Rigsby Lane Community"
Subject: The Rigsby Community Opposition to the New Proposed 2025 FM 455 Collin County Thoroughfare.
The primary purpose of this petition is to oppose the proposed 2025 FM 455 route Collin County Thoroughfare which outlines a
major six-lane, 120-foot right-of-way arterial road through the heart of the Rigsby Community.
The petition being submitted on behalf of The Rigsby Community will include maps and two addendums:
major six-lane, 120-foot right-of-way arterial road through the heart of the Rigsby Community.
The petition being submitted on behalf of The Rigsby Community will include maps and two addendums:
- Petition Addendum 1: Additional Topics of Concerns and Community Impact
- Petition Addendum #2: Bee - Pollinators, Agriculture, Environmental & Habitat Concerns
While the petition, addendums and maps are focused on the aforementioned community, the proposed changes involve a broader community
who may have similar concerns and impact; therefore, their signatures may be reflected.
who may have similar concerns and impact; therefore, their signatures may be reflected.
The Rigsby Community:
The Rigsby Lane Community is a peaceful, picturesque area comprised of privately owned residential and land properties. The roadway and easement are privately maintained by the landowners and are not open to the public. Access is strictly limited to authorized resident traffic only with clear signage in the neighborhood states “Private Road – No Trespassing” to enforce this restriction.
We have worked hard to make it an exceptional place where we can farm with freedoms associated with rural living.
The City of Weston and the area has been growing in recent years. Various road proposals to accommodate growth have been entertained that has not involved our community. Any proposals for our road to be developed for public access would have been made without knowledge or consent of the property owners.
Preserving Weston's rural beauty provides a unique charm, attracting new residents looking for peace, space, and a community they can call "home". Without protection, it risks losing its unique character and becoming just another overdeveloped city, stripped of the beauty and peace that draw people here in the first place.
The maps do not capture the proposed 120ft easement widths, potential ramps and traffic or the horrific impact it would have on the community. The actual road development process would take 2-4 years wreaking havoc for residents to reach the main road. Construction trucks and resulting traffic would be devastating to our privacy, security, animals, agriculture, environment and way of life. The community we cherish would forever be divided.
Our community recently became aware of the new 2025 proposed plans involving these changes and taken us by surprise. We kindly request that you choose from various route options and take into consideration the additional concerns for our community area. We also request a meeting to discuss in person finding win-win solutions.
We have worked hard to make it an exceptional place where we can farm with freedoms associated with rural living.
The City of Weston and the area has been growing in recent years. Various road proposals to accommodate growth have been entertained that has not involved our community. Any proposals for our road to be developed for public access would have been made without knowledge or consent of the property owners.
Preserving Weston's rural beauty provides a unique charm, attracting new residents looking for peace, space, and a community they can call "home". Without protection, it risks losing its unique character and becoming just another overdeveloped city, stripped of the beauty and peace that draw people here in the first place.
The maps do not capture the proposed 120ft easement widths, potential ramps and traffic or the horrific impact it would have on the community. The actual road development process would take 2-4 years wreaking havoc for residents to reach the main road. Construction trucks and resulting traffic would be devastating to our privacy, security, animals, agriculture, environment and way of life. The community we cherish would forever be divided.
Our community recently became aware of the new 2025 proposed plans involving these changes and taken us by surprise. We kindly request that you choose from various route options and take into consideration the additional concerns for our community area. We also request a meeting to discuss in person finding win-win solutions.
Key Highlights and Concerns
- Major Route Shift: The newly proposed FM 455 route significantly deviates from the previously approved alignment south of the City of Weston via Cowan Road. The revised route now cuts directly through our private residential and agricultural community.
- Overwhelming Road Scale: The proposed 2025 Collin County Thoroughfare Plan fails to reflect the full impact of a 120-foot-wide, six-lane principal arterial route on nearby residents, private landowners, agriculture and beauty of our rural Rigsby community.
- Protection of All Private Roads: All Rigsby Lane private roads is a private road easement for property owners and authorized access. The road has been posted with a "Private Road No Trespassing" signs. The Rigsby Lane residents maintain the road and want it to remain excluded from future public access or expansion plans.
- Preservation of All Rigsby Community Private Roads: ie: Rigsby Lane, Ballinlough Lane, Windy Hill Lane, and any potential future roads developed on private land. Rigsby Lane to Windy Hill - Bourland Bend is currently not connected. It is shown to be potentially developed in the future, which we would want this to remain a closed private road.
- Unclear County Road Extension: A new county road is also shown extending from CR 206, through the Venetian Subdivision and onto private wooded property, ultimately connecting with Rigsby Lane. This proposed road—especially given its proximity to FM 543—raises concerns, as local residents were unaware of this plan and request full transparency, notifications, review of options and input prior to any plan proceedings.
- Lenthy Procedure, Construction Time & Impact: The road development process is lengthy with plenty of daunting uncertainties. Once the construction begins, it can take 2-4 years to complete disrupting lives, wreaking havoc on travel, livestock, agricultural, and environmental concerns.
- Agriculture & Farming Concerns: Major roads threaten farming operations, pollution, loss of habitat, disrupting crops, livestock, and the livelihood of landowners.
- Environmental, Agricultural, and Lifestyle Impacts: High-traffic roads through this peaceful rural area will disrupt local ecosystems, displace wildlife, and negatively affect agricultural operations as detailed in the petition addendums.
- Property Values & Zoning Changes: With major roads often comes potential altered property values and zoning changes, further disrupting community lifestyles, altering the landscape of residential areas, and potentially leading to unwanted commercial or industrial developments.
- Traffic, Trespassing and Crime: Major roads often bring more traffic, higher crime, trespassing, and increased noise, all of which threaten the safety, peace, and overall quality of life in the community.
- Lifestyle & Community Impact: We moved to Rigsby Lane region to enjoy the quiet rural, country living. The road would also forever fracture our close knit, peaceful, country lifestyle and community valued by current landowners and residents.
Legal Issues: Legal issues may arise due to various road amendments, procedural processes, potential zoning shifts, challenges to the legality of the changes, forced sales, eminent domain, private road trespassing addressed in prior petitions and other unforeseen challenges. - Addendums: Addendums cover additional important concerns in detail.
FM 455 Collin County Thoroughfare Maps:
- The 2020 Approved Map: In a 2020 plan, the City of Weston and Collin County Engineering had proposed to expand FM 455 from Anna through Weston, just south of the city along Main Street and reconnect to FM 455 on west side.
- The Proposed 2025 FM 455 Map: The map fails to capture the true scale, reach, and devastating impact a 120-foot-wide, six-lane road would unleash on every property adjacent to the Rigsby Community (Rigsby Lane, Windy Hill, and Ballinlough Lane) along its path. The resulting catastrophic impact on the community is why we are fiercely challenging it with this petition.
- Ancillary Issues Included: Although the #1 and #2 ancillary issues listed below may not currently be part of the County’s official development plans or the primary focus of the current meeting, they are shown on the maps and therefore directly impact the Rigsby Community. For that reason, we are including them in this petition. We respectfully request to be informed of any current or future plans so that our community can provide input, explore all available options, and participate before any final decisions are made.
#1 CR 206 -Chambersville Road: A proposed county road is extending from CR 206-Chambersville Road through the Venetian Subdivision to Rigsby Lane. Rigsby Lane, Ballinlough Lane, and Windy Hill Lane are private one-lane roads maintained by the property owners. We find this proposal unacceptable for several reasons as outlined in the petition addendums attached.
#2 Rigsby Lane FM 543 to Bourland Bend – is showing on the map to connect. The maps do not capture the proposed 120ft boundary widths or the impact scale it would have on the community. As stated, we would not want a full pass through our community due to increased traffic. There are routes accessing Bourland Bend north and south of Rigsby Lane.
Route Plan Overview:
- The 2020 original plan for FM 455 shows the straightest shot from the east side Cowan – Main Street – and then west towards Celina. It utilizes and maximizes current roads that could be upgraded and modified without having to purchase and develop new land acquisitions at tax payer’s expense. It is certainly the least obtrusive preserving the rural beauty and charm of the Weston ETJ.
- The New Proposed 2025 FM 455 Route The 2025 proposed route takes a lengthy U-shaped detour through undeveloped lands, various properties, flood plains, communities, requiring new land acquisitions, surveys, environmental evaluations etc that will complicate development. Bridge(s) may be required to navigate the flood plains. This is massively expensive for the tax payers and calls for questioning the real need, requiring further detail vs utilizing existing routes and prior proposals.
The U-Shape Route Details :
- Southward Leg: The route detour begins at Cowan Road and east of Bourland Bend. While various routes are available along existing roads, this route takes an extreme detour south, cutting through undeveloped lands and vast flood plains.
- East - West Leg: The road then crosses Bourland Bend onto private land owned and lakes by Andrew Robbins, a recent property owner and developer. From there, the road shows to cut through a neighbor's land to reach Windy Hill and Rigsby Lane, ultimately connecting to FM 543. Some of these regions and/or lakes are regulated by Collin County Soil and Conservation Department and other associated agencies entities.
- West - North Leg: The new proposed plan then proceeds from Rigsby Lane over FM 543 to CR 208. Instead of taking established roadways, the new plan extensively crosses over more farmland and residential areas, ultimately reconnecting into FM 455 leading to Celina on the west side.
- Collin County Outer Loop: Currently, the Collin County Outer Loop is already under construction. It is 500 ft wide major freeway around 2 miles south of Rigsby Lane and will provide significant travel east and west.
- Existing Routes: The existing roads are shown to be modified and expanded. As a result, there is no need for FM 455 to come south, taking an extensive U-shape route through rural property, simply to return to FM 455 west. The existing roads can be properly constructed to curves for smooth traffic flow as seen in many highways, resulting in minimal land acquisition.
- Extensive Costs: The cost to the taxpayers would be exorbitant with huge route detours, extensive land acquisition and development, flood plain environmental considerations, probable bridge(s), potential legal challenges etc.
- Flood plains: The expansive floodplains in the area could significantly affect local wildlife and the environment, likely requiring formal assessments and environmental studies. Moreover, to prevent flooding of the roadway, costly elevated bridges may be necessary.
- Environmental: In particular, these sections of land and lakes may fall under the jurisdiction of agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, FEMA, and other federal entities. Their involvement would introduce additional regulatory requirements, delays, and substantial expenses—none of which are accounted for in the 2020 development plans.
- Impact Rigsby Community: Loss of land, rural lifestyle, agriculture and fractured community.
Justifications and feasibility studies considering various routes has not been made public. Public meetings with county officials—intended to review plan routes and answer questions—have been crowded with many concerned residents. As a result, the responses given were understandably broad and non-specific, making it challenging to get clear answers about issues unique to our area. While comments online are available as input, there are deeper issues we will detail here and show our community solidarity.
Fiduciary Responsibility to Residents and Taxpayers
- Tax Payer Cost Effective Solutions by Maximizing Existing Road Upgrades & Modifications – For example: The County upgraded and modified existing roads when the Trinity Falls and other subdivisions were developed along Trinity Falls Parkway near I75.
- Waste of Taxpayer Dollars – Public taxpayer funds should be allocated to road maintenance, safety improvements, or necessary expansions utilizing current road systems, not excessive new construction through undeveloped properties, flood plains, and cost of numerous new land acquisitions. These new plans could involve extensive flood plain, wildlife, environmental, etc. potential requiring additional surveys and impact studies.
- Collin County Outer Loop - This is a major freeway, six-lane artery with a 500 ft ROW. Its location is nearby within 2 1/4 miles south, making the proposed route needless.
- Existing Roads are shown to be modified and expanded
- Current Residential Private Landowners Considerations – Long-term devastating and irreversible impact on their lifestyle, family history, finances, home values, agriculture etc.
- Legal Costs – Potential and realized arising from various issues, changes and challenges increase the time, money and expense for the project and taxpayer funds.
Exploring Road Proposal Alternatives: See Map Addendum for Route Options
Logical routes:
The 2020 Approved FM 455 Route Plans from Cowan to Main street or utilizing Cowan and/or FM 455 to 134 route north of Weston is a straightforward, cost effective approach by maximizing the use of existing roads. The extreme u-shaped south bend to end up back north vs modifying the existing roads with the least land acquisition does not make sense. and the current FM455 north of the City of Weston shown below stands out as the smartest choices. With the Collin County Outer Loop just 3 miles south of Weston—2 miles below Rigsby Lane—and roads like CR 206 already primed for widening, sticking to the routes just north of Weston is both the most logical and budget-savvy move.
The 2020 Approved FM 455 Route Plans from Cowan to Main street or utilizing Cowan and/or FM 455 to 134 route north of Weston is a straightforward, cost effective approach by maximizing the use of existing roads. The extreme u-shaped south bend to end up back north vs modifying the existing roads with the least land acquisition does not make sense. and the current FM455 north of the City of Weston shown below stands out as the smartest choices. With the Collin County Outer Loop just 3 miles south of Weston—2 miles below Rigsby Lane—and roads like CR 206 already primed for widening, sticking to the routes just north of Weston is both the most logical and budget-savvy move.
North of Weston: Next logical path
North provides the best existing routes with less interference – connecting to FM455 on the west side of Weston. The U-shape detour is slated to go back north anyway. It would avoid a costly south U-shape detour through undeveloped, flood plains and acquisition properties disturbing home-farm lands.
North provides the best existing routes with less interference – connecting to FM455 on the west side of Weston. The U-shape detour is slated to go back north anyway. It would avoid a costly south U-shape detour through undeveloped, flood plains and acquisition properties disturbing home-farm lands.
- #1 FM455 to CR 134. Straight Existing Roads: Less developed, few homes if any. Will connect with route going north. Modify established roads – cost effective.
- #2 path: Instead of Cowan to Main Street, it could loop just north of Weston before CR 134.
South of Weston:
- CR 206 Existing Straight Roads – connect on west side to Cave Lane-CR 125: to be widened anyway
- Bourland Bend to CR 206. Curves can be added into the roads without major route changes.
- CR 285 – could go straight and access behind Venetian Subdivision to FM 543. The Venetian Subdivision-Megatel community may welcome direct access to FM 455 vs destroying the Rigsby Community.
Farming Impact:
Construction and roadbuilding kick up dust, pollutants and will eliminate important pollination patches. A bulldozer’s worth of topsoil disturbance can linger in the air, coating plants bees rely on.
- Bee Farms: Honey Bees: In our community, a number of us have bee farms. Land acquisition, loss of pastures and habitat would take away the bee's and pollinator food supply. the long term construction kick up a tremendous amount of dust, pollutants and road runoff. A bulldozer's worth of topsoil disturbance can linger in the air, coating plants bees rely on. This would further wreak havoc on the bees health, and ultimately devastate the colonies. Any remaining honey bees that may survive, the quality and quantity of honey produce would be impacted by the pollutants, similar to the dust bowl effect. Further concerns are detailed in the #2 Petition Addendum.
- Wild Bees & Pollinators: In general, agricultural scientists and experts are increasingly alarmed about the future of bee colonies, both wild and honey bees and their cascading effects on the food supply.
- Vineyards: A few Rigsby Community owners nurture vineyards, where vines take years to mature into fruitful bounty. These delicate plants are highly vulnerable to construction dust, herbicide and pesticide runoff, and oil spills—threats that could sicken the vines, degrade fruit quality, and even obliterate entire crop yields.
- Crops: Beyond that, our community supplies vegetables, fruits, and hay for livestock, with much of the hay grown naturally, free of pesticides. The native prairie grasses and wildflowers not only supply hay, it is vital food for the bees, pollinators and wildlife. The proposed new route would slash or outright destroy this vital supply, compromising the quality of the natural meadows and hay our ecosystem and animals depend on.
- Water, Ponds: The added environmental impact and pollutants on our local water, ponds and wells could cause detrimental harm to all life, eco-system, livestock, crops, and fish. Migrating birds such as monarch butterflies, herons, ducks, geese etc. rely on our native pastures and pond waters that will be immensely impacted by the close proximity of a major road.
- Livestock: Increased construction, noise, and traffic disrupt livestock by causing stress, which can lead to reduced productivity, anxiety, and health issues. The destruction of natural habitats and hay sources limits grazing areas, while heavy traffic and construction noises interfere with feeding and breeding patterns, ultimately harming livestock well-being and farm operations.
- Native Pasture Prairie The proposed road path cuts through and impacts significant areas of native prairie pasture, where pesticides are not used. This land is essential for supporting bees, pollinators, wildlife, crops, vineyards and provides hay for local residents. The proposed new route would slash or outright destroy this vital food supply, compromising the quality of the natural meadows and hay our ecosystem and animals depend on.
- Water, Wildlife and Migrating Birds The added environmental impact and pollutants on our local water, ponds and wells could cause detrimental harm to all life, eco-system, livestock, crops, and fish.
- Deed Restriction Boundaries: Changes to our private community will also violate deed boundary and development restrictions entered into by various resident property owners.
- Addendums: Additional reasons for opposing the 2025 Collin County Thoroughfare FM 455 proposal are again outline in two detailed addendums: #1 Petition & Maps Addendum: Proposed FM 455 Road-Topics of Concern Impacting the Rigsby Community”. #2 Petition Addendum: Bee – Pollinators Agriculture, Environmental & Habitat Concerns.
In Summary:
The residents of The Rigsby Community remain strongly opposed to the 2025 FM455 development plans or any proposals that would affect our private community, consistent with previous discussions and petitions submitted to the County.
We oppose the proposed significant, expensive detours that fail to utilize a more direct route and/or existing roadways around Weston as in prior proposals and needlessly devastate stunning properties and rural landscapes for a superhighway or bypass.
Maximizing existing roadways would lessen the costs for taxpayers, land acquisitions, the steep costs of developing land and tackling floodplains along with environmental challenges that loom large as a result of urbanization.
Our community has always fostered a close-knit environment, where we come together in support of one another—a sense of belonging rarely seen, that will be forever shattered if this road divides our lands, permanently altering the dynamics of our neighborhood. We value the privacy and serenity provided by our private road, and we are resolute in preserving this vital aspect of our lifestyle.
Developers, outsiders, and investors have no apparent personal connections to the area beyond their financial investment. In contrast, this is our home—where we’ve raised our children and animals, built our lives, and where our own investments are rooted.
The Rigsby Community adds to Weston's rural charm and beauty, drawing residents who appreciate its unique, peaceful environment.
The Rigsby Community adds to Weston's rural charm and beauty, drawing residents who appreciate its unique, peaceful environment.
Lastly, there are potential litigation issues arising from various challenges such as: condemnation proceedings of the forcible taking of private property, property valuation, challenges to the legality of the changes, flood plain issues, future amendments, surveys, environmental impact, past petition concerns involving the adjacent Bourland Bend property owner-developers—or any future owners/developers—seeking to access and utilize our private roads for access, and other unforeseen issues that could arise now and over the years. Litigation will increase the time, money and expense for project and taxpayer funds.
While we as a community, realizing the area is growing, we feel it can be done while maintaining its grace and beauty. We are wishing to find a win-win solution.
An in-person meeting to discuss specific concerns to our community would be appreciated. With time, money, and resources at stake in planning, resolving this soon is key.
We trust you will take our matters into serious consideration and find win-win alternative routes to avoid disrupting our lifestyle, friendships and peaceful community.
While we as a community, realizing the area is growing, we feel it can be done while maintaining its grace and beauty. We are wishing to find a win-win solution.
An in-person meeting to discuss specific concerns to our community would be appreciated. With time, money, and resources at stake in planning, resolving this soon is key.
We trust you will take our matters into serious consideration and find win-win alternative routes to avoid disrupting our lifestyle, friendships and peaceful community.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
The Rigsby Community Families, Impacted Neighbors and Concerned Citizens
The Rigsby Community Families, Impacted Neighbors and Concerned Citizens
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