News Item
Downtown Gas Lease Update 5/12/08
12 May 2008
by: Andy Taft
Downtown Gas Lease Update
5/12/08
The Downtown Fort Worth Gas Committee issued a Request for Proposals last week to a number of gas producers active in the Barnett Shale. We asked for responses to be returned within 30 days.
The RFP asked for specifics on a variety of issues, including the number and location of proposed wells, drilling timing, water use, truck traffic, noise, area aesthetics and availability of pipelines to get the gas to market. Answers to these questions will help the committee narrow the list of likely operators for negotiation.
We have heard that more than one company is continuing to solicit property owners in downtown, despite the property owners’ effort to create a community lease. This is common industry practice and is to be expected in such a competitive environment. But we encourage you to support the community lease process, and join with us on a lease that will work to everyone’s mutual benefit.
We are pleased with the response from property owners and operating companies so far and look forward to sharing more news with you as milestones are reached.
As always, if you have any questions, feel free to call me at (817) 870-1692.
Downtown Views - 052308
Save the Date: Quarterly Luncheon
On June 19, Dr. Ray Perryman will join us at Ruth’s Chris Steak House to talk about the Economic Impact of Downtowns. Invitations were e-mailed earlier this week. Seating is limited to 150 so make reservations early by contacting becky@dfwi.org.
MAIN ST. Success
The results are in and despite the fearsome weather on Thursday night, MAIN ST. was a great success. We escaped storm damage, and the Star-Telegram, local broadcast media and our guest artists praised our emergency management procedures. Great weekend weather, outstanding artists, a wide variety of entertainment and delicious food combined for a wonderful experience in downtown. For those who missed them, here are the very clever MAIN ST. TV commercials that aired before the event: Film Festival, MAIN ST. Art, MAIN ST. Guitar.
MAIN ST. would be impossible to stage without the support of our scores of volunteers and sponsors. Thank you so much! A special note of thanks to our Event Chairman, Carlos de la Torre and his Festival & Events Committee for all of their hard work!
Gas Leasing Update
The Downtown Gas Lease Committee has issued a Request For Proposals to leading gas operators working in the Barnett Shale. Operators were asked to address, among other issues, well location and number, truck routing, water handling, noise issues, post-drilling site development potential and pipeline availability. Once the proposals have been received, the committee will narrow the field to a short list of finalists to begin discussions. See the Star-Telegram story on this topic.
Homelessness Plan Goes to City Council
The Downtown Fort Worth, Inc. Board of Directors has formally endorsed the Mayor’s Advisory Commission on Homelessness Plan. The Plan will be the subject of a public hearing on June 10 and will be considered for action by the City Council on June 19. Click on the Homelessness Plan web site to download the final draft to be presented to City Council.
Late Night Activity Reviewed
DFWI met last week with a number of bar owners from the south end of downtown. The increase of late night activity in the area has created a variety of new issues that need to be addressed. Noise, security, service to minors, parking issues and closing procedures were discussed. Fort Worth Police Department officers and a TBAC representative were present to share their experiences with the group.
Real Estate Editors Visit Downtown
DFWI hosted two busloads of National Real Estate Editors Association conference attendees this month. After a bus tour of downtown where participants received press packets that highlighted the downtown office, retail, hospitality and residential markets, our visitors stopped at a handful of sites that convention planners asked to see. Many thanks to the T&P Lofts, Omni Sales Center, Trinity Vision Authority, Bass Hall and Sundance Square for helping to educate our visitors and keep them on schedule!