Any gap in knowledge or communication between parties engaged in conflicting opinion may be filled by rumor or misrepresentation. Indeed, the information that is being spread through these informal interactions often contains serious inaccuracies that are likely to make the conflict more destructive than necessary. The City, on numerous occasions, has received e-mails or heard from residents regarding stories or statements that are not true. This page is designed to ensure that the most accurate information is available to our residents. The information on this webpage will continue to be updated as the City receives information that needs to be clarified. For questions or concerns, please e-mail [at] with "Rumor Control" in the subject line.
Current Rumors
- The southeast of the Four Corners development has cost the City $17 million.
- Anyone can drink alcohol in any City park at any time.
- Farmers Branch is one of the only cities experiencing budget challenges.
- DART will open the Green Line ahead of schedule.
Rumor: The southeast of the Four Corners development has cost the City $17 million.
What We've Heard: Some literature at-large has wildly inflated the costs paid by the City of Farmers Branch for the majority of the southeast corner of the shopping area at Josey and Valley View, commonly known as the Four Corners.
Status: False
The Facts: According to Farmers Branch Economic Development Director John Land, the total sales price for the old grocery store building and adjacent strip center to the south was $5.25 million or $13.10 per square foot. To remove the buildings from the tract, in order to make way for new development, there were other costs incurred for ensuring the care of current lease holders and for demolition and asbestos abatement. Lease-related costs were $838,500 with demolition and abatement costs at $711,500 for a total project cost of $6.8 million.
Rumor: Anyone can drink alcohol in any City park at any time.
What We've Heard: The City Council passed a new ordinance that allows anyone to bring alcohol into any City park and consume it at any time.
Status: False
The Facts: On November 3, 2009, the City Council passed, by a vote of 3 to 2, Ordinance No. 3054 providing for the sale of alcoholic beverages in specific City parks only for approved events and under tightly controlled circumstances. Possession or consumption of alcohol in any City park outside of the parameters set forth in Ordinance No. 3054 remains illegal. Read Ordinance No. 3054.
Rumor: Farmers Branch is one of the only cities experiencing budget challenges.
What We've Heard: Most cities in Texas and across the nation are basically unaffected by the economic downturn, therefore, Farmers Branch's budget challenges must be unique.
Status: False
The Facts: Most cities are in the midst of economic challenges. Note the following sources:
"The municipal sector will likely face a fiscal shortfall of between $56 billion and $83 billion from 2010-2012 driven by declining tax revenues, ongoing service demands and cuts in State revenue." ~ Christopher W. Hoene, Ph.D., Director, Center for Research and Innovation, National League of Cities, www.nlc.org
"Local governments are projected to face an additional $100 billion shortfall between 2010 and 2012." ~ Ethan Pollack, Fiscal Policy Analyst, Economic Policy Institute, www.epi.org
"Even though growth is picking up and the nation could add jobs as early as spring, many cities and states won't hit financial bottom until as much as three years from now." ~ David Graham, Newsweek, December 28, 2009, www.newsweek.com
Updated February 5, 2010
Rumor: DART will open the Green Line ahead of schedule.
What We've Heard: The DART Light Rail project will be finished and trains running through Farmers Branch ahead of schedule.
Status: Undetermined
The Facts: According to Farmers Branch City Manager Gary Greer, construction on the Green Line project through Farmers Branch is reported to be running ahead of schedule. However, there are currently no plans to begin service before the originally promised month of December. More info at www.dart.org. Updated January 18, 2010