Forney Neighborhood Faces Rising Crime Amidst Investor-Owned Rentals

Gateway Parks Neighborhood Concerns

• 🏡 Residents in Forney's Gateway Parks subdivision report a significant increase in crime and safety concerns, transforming a once peaceful area.
• 🚗 Incidents include car break-ins and car thefts, disrupting the neighborhood's tranquility.

Investor-Owned Properties and Crime

• 📈 A surge in investor-owned rental properties is being blamed by some residents for the rise in crime.
• 🏘️ Council members noted that rental homes constitute one out of every four properties in the subdivision.

City Council Action and Mayor's Statement

• 🚫 The City Council rejected a developer's request for a new phase of homes, citing safety assurances as a prerequisite.
• 🚨 Mayor Jason Robertson stated that while many calls are checkups, a substantial number are serious, with recent arrests made after a traffic stop and foot chase.
• ⚖️ The city is signaling a tougher stance on rental properties to ensure resident safety.

Developer's Response and Community Petition

• 💬 Ashton Woods, the developer, issued a statement addressing what they called "inaccurate public statements" and committed to working with the city and homeowners.
• 📝 A petition with 600 signatures demanding change has been presented by residents.
• 💪 Residents express a strong willingness to fight to preserve their community's peace and quality of life.