Good Morning, Everyone!
I would like to begin by apologizing for going quiet for a period of weeks. It was certainly not our intention, but there were events going on behind the scenes that warranted our attention before updating all of you.
It has always been my goal to be completely transparent with our efforts in opposing the Balcones Ranch development. Having said that, I feel that I need to share where we are in the process as of today.
WE HAVE SECURED AN ATTORNEY!
As of this morning, we have signed a Letter of Representation and paid a $10,000 retainer to Craig Sheils of Sheils Winnubst PC in Dallas as our primary legal counsel, with Mark Winnubst and Latrice Andrews as litigation counsel.
For those of you who listen to The Ticket, this firm is responsible for the positive outcome for Dan and Jake when they were fighting the station for the rights to go forward with their podcast. This was settled without the need for trial. Sheils Winnubst knows what it takes to get a successful outcome for their clients!
The first plan of action will be to draft Letters of Preservation to be sent to all defendants. This puts ALL parties on notice that a lawsuit is imminent and communicates the serious nature of this action. A Letter of Preservation gives legal notice to preserve all correspondence (texts, emails, statements, documents, etc.) as these can be reviewed as evidence. The defendants will be required to respond.
After the Letters of Preservation have been sent, work will begin to put together the case for the injunction. While the initial retainer of $10,000 gets the process started, we have been advised by counsel that they will need an ADDITIONAL $50,000 for litigation.
This means that we will need MORE DONATIONS to get this accomplished.
Some of you may remember that we had originally spoken with David Coale to represent us. Unfortunately, David was called away to a high profile case just before we were to receive a letter of representation from his firm. He was very apologetic, called our cause righteous, and wished us the best. While disappointed, we do appreciate the generosity of his time and advice that helped further our cause.
We feel that part of the reason that we were not able to retain Mr. Coale was because our fundraising efforts were not as robust as we had hoped. This is not the time to sit back. NOW is the time to STEP UP and support our cause. We have attorneys actively working the case.
On behalf of the Preserve Lake Ridge team, I am asking you to support our cause TODAY. What can you give? $100, $250, $500, $1000? The more you can give, the closer we get to the next goal. When we all give a little, we can accomplish BIG things together. NONE of us can do this alone.
Remember what is at stake:
- Loss of property value
- Destruction of tranquility of our community via noise and light pollution
- Negative impact to the watershed via uncontrolled water flow during flood events (erosion of Hollings Branch Creek and water quality)
- Threat to native species of plants and animals through removal of natural habitat
- Emboldening the city counsel to change zoning on other properties adjacent to Lake Ridge (retail, apartments, etc.)
Show your support NOW with a donation.
We have every reason to believe that we can be agents of change. Join us and show the City that they cannot continue with their brazen behavior. Remember that this could have been very different. If we had been asked to be involved during the planning stages of this development, we most likely would not be where we are today, forced to take legal action.
To make a direct contribution without service fees, email us at preservelakeridge@gmail.com
We have the ability to accept checks, cash, and credit/debit cards
You are also welcome to donate to GoFundMe, but remember that 3% is taken before we receive the funds. GoFundMe
Will you allow the City to continue on their path of hurting our community? You have a chance to be a part of something bigger than yourself. Make that choice and JOIN US. DONATE!!
On behalf of Preserve Lake Ridge, thank you for your continued support. Let's do this!
Kay Whitt and the Preserve Lake Ridge Team