The Colony, Texas

The Colony is a city in Denton County, Texas, United States, and a suburb of Dallas. The population was 44,534 at the 2020 census.

History

The Colony's name comes from the Peters Colony, whose headquarters was located within the modern boundaries of The Colony in the historical community of Stewartsville and the site of the Hedgcoxe War.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Colony is also the site of Bridges Settlement (established during the years of the Republic of Texas and the oldest community in Denton County), Stewarts Creek, Rector, Stoverville and Camey, also known as Camey Spur.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

One of the oldest portions of The Colony is Bridges Cemetery, established in 1857 on land owned by the Bridges family.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The cemetery gates are closed to the public except on certain dates.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The Colony did not exist until 1973, when home developers Fox and Jacobs purchased Template:Cvt around State Highway 121 and Farm to Market Road 423.<ref name="RonWaldenInterview">Template:Cite web</ref> Its name was chosen because they wanted their development to share a sense of kinship with Texas' early history.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> They planned the development to be a "dream city" consisting primarily of single-family homes grouped as a "colony".<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In 1973, Fox and Jacobs agreed with the city of Frisco to begin construction.<ref name="DaveFoxInterview">Template:Cite web</ref> In 1974, the first model homes were completed and the first families moved into their homes in October.<ref name="DMN1974">Template:Cite web</ref>

In 1977, the development was disannexed from the city of Frisco's extraterritorial jurisdiction.<ref name="Frisco1977">Template:Cite web</ref> The Colony was incorporated in January 1977<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and became a home rule city in 1979.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Residents chose the name "The Colony" and the name was ratified by the city council in May 1977.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 1987, The Colony voted to merge with the small lakeside community of Eastvale.

Geography

The Colony is located at Template:Coord (33.090874, –96.884659).<ref name="GR1">Template:Cite web</ref> According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of Template:Convert, of which Template:Convert is land and Template:Convert, or 12.93%, is water.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The city is bordered on the west by Lewisville Lake and the city of Lewisville, on the north and east by Frisco, and on the south by the cities of Carrollton and Plano. Approximately Template:Convert of shoreline on Lewisville Lake (including two peninsulas) are contained within the city's boundaries, thus providing the basis for the city's nickname "City by the Lake."

Demographics

<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The Colony racial composition as of 2020<ref name=":1">Template:Cite web</ref>
(NH = Non-Hispanic)Template:Efn

Race	Number	Percentage
White (NH)	23,691	53.2%
Black or African American (NH)	4,331	9.73%
Native American or Alaska Native (NH)	167	0.37%
Asian (NH)	3,910	8.78%
Pacific Islander (NH)	32	0.07%
Some Other Race (NH)	182	0.41%
Mixed/Multi-Racial (NH)	2,193	4.92%
Hispanic or Latino	10,028	22.52%
Total	44,534

According to the 2020 United States census, there were 44,534 people, 17,401 households, and 10,957 families residing in the city.<ref name=":1" /> In 2017, there were 41,388 people.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The racial makeup of the city was 74.6% White, 11.2% African American, 5.3% Asian, 0.4% Native American, 5.1% from other races, and 3.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 19.2% of the population. In 2020, the racial and ethnic makeup was 53.2% non-Hispanic white, 9,73% African American, 0.37% Native American, 8.78% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 0.41% some other race, 4.92% multiracial, and 22.52% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

Politics

The Colony is a home rule municipality with a council-manager form of government. It has a six-member council, with two members elected at large, as well as a city mayor. All meetings of the City Council are open to the public, and meetings are broadcast live on Time Warner Cable government access Channel 16, AT&T Uverse channel 99, as well as on the broadcast page of The Colony's website.<ref name="City Council | The Colony, TX">Template:Cite web</ref>

In November 2021, Richard Boyer ran unopposed to become mayor of The Colony,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> succeeding Joe McCourry who had been mayor of The Colony for 11 years.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Council members

Name	Place	Term expires	Year started serving on City Council	Concurrently serving on these boards
Richard Boyer	Mayor	Nov. 2024	Mayor since 2021<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Place 2 2009-2021<ref name="City Council | The Colony, TX"/> Boyer served on the 4B board for six years (2003) prior to his role on the city council. Also served several positions as a member of the Stephen F. Austin State University Board of Regents.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	Hotel Development Corporation; Local Development Corporation; Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Board #1 and #2
Judy Ensweiler	One (at-large)	Nov. 2024	Place One since 11/2021
Robyn Holtz	Two (at-large)	Nov. 2024	Place Two since 11/2021
Brian Wade	Three	Nov. 2023	Place 3 since 11/2014 Wade served for over 12 years as commissioner on The Colony's Planning and Zoning Commission (both chair and vice chair). Prior to that he served on the Parks and Rec Board from 2002 - 2004 when it was dissolved.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Brian Wade faced a runoff election in 2020<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref>	Hotel Development Corporation; Local Development Corporation;
David Terre	Four	Nov. 2023	The Colony, TX"/> Terre served on the Planning and Zoning Commission before being elected to the Council.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> He also currently serves on the Denton County Appraisal board of directors.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> And he has served as Mayor Pro Tem.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Terry faced a runoff election in 2020<ref name=":0" />	Animal Services Advisory Board; Hotel Development Corporation; Local Development Corporation; Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Board #2
Perry Schrag	Five	Nov. 2023	The Colony, TX"/> Schrag faced a runoff election in 2020<ref name=":0" />	Hotel Development Corporation; Local Development Corporation; Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Board #1 and #2
Joel Marks	Six	Nov. 2023	The Colony, TX"/> Marks is a long-time resident and board member of The Colony. He was elected to place 6 in 1988 and served 3 terms thru 1994. He was re-elected to place 6 in 2002 and has been the place 6 representative since then. He has also held both Mayor Pro Tem and Deputy Mayor Pro Tem positions.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	Hotel Development Corporation; Local Development Corporation; Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Board #1 and #2

The Colony has several Boards and Commissions, all of which list their current members, Term expiration dates, and meeting minutes on The Colony's website. Meetings usually have time setup in the agenda for Citizen input which can be submitted by email or presented in person at most board's meetings. Board applications are available on The Colony's website or at City Hall and a list of currently vacant positions can be found on the site as well.

Board Name	Board Purpose	Overview
Animal Services Advisory Board	The purpose of the board shall be to serve as an advisory body to the City Council with respect to matters concerning regulations for adoption by the City Council and recommendations for animal control.	The board has five members - to include a licensed veterinarian, a municipal official, an animal shelter employee, the supervising captain, and a resident of the City of The Colony.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Board of Adjustment	In communities that have adopted zoning regulations, boards of adjustment serve as a relief valve that can allow for the use of property that is not otherwise permitted under the property’s specific zoning category.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>	The Board of Adjustment is a quasi-judicial body consisting of five Council appointed members and two alternates. The members of the Board of Adjustment also serve as the Sign Board of Appeal and the Building Standards Commission.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Building Standards Commission	See Board of Adjustment	The members of the Board of Adjustment also serve as the Sign Board of Appeal and the Building Standards Commission.
Capital Improvements Advisory Committee	This committee is appointed by the City Council to serve in an advisory capacity to assist the City Council in adopting land use assumptions, review the capital improvements plans and file written comments, monitor and evaluate implementation of the capital improvement plans, and advise the City of the need to update and revise the land use assumptions. The land use plan and capital improvements plans are as adopted by City Council for imposition of impact fees.	The committee is composed of the Planning and Zoning Commission members and one additional member from The Colony’s Exterritorial Jurisdiction (they are currently seeking to fill that vacancy, must reside in the ETJ).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Community Image Advisory Board	The purpose of the board shall be to serve as an advisory body to the City Council with respect to matters concerning regulations for adoption by the City Council and recommendations for beautification efforts throughout the city. Serves as the Keep The Colony Beautiful Board and Community Image Advisory Board.	The board is made up of seven members, each serving a two-year term.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Community Development Corporation Board	Oversee funds designated for promotion of new or expanded business enterprises through the development of athletic, tourist, and recreational facilities. They conduct public hearings to obtain citizens' input relating to community development projects and may raise funds through issuance of bonds, notes or other debt instruments.	The Community Development Corporation (Type B) Board includes seven members who serve two year terms.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Economic Development Corporation (4A)	The Economic Development board oversees funds designated for the use of improving and developing The Colony's commercial base.	The board is made up of five members who serve three year terms.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Hotel Development Corporation	Aids, assists, and acts on behalf of the city to implement and finance public works, public improvements, and other programs determined by the city.	This board includes nine members each serving two year terms. This board may raise funds through issuance of bonds, notes or other debt instruments. Many of the current members concurrently serve as City Council members.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Keep The Colony Beautiful Board	The purpose of the board shall be to serve as an advisory body to the City Council with respect to matters concerning regulations for adoption by the City Council and recommendations for beautification efforts throughout the city.	Seven members serve two year terms. Serves as the Keep The Colony Beautiful Board and Community Image Advisory Board. Currently there are 3 vacant board positions.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Library Board	The Library Board makes suggestions and recommendations respecting the development of the Library and Library services to the City Council.	There are seven members on the Library Board and each serves a two-year term. The Board also provides advice to the Library Director upon request.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Local Development Corporation	Aids, assists, and acts on behalf of the city to implement and finance public works, public improvements, and other programs determined by the city.	This board includes nine members each serving two year terms. Many of the current members concurrently serve as City Council members.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Planning and Zoning Commission	The planning and zoning commission approves preliminary, final plats and replats, and makes recommendations to the city council on site plans, specific use permits, zoning changes and planned development issues.	The Planning and Zoning Commission is made up of seven citizens who are appointed by the City Council. Appointments are for a two-year term and a member can be reappointed at the term’s expiration. Currently there are two vacant positions, place 3 and 6.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Sign Board of Appeals	See Board of Adjustment	The members of the Board of Adjustment also serve as the Sign Board of Appeal and the Building Standards Commission.
Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Board
Board #1	Establishes and provides administration of programs to develop and diversify the economy in Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Number One, and develop and expand business and commercial activity within the zone.	Meetings as needed, currently consists of several members of the City Council, in addition to two County Representatives. Nine members make up this board and each serves a 2-year term.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Board #2	Establishes and provides administration of programs to develop and diversify the economy in Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Number Two, and develop and expand business and commercial activity within the zone.	Meetings are as needed; Nine members make up this board and each serves a two-year term. Currently, the Tax board membership consists of the entire City Council (current) plus Two County Representatives.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Technologies Board	The board shall identify rapidly emerging and evolving technologies in the areas of computers, telecommunications, the Internet, data, voice, video, wireless, and other future technologies.	This board includes seven members who serve two year terms. The board provides recommendations (approve / disapprove) on all technology initiatives / purchases / programs prior to any council approval requests.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Education

The Colony is located inside both the Lewisville Independent School District (LISD) and Little Elm Independent School District.

Lewisville ISD has built six elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school inside the city limits. The elementary schools are Peters Colony Elementary, Camey Elementary, B.B. Owen Elementary, Stewart's Creek Elementary (retired 2020–2021), Ethridge Elementary, and Morningside Elementary. The two middle schools are Griffin Middle School and Lakeview Middle School.

Little Elm ISD built Prestwick STEM Academy in 2014, which serves K–8 in The Tribute subdivision, as well as Strike Middle school (opened Fall of 2020) which also serves the residents from The Tribute subdivision.<ref>Prestwick STEM Academy homepage</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Strike Middle School is named after former superintendent Dr. Lowell H. Strike who served the district for three years.

During a December 2020 meeting of the LISD Board, several changes were made, including rezoning the area and a closure of one of the elementary schools. Effective the end of the 2020–2021 school year, the LISD board voted to close Stewart's Creek Elementary.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Many of the students affected by the rezoning will be attending the new school LISD is building to service the area opening for the 2021–2022 school year, dubbed by the LISD Board as Memorial Elementary – STEM Academy.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> There were three written-in names submitted by the community with no clear winner of the LISD Naming Survey: Sterling (The school's chosen descriptor of students), Cox (name of B.B. Owen Elementary's influential coach and teacher, and supporter of the annual Kids Chase by the Lake <ref>Template:Cite web</ref>), and Josey Lane (The street the school is on).<ref name="croark@starlocalmedia.com">Template:Cite web</ref> LISD chose to name the school Memorial elementary instead of the submitted names because "...having a Memorial Elementary School will allow us to have the opportunity to memorialize, if you will, a number of important and influential people in the communities we serve.”<ref name="croark@starlocalmedia.com"/>

Owing to its original history as part of Frisco,Template:Citation needed The Colony is located inside the community college district of Collin College,<ref>Sec. 130.175. COLLIN COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT SERVICE AREA.</ref> unlike most other places in Denton County. However, since residents of The Colony do not pay taxes to said district they must pay out-of-county tuition rates to attend the college.Template:Citation needed

In May 2009, Griffin Middle School student and The Colony resident Eric Yang won the National Geographic Bee, beating out 54 other state competition champions to win a scholarship and travel package valued at more than $25,000.

The Colony High School is located just north of Texas State Highway 121 on Blair Oaks Drive.

Transportation

• Main lanes: Sam Rayburn Tollway
  • Service roads: State Highway 121
• Farm to Market Road 423

External links

• City of The Colony official website
• The Colony Business Directory
• The Colony Economic Development Corporation
• The Colony Community Development Corporation
• The Colony Convention & Visitors Bureau
• The Colony Public Library
• The Colony Chamber of Commerce Template:Webarchive
• TheColony.org