FM earns platinum-level Scenic City title

The Scenic City Program recently notified Flower Mound officials that the town has earned platinum-level Scenic City certification – a first time for the community in recognition of its economic development efforts and appealing public spaces.

Only seven other Texas communities have earned platinum-level certification since the program began four years ago, including McKinney and Rockwall in 2013, Plano and Richardson in 2012 and Fairview, Frisco and Roanoke in 2011.

The top-tier certification helps improve property values, attract new businesses and enhances economic development efforts, according to town officials.

“I am excited Flower Mound has joined the handful of communities who have earned the platinum-level Scenic City designation,” noted Town Manager Jimmy Stathatos in an email. ”Our council and staff work diligently to make this the best possible community for our residents, businesses and property owners. With constant demand for housing and our incredible success in economic development, Flower Mound is truly the place to be.”

Scenic Texas, which coordinates the certification program, identified a direct correlation between the success of a community’s economic development efforts and the visual appearance of its public spaces, according to its website. The certification program was developed to recognize communities that implement high-quality scenic standards for public roadways and public spaces.

Communities applying for certification in levels bronze through platinum must have a strictly-regulated and enforced sign code, a ban on new billboards and a landscaping and tree planting program. Points are earned with evidence of a community’s awareness and commitment to quality-of-life development.

The Scenic City application contains 73 possible criteria that earn points, including a high percentage of park and open space, implementation of multi-use trails and recreation areas, strong litter enforcement laws, street lighting standards, parking lot landscaping, utility line management, a budget that supports the programs and their ongoing maintenance and more, according to the website.