Page 295 - Benbrook FY2021

half of the 1980s. The Benbrook Area Chamber of Commerce was created in 1986. In January 1989, voters turned down a bond election
for streets, drainage, and a library.

1990s

By 1990, the City's population had reached 19,564 and the number of businesses had grown to over 400. However, the large majority of
workers in Benbrook worked elsewhere. In 1991 the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission recommended the closure of Carswell
Air Force Base and realignment as a Naval Reserve Center. The Air Force Base officially closed in December 1993. Voters also defeated a
one-half cent sales tax for a library in May 1992. In March 1993 the Lockheed Corporation purchased the General Dynamics Aircraft Plant.
In September 1997, voters approved an $8 million bond issue for streets, drainage, and an indoor community/recreation center. Also, in 1997,
the community constructed Castle Park Playground using volunteer labor and donated materials; Castle Park's completion was part of Benbrook's
50th Year of Incorporation Celebration.

In 1998, Benbrook joined with Bled, Slovenia to sign a formal Sister Cities Agreement. Also, in this year, Benbrook's voters approved a half-
cent sales tax for the Benbrook Library District; this separate governmental agency has the authority to collect funds for the construction and
operation of a library. In 1999 Benbrook began a street overlay program with the assistance of Tarrant County to restore and prolong the
useful life of residential streets. Also, in 1999, the City held Benbrook's first Household Hazardous Waste Collection.

2000’s

Benbrook effortlessly emerged into the year 2000 without experiencing any glitches, downtime, or interruption of services as a result of Y2K.
In 2000, the Benbrook Community Center/YMCA opened and began operating through a joint venture between the City of Benbrook and the
YMCA. The Whitestone Golf Course also opened in the spring of 2000; this privately-owned golf course serves as a cornerstone for
development and is attracting new homeowners and businesses. In 2002 voters allowed the sale of alcoholic beverages at Benbrook restaurants.

In 2005, the Benbrook Council approved the issuance of $2,500,000 in certificates of obligation to provide funds for Tax Increment Financing
(TIF) projects. TIF projects include: the Interstate 20 Ramp Location that was completed in the summer of 2006, the Walnut Creek Sewer Line,
and the Benbrook Town Crossing project.

2010’s

In 2010, Benbrook had a total population of 21,234. In early February 2010 during a City Council meeting, the Fire Chief provided an
overview of the CodeRED Weather System that was funded in the 2009-10 Budget. The City may use this community communication and
notification system to alert residents of severe weather conditions in the area. This presentation proved valuable and timely. The Tarrant
Regional Water District partnered with the City of Benbrook to provide hike and bike trails along one of the City’s main thoroughfares, Winscott
Road.
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