Controversial Denton ISD Land Acquisition Collides with Hartlee Field Preservation Efforts by Neighbors
A yearlong endeavor to preserve the ecologically diverse Hartlee Field area in northeast Denton, home to historic World War II hangars, has encountered an unexpected obstacle with the sale of 50 acres to Denton ISD. Neighbors, who aim to transform the land into a state park under the "Hartlee Airfield Refuge and Trails" (HART) project, have garnered support from local officials, but the recent purchase poses a challenge to their conservation efforts.
The 800-acre Hartlee Field property, recognized by the North Central Texas Council of Governments as the most ecologically diverse in a 12-county region, has been championed by the local community as a haven for wildlife, artists, and veterans. In letters of support for the HART project, Denton Mayor Gerard Hudspeth and Denton County Judge Andy Eads appealed to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to consider preserving the land for future generations.
However, upon discovering the 50-acre sale to Denton ISD in March, the neighborhood group experienced a setback, as the district plans to use the land for a future school and requires a zoning change from the city council for construction. The district had already approved the purchase in December 2023 with funds from the 2023 Capital Improvement Plan, say officials.
While school districts in Texas often purchase land in anticipation of future growth, the timing of the purchase has raised questions, particularly considering the city's shelved Northeast Denton Area Plan. Ann Woodbridge, a neighbor helping lead the preservation effort, questions whether the land use decision was premature, given that the community's desires for the area were not fully reflected in the plan.
The troubling news comes amid ongoing investigations into Nanban Ventures, the real estate investment firm originally associated with the Hartlee Field property. In early February, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Sherman, granted an asset freeze modification to enable Nanban Ventures to sell the land at fair-market value. The firm has been accused of fraud by the Securities and Exchange Commission, which obtained a temporary restraining order, asset freeze, and other emergency relief against three founders in October 2023.
In late February, Judge Sean Jordan finalized judgments in the case, and a receiver is working to determine amounts owed to creditors and investors. Efforts to contact Orion & Nanban for further information regarding the rest of the property have proved unsuccessful, as emails to Ragu Su, vice president of investor relations, bounce back undelivered.
Despite the setbacks, the preservation advocates remain resolute in their efforts to safeguard the Hartlee Field area. With the support of city, county, and state leaders, they hope to secure the necessary funds and allies to preserve the pristine landscape from encroaching development. "If we lose, it will all be developed," cautioned Kate Landdeck, one of the activists spearheading the campaign. "If we win, they can sell it back."
- The recent purchase of 50 acres of the Hartlee Field property by Denton ISD has become a challenge for the community's efforts to transform the land into a state park, as the district plans to use the land for a future school and requires a zoning change for construction.
- Local officials, including Denton Mayor Gerard Hudspeth and Denton County Judge Andy Eads, have appealed to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to consider preserving the ecologically diverse Hartlee Field area for future generations.
- Ongoing investigations into Nanban Ventures, the original real estate investment firm associated with the Hartlee Field property, have been raised, as the firm has been accused of fraud by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
- Efforts to preserve the Hartlee Field area continue, with the community seeking necessary funds and allies to safeguard the pristine landscape from encroaching development, as the activists are aware that a loss could lead to complete development of the area.