Steve Wakefield recently took over leadership of the Lake Highlands Area Improvement Association from outgoing president Terri Woods.

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The association, formed in June 2001, is an alliance of homeowner groups working to improve economic development in Lake Highlands.

Wakefield , 55, has lived in Lake Highlands for 24 years. He and his wife, Jeri, own a home on

Wood Forest Drive

in the Woodbridge addition.

He has two stepsons: Peter and Jeremy Scott. Peter and his wife, Linnea, also live in Lake Highlands. Jeremy is a U.S. Marine home on leave from . He also has two grandsons, Lincoln and Sullivan Scott.

In addition to his work with the association, Wakefield , an attorney, is vice chairman of Volunteers of America-Texas, president of the Woodbridge Homeowners Association, and a volunteer with the Forest Lane Retail Task Force. He participates in various activities through First United Methodist Church in Richardson .

Here’s what Wakefield has to say about our neighborhood and the Lake Highlands Area Improvement Association:

What do you like about Lake Highlands?

“The friendly and unpretentious atmosphere. The lake, the walking and bike trails, the trees, the interesting and varied architecture. And, of course, the great neighbors.”

What are the most important issues facing Lake Highlands right now?

“Excessive apartment density. Crime. Attracting higher-end retail investment.”

What prompted your involvement in LHAIA?

“Frankly, it was irresponsible practices and indifference on the part of certain business and apartment owners and managers.”

How do you feel LHAIA can help the area?

“As an informational resource for apartment residents and homeowner and business groups. As a voice to protect the interests of our residents.”

What are your plans for LHAIA and Lake Highlands ?

“To identify specific apartment and business owners who are not meeting their obligations to the community and bring pressure on them to meet those obligations. To recognize, encourage and patronize apartment and business owners who are an asset to the community. To develop even more participation in the LHAIA and neighborhood associations. Don’t complain — get involved!”