local
After years battling Plano officials, an 81-year-old widow gets a fresh start — and a birthday celebration
By Marvin Hurst at CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW
· June 25, 2026
· 4 min read
Rita Rae has a lot to celebrate. She has resolved code‑enforcement issues that once threatened criminal violations and a potential lien on her home of 54 years."There are things about the house I miss, but it was time to move on. It's time to get away from the harassment of the city," said Rae, w...
Key takeaway It's time to get away from the harassment of the city," said Rae, who asked CBS News Texas not to use her last name.
Why this matters in Southlake News
The resolution of Rita Rae's code enforcement issues in Plano comes as a welcome relief, but it also raises questions about how similar situations might be handled in neighboring cities like Southlake . As Southlake residents age in place, they may face similar challenges in maintaining their homes, particularly if they are living on fixed incomes. The fact that community members in Plano stepped in to assist Rae, including a retired attorney who took her case pro bono, highlights the importance of neighborhood support networks. Southlake city officials would do well to consider how they can work with local organizations and residents to provide similar support, potentially preventing costly and stressful code enforcement battles in the future. By learning from Plano's experience, Southlake can strive to create a more compassionate and effective approach to addressing code infractions, one that prioritizes the well-being of its residents, especially its most vulnerable citizens.
About this story
Original reporting by CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW . Southlake News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 25, 2026 ·
Source: CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Rita Rae has a lot to celebrate. She has resolved code‑enforcement issues that once threatened criminal violations and a potential lien on her home of 54 years."There are things about the house I miss, but it was time to move on. It's time to get away from the harassment of the city," said Rae, w...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 25, 2026 by CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW and curated for Southlake News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Marvin Hurst at CBS Texas (KTVT) DFW. To learn more about how Southlake News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Southlake News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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