June 28, 2024

This is the latest edition of Week In Review — a series of weekly messages from the Mayor and City Council to help Richardson residents and businesses keep up to date on municipal events. If you would like to sign up to receive this in a weekly e-mail click here.

Throughout the year, the City Council or City Plan Commission will hold meetings on topics of significant interest to local neighborhoods or the community in general. Links to view all City Council or City Plan Commission meeting documents that may have topics of interest to you can be found here:

City Council | City Plan Commission

Alamo Drafthouse Announces Reopening of Recently Closed Theaters 
On Thursday, Alamo Drafthouse announced it would be reopening the Richardson theater, and other DFW locations, that were shuttered earlier this month when its franchisee declared bankruptcy.  

Richardson City Manager Don Magner has spoken with corporate representatives regarding the announcement and said City representatives will be meeting with company executives to support their efforts to open the Richardson location as quickly as possible.  

Richardson’s Alamo Drafthouse location was the chain’s first to open in the DFW market. It has served as an anchor supporting economic development efforts in the Heights Shopping Center.  

Website: www.drafthouse.com/dfw/content/closure. 

No Contracted Debris Collection July 4 
Due to an expected increase in cars parked on streets associated with the Independence Day holiday, the large vegetative debris haulers from CrowderGulf will not operate July 4.   

Debris collection will resume Friday, July 5 at 7 a.m. Collection of debris from the late spring storms has taken place every day for the past 25 days.  

Website: www.cor.net/severeweather 

“Richardson’s Family 4th” Celebration Takes Place Thursday
The City of Richardson is hosting its annual Family 4th Celebration on Thursday, July 4, at Breckinridge Park beginning at 6 p.m. Anyone wishing to attend the free event is invited to bring picnics, blankets and/or lawn chairs and enjoy an evening that includes activities for children, live music, concessions/food trucks and fireworks show.  

Parking is limited at Breckinridge Park; free round-trip shuttle service will be offered from designated off-site parking locations at 3001 & 3101 President George Bush Turnpike in Richardson. Shuttle bus service will start at 6 p.m., and the last bus will depart to the park at 9 p.m. Final shuttle service heading from the park back to the parking site departs at 11 p.m.  

Note that the shuttle buses provided are in partnership with Richardson ISD and have limited seating with no undercarriage storage, so riders are encouraged to minimize the number of items brought along in order to transport the maximum number of people per bus.  

Schedule 
6 p.m. Concessions and Kids’ Activities Open (includes bounce houses and more)
8:15 p.m. Richardson Community Band Patriotic Salute Concert
9:30 p.m. Fireworks Begin  

More information: Family 4th Celebration | Richardson, TX (cor.net)  
Video: Click here 

City Facilities Schedule for July 4 
For the Fourth of July holiday, City facilities will operate according to the following holiday schedule.

Trash and Recycling Schedule Changes for July 4 Holiday

There will be NO solid waste or recycling service provided Thursday, July 4. There will be NO make-up days for trash collection. Regularly scheduled trash service will resume on Friday, July 5. BABIC service is temporarily suspended as all crews are assigned to storm cleanup or trash and recycling collection following the May 28 storm. The make-up day for recycling collection is listed below.

www.cor.net/holidayschedule

Storm-Related Debris Cleanup Progresses; FAQs 
As of today, the estimated amount of debris collected related to the late spring storms stands at 158,113 cubic yards, or 79 percent of all estimated debris to be picked up, after 25 days in operation.  

Why trucks pick up some debris but not all 
Both City trucks and contracted trucks are picking up the debris—the City BABIC trucks pick up small piles of vegetative debris; large limbs and piles are left for the larger semi-trailer-style contracted trucks.  

When trucks can’t collect due to obstacles 
The trucks need room for their large mechanical arms to operate, as well as room to simply move through the street. If cars are parked on the street near debris piles, this prohibits the truck from picking up those piles; same for if the debris piles are located underneath low-hanging tree limbs (see photo). In those cases, the truck will move on and attempt to collect on another day. 

Why collection is taking more than a month 
The amount of debris left from the May 28 storm was equivalent to 3.77 times what is typically picked up in Richardson in an entire year. While it seems like progress is slow, the amount of debris cleaned up is occurring very quickly due to the use of specialized heavy-duty vehicles designed for this type of work. 

Website: www.cor.net/SevereWeather  

DART Trains Move Through West Richardson for July Testing of Silver Line
Some residents and motorists caught a glimpse of a DART train on the North-South KCS tracks in Richardson this week as it headed to Plano, where it will park until segment testing begins on the DART Silver Line in late July or early August. A second train will be traveling through Richardson at some point in the future to join the other train.    

Testing of Silver Line vehicles on the Silver Line rail segment between Plano and Richardson is scheduled to last through September. Silver Line regional rail passenger service is expected to begin in late 2025/early 2026. 

Website: www.dart.org/silverline 

DART Announces Temporary Downtown Rail Service Reductions 
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) announced this week that the previously postponed DART rail work in the Downtown Dallas area will now take place this weekend (June 28-July 1) and on the weekend of July 12-15. Re-tensioning work is being done on DART Rail’s high-voltage power source, and during the repairs, DART will operate a single train in both directions between the Pearl/Arts District station and West End station. Three shuttle bus routes will replace the rail lines at select stations. The work kicks off at 9 p.m. tonight (June 28) and concludes at 3 a.m. on Monday morning, July 2.  

More information: DART to reduce weekend rail service in Dallas’ Central Business District during repairs 

Website: www.dart.org  

City Awards Modernization Grant for CORE District Building Improvements 
City staff announced this week that the City has awarded a building modernization grant to XL Pro Staffing & Consulting, which is moving its corporate headquarters to The CORE District. The move will involve extensive upgrades to 305 S. Central Expwy., the former site of a carpet and flooring center. The City is supporting the project contingent upon a minimum investment of $1 million in site and building improvements by the tenant and will also waive all applicable building and permitting fees. Planned improvements for the 1.14-acre site include parking lot repair and resurfacing, building façade upgrades, interior renovations, and signage upgrades, with a total estimated value of approximately $1.15 million. 

The grant is part of a larger, intentional revitalization effort aimed at making The CORE District a well-known, desirable DFW destination. 

The City’s Economic Development Department offers a variety of incentives to businesses considering expansion or relocation to Richardson—all are encouraged to submit applications. 

Website: www.RichardsonEconomicDevelopment.com 

Traffic Signal Box Art Contest Artwork Installed
The five winning pieces of art from the City’s third annual Traffic Signal Box Art Contest have been installed. The winners were announced and recognized at a City Council meeting last month, and their art was featured in the June edition of Richardson Today. The theme for this year’s contest was “Technology & Education.”  

Winners and the location of their artwork are as follows: 

Winners were chosen by a selection committee comprised of members of the Cultural Arts Commission and Richardson Rotary Club. The contest has been a unique way to further the City’s commitment to public art and beautify city streetscapes while reaching a broad range of local talent.  

Website: www.cor.net/BoxArtContest  

One More Week to Complete Online Aquatics Survey 
An online survey seeking input on the City's aquatic facilities will be available through next Friday, July 5, part of the Aquatics Master Plan being developed by the City that will provide long-term strategies for aquatic services and facilities for the Richardson community.  

Part of the planning process included three community meetings held in May and June; if you gave feedback at any of these meetings you do not need to fill out the online survey. 

Survey: Click here  

Website: Click here  

Envision Richardson Survey Online through July 7
If you missed the recent community open houses for the City’s Envision Richardson Comprehensive Plan Update, you can still offer your opinions through an online survey available through Sunday, July 7. Feedback is needed on multiple components of the draft plan, including Land Use, Neighborhoods & Housing, Mobility & Transportation, Natural Environment, and Reinvestment Areas. Note that this is a different survey from previous surveys conducted last year. 

The feedback will be used in establishing direction for the final draft, which will be presented to the public and City Council in the fall. 

The City’s Comprehensive Plan is updated every 10-15 years and is designed to provide clear goals, objectives and policies for future development and redevelopment in Richardson for the next 20-25 years.  

Website: www.envisionrichardson.com  

Survey: Click here 

Richardson Today in Mailboxes Next Week 
The June 2024 print edition of Richardson Today is expected to hit mailboxes next week. It includes several pages related to the spring storms, including information about the City’s debris collection process, how to get assistance through FEMA, and some interesting facts related to the aftermath of the May 28 storm. Also included in the June edition are schematic interior/exterior images of the proposed new City Hall.   

Richardson Today is mailed to every residence in the city. Ask your local mail carrier if you do not receive your copy and you live within the boundaries of Richardson.  

Keep up with Richardson Today stories as they happen, including video, at www.RichardsonToday.com. A digital version of the print edition of Richardson Today may also be accessed there.  

No City Council Meeting Monday 
Due to the Independence Day holiday, there will be no City Council meeting Monday, July 1. The Council will next meet Monday, July 8 beginning at 6 p.m.  

City Council Calendar: www.cor.net/CityCouncil  

DART Silver Line Work to Shift Northbound Traffic on Coit Road 
Beginning tonight (Friday, June 28) at 9 p.m., northbound drivers on Coit Road between McCallum Boulevard and Frankford Road will be directed away from the existing northbound lanes onto the new, nearby Coit Bridge and concrete roadway as part of the Silver Line Regional Rail Project. Crews will be building a second bridge and concrete roadway on the existing northbound lanes, while also constructing a temporary connection for those accessing Sugar Cane Way. The new traffic pattern will remain in place through early 2025.  

www.cor.net/Projects

Richardson Farmer’s Market Tomorrow (Earlier Hours for Summer) 
Dal-Rich Towne Square parking lot, 101 S. Coit Rd.
Admission: Free
Every Saturday, weather permitting
Summer hours: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.  

Richardson is home to the longest running Four Seasons Farmer’s Market in the DFW area, featuring produce, meat, eggs, honey, breads, jam, art, accessories, apparel and other goods from local artisans.  

Website: www.fourseasonsmarkets.com  

Registration Opens July 1 for Children’s Entrepreneur Market 
At Huffhines Harvest Fest, Huffhines Park
Cost to apply: $25 
Sunday, Oct. 20
10 a.m.-5 p.m.  

In partnership with Huffhines Harvest Fest, the Children’s Entrepreneur Market is coming to the second day of Huffhines Harvest Fest this fall, featuring all-youth vendors (ages 5-17) selling artistic creations, food items and more as they learn about entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership. These markets are now in 24 states and spots usually go fast; sign-up begins Monday, July 1 at 8 a.m. through the organization’s website.  

Sign-up link: Markets – Children's Entrepreneur Market 

Website: www.childrensentrepreneurmarket.com  

Hear Comanche Stories from Quanah Parker’s Great-Granddaughter Tomorrow
City Council Chamber
Admission: Free; no registration required
Saturday, June 29
1-2 p.m.  

Hawana Townsley, great-granddaughter of the last Comanche Chief, Quanah Parker, and his wife Weckeah, will talk about her family history, the Comanche Nation, and the way she was taught by her grandmother and mother. For all ages. Note: Park and enter at City Hall, near the intersection of Plano and Greenville Roads. 

Chain Reaction Adventures Tomorrow Afternoon 
City Council Chamber
Admission: Free
Saturday, June 29
3:30-5 p.m.  

Children ages 8-12 will have fun experimenting with chain reactions using dominoes, KEVA planks and more. 

www.cor.net/Library

At the Eisemann Center: 

• Miss Texas Scholarship Competition Finals Tomorrow 
  Hill Performance Hall 

  Saturday, June 29 
   
  Miss Texas’ Teen Final  
  Tickets: $70-$110 (tickets) 
  1 p.m.  
   
  Miss Texas Final  
  Tickets: $80-$120 (tickets) 
  7 p.m.  

  Be among the first to see who will be crowned Miss Texas and Miss Texas’ Teen and advance to represent Texas in the Miss America Scholarship Competition. Fifty women from across the state are vying for the title of Miss Texas, which includes a $30,000 scholarship. Twelve semi-finalists will be named during the televised finals, including the People’s Choice winner. People’s Choice voting ends tonight (June 28) and votes may be cast online at the link below. 
   
  Website: www.misstexas.org
  
  

• PSO’s Annual Patriotic Pops Concert Thursday Afternoon 
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $25-$83 (Purchase tickets at: www.planosymphony.org) 
  Thursday, July 4
  3 p.m.  

  Join the Plano Symphony Orchestra in air-conditioned comfort for a celebration of our Nation’s independence. The afternoon concert, led by conductor Héctor Guzmán, includes traditional favorites plus the moving, “Salute to the Armed Forces,” and features guest vocalist Steve Amerson and the Patriotic Pops chorus.
  
  

• First Friday Art Reception July 5 to Celebrate the Extension of Sarah Gomez’s “Pink Blanket” Exhibit 
  Green Mezzanine Gallery
  Admission: Free; no RSVP required
  Friday, July 5
  6-8 p.m.  

  The community is invited to meet artist Sarah Gomez and view the latest exhibit in the Gallery, Gomez’ “Pink Blanket.” The exhibit explores the profound grief experienced when one leaves the comfort of a familiar place once called home, now having to build a new life surrounded by objects carrying the memory of all that was left behind.   

  Light refreshments will be served. The exhibit continues through July 28 and is open during the Eisemann Center’s regular hours, Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and during all public events.  

Dead Leaves Provide Opportunity to Make Nutrient-Rich Compost 
If you’ve never tried composting, now might be a good time to start if you still have lots of dead leaves leftover after the spring storms.  

Composting is the natural process of recycling organic matter into a valuable, nutrient-rich natural fertilizer called compost (that looks a lot like garden soil) that can be used for gardening, horticulture and agriculture. Compost can be created in small, covered indoor/outdoor bins or large, backyard piles, and not only benefits gardens, but keeps unnecessary waste out of landfills and the water system. 

Leaves are a great ingredient for a compost bin or pile, as compost-making materials include “browns” (brown leaves/grass, cardboard, newspaper) and “greens” (plant-based food scraps, green leaves/grass). 

View how-to-compost information online at the Dallas County Master Gardener Association website (click here).  

Protect Pets During “Dog Days of Summer” 
With 100-degree days expected to stay for a while, Animal Shelter staff and experts from Texas A&M AgriLife encourage Texans to incorporate precautions to protect pets from heat stress and help properly regulate their body temperature.  

Key points to keep in mind in the summer heat:  

Website: Click Here 

www.cor.net/EPI

Crew Chief ($54,504 - $76,104 Salary) 
The Public Services Department is looking for an individual with experience in construction and/or maintenance of water distribution and waste collection systems. A Texas Commercial Driver’s License, Class A is required. 

Detention Officer ($42,252 to $65,796 Salary) 
The Police Department is looking for individuals who can performs all duties necessary for the successful operation of the Detention Division. Valid Texas Driver's License, Class C or above, required. 

Swim Instructor/Coach ($15.50/hr - $17.50/hr) 
Must hold current certifications in CPR, and First Aid. Must present evidence of experience and background/references. Must be able to demonstrate required ability. 

www.cor.net/jobs

Pet of the Week
Meet Ray-Ray, a charming 3-year-old American Bully mix resident of our shelter. His personality is a delightful blend of sweetness and playfulness that instantly brightens up the room. Ray-Ray's energetic spirit is contagious, and he's always ready for a game of fetch or a romp in the park. Despite his lively nature, Ray-Ray has a gentle side that shines when he's around children. His ability to get along with kids makes him a wonderful addition to any family. Adopt Ray-Ray and make him a part of your family today. 

For information about animals available for adoption, visit the Animal Shelter’s web page here.

City Council Links