April 4, 2025

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

The CORE District Welcomes New Businesses 
Richardson's trendy Lockwood neighborhood will soon be home to three new venues, Oak Highlands Brewery and Las Lomas Mexican Cuisine, adding yet more options to The CORE District's culinary diversity. In addition, outdoor apparel retailer Outside, Texas recently announced its move to The CORE District’s Downtown neighborhood. 

Oak Highlands Brewery is relocating its taproom and production facility to 500 Lockwood Dr, a move that will allow the brewery to increase its focus on its taproom and event space, broadening its list of well-known events. An opening is planned for later this spring.   

Family-owned Las Lomas Mexican Cuisine will open at 520 Lockwood Dr., offering authentic Mexican food and live entertainment including mariachi and regional music. An opening date has not been announced.  

Outside, Texas, an outdoor recreational lifestyle brand, is relocating its flagship store from the lower Greenville area in Dallas to 203 W. Main St., and plans to increase its events with the move, helping to inspire customers to “get back to nature.” A grand opening is expected sometime this month. 

The Lockwood Neighborhood is the newest addition to The CORE District in Richardson and has undergone significant revitalization, transforming a once overlooked retail center into a vibrant social hotspot. Today, Lockwood is known for its trendy atmosphere, offering a variety of dining options, coffee shops, modern co-working spaces, and Richardson's first and only distillery.

www.richardsoncoredistrict.com  

Outdoor Water Schedule Changed to Summer Conservation 
Richardson began its annual summer water conservation plan this week to help reduce the amount of water lost to evaporation. The plan reduces the times for outdoor irrigation to evening, night and early morning hours on a limited number of days each week. Watering via drip irrigation, soaker hose or hand-held hose with a shutoff nozzle may be done any day at any time.   

Website: www.cor.net/waterconservation  

Contact: 972-744-4220  

Annual Chlorine Maintenance Concludes for 2025 
The annual 28-day chlorine maintenance conducted by the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD), Richardson’s water supplier, ended Monday, March 31. The safe treatment is both a water system maintenance function as well as a water conservation measure that helps optimize drinking water quality and reduce the amount of hydrant flushing necessary during the warm weather months. The maintenance also meets guidelines set by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.   

The NTMWD and its 13 member cities continuously test and monitor water quality throughout the year to ensure the water is safe to drink.  

More information: www.cor.net/Chlorine  

Trash and Trees Highlights of Annual Trash Bash 
The City’s annual Trash Bash was held last Saturday, helping to clean the environment (and closets) of trash as well as items that can be reused or recycled. In addition, the first “Richardson Replants” tree giveaway of the spring season was held.   

This year’s event offered drive-thru drop-off/pick-up opportunities at both First United Methodist Church Richardson and The Heights Church, and group trash/recycling cleanup opportunities.  

Here’s a look at Trash Bash 2025 by the numbers: 

Video:  Link

Richardson’s Wildflowers Starting to Bloom 
Richardson’s annual wildflowers are now in bloom, on medians, in City parks and near some municipal facilities.   

If you plan to snap wildflower photos in Richardson, please keep the following in mind:   

Since 1990, the Parks and Recreation Department has planted wildflower seeds across Richardson, making the City one of the most picturesque in North Texas and landing it on “Top 10 Wildflower Viewing” lists.   

Website: Wildflowers  

AARP Reps Offering Free Tax Return Help at Rec Centers 
Free assistance in preparing and filing your taxes is now available through April 14 at Heights and Huffhines Recreation Centers courtesy of the AARP Foundation Tax Aide program.  

The by-appointment service provides assistance to anyone, free of charge, with a focus on taxpayers who are over age 50 and have low to moderate income. You do not need to be an AARP member to use the service. Volunteers are IRS-certified every year, so they understand the latest changes and additions to the tax code.  

In addition, the Richardson Public Library offers free copies of Form 1040 and Form 1040-SR, plus instructions, available for pickup during regular business hours (in the wooden bookcase on display right as you enter the Library).  

AARP Free Tax Assistance By Appointment:  

More information/appointment links: Tax Forms and Information | Richardson, TX  

Website: AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Service

SBA Offers Relief to Texans Affected by March Storm 
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has announced the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans to Texas businesses, nonprofits and residents who sustained physical damages and economic losses from the March 4, 2025 thunderstorms, straight-line winds and tornadoes. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from Gov. Greg Abbott on March 14. The disaster declaration covers the counties of Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Kaufman, Rockwall and Tarrant.   

Businesses and nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence. Deadline to apply is May 19.  

SBA customer service representatives have set up a Disaster Loan Outreach Center at Lively Pointe Youth Center, 909 N. O’Connor Rd., in Irving and are available Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals complete their application. Walk-ins and appointments are available.  

More information/application: www.sba.gov/disaster

Lanes Closed Daily on Arapaho Road Near Fire Station 2 for Water Utility Work
The left and center lanes of eastbound Arapaho Road between Mimosa Drive and Waterview Drive may be closed to traffic from 9 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. due to an emergency water valve replacement and related concrete work. Note that during the concrete replacement phase one lane will be kept closed over night for concrete curing. The work is expected to wrap up by the end of next week. 

Intersection Improvements at Campbell/Glenville to Close Lanes on Campbell Road 
In three separate phases, various lanes of eastbound and westbound Campbell Road at Glenville Drive may be closed to traffic alternately from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. as sidewalk ramps, median noses and signals are removed and replaced at the intersection. The project is expected to conclude by late June. 

www.cor.net/projects

Altrusa Hosts “2025 Kindness Weekend” Service Activities Tomorrow 
Friends Place Adult Day Services
1960 Nantucket Dr.
Cost: Free (register here)
Saturday, April 5
9 a.m.-noon  

Altrusa International of Richardson and its Kindness Action Network is inviting the community to join them Saturday, April 5 in doing acts of kindness, part of its annual Kindness Weekend which started today, April 4. You can choose to do your own activities in the community or participate at activity stations that will be set up at Friends Place on Saturday morning. They include: 

Individuals/organizations organizing their own kindness activities are encouraged to log them at the Altrusa website and share on social media.  

More information: Altrusa Richardson - Kindness 

“The Hunger Games” Movie Party in The CORE District Tuesday Night 
Alamo Drafthouse Richardson, 100 S. Central Expwy., Ste. 14
Tickets: $19 (click here to reserve seat)
Tuesday, April 8
7 p.m.   

Experience the 2012 movie, “The Hunger Games,” with an immersive, interactive experience featuring fun props such as a mini bow and arrow and “Nightlock” berry snacks. 

Travel to Japan with Cherry Blossom Poetry, History Tomorrow Morning 
Millwood Creek Room
Admission: Free
Saturday, April 5
10:30 a.m.-Noon  

It’s National Poetry Month! Imagine yourself under the fragrant shade of a cherry blossom tree in Japan, as you enjoy poems about cherry blossoms and learn about the history and purpose of Japan’s cherry blossom festivals. Snacks and favors provided while supplies last! For adults and teens. 

All Ages Can Read to Miniature Horses Tomorrow Afternoon 
City Council Chamber, City Hall, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd. Ste. 525
Admission: Free ticket required; tickets available at City Council Chamber entrance beginning at 12:45 p.m. on day of event
Saturday, April 5
1-2 p.m.  

All ages are invited to come read to real live miniature horses from Joyful Hooves—two horses will be on hand for you to read to from your favorite books and poems about horses. Small groups attend together for two-minute sessions with an animal.  

More information: 972-744-4376 

At the Eisemann Center:

• Vocal Majority Spring Show
  Hill Performance Hall
  Tickets: $22-$72 (tickets)
  April 5-6
  2 p.m.
  
  The internationally acclaimed Vocal Majority includes more than 100 men of all ages and backgrounds who sing for a single purpose: to spread harmony in a world that needs it. Join them for a spring concert performance entitled “Stories from the Heart,” as they celebrate the stories of our lives with songs that have impacted patrons and performers alike. The concert will feature love songs, patriotic music, sacred selections in anticipation of Easter, along with a sneak peek at what’s planned for the Vocal Majority’s appearance at international competition this summer.
  
  
• First Friday Reception: Cottonwood Art Festival Emerging Artist Exhibit 
  Forrest & Virginia Green Mezzanine Gallery
  Admission: Free
  Friday, April 4
  6-8 p.m.
  
  Celebrate the newest exhibit in the Gallery, which showcases the work of the 10 RISD high school art students chosen for the 2025 Cottonwood Art Festival Emerging Artist program. Emerging Artist is an annual innovative mentoring program that gives art students real-world experience in the professional art world, including being a part of this exhibit and getting the chance to sell their work at the spring Cottonwood Art Festival.
  
  List of artists/more information: www.cottonwoodartfestival.com  

At UT Dallas:

• Fred Curchak’s “Resurrection of Freddy Chickan” Thursday Night 
  University Theatre
  Admission: Free
  April 10-19
  Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.
  
  Longtime UT Dallas Professor of Theatre and renowned playwright and actor Fred Curchak performs “outrageous excerpts” from nine of his internationally acclaimed plays, with music, video and eye-boggling visuals. Note: NOT for kids!  Event link: Click here 

At RISD:

• Pearce Pacesetter Revue Tonight, Tomorrow Night
Pearce Auditorium, 1600 N. Coit Rd.
Tickets: $15 general admission, $20 reserved (ticket link: click here)
April 4-5
7 p.m. 

The J. J. Pearce High School Precision Pacesetters dance and drill team present their annual spring show, this year entitled, “Feel the Beat.” 

Monarch Migration Underway; City’s Butterfly Gardens are a “Rest Stop”
The monarch butterfly’s annual migration from Mexico to the northern U.S. and Canada is in full swing, and since Richardson is in the pathway it’s a great place to spot them. The City has been a Mayor’s Monarch Pledge city since 2015 (a program of the National Wildlife Federation) and has established dedicated butterfly gardens in four parks—Berkner, Prairie Creek, Durham and Yale. In addition, City planners make it a priority to include plants that attract and feed butterflies in new park and landscape projects wherever feasible.  

Because of the critical role monarchs play in our ecosystem and their declining numbers over the past 15 years, people are encouraged to incorporate butterfly-friendly plants in their own landscapes and community gardens, and to log any sightings at www.journeynorth.org and/or www.monarchwatch.org/calendar. Scientists rely on the help of “citizen scientists” to understand the monarch’s conservation needs.   

Monarchs are the only known butterfly to make a two-way migration; they’re expected to make their way back through Richardson in the fall.  

Parks Maintenance Helper II ($41,600 - $50,109 Salary) 
The Parks and Recreation Department are looking for individuals who like performing manual labor to complete various tasks required of the Parks Department. A Texas Drivers License Class C is required.   

Public Safety Officer ($43,056 - $64,008 Salary) 
The Police Department is looking for an individual who can perform nonemergency public contact functions within the Richardson Police Department. High School diploma required; GED acceptable if augmented with 60 college credit hours. Texas Driver’s License without restriction (except “A”) required. Must be a US citizen. Must be 18 years of age.   

Day Camp Counselor ($13.00/hr - $14.25/hr) 
The Parks and Recreation Department is looking for individuals with experience working with children. Must be at least 16 years of age with CPR and First-Aid Certification required or obtained during job orientation. 

www.cor.net/jobs

Pet of the Week
Meet Bond, a 2-year-old Husky with a heart full of love. This sweet soul is the epitome of friendliness and playfulness, always ready to make new friends, be it humans or fellow dogs. Bond is also a fantastic playmate, his energetic spirit keeping the fun going. Despite being in a shelter, his spirit remains unbroken, his tail always wagging. He's not just a dog; he's a companion, a friend, a family member waiting to be loved. 

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

City Council Links