April 2019 – Three Minute News
City Council Voter Guide Coming Soon
The Richardson Coalition’s Voter Guide will be released before early voting begins. We have carefully evaluated the candidates and you will find candidate comparisons and our recommendations for your consideration. Like all elections, this one is very important, as there are some clear choices that will be made. We urge everyone to vote.
Voting Schedule:
Early Voting April 22 – April 30
Monday, April 22 – Friday, April 26 8am – 5pm
Saturday, April 27 8am – 5pm
Sunday, April 28 1pm – 5pm
Monday, April 29 – Tuesday, April 30 7am – 7pm
Election Day: May 4
Voting Hours are 7am to 7pm
For more information: CLICK HERE
Richardson Real Heroes Ceremony
Celebrate the Richardson Real Heroes to honor them for their volunteerism. Join the ceremony at 7pm on Thursday, April 11 at the Richardson Civic Center.
The honorees and the organizations for which they volunteer:
- Dick Caplinger, Richardson Police Department
- Penny Carter, NETWORK of Community Ministries
- Stuart Rampy, Robotics Club at J.J. Pearce High School
The event is free and open to the public. We invite you to join us in honoring these Richardson Real Heroes. Please RSVP by April 5 to
For more information: http://www.RichardsonRealHeroes.com
Economic Development Update
Richardson Economic Development Partnership (REDP) is a joint initiative established by the City of Richardson and the Richardson Chamber of Commerce in 1984. This is the oldest economic development partnership in North Texas. REDP presented an annual report to the City Council on in March. In 2018 REDP helped facilitate 33 business relocations or expansions in Richardson, resulting in retaining or creating 6,730 jobs. More than 2.5 million square feet of office, data center and flex space were occupied.
Senior/Disabled Property Tax Exemption Increased
The City Council adopted an ordinance that increases the property tax exemption for disabled individuals and senior citizens (age 65 or older) from $85,000 to $100,000. The goal is to maintain a tax benefit of approximately 30 percent of the average home value. Appraisal districts will incorporate the increased exemption in notices mailed to qualified residents in April.
Traffic Signal System Reviewed
Last month the City Council reviewed the City’s traffic signal system effectiveness report. This study by Big Red Dog Engineering began last year in March and identified the following traffic characteristics:
- Moderate peak hour congestion
- Peak period speeds compare well to off-peak periods
- No systemic congestion
- No geographic pattern
- Speeds between successive major arterials are close to the speed limit
- Slowdowns primarily occur at intersections with major streets
- Individual characteristics of the roadway network affect travel times
- Sufficient roadway capacity and signal timing progression
Next steps include installing new controllers and cabinets as well as video detection. A new communications system and central management system will also be installed.
Fire Station Replacement
The new Fire Station #3 is under construction at the northwest corner of Custer Parkway and Lookout Drive, across Lookout from the current facility. The new station will more than double the current station’s size to 13,200 square feet, allowing for more apparatus, equipment and personnel to meet future demands. Final completion is scheduled for March of 2020.
Spring Cottonwood Art Festival
The 50th year of the Cottonwood Art Festival will begin on May 4 from 10 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and end May 5 from 10 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. This is considered to be one of the most prestigious fine art festivals in the United States. The event is free, but some children’s activities in ArtStop area may require a nominal fee.
Wildflower! Scheduled
Richardson’s 27th annual Wildflower! Arts & Music Festival will be held May 17-19 at the Galatyn Park Urban Center.
Eisemann Edge Endowment Fund
Last month the City Council was presented with a $250,000 donation from Ann and Charles Eisemann for the Eisemann Edge Endowment Fund. This program will allow students from UT Dallas’ School of Arts, Technology and Emerging Communications to develop innovative visual art exhibits and performances that will be showcased at the Eisemann Center. The first output from the collaboration will be March of 2020.
Summer Class Registration
Registration has begun for the City’s 2019 summer camps and swim classes. To register or see a list of classes, go to www.cor.net/parksonline. Class information is also included in a pull-out Recreation Guide available in the March issue of Richardson Today.
Neighborhood Leadership Workshop Scheduled
The spring Neighborhood Leadership Workshop will be Tuesday, April 16th at 5:30 p.m. Board members and neighborhood volunteers are invited to attend and participate. The event is free. Please RSVP by contacting Jenna Hite at jenna.hite@cor.gov or by phone at 972-744-4162.
Trash Bash Update
The annual Trash Bash will be held April 13, 2019. More information at http://www.cor.net/TrashBash.