June 2019 – Three Minute News
Richardson Storm Damage
The cleanup effort in Richardson continues after heavy rain and strong winds left homes and businesses in the dark for hours Sunday.
- Updates on Oncor’s progress to restore power can be found at stormcenter.oncor.com.
- Trash/Recycling/Brush and Bulky Item Collection will be working on extended hours for the next three weeks to collect curbside items and cleaning up storm debris.
- Cottonwood Park remains closed while crews with Richardson’s Park and Recreation department work to clear all the debris and make the park safe for visitors.
- Richardson’s traffic crews are also working to fully restore signals, but there are a handful that remain on generators.
- The Fire Department is asking that if you had tree limbs fall on power lines to your home that you watch and listen for signs of damaged electrical wiring inside which include popping sounds or a burning odor when power is restored. Call 911 if you notice these signs.
More information on storm damage and cleanup, view “storm” news at:
https://www.cor.net/our-city/news-videos/news
As a result of the May 4th election two new members, Kyle Kepner (Place 4) and Ken Hutchenrider (Place 5), were elected to the City Council. A runoff election was held on June 8 to determine the Place 3 council member, Janet DePuy was elected. Previous council members, Bob Dubey (Place 1), Mark Solomon (Place 2), Steve Mitchell (Place 6), and Mayor Paul Voelker will remain on the City Council.
Congratulations to the newly elected mayor and council members. Thank you all for your time and dedication to serve our city and to make Richardson be the best it can be.
Also, thank you to those of you who took the time to vote in these very important elections!
2019-2021 Richardson City Council
- Mayor: Paul Voelker
- Place 1: Bob Dubey
- Place 2: Mark Solomon
- Place 3: Janet DePuy
- Place 4: Kyle Kepner
- Place 5: Ken Hutchenrider
- Place 6: Steve Mitchell
$3.1 Billion TI Plant Expansion Announced
Texas Instruments will expand the semiconductor plant located at Renner Road and Alma Road. The expanded facility will house a new 300mm analog semiconductor wafer fabrication facility. Upon completion, the new facility is expected to create more than 488 new jobs and represent more than $3.1 billion in capital investment.
Main Street Development Named
The Main Street development project has officially been named The Core. The development of this project has been ongoing for a few months and is nearing the end of the planning phase.
Rezoning Initiative Update
City Council received an update on the rezoning initiative for the Collins/Arapaho Transit-Oriented Development and Innovation District. The rezoning initiative began in March, following an 11-month study that crafted a vision for the 1,200-acre area. Standards involving architecture, land use, streets and signage will be discussed over the next 6 months in several meetings with stakeholders, City Council members, and the public. For more information, visit www.cor.net/collinsarapaho.
Senior Center Update
City staff revealed updated design plans for the Richardson Senior Center in May. The Senior Center, located at 820 W. Arapaho, will undergo renovations next year, funded primarily by the 2015 Bond Program. Construction is expected to begin in winter/spring 2020.
Highlights of the proposed renovations include the following:
- Interior improvements, including increased space for fitness and dining
- Parking/safety improvements, including new parking lot pavement and creating one main entrance, with a covered, pull-through drop-off lane
- Accessibility improvements, including pavement grades that will eliminate stairs and ramps into the main entrance
- Aesthetic improvements, including increased greenspace on the south side of the building, new landscaping and a new courtyard
Fire Station 3 Under Construction
The official groundbreaking for the new Fire Station 3 was held in April. The station is being constructed at the northwest corner of Custer Parkway and Lookout Drive, across the street from the current Fire Station 3. The new station will more than double the current station’s size to 13,200 square feet. Construction completion and move-in is planned for March 2020.
Inclusive Playground Opens
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held in April marking the official opening of the Ann Eisemann Inclusive Playground at Cottonwood Park on Beltline east of Coit. This is the first inclusive playground to be built at a City of Richardson park. This playground will allow children and adults of all abilities to interact with each other and do what all kids want to do: play. The idea for an inclusive playground in Richardson was generated in 2015 when Richardson East Rotary Club (RERC). The Eisemann family and more than 1,000 other individuals, organizations, foundations, businesses and families donated to the construction of the playground. For more information, visit www.cor.net/inclusiveplayground
Arts Grants
The City Council approved Arts Initiative Grants for five area arts organizations, totaling $15,000. Grants are funded by the hotel/motel tax fund. For more information, visit www.cor.net/arts
Eisemann Edge Endowment Funded
In partnership with the City of Richardson and the Eisemann Center, an initiative has been funded with an endowment of $250,000. In March 2020 the first event will be produced in conjunction with UTD’s Center for Arts and Technology and the Eisemann Center. This will be an annual event showcasing the latest in arts and technology from Richardson’s very innovative UT Dallas. https://www.cor.net/home/showdocument?id=25913
Richardson Reads One Book
Richardson Reads One Book 2019 selection is “Bluebird, Bluebird” by Texas native Attica Locke. The book is a thriller set in East Texas that explores the intersection of love, race and justice. Locke will appear at a free public lecture at Richardson High School Sept. 24. For more information go to www.cor.net/onebook
Swimming Pools
Heights Family Aquatic Center opens for the season on May 30th. All other pools will open for the season on June 1st. Pool passes for the season may now be purchased at Huffhines and Heights recreation centers. For reservations for pool rentals see www.cor.net/parksonline
Friendly Bicyclist Award
The League of American Bicyclists reaffirmed Richardson with its the Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community award which Recognizes Richardson’s commitment to Improving conditions for bicycling through investments in bike infrastructure, education programs, as well as promoting and encouraging bicycling through events and policies. There are 475 Bicycle Friendly Communities across the country.
2019-2020 Eisemann Center Programs Announced
The Eisemann Center has released the upcoming season list of events. To see the list and date of the performances go to www.eisemanncenter.com.
