Plano North January 2022

CITY&COUNTY

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Council OKs development with 26newhomes

HEDGCOXE RD.

Chris Biggersta named new chief of Plano Fire-Rescue City ocials swore in new Plano Fire-Rescue Chief Chris Biggersta on Jan. 10. Biggersta takes the helm of the department from former Chief Sam Greif, who was named deputy city manager in November. Biggersta has held every rank up to his current position during his tenure with Plano Fire-Rescue, which began in 1992. Greif joined Plano Fire-Rescue as chief in 2015 and as deputy city manager he will oversee public safety, which includes re-rescue, police, public safety communications, emergency management and animal services. He is taking the place of Deputy City Manager Greg Rushin, who retired in January. New ordinance reduces maximum noise level at night City Council unanimously approved a new noise ordinance in December that alters how loud businesses are allowed to be after 10 p.m. The ordinance was approved unanimously by council, following concerns with the new wording addressed by representatives of The Food Hall Company, which manages Legacy Hall, as well as counterarguments from residents of Windrose Towers. The new ordinance, in part, requires commercial businesses such as music venues to keep noise to 70 decibels from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and further reduces the maximum noise level to 60 decibels from 10:01 p.m. to 6:59 a.m. If a noise complaint is led, the decibel measurement will be taken from the oended party’s premises. According to the ordinance, noise permit renewals will be issued once every three years after a place of business proves it has initially complied with the ordinance’s standards.

LEGACY DR.

BY ERICK PIRAYESH

Up to 26 new single-family homes will be coming to Plano after City Council approved a development on the corner of 15th Street and M Avenue. The development called Elmwood Park was approved 8-0 by council as part of a zoning request at its Jan. 10 meeting. The development will be built on a lot that was used as a parking lot for First Baptist Church. An exact construction timeline has not yet been announced. The church relocated to a new location Sept. 12 at 3665 W. President George Bush Turnpike. The lot is surrounded by other single-family neighborhoods, and city ocials said that made it a good candidate for the proposed development. Plano Director of Planning Christina Day said the new houses will conform to the “look and feel” of the surrounding neighborhoods. “I think [the design] will enhance the entire area,’’ Council Member Rick Grady said.

Davis Library closed Dec. 4 to complete a renovation project. (Courtesy city of Plano)

Bond constructionwork to continue

BY ERICK PIRAYESH

The city plans to replace exterior lighting at Oak Point Recreation Center, and the roof at Courtyard Theater will be replaced. Around $27.1 million is set aside for renovations to various public safety facilities, including multi- ple re station renovations and improvements to the police training academy. Nearly $2.5 million will be used in upgrades and renovations to various city libraries, including Schimelpfenig Library, Haggard Library and Parr Library. City Manager Mark Israelson said the various bond projects will help maintain the quality of life Plano residents have come to expect. “Plano has a reputation for being well-managed, well-maintained and a great place to raise a family and do business,” Israelson said. “We want to keep with that stu. The very big focus for us is the infrastructure and maintaining that infrastructure.”

PLANO Multiple projects asso- ciated with the $364 million bond package approved last May by Plano voters have been completed or will be nished in 2022. The bond is largely aimed at city infrastructure improvements with more than half of the bond—$231 million—dedicated to street improvements, according to city documents. Other projects to be completed include a $5.5 million renovation project of Plano’s city hall and a $15.9 million renovation of Tom Muehlenbeck Recreation Center. Two turf elds will also be added to Russell Creek Park along with vari- ous renovations and improvements to parks across the city, including Hoblitzelle East, Horseshoe, Windhaven, Arbor Hills Nature Preserve playground, Schell North, Bob Woodru North Longhorn, Steeplechase, Tejas, Cottonwood Creek Greenbelt and Sunset parks.

15TH PL.

PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT

E. 15TH ST.

PLANO NORTH EDITION • JANUARY 2022