Government
BY MICHAEL CROUCHLEY & AMBER FRIEND
Council re nes upcoming bond package City of Richardson o cials are taking steps toward nalizing the projects on the city’s pro- posed bond referendum set for next May. City Council has received updates on poten- tial mobility improvement projects, parks and recreation and drainage projects, with additional planned presentations ahead of calling the bond in February. What you need to know City sta is aiming for between $15 million and $20 million for mobility projects and drainage projects, while $20 million to $30 million will be allocated for parks projects. The largest items in the mobility proposition would be the replacement of tra c signals at 14 intersections, costing $9.5 million to fund. Nelson said that the average life cycle for a traf- c signal is 25-30 years, and that Richardson has 16 older than 25 years old—the two not included in the package are operated by the Texas Department of Transportation. Sta marked the following as possible parks and recreation projects to include in the bond, according to the presentation: • Aquatics projects at Cottonwood Pool and Canyon Creek Pool • 10 playground renovations • Apollo Park upgrades • An additional pedestrian bridge at Breckinridge Park • Galatyn Plaza fountain repair • Outdoor pickleball courts at Point North
Renovations wrap up at Richardson’s animal shelter The Richardson Animal Shelter has reopened following renovations. What you need to know The shelter reopened on Nov. 12 at 1330 Columbia Drive. Work on the facility began last February and included a new main entrance, entry façade and expanded sta o ces, in addition to new storage rooms, minor updates to the sta and public restrooms and the break room. The shelter had been operating out of a temporary facility adjacent to the main shelter. A new piece of public art was also installed near the front entrance as part of the renovations. A 10-foot-tall cement sculpture covered in mosaic tiles by Texas artist Gigi Gri n Miller depicts several types of pets.
Potential bond breakdown
Streets: $115M Facilities: $20M Parks: $20M Drainage: $15M Sidewalks: $15M Tra c: $15M
Total: $200M
SOURCE: CITY OF RICHARDSON COMMUNITY IMPACT
What they’re saying Council members voiced support for prioritizing an additional pedestrian bridge at Breckinridge Park before continuing work on Apollo Park. The bridge would connect the east and west sides of Breckinridge Park, and would cost around $5 million, according to the presentation. The project would be the second bridge in the park, with the rst being nished in 2010. “I really struggle with the idea that we’re going to move forward with Apollo Park when there are other parks in that area, and we’re going to push [the bridge] down the road after we’ve already pushed it for 15 years,” Mayor Pro Tem Ken Hutchenrider said. What’s next? Council will continue to develop the bond program with several presentations on proposed projects through November and December before re ning the propositions in January. Council will decide whether or not to call a bond election Feb. 9, according to the presentation, and election day is May 2.
Renovations at the Richardson Animal Shelter were funded by the city’s 2020 bond.
MICHAEL CROUCHLEY COMMUNITY IMPACT
Tech company set for $1.45 million expansion in Richardson’s Innovation Quarter
The Richardson Innovation Quarter is a 1,200- acre tech hub o of US 75, housing more than 1,100 companies and start-ups specializing in manufacturing, biotechnology, nance, software development, and research and development. The company will lease approximately 70,000 square feet across IQ facilities at 1155 E. Collins Boulevard and 1680 Prospect Drive, including a 14,000-square foot expansion at the Prospect Drive location.
Crescent Systems Inc. has committed to a $1.45 million expansion in Richardson’s Innova- tion Quarter. What you need to know The company, which has provided hardware and software for defense and government operations in Richardson for 30 years, has committed to long- term leases at two facilities, as well as a capital investment in tenant improvements, according to a Nov. 4 news release from the city.
Crescent Systems Inc.
E. COLLINS BLVD.
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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM
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