Plano North | April 2025

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Plano North Edition VOLUME 11, ISSUE 8 APRIL 22MAY 20, 2025

2025 Voter Guide

$647 million on the ballot

Police HQ, re station, roads part of Plano record bond election

INSIDE

Also in this issue

Discover a new breakfast spot, burger joint and more in Plano Impacts 6 Learn more about DART’s plan to send sales tax back to cities Transportation 20

A new re station in south Plano is part of Plano’s proposed bond package. (Courtesy Plano Fire-Rescue)

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PLANO NORTH EDITION

Vidal has been a dedicated advocate for the people, actively listening to residents and transforming their feedback into meaningful action. He remains committed to building a stronger, more connected Plano for every resident. Vidal is Plano-involved, Plano-informed, and the best candidate for Plano City Council, Place 8.

Leadership Plano Graduate

Plano Citizens Government Academy Graduate

Plano Citizens Police Academy Graduate

Plano Citizens Fire Academy Graduate

Community Relations Commissioner

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

About Community Impact Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Dustin Butler Karen Chaney Mark Fadden Colby Farr Hannah Johnson Heather McCullough Jonathan Perriello Cody Thorn Jacob Vaughn Graphic Designers Nicolas Delgadillo José Jiménez

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PLANO NORTH EDITION

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Impacts

3 Canales Furniture The store sells a variety of furniture, accessories, appliances and more. Canales has 23 locations throughout Texas and Oklahoma.

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• Opened March 21 • 2404 K Ave., Plano • www.canalesfurniture.com

North Plano

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4 Flip Factory The business, which originally opened in 2018, offers coaching for trampoline, tumbling and double mini trampoline at the competitive level. Recreational, preschool and tumbling classes are also available. The business also hosts birthday parties, open gym, private lessons, field trips, camps and clinics.

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• Reopened in January • 1081 Ohio Drive, Plano • www.flipfactorytnt.com

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5 Sky Rocket Burger The burger joint serves burgers, fries and milkshakes made with Blue Bell ice cream. • Opened March 3 • 2300 Midway Road, Ste. C, Plano • www.skyrocketburger.com 6 South Fork Cafe The eatery serves breakfast and lunch. The breakfast menu features a variety of egg dishes including omelets and eggs Benedict. Under the griddle section, items such as waffles, pancakes and French toast are listed. Avocado toast and steel cut oats are featured as lighter options. Lunch choices include burgers, sandwiches, salads and more. The restaurant also has a location in Murphy. • Opened March 13 • 1941 Preston Road, Ste. 1004, Plano • www.southforkcafetx.com 7 Back Nine The membership-based business is open 24/7 and offers unlimited tee times, top level golf simulators and tournaments, according to the company website. • Opened April 5

PARKERRD.

South Plano

PARKBLVD.

15THST.

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2 Bibliobar Business owner Chelsea Tresp said she closed the previous location, which was also in downtown Plano on 15th Street, last year. Upon reopening, Tresp said she no longer sells vintage clothing and is only selling adult and children’s general interest books. A grand opening is planned for April 26. • Opened March 2 • 1018 E. 15th St., Plano • Facebook: Bibliobar

Now open

1 Alohahola The restaurant menu includes Hawaiian BBQ, seafood, fried rice, wings and more. According to the company website, there are currently three locations, all of which are in Virginia. • Opened March 18 • 3421 E. Renner Road, Ste. 104, Plano • www.alohahola.com

• 6405 W. Parker Road, Ste. 320, Plano • www.thebackninegolf.com/planowesttx

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12 Wingstop Construction on the new restaurant is set to start in May and finish in July, according to a project filed with TDLR. Wingstop serves wings, tenders and chicken sandwiches with several flavor options. • 7000 Independence Parkway, Ste. 180, Plano • www.wingstop.com

Coming soon

8 Dynamic Sports Medicine Owner and founder Dr. Matt Lowe plans to open locations in Southlake, Plano and Dallas, joining an existing location in Irving. The business provides advanced chiropractic sports medicine for patients. • Opening in spring • 7000 Preston Road, Plano • www.dynamicsportsmedicine.com

Relocations

13 Anderson Plano-based retail merchandising company will be moving its headquarters to Apex at Legacy in late 2025. Anderson will move to the top floor of the building, leasing out the full 30,000 square feet, according to a news release. Anderson’s new headquarters will be known as the Anderson Field Support Center and plans to bring more than 100 associates to its new space and hire more in the near future. • Relocates in Q4 • 5801 Headquarters Drive, Plano • amerch.com

What’s next

9 Bojangles The standalone restaurant set for the corner of SH 121 and Coit Road is expected to start construction July 31 and finish in January. The North Carolina-based eatery serves chicken sandwiches, tenders, fried chicken and grilled chicken with a variety of sides and desserts, including the restaurant’s signature Bo-Berry Biscuit, according to its website. The restaurant has five current locations in Dallas-Fort Worth, and another set for McKinney later this year.

16 Scratch Golf Club The business will offer membership-based golf simulators with over 300 courses and eight games, according to the company website. There are currently two Scratch Golf Club locations, both of which are in Dallas. • Opening in May • 1855 Dallas Parkway, Ste. 500, Plano • www.scratchgolfclub.com

In the news

• 3840 SH 121, Plano • www.bojangles.com

14 Simpson Strong-Tie Plano City Council approved an $800,000 economic development grant, facilitating the company’s expansion into a 38,372-square-foot space in Granite Park Six. The company manufactures structural solutions for wood, steel and concrete structures— including connectors, fasteners, anchors and other components. The company also provides digital tools that aim to assist in the building design process. • 5525 Granite Parkway, Plano • www.strongtie.com

10 Patty Lou’s Smashburger According to a listing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, filed March 13, construction will include changing out millwork and equipment from a coffee shop to a burger cafe. Construction is slated to begin in May and end in September. • 1000 E. 14th St., Plano • www.pattyloussmashburger.com 11 Pep Boys The renovations will include separating the existing building to make room for a new tenant space, new equipment in a new waiting area, new restroom, new tire racks and new storage area, according to documents filed with TDLR. There is not a confirmed start date, the spokesperson said, as the company is still in the process of obtaining permits. • 928 W. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano • www.pepboys.com

• Closed in March • 3420 N. Central Expressway, Plano • www.abuelos.com

17 Holiday Warehouse The holiday decor online store will continue to be operational. Holiday Warehouse, which had 30,000 square feet of retail space, opened in August 2014. • Closed March 9

Closings

• 2819 W. 15th St., Plano • Holidaywarehouse.com

15 Abuelo’s Mexican Restaurant Both Plano locations of the restaurant have closed. According to a phone recording, the restaurant closed “due to circumstances beyond our control.” The Mexican restaurant’s menu included enchiladas, burritos and more.

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PLANO NORTH EDITION

Government

Plano City Council invests $2M in High Point Park

Infrastructure work for new city park approved Plano City Council approved more than $200,000 of infrastructure work for a new city park at the corner of Legacy and Headquarters drives. The overview The project includes the design of new roadway with on-street parking, sidewalk, barrier-free ramps, a 12-inch water line, landscaping and irrigation, street lighting and drainage improvements. The new park called Mendomi Park will be part of a mixed-use development planned at the former JCPenney headquarters.

High Point Park is getting a restroom upgrade after Plano City Council approved the project during the March 24 meeting. Council awarded RoeschCo Construction with a contract for just over $2 million. About the project The project includes replacing the 40-year-old restroom facility with a new building that ensures Americans with Disabilities Act standards are met. It will also include a concrete pad for storing park equipment and a screen around the storage pad, according to city documents. Funding for the project is budgeted in the 2024- 2025 Parks Improvement Capital Improvement Plan. Construction is expected to take about 10 months to complete, per the documents. The background The city acquired High Point Park in 1977 and designated it as a community park in 1985. Over

LEGACYDR.

High Point Park

SPRING CREEK PKWY.

the years, several upgrades have been made, including a recent project to replace outdated sports lighting. City documents warn that rising maintenance costs and declining facilities could impact local leagues and tournaments if the restroom isn’t replaced.

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Commission OKs Legacy West stage Water Street within Legacy West is set to become a new outdoor stage, pending approval from Plano City Council. The full story The zoning change calls for the eastern half of Water Street—which currently connects Windrose Avenue to Communications Park- way in Legacy West—to be converted into 0.18 acres of open space, which would become an outdoor stage, according to city documents. Plano Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval for the zoning change during its March 25 meeting. The western half of the road would remain a private driveway with access to both Communications Parkway and Windrose Avenue, along with the adjacent parking garage, City Planner Destiny Woods said.

JCPenney HQ apartments recommended for approval

Planning officials have greenlit a preliminary site plan for a midrise apartment building to be built on Headquarters Drive in Plano. The gist The Plano Planning and Zoning Commission voted 7-0 to approve the preliminary plan during an April 7 meeting. The plan includes details on development of multifamily buildings spread across two different lots on the property. The mixed-use development was proposed by Capital Commercial Investments in 2024. Plano City Council approved a zoning request for the 107-acre property in November. Plans for revitalizing the former JCPenney headquarters, now known as The Park at Legacy, include a mix of retail, office and residential space, and a hotel. The preliminary site plan approved in April focuses on future midrise development on two lots in particular.

Approximate site location

Lot 7R

Lot 11

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LEGACY DR.

The details The plan details the location of future midrise apartment buildings and related site improve- ments, according to city documents. Two midrise buildings will be located on the north side of the property. A multifamily development is proposed for Lot 7R though plans are expected in the future after the developers have unlocked those units.

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PLANO NORTH EDITION

Government

BY ADAM DOE

Garbage truck fires cost city more than $1.2 million since 2023

Garbage truck fires could cost Plano over $1.2 million in truck replacements and repairs amid a rise in garbage truck fires caused by improper flammable trash disposal, according to a city official. The overview Since 2023, trash fires have damaged five Plano garbage trucks, with two back in service and three trucks destroyed, according to Plano Environmen- tal Waste Services Superintendent Steve Funk. It takes 12-18 months and costs roughly $400,000 to replace a truck, according to Funk. The most recent fire was in early January, Funk said. The truck has since been repaired and put back in service, but three other trucks have been completely destroyed in fires. Plano has replaced one truck and is currently replacing the other two. At $400,000 a piece for new trucks, plus repairs to the other two, the damage clears $1.2 million.

Explained Lithium batteries can catch fire when a bat- tery cell is crushed or punctured by collection equipment, releasing heat and toxic, flammable gas, according to the National Fire Prevention Association. Single-use alkaline batteries, including AA, AAA, 9-volt and D cells—commonly found in remotes, flashlights and other household items—are considered nonhazardous. Lithium batteries are the rechargeable version. While lithium batteries are a common cause of fires, other flammable materials include barbecue charcoal and pool chemicals, Funk said. Funk said the fires are “totally preventable,” and advised residents to “search for proper disposal stations” to get rid of batteries. Many Home Depot locations work with environmental nonprofit Call 2 Recycle to provide battery recycling stations, according to Home Depot’s website.

Hazardous materials Plano homeowners can schedule a collection of household chemicals for free.

Garden products including: • fertilizer Household products including: • ammonia-based cleaners • fire extinguishers • insect sprays and more • pesticides

Pool products including: • chlorine • pool cleaners

• shock

treatment

Garage-stored products including: • anti-freeze • battery acid • gasoline • paint and more

A full list of accepted materials can be found at www.plano.gov/948/household-chemical-collection

SOURCE: CITY OF PLANO/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Election

BY MICHAEL CROUCHLEY

Voter Guide

2025

Dates to know

Where to vote

April 22: First day of early voting April 22: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) April 29: Last day of early voting May 3: Election day

Denton County voters can vote at any polling location during early voting. On election day, Denton County voters must cast a ballot at their designated polling site. In Collin County, voters can cast a ballot at any location during early voting and on election day.

Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.

Proposition B The issuance of $155,155,000 general obligation bonds for the police headquarters and the imposition of a tax sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds Proposition C The issuance of $51,000,000 general obligation bonds for the police training center and the imposition of a tax sufficient to pay the principal of and interest The issuance of $37,485,000 general obligation bonds for public safety facilities and the imposition of a tax sufficient to pay the principal of an interest on the bonds Proposition E The issuance of $45,135,000 general obligation bonds for the fleet operations center and the imposition of a tax sufficient to pay the principal of an interest on the bonds Proposition F on the bonds Proposition D The issuance of $1,870,000 general obligation bonds for improvements to the Schimelpfenig library and the imposition of a tax sufficient to pay the principal of an interest on the bonds Proposition G The issuance of $40,795,000 general obligation bonds for park and recreational facilities and the imposition

Collin County Community College Board of trustees, Place 4

of a tax sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds

Tamara Thomas Staci L. Weaver

Plano ISD Board of trustees, Place 2 Sam Johnson Xiomar Pierre Board of trustees, Place 4 Nancy C. Humphrey Harper Weaver Board of trustees, Place 6 Andrew Rettke Elisa Klein Dash Weerasinghe

City of Plano City Council, Place 2 Bob Kehr Carson K. Underwood Douglas Reeves City Council, Place 4 Cody Weaver Christene “Chris” Krupa Downs City Council, Place 8

Vidal Quintanilla Hayden Padgett City Council, Place 5 (special election) Gary Cary Steve Lavine Proposition A

The issuance of $316,470,000 general obligation bonds for street improvements and the imposition of a tax sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the bonds

PLANO NORTH EDITION

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Election

BY DUSTIN BUTLER

Plano ISD board of trustees, Place 2

KEY : *Incumbent

What are the biggest issues facing Plano ISD? Declining enrollment and funding—along with Texas’s recapture scheme—create challenges for PISD to continue as a leader in Texas education while efficiently operating. A related issue is recruitment and retention of star educators who will help our students prepare for success in whatever their next steps are after graduation.

How do you plan on addressing these issues? I will work with the board and administration to dive into what comparable districts in Texas are doing to attract and retain great educators, and ensure our policies match best practices. I’ll advocate to increase the basic allotment and improve Texas’s current school financing system to best serve our students.

Sam Johnson Occupation & experience: entrepreneur and law firm owner; former Leadership Plano Board Chair; Plano Board of Adjustment www.samforplanoisd.com

Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.

Xiomar Pierre Occupation & experience: Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.

Plano ISD board of trustees, Place 3

What are the biggest issues facing Plano ISD? The most pressing issue is funding to manage the substantial inflationary cost pressures since the last increase in 2019. Another issue is teacher recruitment and retention; we need funding to provide competitive salaries. Addressing the achievement gap in student outcomes and school safety are also paramount. One of the biggest issues Plano is facing is budget shortfalls. That’s something that is facing districts state-wide. An issue that is more unique to Plano is responsibility for things that require special resources (discipline, ESL, etc.) is being pushed to individual campuses that don’t have sufficient resources.

How do you plan on addressing these issues? Meet with local lawmakers to clarify our funding crisis, and I testify in Austin as needed. Continue quest for aspiring teachers and support Teacher Incentive Allotment program. Examine periodic MAP/STAAR data to identify greatest student needs to ensure PISD tracks progress, guaranteeing all students receive the support they need.

Nancy Humphrey* Occupation & experience: accountant/auditor, retired www.nancyhumphrey.org

It starts with open, honest and accountable communication. Giving the public the option to show up and talk for three minutes at board meetings once a month without any feedback simply isn’t enough. We need more avenues for families, faculty, PTAS, etc. to express shortfalls they see.

Harper Weaver Occupation & experience: data engineer (retired) http://harperforpisd.com

Plano ISD board of trustees, Place 6

Elisa Klein Occupation & experience: Chief Creative Officer at MKC Create www.elisaforplano.com

Dash Weerasinghe Occupation & experience: education consultant www.dashforplano.com

Andrew Rettke Occupation & experience: Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.

Enrollment trends; Changing demographics; Teacher retention and recruitment; Recapture What are the biggest issues facing Plano ISD?

The biggest issues facing Plano are falling student enrollment, retaining high quality teachers and principals, generating new funding streams to increase pay for our best teachers, and falling performance standards. Today we are a B-school district and we need to turn the direction of Plano ISD now.

Candidate did not respond to questionnaire before press time.

Candidates were asked to keep responses under 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity. For more election coverage and for full Q&As, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

PLANO NORTH EDITION

Election

Plano City Council, Place 2

Bob Kehr Occupation & experience: IT Managed Services Owner www.bob4plano.org

Carson Underwood Occupation & experience: real estate investor www.carsonunderwood.com

Douglas Reeves Occupation & experience: small business owner and operator 31 years offering job training www.saveplanonow.com

What are the biggest challenges Plano is facing?

Plano is a mature city. We must refresh retail and office spaces, and continue robust maintenance on infrastructure. Plano must also maintain our value to citizens, including great parks and recreation, libraries, and well equipped and responsive public safety services.

Aging infrastructure, rising costs, and ensuring responsible growth while preserving Plano’s unique character.

Aging infrastructure and lack of housing options. Seniors are being taxed out of their homes and taxed into staying in homes they have outgrown. The rent to homeownership ratio is unhealthily high, and there are too many high-density apartments.

How do you plan to address these issues?

I’ll fight to ensure that we continue investing in these important items. I will also fight to ensure that the city continues to provide the level of service that residents expect. We moved to Plano because of the quality services, and I’ll ensure that Plano remains a great value.

Prioritize infrastructure investment, smart budgeting and economic development that strengthens our community.

Promote single family home ownership over high density zoning. New developments need to be postponed until our infrastructure catches up. Allow the over-65 housing lower tax rate to follow seniors to their new abode to free up larger homes for young growing families.

Plano City Council, Place 4

What are the biggest challenges Plano is facing? Plano’s first responders are overburdened and strained. Prioritizing sustainable growth will allow adequate infrastructure and city services expansion to support and maintain the excellent quality of life we enjoy in Plano. We need to be mindful of our growth and the impact of future developments.

How do you plan to address these issues? While apartments play a role in our housing options, it’s crucial to manage their growth thoughtfully. To lessen future pressures on our infrastructure and city services, we need to prioritize the construction of high-rise condos, townhouses, senior living facilities, and smaller single-family homes. Plano voters will decide how some challenges are addressed with the public safety and infrastructure bond elections. I support continued upgrades to aging retail and the Texas Research Quarter are great opportunities to grow the commercial tax base. As the commercial tax base grows, homeowners’ share of burden declines.

Cody Weaver Occupation & experience: realtor http://codyweaver.org/

Plano faces challenges with traffic, roads, taxes and public safety. The city must support police and fire services, expand the commercial tax base, and prioritize spending to maintain excellent services without overburdening residents with taxes.

Christene “Chris” Krupa Downs Occupation & experience: respected estate attorney www.chris4plano.com

Plano City Council, Place 5

What are the biggest challenges Plano is facing? Completing road repair projects quickly. Addressing affordable housing issues effectively. Preserving our top rated Police and Fire Departments and Schools. Safe guarding our quality of life in the face of changing revenue streams with fiscally conservative budget management to keep property taxes as low as possible. Plano needs thoughtful renewal planning for its future. With an aging population and fewer school-age children, we must keep our city and schools vibrant and attractive. To keep our tax rates low, we’ll need to make strategic investments to maintain our roads, libraries, recreation centers and neighborhoods.

How do you plan to address these issues? Solid fiscal management will address many issues. We must implement technology where appropriate to become more efficient. I will work with city staff and have advantage as I have worked with them over the past four years. I will use our Comprehensive Plan to guide decisions, short and long term.

Gary Cary Occupation & experience:

Business Executive leading large organizations, Planning and Zoning 1st Vice Chair, 2025 Bond Committee www.garyforplano.com

We can embrace opportunities like multi-use redevelopments at Collin Creek and Willow Bend, creating community hubs with events, arts, and local businesses. Public-private partnerships will provide these amenities without overburdening taxpayers. Our growing senior population requires a West Plano Active Adult Center to relieve the Sam Johnson Center.

Steve Lavine Occupation & experience: Retired from marketing research; Plano Library Board, chair three years; Parks and Recreation Commission www.steve4plano.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY MICHAEL CROUCHLEY

Plano City Council, Place 8

What are the biggest challenges Plano is facing?

How do you plan to address these issues?

Plano’s challenge is maintaining and improving our roads while minimizing disruptions for residents. Additionally, the redevelopment of aging retail spaces is crucial to keeping our city vibrant, attracting businesses and enhancing our economy.

I plan to address these issues by advocating for a strategic, phased approach to road maintenance that minimizes disruptions and ensures a smooth transition for residents. Additionally, I will support plans that encourage the redevelopment of aging retail spaces, attracting new businesses and enhancing Plano’s long-term economic vitality.

Vidal Quintanilla Occupation & experience: Vice President of Human Resources, U.S. Division–Access Healthcare www.vidalforplano.com

Plano’s infrastructure is aging which strains our finances. Repairs need to be made while minimizing disruption, keeping property taxes low and maintaining high quality services. Additionally, for too long, DART has not provided enough value to our residents. They need to work with the city to make changes.

As former Chair of the Park’s Board, I deeply understand how to deliver quality services to the community. Listening to residents, collaborating with staff and understanding budget constraints are essential qualities I bring to the table. No one will have all the answers together to solve any problem.

Hayden Padgett Occupation & experience: technology executive www.haydenpadgett.com

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$647 million on the ballot From the cover

The full story

In a nutshell

Response time savings

A new station According to city staff, a new fire station in south Plano would improve response times.

A $155 million new Plano Police Department headquarters, Proposition B, is the largest single project featured in the May 3 bond referendum. The building that houses police department operations was built in 1973, and the latest expansion to personnel space came in 2003, according to city documents. In that time, the police department’s staffing has increased 30%, Police Chief Ed Drain said. The new 9-acre HQ would be located at the corner of Park Boulevard and Alma Drive. The new building would consolidate personnel located in separate buildings, including the 9-1-1 Dispatch Center. “The only reason that we have some of those folks in these spaces is because we don’t have space to put them at the police headquarters,” Drain said.

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Proposed response area Proposed fire station 14 Existing fire stations

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Key:

2 minutes 2-3 minutes 3-3:30 minutes 3:30-4:15 minutes

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Upsizing

SOURCE: CITY OF PLANO/COMMUNITY IMPACT

1970

1973-1981

prevent that altogether, but whenever you do that it begins to affect your response times.” Emergency calls in the city have increased by over 50% since 2014, Biggerstaff added, and Station 14 would have been the city’s sixth busiest in 2022. He also said that area is expected to see additional growth as the Collin Creek mixed-use development continues to develop. Additionally, the proposal calls for funding for a renovation to Station 8, and a land acquisition to expand Station 3.

Proposition D asks voters to approve $37.49 million for improvements to several Plano fire stations, along with the construction of a brand new fire station. Fire Station 14 would be located next to the new police headquarters at the corner of West Park Boulevard and Alma Drive, in between Stations 1 and 2, which Fire Chief Chris Biggerstaff said were “the two busiest stations.” “It would provide us coverage to keep us from having to bring other apparatus over to cover Station 1 and Station 2,” Biggerstaff said. “We can’t

• Plano PD staff: 49 • HQ size: 13K square feet

1980

1981-2003

1990

• Plano PD staff: 141 • HQ size: 32K square feet

2000

2003-2024

2010

• Plano PD staff: 475 • HQ size: 52.4K square feet

2020

• Plano PD staff: 618 2024

2030

SOURCE: CITY OF PLANO/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Another thing

Neighborhood street projects Street rehab not completed City boundary

depending on need. Within each zone, the work is usually broken up into two projects that cost approximately $5.3 million, meaning the bond would pay for construc- tion in eight neighborhood zones. “When we go to these zones, we will do repairs on all the streets, the alleys and the sidewalks to make sure that we’re meeting the needs of the community in that area,” Owens said. Other road projects in Proposition A include res- idential street reconstruction, bridge replacement, intersection improvements, alley reconstruction, sidewalk repairs and more.

Proposition A accounts for nearly half of the pro- posed bond funds, which would allocate money to various street improvements. Of the $316 million in Proposition A, asphalt overlay projects would account for $130 million, while neighborhood residential street and alley repairs would account for $92.75 million. Plano’s neighborhood street rehabilitation is done by performing maintenance to all roads and alleys within a set area called a “neighborhood zone,” Director of Public Works Abby Owens said. Plano has 53 neighborhood zones, and Owens said city staff aims to hit each zone every 20-25 years,

SRT TOLL

PARKER RD.

PGBT TOLL

DNT TOLL

SOURCE: CITY OF PLANO/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY MICHAEL CROUCHLEY

What else

Why it matters

What’s next

If all propositions passed, the maximum property tax rate increase would be 2.90 cents, according to city documents. Rhodes-Whitley said the tax rate has only increased once in Plano due to a bond referendum in the last 20 years. In total, the city currently has $604.73 million of outstanding general obligation bonds and tax notes. Passage of all propositions would add $647.9 million in principal and approximately $291.5 million in interest over a 20-year period. Possible impact Based on current average home value in Plano of $579,554.

Propositions E, F and G are seeking funds for updates to the city’s fleet operations center, improvements at Schimelpfenig Library and various parks projects, respectively. Owens said that the current facility does not have high enough ceilings to work on larger city vehicles. She added that there is currently not enough storage for the city’s vehicles. The largest parks and recreation project would be an $11.59 million wholesale renovation of Schell Park, near the corner of Park Boulevard and Jupiter Road. The city would also spend $10 million of the bond funds on buying land for new city parkland, including in Lavon Farms—which is set to become a mixed-use development as part of Plano’s Envision Oak Point plan. Additionally, Proposition C would pay for a new police training facility.

Bond election amounts

$647M

2025

$363.96M

2017 2021 2013

$224.12M

+417.1%

$84.12M

$125.12M

2009

SOURCE: CITY OF PLANO/COMMUNITY IMPACT

The proposed bond originally sat at $700 million , a number council member Rick Horne admitted would be a “tough nut to sell,” to Plano voters. Budget Director Karen Rhodes-Whitley said that if any proposition fails, it’s “going to have to wait.” “In 2029, we’ll do another bond referen- dum, and we would have to bring it back up,” she said.

Current $0.4176 $1,936

Maximum $0.4466 $2,070

Tax rate Average annual taxes

SOURCE: CITY OF PLANO/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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PLANO NORTH EDITION

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Transportation

BY COLBY FARR

City ocials anticipate two projects along Leg- acy Drive in Plano will nish by the end of 2025. What you need to know A $4.7 million project to repair Legacy Drive between Coit Road and Custer Road is expected to nish in October, Senior Engineer Samson Bekele said. Repairs between Coit Road and Indepen- dence Parkway are nished, while repairs between Independence Parkway and Quarry Chase Trail are almost done. Intersection improvements along Legacy Drive are underway at K Avenue, Independence Parkway and Custer Road are expected to be nished by May 2025, City Engineer Josh McNeil said. Legacy Drive improvements near completion

Work on multiple Legacy Drive construction projects is set to nish soon.

MICHAEL CROUCHLEYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Completed Ongoing

INDEPENDENCE PKWY.

Cost: $2.9M

LEGACYDR.

Cost: $4.7M

Cost: $2.9M

Cost: $4.7M

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PLANO NORTH EDITION

Transportation

BY MICHAEL CROUCHLEY & COLBY FARR

DART board signals support for refunding sales tax to select cities

Park Boulevard projects set to nish this summer Several projects on Plano’s Park Boulevard are reaching their nal few months of construction. What you need to know W . P A R K B L V D . 75 VENTURA DR.

Council approves median project on Parkwood Blvd. A section of the median on Parkwood Boulevard is set for a facelift. The specics The project will include the installation of a new irrigation system on Parkwood from West Spring Creek Parkway to Windhaven Parkway, along with the planting of trees. The current irrigation system is non-oper- ational and salvageable equipment is being reused, according to city documents. Why it matters According to city documents, the project will reduce road noise and storm water run- o, among other benets.

term. DART’s board will consider modications and renewal of the program after the initial term. The allocation available in FY 2025-26 will be 5% of the actual sales tax collections from scal year 2023-24 which is estimated at $42.59 million. Those funds would be made available to seven cities: • Plano • Carrollton • Farmer’s Branch • Highland Park • Addison • Richardson • University Branch

Dallas Area Rapid Transit is moving forward with plans to send some of its sales tax revenue back to select member cities as soon as next scal year. In a nutshell The resolution states DART will establish a general mobility program funded by 5% of its annual sales tax collections. Those funds will be available for use by some member cities as an equity adjustment to support local mobility needs, according to the resolution. DART sta will design policy guidelines and a plan for the program to be considered by the board at a later date. The program is expected to launch in scal year 2025-26, according to the resolution. The details The program will be established for a two-year

Three dierent projects on Park Boulevard are set to complete this summer, including replacing the waterlines under the roadway. The two-phase project has spanned from Plano’s east city limits to Preston Road. Improvements at Park’s intersections with Ohio Drive and Ventura Drive, and replacement of the screening walls along the roadway are also set to nish this summer, according to the city’s website. Set to nish this month is an arterial overlay project on Park from Preston Road to the west city limits. An asphalt overlay project is set to start on the stretch of road from Preston to the east city limits following the completion of the waterline replacement, Plano Senior Engineer Samson Bekele said. That project is expected to nish in summer 2027, according to Plano’s website.

DART is discussing a policy that would return some sales tax to member cities.

MICHAEL CROUCHLEYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

"I think we need a structural x that has the permanence of state legislation to it, along with services tailored to each

city’s actual needs at a level of investment commensurate to the services received." ANTHONY RICCIARDELLI, DART BOARD MEMBER

Several construction projects are underway along Park Boulevard in Plano.

KAREN CHANEYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

PLANO 5930 West Park Blvd (972) 250-0500 PLANO NORTH 5420 State Hwy 121 (469) 687-2581

ALLEN 1839 N Central Expy (972) 908-3488 EAST PLANO 3404 N Central Expy (972) 423-6688

COIT ROAD 1453 Coit Rd (972) 867-2821

Events

BY MICHAEL CROUCHLEY

• 5601 W. Parker Road, Plano • www.planoband.com

April

Global Grooves in Downtown Plano The first part of a three-event series showcasing world cultures will feature dance performances from Latin cultures along with a vendor market. • April 11, 6 p.m. • Free • 998 E. 15th St., Plano • bit.ly/4l6afk7 NTTA Pave The Way Day Family Event The event hosted by the North Texas Tollway Authority will feature hands-on engineering activities for kids and opportunities to learn about NTTA trucks and equipment. • April 26, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. • Free • 5900 W. Plano Parkway, Plano • www.ntta.org Plano Community Band Spring Concert 2025 The Plano Community Band, made up of 70 area musicians, will be putting on their annual spring concert at Plano West Senior High School. • April 27, 2:30-4 p.m. • Free

May

Head For The Cure 5K The 15th Annual Head for the Cure 5K aims to raise funds that will benefit research and awareness for brain

tumor research. • May 3, 8 a.m. • $37 • 2801 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano • bit.ly/3FKj17j

Texas Mineral and Fossil Show The show will feature a variety of booths for fossil and mineral collectors, free rocks for kids, geode cracking,

Plano AsiaFest The celebration at Haggard Park in downtown Plano will feature demonstrations, performances and vendors based around various Asian cultures. • May 3, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. • Free • 901 E. 15th St., Plano • www.asianamericanheritage.org

guest speakers and more. • May 16, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. • Free (admission) • 2000 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano • www.rmgmpromotions.com

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

JUST FORE! YOU

A TOUR OF THE STATE, MADE ESPECIALLY FOR COMMUNITY IMPACT APRIL 2025

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

WEEKENDER: A Big Time in Big Spring CRITTER: Gray Fox MADE IN TEXAS: A Recipe for Stunning Ceramics OUT THERE: Meanwhile, in Texas FEATURE PREVIEW: The Texas Monthly Profile of Scottie Scheffler

Above: Hotel Settles, in Big Spring.

PLANO NORTH EDITION

CRITTER

Gray Fox

HOW CAN I IDENTIFY ONE? Look for a black stripe, typically run- ning down the length of the animal’s back. Gray foxes also have a “bright orange patch on the side of their face and neck,” says Amanda Veals Dutt, a postdoctoral scientist at Sul Ross State University. That distinguishes the species from the slightly larger, non-native red fox (which settlers near Waco introduced for hunting in the 1890s) and two smaller species: the swift fox, found in the Panhandle, and the kit fox, which roams West Texas. WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT IT? It can thrive in a range of habitats, in part because it’ll eat almost anything —mice, small birds, insects—and it seems to enjoy living close to humans. Attacks on us (or dogs or cats) are rare, but rabbits and guinea pigs might make a tasty snack. And if you keep chickens? “They’re basically ice-cream cones running around,” says John Tomeček, a carnivore ecologist at Texas A&M University. ANY URBAN FOX TALES? In October 2021, in front of at least one hundred onlookers at the San Antonio River Walk, firefighters rescued a baby gray fox stranded on a window ledge about 25 feet off the ground. More re- cently, Bethany Snowden, a lieutenant with the city’s animal care services department, sent colleagues to scoop up a fox that had wandered into a court- house. “We enjoy saving urban wildlife,” she says, adding that both foxes were transferred to Wildlife Rescue and Re- habilitation, a local sanctuary. —Rose Cahalan

WEEKENDER

A “Big” Secret in West Texas With a grand hotel and a rich history that includes oil, rail, and Midnight Cowboy , this Permian Basin town holds some surprises. BY COURTNEY BOND

a diner-style room complete with red vinyl– topped chrome stools. At the south end of town, the four-hundred- acre Comanche Trail Park is home to Big Spring’s big spring. Well, what’s left of it. The railroad, the ranches, and all the other busi- nesses of civilization long ago drained the water table, but officials utilize what they call artificial outflow, making for a nice waterfall that spills into a reservoir. Continue your educational journey during lunch at Local’s, a onetime school building down the street from the park. After lunch, fill up on the town’s more modern history at the Heritage Museum of Big Spring. For supper, pop in at J Jayz Bar and Grill (across from the Train Car) for colorful cock- tails and the kind of food—burgers, quesadillas —needed to soak them up. Or head back to home base and enjoy a whiskey sour and chicken-fried steak from Settles Grill. To read the full story, please subscribe to Texas Monthly .

FRIDAY: If you did nothing else but spend a night at Hotel Settles, your visit would be worthwhile. A dust-colored brick building rising fifteen stories, its glowing red rooftop sign visible for miles, the crown jewel of Big Spring exemplifies the word “landmark.” Catty-corner to the hotel, across Runnels Street, is what appears to be downtown’s most popular restaurant, Devour. Inside a narrow space, patrons pair giant margaritas with hearty American fare that includes burgers, pork chops, and bacon-wrapped quail with green onions and hot honey. After dinner, make tracks two blocks north and one street over to the Train Car Cigar Bar. SATURDAY: The sign outside still says Dell’s Café, but this spare restaurant with the odd name of Neutral Ways serves fat egg-filled tacos and classic American breakfast plates in

The entrance to Comanche Trail Park.

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