Plano North | September 2025

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Plano North Edition VOLUME 13, ISSUE 11 SEPT. 20OCT. 20, 2025

2025 Education Edition

Moving forward Plano ISD starts rst school year following campus closures

INSIDE

Demolition has begun at all four closed Plano ISD campuses, including Forman Elementary.

HENDRICK DR.

Also in this issue

MICHAEL CROUCHLEYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Impacts Page 67 New Tex-Mex restaurant, other businesses now open

Government

Page 8

Transportation

Page 18

Council approves raised property tax rate

Road work underway, starting soon across Plano

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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 Jacquelyn Burrer

Dustin Butler Karen Chaney Colby Farr Hannah Johnson Heather McCullough Patricia Ortiz Mary Katherine Shapiro Cody Thorn Jacob Vaughn Graphic Designers Nicolas Delgadillo José Jiménez Chelsea Peters Armando Servin Quality Desk Editor Deekota Diaz Managing Editor Miranda Jaimes Senior Product Manager Breanna Flores

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Impacts BE THE FIRST TO KNOW! Scan to get business openings to your inbox.

3 Plano Tortilla Factory The restaurant held its grand opening Aug. 9, following a soft opening in July, according to a social media post by the restaurant. Plano Tortilla Factory oers traditional Mexican and some Tex-Mex dishes, with homemade our tortillas and tamales. • Opened Aug. 9 • 1009 18th St., Plano • planotortillafactory.net 4 Rose Gold Pilates The pilates studio oers a variety of pilates reformer classes as well as hot mat classes which are full body workouts held in a dimly lit, 90-degrees studio. • Opened Aug. 4 • 8305 Preston Road, Ste. 200, Plano • www.rosegoldpilates.com 5 Tops Vacuum and Sewing The store oers a variety of vacuum cleaner and sewing machine service and sales, along with sewing accessories. The Florida-based business opened in the former David’s Vacuums location in Village at Collin Creek shopping center in April and expanded to a full inventory of sewing supplies in June, General Manager Brian Beggs said. David’s closed in late 2024. • Soft opening in April, fully opened in June 6 Torchy’s Tacos The eatery’s menu features bowls, breakfast tacos, tacos, salad and more. • Opened Aug. 20 • 104 FM 544, Murphy • www.torchystacos.com • 700 Alma Drive, Ste. 106, Plano • www.topsvacuumandsewing.com

RIDGEVIEW DR.

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FM 544

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Murphy

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RENNER RD.

• 3421 E. Renner Road, Ste. 102, Plano • www.fujiyaramenredoak.com

Now open

Coming soon

1 Fujiya The menu features a variety of ramen dishes including chicken, vegetable and spicy miso. Sushi options include regular rolls, specialty rolls, sushi and sashimi. Additionally, fried rice, spring rolls, shrimp tempura and more are available. • Opened Aug. 6

2 IMAGE Studios Plano The business oers beauty and wellness services, Jessica Hutson, owner at IMAGE Studios Plano said. • Opened July 10 • 6505 W. Park Blvd., Ste. 160, Plano • www.imagestudios360.com

7 Dill Dinkers Pickleball The indoor pickleball facility will feature cushioned surfaces and top-tier lighting, the representative said in an email. The business will oer open play and lessons for various skill levels. • Opening fall 2025

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• 904 N. Central Expressway, Plano • www.dilldinkers.com

In the news

8 OHM Fitness The gym oers 25-minute, low-impact workouts using wearable tness technology designed to enhance muscle engagement, according to its website. • Opening TBD

• 3645 Dallas Parkway, Ste. 523, Plano • ohmitness.com/pages/plano-texas

9 Panda Express The chain oers fast-casual American-Chinese dishes, including orange chicken and Beijing beef, with sides of chow mein and fried rice. Construction is scheduled to wrap up in November. • Opening TBD • Southeast corner of Dallas North Tollway and Windhaven Parkway intersection • www.pandaexpress.com 10 Solidcore The tness studio will oer 50-minute high-intensity, low-impact strength training workouts on the brand’s custom-built reformer machine, the representative said in an email. • Opening in September • 5800 Legacy Drive, Ste. C-2, Plano • www.solidcore.com 11 Bondi Bowls The menu will feature açai bowls, smoothies, lemonade, shaved ice, locally sourced coee and more, the company website states. Menu items will be vegan, organic, gluten free friendly, dairy free, plant based and

Community Impact Community Impact celebrates 20 years as a company in September. Founded in Pugerville, owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched the rst Community Impact newspaper in the Round Rock-Pugerville market in September 2005 with a cover story about the rst toll roads in the Austin area. Today, the company has more Construction on the new store is set to start Nov. 24, with an estimated completion in February 2026. • 3308 N. Central Expressway, Ste. A, Plano • www.bootbarn.com 13 Harissa Mediterranean The Mediterranean restaurant is set to open in the former Brass Tap location. Construction is expected to nish in August. • Opening in September • 5805 Preston Road, Ste. 594, Plano • Website TBD

than 200 employees supporting 40 hyperlocal editions in Texas, printing and distributing more than 2.5 million newspapers a month. Community Impact has a strong print and digital presence, including a daily email newsletter, to serve readers with free news and help local businesses thrive. • www.communityimpact.com Chocho Hot Pot The eatery, an all-you-can-eat establishment, provides customers with the opportunity to select from over 60 items, including a collection of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, to create a personalized hot pot experience, the company website states. • Opened Aug. 2 • 8250 Gaylord Parkway, Frisco • www.chochohotpot.com Urban Cookhouse The eatery oers a variety of sandwiches, wraps and salads. • Opened Aug. 11 • 1151 S. Preston Road, Ste. 10, Prosper • www.urbancookhouse.com

rened sugar free. • Opening this fall • 7800 Windrose Ave., Plano • www.bondibowls.com

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Government

Senior living considered at Preston, Park A new senior independent living facility could be coming to west Plano, pending a rezoning request and public hearing. Plano Planning and Zoning commissioners voted to call a public hearing for items tied to a proposal to redevelop the former Plano Athletic Center site, which closed June 30. What you need to know The proposed project would be a new Watermere independent living and active adult facility. Zooming in Integrated Real Estate Group, a Southlake-based company that builds and manages senior housing across Texas, is seeking to amend the planned development district that covers 108 acres at the southeast corner of Park Boulevard and Preston Road.

CoServ, Atmos set to raise rates

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Proposed senior living facility (former Plano Athletic Club)

Proposed project site

Plano City Council approved a pair of items that may impact resident’s natural gas bills during its Aug. 25 meeting. What happened Council supported suspending a request by CoServ Gas to increase natural gas rates until Sept. 17, which could result in an 18.5% increase for residential customers per month. Council members also approved a nego- tiated settlement that will increase natural gas rates by $7.83 a month for Atmos Energy residential customers. CoServ applied for a rate adjustment in July, following Atmos’ filing in April. While CoServ’s rate adjustments are still under review, Atmos’ increase will go into effect Oct. 1.

OLD SHEPARD PLACE

While not previously an allowed use, develop- ment changes brought on by Senate Bill 840 would allow the independent living facility in the space by right. Assistant Director of Planning Michael Bell said the project still requires a zoning change, however, due to the proposed height of the development. “It would be a zoning change either way under the current law or the new law,” Bell said.

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BY JACQUELYN BURRER

Council raises property tax rate, adopts budget Plano residents will see higher property tax bills after City Council members voted to raise the city’s property tax rate by just over 4% at their Sept. 8 meeting. Staff initially proposed a rate of $0.4406 per $100 valuation on Aug. 26, before approving the lower rate of $0.4376 per $100 valuation. The approved rate is higher than the current rate of $0.4176 per $100 valuation. What you need to know The approved budget is about 5% larger than last fiscal year’s and includes Plano’s $319 million Community Investment Program, which funds projects such as street improvements, public parks, facility improvements and erosion control. Karen Rhodes-Whitley, director of budget and research, said the program is primarily funded through the debt portion of the property tax rate.

Vote on Austin Ranch townhomes tabled Plans for a proposed townhome develop- ment at Austin Ranch remain under review after Plano Planning and Zoning Commis- sioners postponed a zoning change request required for the development. The gist The developer, Trammell Crow Company, is asking for a zoning change for 3.3 acres from agricultural to single-family residential, with a paired concept plan for townhomes on 2.3 acres of the land. The development was initially proposed to include 16 single-family townhomes. What’s next? The requests will go before Plano’s Plan- ning and Zoning Commissioners at their Oct. 20 meeting.

Plano's tax rate from fiscal year 2020-25

Maintenance and operations rate Interest and sinking rate

Tax rate (per $100 valuation)

$0 $0.1 $0.2 $0.3 $0.4 $0.5

$.11 $.11

$.12 $.12 $.12 $.12

$.34 $.33 $.30 $.30 $.30 $.32

Fiscal year

SOURCE: CITY OF PLANO/COMMUNITY IMPACT

With the new rate, the average Plano homeowner will owe $1,978 in city property taxes—about $234 more than last year. The new budget and tax rate take effect Oct. 1, marking the start of the city’s 2025-26 fiscal year.

PLANO NORTH EDITION

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Education

BY MICHAEL CROUCHLEY

Education Edition

2025

Welcome to Community Impact’s annual Education Edition Our annual special edition covering the local K-12 public school options in your community features the latest updates from Plano ISD and Frisco. This guide features updates on the tax rate, enrollment, accountability rating and more. Make sure to check out our front page story, a look at the transition process following the closure of four PISD campuses at the end of last school year. All of the stories were written by our team of local journalists, and all of the advertisements are from nearby businesses who support our mission to provide free, useful news—please show them your gratitude by supporting them. While this edition is focused on education once every year, we cover your local schools every day. You can read those stories daily on our website or in our free daily newsletter.

What's inside

FISD to launch tuition-based pre- kindergarten program (Page 12)

Michael Crouchley Editor mcrouchley@ communityimpact.com

Plano ISD adopts new property tax rate for scal year 202526 (Page 13)

PISD receives ‘B’ grade from TEA (Page 16)

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De nite Plano ISD enrollment decline steeper than estimated enrollment, our budget is always chasing that,” Hill said. “You’ve got to hire based on what you estimate is going to be there, and then as you go down, you’ve got to track it down.” PISD enrollment

Plano ISD’s enrollment has declined by more than 2,600 students since last year. The big picture The district’s current enrollment as of Sept. 5 sat at 43,905, PISD Deputy Superintendent Johnny Hill said. The number is down from 46,551 in the 2024-25 school year, and lower than the district’s projected enrollment of 45,674. PISD’s enrollment has declined every school year since peaking at 55,659 in 2011-12, and enroll- ment is projected to continue decreasing into the future. The impact Hill said that since PISD builds its budget around estimated enrollment, the district budgeted for about 1,700 more students than are currently enrolled. “Whenever the district is going down in

Projections

He added that the district currently has “about 90” positions that have not been lled, and sta is waiting until after the nal enrollment count on Oct. 31 in order to budget for stang. Diving in deeper PISD’s enrollment decreased year over year in every grade. Three grade levels decreased by more than 300 students from Oct. 24, 2024 to now— ninth, sixth and third grade enrollment decreased by 360, 340 and 335, respectively. Pre-K, fth grade and eighth grade saw the least drastic decreases, losing 33, 65 and 76 students from last year’s totals, respectively. Plano ISD is currently operating at 70% capacity. Hill said that the district would consider 80-85% to be “perfect eciency.”

54,580

2015-16

54,027

2017-18

52,646

2019-20

49,381

2021-22

47,904

2023-24

2025-26

43,905

42,338

2027-28

41,370

2029-30

SOURCE: PLANO ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

PLANO NORTH EDITION

Display

BY HANNAH JOHNSON

Frisco ISD to launch tuition-based pre-kindergarten program

and Talley elementary schools, among others. To be eligible for the program, children must meet the age requirements and be potty trained. More details on the program and available campuses can be found at www.friscoisd.org/ departments/early-childhood. Diving in deeper Early childhood education gives children a strong foundation for learning, Ellis said. Pre-K helps children build early skills in reading, math and language that can help prepare them for kindergarten and beyond, she said. Early edu- cation also helps children gain soft skills such as independence, confidence, communication and other social skills. “With a balanced approach to structured instruction and playtime, children gain the skills they need for a smooth transition to kindergarten, all under the guidance of certified teachers using FISD’s curriculum aligned with Texas Pre-K

Frisco ISD families have a new option when it comes to their child’s education before kindergarten. Frisco ISD announced their full-day, tui- tion-based pre-K program in September. Children at least 4 years of age on or before Sept. 1 are eligible for the program, district officials said. Tuition for the program is $678 per month or free for qualifying students. Enrollment is open for families with limited space available at select campuses. “This program benefits the Frisco ISD commu- nity by preparing children for success from the very start, ensuring they enter kindergarten with the skills and confidence to thrive,” said Melissa Ellis, assistant director of early childhood instruc- tion for FISD, in an email. About the program The pre-K program will be available at 17 FISD campuses, including Elliott, Pink, Hosp, Sonntag

$678/month tuition

Students must be at least 4 years old on or before Sept. 1

17 schools will house the program

Available to Frisco ISD residents

SOURCE: FRISCO ISD/COMMUNITY IMPACT

guidelines,” Ellis said. The district aims to strengthen academic outcomes and support social development by providing high-quality learning opportunities through the program, she said. “Overall, the program supports a stronger, more prepared student body, contributing to the district’s reputation for excellence and helping all students reach their potential,” Ellis said.

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Education

BY MICHAEL CROUCHLEY

Plano ISD adopts new property tax rate for fiscal year 2025-26

over the last year, the district anticipates that the average resident will pay $4,670 in property taxes to the school this year, down $21 from last year’s average. What else The district is also giving less property tax revenue back due to recapture, a program in which funds are redistributed from districts the state deems property rich to districts deemed property poor. PISD staff is expecting a $123 million recapture bill.

Plano ISD has adopted a new tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year. The new rate of $1.03955 per $100 of assessed value was approved by the PISD board of trustees—a decrease from 2024-25’s rate $1.04245. The gist The approved rate is the max- imum a taxing entity can adopt without triggering an election, according to district Chief Financial Officer Courtney Reeves. Reeves added that while average property value in Plano increased

PISD’s tax rate through FY 2025-26

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$1.44

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$1.44

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$1.34

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PISD opens new welcome center

New Welcome and Enrollment Center

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Plano ISD officials held a rib- bon-cutting and building dedication for the district’s new Welcome and Enrollment Center on Aug. 22. The Bonser-Thomas Welcome & Enrollment Center will offer enroll- ment services, transfer services,

family engagement, a clothes closet, food pantry and more. The center will be the second of its kind in the district. The original is located at the Bird Center, 1300 19th St., Plano.

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Moving forward From the cover

BY MICHAEL CROUCHLEY

HEDGCOXE RD.

The big picture

What happened

What's next

Carpenter Final-year enrollment: 507 Students sent to: Haggard, Hendrick, Schimelpfenig

668 approved intra-district transfers for impacted students Students impacted by school closures were given priority on requests to transfer schools within Plano ISD.

Facility Planning Committee, a group of 70 community members that was initially tasked with evaluating campus eciencies and presenting the suggested consolidation plan to the board. “It was the most dicult volunteer role that I’ve had throughout my time with PISD,” she said. “This was uncharted territory for everyone involved, and it was a challenge. But it was executed as well as everyone could make it.”

PISD Chief Communications Ocer Lesley Range-Stanton said that the district provided sup- port for students and families impacted, including open house and transition events. Existing and planned facility improvements for all receiving campuses “were more than adequate to support additional enrollment,” according to district ocials. Range-Stanton said PISD oered positions to all employees from closed campuses, and “approxi- mately 85%” chose to stay with PISD. All four schools had “legacy committees,” tasked with preserving of the schools’ history. Laura Retta’s daughter was a sixth grader at Carpenter during its nal year, and she served on its legacy committee through 2024-25. “We just wanted to love on our school as much as we possibly could,” Retta said. “Carpenter was always a lower enrollment campus so [the closure] wasn’t completely unexpected, but because of that it was just such a tight-knit community.” Retta was also a member of the Long Range

As Plano ISD’s rst school year begins following the closure of four campuses, a new chapter is starting for impacted sta and families. Katy Crockett’s son Wyatt was a fourth grader for Davis Elementary’s last school year. Armstrong Middle, Carpenter Middle, Davis and Forman Elementary closed due to declining enrollment across the district. Wyatt transferred to Harrington Elementary for fth grade, and Crockett said that parents faced uncertainty over aspects of the transition to Harrington, including bussing. She added that parents have faced other challenges, such as long pickup and drop-o lines. “We’re moving on, but it feels like we’re in this constant adjustment period,” she said. “It’s frustrating for Davis parents coming in and not knowing how anything works.” Still, she added that Wyatt is “adjusting really well” to the change. “My son is making a ton of new friends—I see that as the silver lining,” she said. P L A N O P K W Y . DNT TOLL DNT TOLL WINDHAVEN PKWY.

All four closed campuses are currently being demolished. Armstrong, Davis and Forman were all bought by the city of Plano this summer. Forman is set to become a re station, while city sta will gather public input on use of the other two. PISD still owns Carpenter—the tennis courts and parking lot will remain open.

SPRING CREEK PKWY.

Armstrong Final-year enrollment: 564 Students sent to: Bowman, Murphy, Otto

PARKERRD.

PARKHAVEN DR.

Several alterations were made to Harrington Elementary to accommodate new students from closed campuses, including the district’s Regional Day School Program for the Deaf.

“We can take these community assets and ensure that they continue to be community assets.”

Davis Final-year enrollment: 329 Students sent to: Harrington, Saigling

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Visual alert and notication system

Forman Final-year enrollment: 542 Students sent to: Meadows, Memorial, Schell, Dooley, Stinson, Boggess, Miller

School library renovation (expected completion in October) Acoustical improvements to corridors, gym, cafeteria, PACE, art and music classroom Not comprehensive

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PISD BOARD PRESIDENT LAUREN TYRA

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

SOURCE: PLANO ISDCOMMUNITY 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

Education

BY MICHAEL CROUCHLEY

Plano ISD received an overall B rating, 82 out of 100 points, from the Texas Education Agency’s 2024-25 accountability ratings. The ratings for both the 2024-25 and 2023-24 school years were released Aug. 15 following a delay due to a lawsuit. PISD also received a B for the 2023-24 school year. The rating is broken into three categories. PISD received a B in student achievement in 2024-25, which measures whether students met expectations on the STAAR test along with graduation rates, and how prepared students are for success after high school. The district got a 79 out of 100 in “school progress,” which shows how students perform over time and how the district’s performance compares to other districts PISD receives ‘B’ grade from TEA

Another thing

School progress

Student achievement

Closing the gaps

The 2022-23 accountability ratings were also blocked for more than a year when more than 100 Texas school districts, including PISD, sued TEA Commissioner Mike Morath in August 2023, arguing that the agency’s revamped accountability system was “unlawful” and would unfairly harm school districts. Following the release of the 2022- 23 scores in April, a spokesperson for Plano ISD said changes to the rating system “fundamentally altered how performance is measured and reported.” Statewide, 31% of Texas public school campuses improved year-over-year. “We are reinforcing our commitment to transparency and to providing accurate, readily available information that helps every family understand how their school is doing,” Morath said in a press release.

2024-25

78 79

2023-24

79 80

2022-23

with similar economically disadvantaged student populations. It received a 78 in “closing the gaps,” which measures how well a district is ensuring that all student groups are successful. Of PISD’s 71 campuses that received a rating, 23 received an A from the TEA while two received Fs, in 2024-25.

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Locations

4017 Northwest Parkway Dallas, TX 75225 214-696-4313

8300 Gaylord Parkway, Suite 4 Frisco, TX 75034 214-618-4442

951 IH 30E Rockwall, TX 75087 214-771-0528

2704 E. Southlake Blvd Southlake, TX 76092 817-749-0177

4601 West Freeway Fort Worth, TX 76107 817-737-8454

3751 Matlock Rd Arlington, TX 76015 817-466-3882

PLANO NORTH EDITION

Transportation

BY JACQUELYN BURRER

Upcoming projects

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1 Intersection improvements Project: Plano officials are working to make improvements to city intersections, including adding more turn lanes and upgrading traffic signals. Update: Plano City Council approved a $2.594 million contract at its Aug. 25 meeting for intersection improvements at A Legacy Drive and SH 121, B SH 121 and JP Morgan Driveway, C Corporate Drive and Legacy Drive, and D Corporate Drive and Tennyson Parkway. • Timeline: September 2025-June 2026 • Cost: $2.594 million Project: The street is set to undergo removal and replacement of pavement, sidewalks and water lines along 15th Street from Municipal Avenue to Jupiter Road. Update: Design of the project is currently underway, and construction is expected to begin in summer 2025 after Plano City Council approved a $6.939 million construction contract at its Aug. 25 meeting. • Timeline: August 2025-May 2027 • Cost: $6.939 million • Funding source: city of Plano • Funding source: city of Plano 2 15th Street paving and waterline reconstruction

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• Timeline: July 2025-July 2026 • Cost: $1.611 million • Funding source: city of Plano 7 Custer Road asphalt overlay

Ongoing projects

3 Park Boulevard asphalt overlay Project: Crews are undergoing the arterial overlay process, which consists of replacing sections of concrete before sealing with a protective layer. The process aims to expand the road’s lifespan. Update: Road paving from Parker Road to Hedgecoxe Road is scheduled to be complete by the week of September 1. • Timeline: April 2024-September 2025 • Cost: $2.085 million • Funding source: city of Plano 4 Alma Drive asphalt overlay Project: Concrete replacement and arterial overlays Update: Road paving from Parker Road to Hedgecoxe Road is scheduled to be complete by the week of September 1. • Timeline: May 2025-September 2025 • Cost: $6.60 million • Funding source: city of Plano 5 Midway Road asphalt overlay Project: Concrete replacement and arterial overlays Update: Road paving from Spring Creek Parkway to Park Boulevard is expected to be complete by the week of September 1. • Timeline: Fall 2024-September 2025 • Cost: $6.60 million • Funding source: city of Plano 6 Coit Road asphalt overlay Project: Concrete replacement and arterial overlays. Update: Arterial concrete repairs began Aug. 13 along Coit Road from SH 190 to Parker Road.

Project: Concrete replacement and arterial overlays Update: Construction is expected to begin Aug. 27 for concrete repairs on Custer Road from Spring Creek Parkway to Hedgcoxe Road. • Timeline: August 2025-October 2026 • Cost: $1.63 million • Funding source: city of Plano

Completed projects

8 Legacy Drive asphalt overlay Project: Concrete replacement and arterial overlays Update: Arterial concrete repairs along Legacy Drive from Coit Road to Custer Road are ongoing and are expected to wrap up Aug. 29. • Timeline: March 2024-August 2025 • Cost: $3.926 million • Funding source: city of Plano 9 Independence Parkway asphalt overlay Project: Concrete replacement and arterial overlays Update: Overlays are from Spring Creek Parkway to SH 121 wrapped up in August, and contractors finished permanent pavement markings. • Timeline: May 2025-August 2025 • Cost: $6.60 million • Funding source: city of Plano

10 Park Boulevard water rehabilitation project Project: The two-phase project, stretching from Preston Road to Plano’s east city limits combined, is working to replace the waterlines running under Park Boulevard. Update: Construction is underway, and both phases are expected to wrap up in September. • Timeline: September 2024-September 2025 • Cost: $9.58 million • Funding source: city of Plano

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Transportation

BY JACQUELYN BURRER

Plano crews to test night construction

Eligible nighttime construction

Plano residents can expect to see more night- time construction soon as the city tests a new pilot program along Custer Road. What you need to know Plano City Council supported a Public Works plan presented Aug. 25 to allow concrete repairs, replacements and pouring at night, which are activities currently restricted to daytime construc- tion hours. Director of Public Works Abby Owens said expanding nighttime construction work could shorten project timelines by reducing traffic delays and utilizing better weather conditions for construction. The work is a part of ongoing arterial overlay projects along Custer Road, spanning from SH 121 to Spring Creek Parkway. The details Owens said the first phase is expected to begin

in late August or early September, and the con- struction schedule includes: • Spring Creek Parkway to Hedgcoxe Road: August 2025-October 2026 • Hedgcoxe Road to SH 121: February 2026-December 2026 Nighttime construction will focus primarily on the intersections along Custer Road at Spring Creek Parkway, Legacy Drive and Hedgcoxe Road, Owens said. Additionally, work will be prioritized in com- mercial and industrial zones, with an additional 500-foot buffer near residential areas. However, some exceptions may apply at inter- sections, such as at Ridgeview Drive and McDer- mott Road, where apartments and single-family housing are closer to the roadway intersection.

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PLANO NORTH EDITION

Events

BY MICHAEL CROUCHLEY

Otsukumi means “moon-viewing,” and the festival is held to honor the autumn moon. • Oct. 4, 6-10 p.m. • Free (admission) • Haggard Park, 901 E. 15th St., Plano • www.facebook.com/events/1828735971241286 Friends of the Farmstead Attendees can sip on craft cocktails, enjoy a barbecue dinner and dance to live music from party band Lone Star Attitude to support the legacy of the Heritage Farmstead Museum. The event will also feature a silent auction. • Oct. 10, 6-10 p.m. • $125 • Heritage Farmstead Museum, 1900 W. 15th St., Plano • bit.ly/4fXEW94 Hollydays Market Plano The three-day event will feature more than 130 merchants for shoppers in search of one-of-a-kind holiday gifts, seasonal decor and treats. Santa will also be there to take photographs with attendees. • Oct. 10-11, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Oct. 12, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. • $6-$10 (admission) • Plano Event Center, 2000 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano • www.homefortheholidaysgiftmarket.com

September

Art & Wine Walk: Rodeo Barbie Edition Throw on your best boots and Barbie pink for a walk through downtown Plano that will include wine tastings, paint stations, live artists, line dancing lessons, karaoke and more. • Sept. 25, 6-9:30 p.m. • $15 • Downtown Plano Arts District, 1021 E. 15th St., Plano • bit.ly/47gM6D5

October

Family Fest DFW 2025 The fifth annual Family Fest DFW will celebrate RnB and Neo Soul music with a variety of live bands, food trucks and local vendors. • Oct. 4, 5 p.m. • $49.50-$59.50 (admission) • Red Tail Pavilion, 2801 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano • www.familyfestdfw.com Otsukumi Moon Festival The 26th annual festival celebrating Japanese culture will feature live music, vendors and demonstrations.

Fall Plano Train Show 2025 The show will feature a variety of interactive model train layouts, model train displays and special attractions. The event will feature clinics teaching attendees different aspects of model railroading, while one raffle winner will take home a model train layout. • Sept. 27-28, 10-5 p.m. • $11 (free for children 12-and-under) • Plano Event Center, 2000 E. Spring Creek Parkway, Plano • www.dfwtrainshows.com

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PLANO NORTH EDITION

Display

BY JACQUELYN BURRER,& MICHAEL CROUCHLEY

W. PARK BLVD.

Urban Egg 2408 Preston Road, Ste. 704, Plano www.urbanegg.com

Hattie B’s Chicken 2104 Preston Road www.hattieb.com

Several new businesses are now open or coming soon at the corner of Park Boulevard and Preston Road.

Businesses open, to open at Park, Preston corner Several new businesses at the intersection of Park Boulevard and Preston Road have opened in recent months or are set to open soon. The specics A pair of restaurants are set for the Preston Towne Crossing shopping center—Urban Egg, a breakfast cafe, and hot chicken restaurant Hattie B’s Chicken. A Spirit Halloween is now open at the southeast corner of Park and Preston. At the southeast corner in the Preston Park Village shopping center, Sewing Solutions Hub oers sewing machines, and accessories repair services.

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Spirit Halloween 1601 Preston Road, Suite H, Plano www.spirithalloween.com

Sewing Solutions Hub 1900 Preston Road, Ste. 221, Plano https://www.sewingsolutionshub.com

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PLANO NORTH EDITION

Dining

BY KAREN CHANEY

Looking to explore food opportunities beyond your community? Check out the following restaurant news from across the Dallas-Fort Worth metro, as previously reported by Community Impact . This list is not comprehensive. CI Foodie

McKinney

Plano

Richardson

Mountain Mike’s Pizza The restaurant serves a variety of classic and specialty pizzas alongside an option to customize a pizza, according to its website. The menu also includes wings, sides, salads and sandwiches. • Opened July 14 • 4590 W. University Drive, McKinney • www.mountainmikespizza.com

Zaza Thai Zaza Thai, which recently opened a second Plano location near the Richardson border, serves pho, dumplings, fried rice and wings. • Opened July 16 • 3421 E. Renner Road, Ste. 106, Plano • www.zazathai.com

Las Lomas Mexican Cuisine The restaurant offers dishes such as tacos and enchiladas. It also serves a number of cocktails and mocktails. The menu also offers appetizers and desserts, such as fruit tacos. • Opened July 15 • 520 Lockwood Drive, Ste. 100, Richardson • www.instagram.com/laslomasmex520

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Nonpro t

BY KAREN CHANEY

NTXWC treats orphaned wildlife including baby squirrels.

A city of Lewisville animal control ocer brings an injured goose to NTXWC.

Rebecca Hamlin repairs a turtle’s shell who was hit by a car.

PHOTOS BY KAREN CHANEYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

NTXWC rehabs orphaned, injured animals in Plano

In addition to rescuing and feeding injured or abandoned wildlife, sta and volunteers at the North Texas Wildlife Center—a nonprot in Plano—also treat animals’ injuries, rehabilitate them during recovery and release them back into the wild. “Release day is a lot of hard work by our sta who secures the animals a very stinky ride and then a very beautiful moment where we open the kennels and they y, crawl, walk and run out,” NTXWC President Rebecca Hamlin said. The setup When an animal arrives at NTXWC triage will be the rst step in creating a custom care plan. “We do an exam to gure out if they’re dehy- drated, emaciated, injured or need medication,” Hamlin said. “No two animals are going to be the same, even if they are the same species and have the same injuries, they’re going to heal at a dierent rate. Maybe one opossum lived with someone that gave them cat food and this one didn’t have cat food—he was climbing trees to get persimmons. Every animal needs something tailored to them specically.” The impact NTXWC interior space is lined with incubators and cages of varying sizes. The exterior features covered enclosures where animals reside before they are released back into the wild.

However, some animals do not get released which creates a perpetual emotional roller coaster for Hamlin and all NTXWC rehabbers and volunteers. Hamlin said sometimes the nonprot needs to take on the burden transfer when members of the public bring injured wildlife to the Center for care. Hamlin gave the example of a family that nds a severely injured baby beaver. “You walk away and I triage the beaver. He’s really sick and in a lot of pain, and then later on, before the shift ends, he dies,” Hamlin said. “You don’t have to know that. You did a great job saving that animal. That loss is my burden. One of the biggest things that we can do as an organization is protect the public from the death of wildlife.” Going forward Within the year, NTXWC plans to relocate to a larger space either in Plano or Richardson. It is advised to call the Center at 469-901-WILD (9453) prior to bringing in wildlife. Get involved In addition to nancial donations and hosting fundraisers, NTXWC also needs volunteers. Hamlin said there are currently 85 onsite volun- teers who serve for at least four hours a week and their primary responsibilities include cleaning and feeding baby animals.

Amaris Riddle, a NTXWC wildlife specialist, weighs a baby bunny during the intake process.

Raccoons are one of the many animals rehabbed at NTXWC.

1736 Meadows Drive, Plano www.ntxwildlife.org

PLANO NORTH EDITION

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