Government
BY DUSTIN BUTLER & ADAM DOE
Council updated on tree planting efforts Richardson City Council received an update on staff’s efforts to plant trees throughout the city as part of the Richard- son Replants program. The program offers Richardson residents free trees and tree care information follow- ing damage to the city’s tree canopy during a storm last May, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Shohn Rodgers said during the March 24 meeting. The overview Following the May storm, Rodgers said staff set a goal of giving away 1,000 trees and planting 100 trees in city parks. Over 500 peach trees, desert willows and chinkapin oaks have been distributed at various community events. “[The program] has gotten a lot of support from the community,” Rodgers said. “It was a really good way to spread the joy of trees.” Also of note Rodgers said tree plantings began March 17 on Renner Road to replace trees removed for work to a waterline. In total, 40 trees were removed and 122 trees will be replanted with 72 trees planned for the median and 50 in the surrounding areas. Ornamental trees were selected for the median, Rodgers said, because of their smaller root system, less conflict with traffic and lower impact to utilities.
Richardson Fire Department and EMS calls
EMS calls
Fire calls
14,982
15,000
9,853
10,000
5,000
0
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
SOURCE: CITY OF RICHARDSON/COMMUNITY IMPACT
Fire Department responded to nearly 15K calls in 2024
Richardson Fire Department personnel responded to nearly 15,000 calls for service last year, Fire Chief Curtis Poovey said during the March 24 Richardson City Council meeting. A closer look During a presentation to council covering the department’s annual report, Poovey said the department is an “all-hazard” department, responding to fires, hazardous materials inci- dents, EMS calls and rescues. The department is one position away from being fully staffed, Poovey said, adding that about 50% of personnel have been on the job for more than 10 years. Additionally, 39% of staff have five years or less, and 11% have six to 10 years on the job. Poovey highlighted several accomplishments, including replacing equipment, incorporating mental wellness evaluations for personnel and maintaining the Heart Safe Community designation.
By the numbers In total, Poovey said the department received 14,982 calls for service, with 10,335 of those calls for EMS services. “Our EMS calls are down just a little bit, but our fire calls are up significantly this year,” Poovey said. “There’s no rhyme or reason to it; that’s just the way it happened.” Additionally, the department saved $290 million in property value. The total value of property lost was $4.476 million. Looking forward Poovey provided updates on renovations to Fire Station No. 5, which are behind schedule but set to be completed in June. Poovey also said the department is partnering with the Dallas County Health Overdose team. The department reports the incident to the orga- nization, which follows up with the individual.
Richardson commission recommends approval of 89 new townhomes The Richardson City Planning Commission unanimously voted to recommend approval an 89-unit townhome community on Shiloh Road in an April 1 meeting. City Council will have final say. In a nutshell
the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, according to a presentation to the commission. The proposed community places each townhome on a 1,300 square-foot lot with a minimum unit size of 1,700 square feet, topping out at three stories, according to Commission documents. “We have precious little spots, precious little open space and this open space is now turning into housing, which is what we need,” Commissioner Jeremy Thomason said.
Atlanta-based real estate developer Pulte is planning to build the new townhomes on the undeveloped lot at 3600 Shiloh Road. Pulte currently has 28 actively selling communities in
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RICHARDSON EDITION
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