Richardson Edition | May 2024

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Richardson Edition VOLUME 6, ISSUE 9 MAY 23JUNE 27, 2024

Members of Richardson City Council and city sta help with the demolition of City Hall near the start of renovations that are expected to be complete in early 2027.

KAREN CHANEYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

City ocials to spend $139.1M to update library, City Hall

go a long way for our [operational] eciency,” Magner said. Library Director Jennifer Davidson added that the new library layout has the potential to expand outdoor programming with larger events.

old City Hall. Richardson City Manager Don Magner said the new City Hall layout should allow for city business to occur more orderly. “Being able to start anew and have departments that collaborate on a daily basis in one area … will

BY CONNOR PITTMAN

A nearly $140 million project to enhance Richard- son’s municipal complex is expected to make the library and City Hall more user friendly for residents. The project is necessary because of the age of the library and an August 2022 re that damaged the

CONTINUED ON 16

Also in this issue

Impacts: Open Sesame brings halal bites to Richardson (Page 6)

Government: Council to consider new townhome project (Page 8)

Education: District approves teacher, sta raises (Page 14)

Dining: Take a look at Richardson’s rst Coco Shrimp (Page 22)

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RICHARDSON EDITION

Impacts

PLANO PKWY.

various juices and smoothies. • Opened mid-April • 888 Greenville Ave., Ste. 220, Richardson • Instagram: onebite.texas 5 Tarboosh Gyro Grill The Syrian restaurant’s menu includes a selection of various kebabs, tikka, falafel, shawarma and whole chicken. Owner Khalil Moualem said the restaurant prepares all their dishes over charcoal. • Opened March 9 • 1403 E. Campbell Road, Ste. 101c, Richardson • Seamless: Tarboosh Gyro Grill 6 7 Brew Coffee Arkansas-based coffee shop chain 7 Brew Coffee has opened a new drive-thru location near the Richardson border. The business offers a variety of hot and cold coffee beverages, smoothies, shakes, and infused

PGBT TOLL

RENNER RD.

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Richardson

TELECOM PKWY.

CAMPBELL RD.

COLLINS BLVD.

ARAPAHO RD.

11 10

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78 sparkling water. • Opened May 6 • 15707 Coit Road, Dallas • www.7brew.com

BELT LINE RD.

SPRING VALLEY RD.

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7 Top Line Massage The business offers a number of services, including Swedish massages, full-body massages, foot massages and couples massages. • Opened late April • 1889 N. Plano Road, Richardson • 972-290-1888 8 Only Deals The store offers overstock and return products from retail stores, such as Walmart, Target and Amazon. Merchandise will be stocked weekly, and the price will drop every day that items remain unsold. • Opened May 14 • 1425 E. Belt Line Road, Ste. 130, Richardson • www.onlydealstx.com

MAP NOT TO SCALE

• Opened April 15 • 700 E. Campbell Road, Ste. 120, Richardson • Instagram: Open Sesame Express

Now open

1 Fatayer The Middle Eastern restaurant is now open at a second location within the Richardson Heights Village shopping center in Richardson. According to the restaurant’s website, the menu includes meat and vegetable pastries, falafel, sandwiches, hummus and more. • Opened mid-May • 100 S. Central Expressway, Ste. 53, Richardson • www.fatayerbakery.com 2 Open Sesame Express The halal restaurant sells plates such as chicken tawook and beef or lamb kafta, each served over a bed of rice. The restaurant also serves sides such as hummus, falafel and more.

3 Landmark Grill The local restaurant, located next door to Tacos Y Mas, serves a variety of dishes, including steaks, barbecue and burgers. The original Landmark Grill is located in Lewisville. • Opened April 15 • 1600 N. Plano Road, Richardson • www.landmarkgrill.com 4 One Bite Mini Pita & Juice Bar The restaurant serves handheld pita sandwiches stuffed with ingredients such as falafel, chicken shawarma and beef shawarma. In addition, One Bite offers a menu of

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In the news

12 Albertsons The store is set to receive renovations to its parking lot, according to a filing with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, . Work includes updates to the ground slope in the parking lot, improvements to the pedestrian route from accessible parking spaces to the store entrance and new signage in the lot. The renovations are expected to last from mid-June to late June. • 2165 E. Buckingham Drive, Richardson • www.albertsons.com 13 Hibbett Sports The sporting goods store with several North Texas locations has hired work crews to renovate a vacant retail space. Per the documents filed with TDLR, renovations of the vacant space include constructing a new sales area, stock room, corridor, fitting room and lighting. Construction is expected to conclude in late August, according to the filing. • 900 N. Coit Road, Ste. 2500, Richardson • www.hibbett.com

10 Shredder Ski School The business is geared toward teaching children ages 1-10 how to ski and snowboard, Richardson franchisee Robert Lacey said. In addition to regular classes, he added the business is expected to host summer camps, parents night out events and private parties. • Opening in August or September • 1002 N. Central Expressway, Richardson • www.shredderski.com

14 Half-Moon Outfitters The store sells a variety of boutique goods used for kayaking, rock climbing, surfing, travel and backpacking. Half-Moon Outfitters’ Richardson store, located in the Pavilion East Shopping Center, is the chain’s first in Texas. The South Carolina- based brand also has stores in Georgia and North Carolina. • Opened May 1 • 1453 W. Campbell Road, Richardson • www.halfmoonoutfitters.com

Relocations

11 The Stitchhouse The specialty sewing store sells sewing machines, equipment and embroidery designs. It also offers classes and events for sewing enthusiasts and crafters. The Stitchhouse was previously located at 605 18th St. in Plano. The new space is temporary, owner Jessica Bermudez said, adding that the business will relocate into its permanent space within the shopping mall in a few months. • Relocated April 16

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RICHARDSON EDITION

Government

89-unit townhome development to be considered by council The site of a Sting Soccer Club facility in Rich- ardson could soon be a townhome development. Richardson City Plan Commission members voted to approve an 89-unit townhome neigh- borhood called Park Hollow during its May 7 meeting. Plans will now go before City Council. Two-minute impact Dallas-based Skorburg Company is developing the 6.5-acre site and has plans to construct 89 townhome units. John Arnold, a development partner on the project, said the units will likely have 1,600-1,700 square feet inside. Neil Stenberg, vice president of acquisitions at the Skorburg Company, said there are plans to acquire about 2 acres north of the property to be

Lockwood Distillery cleared for expansion Richardson City Council approved zoning changes during its April 22 meeting to allow for Lockwood Distilling Company’s planned packaging and distribution facility on South Sherman Street. The context Richardson-based Lockwood officials previously sought approval of both a special development plan and special permit to utilize a space at 816 S. Sherman St. as a distillery. What’s else? Lockwood Distilling Company co-owner Evan Batt previously provided no timeline for when the facility will be open, but said the new space should allow the company to add about 10 employees.

A townhome development at the Sting Soccer Club facility was approved by the City Plan Commission.

CONNOR PITTMAN/COMMUNITY IMPACT

used for a detention pond area that will include trees and a walking trail around the perimeter. The details Per city documents, the townhome neighbor- hood will be required to have a homeowners association. Chavez said the association would be responsible for maintaining the rights of way and common areas within the gated community. What’s next? Council is expected to consider the case during its June 3 meeting.

M/I Homes

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

BY KEVIN CUMMINGS & CONNOR PITTMAN

Council denies permit for private school Christian private school Coram Deo Academy will have to continue looking for a permanent home for its Dallas campus after its request for a special permit to relocate to Richardson was denied. City Council denied the school’s plans to renovate the Binnerri Presbyterian Church, located at 1301 Abrams Road, into a pre-K through 12th grade academy for up to nearly 800 students at its April 22 meeting. What happened Much of the discussion surrounding the denial had to do with concerns about increased traffic, limiting the use and desir- ability of future developments in the area, and the potential of the school drawing students aways from Richardson ISD.

Council issues $88.5M in bonds to cover projects Bonds for the city of Richardson that will be used to finance several projects have been sold, according to a report given to Richardson City Council during its April 22 meeting. In total, the city issued more than $88.5 million in general obligation and certificate of obligation bonds, according to a news release. The overview Combined, the about $88.5 million in debt will be issued to cover several projects, including library renovations, water and sewer infrastruc- ture needs, purchasing various city vehicles, and constructing a new City Hall. In addition to the bond sale, Nick Bulaich, a representative with the city’s financial advisor Hilltop Securities, affirmed the city maintained its AAA ratings with credit rating agencies Standard and Poor’s and Moody’s.

Breakdown of debt Richardson City Council approved the sale of $88.5 million in bonds for a variety of projects during its April 22 meeting.

Certificate of obligation bonds: $21 million

General obligation bonds: $67.5 million

Total: $88.5M

Planned expenditures

Construction of a new City Hall

Library renovations

Purchase of various city vehicles

Water and sewer infrastructure needs

SOURCE: CITY OF RICHARDSON/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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RICHARDSON EDITION

Government

BY KEVIN CUMMINGS

Richardson officials to void $47M in incentives tied to scandal-ridden project

Proposed Palisades Project The 79-acre site included retail, dining, a hotel, 600 apartments and a single-family subdivision.

City officials are voiding up to $47 million in eco- nomic development incentives to the firm behind the controversial Palisades mixed-use project. Nearly two weeks after former Mayor Laura Jordan began her prison sentence for bribery tied to the project, Richardson City Council voted unanimously April 22 to direct City Manager Don Magner to tell developer JP-KBS Holdings LLC that incentives related to the yet-to-be-fully-realized planned development project are voided. “Since the federal convictions renders the eco- nomic development agreement void, we have not and will not make any payments associated with the agreement,” Magner said in a news release. The background Promised as a multimillion-dollar mixed-use destination composed that included single and

multifamily housing. The project is located on the west side of US 75 at Palisades Boulevard. At the time the project was proposed in 2012, city ordinances prohibited apartments on the property. Over the opposition of numerous residents, then-Mayor Laura Jordan, at the time known as Laura Maczka, backed a number of rezoning proposals from then-managing partner of JP-KBS Mark Jordan before the project was ulti- mately approved to include multifamily in 2014. After a lengthy investigation, juries found Mark and Laura Jordan, who married in 2017, guilty of bribery and wire fraud in connection to offerings of money, gifts, sex and jobs Mark Jordan offered to the then-mayor. They were offered in exchange for the votes and economic incentives that allowed for the construction of the project.

PALISADES CREEK DR.

SOURCE: GFF INC./COMMUNITY IMPACT

What you need to know The up to $47 million in incentives the city intends to void are related to reimbursements for construction and infrastructure expenses related to the project. According to the news release, the terms of the agreement were “entered into under good faith” at the time and that city officials were “unaware of the facts that later came to light in the federal criminal cases.”

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Real estate

April 2023

April 2024

More than 110 homes were sold in Richardson during April and nearly 140 new listings were added to the market. Residential market data

Number of homes sold

Median home price in the last 6 months

+41.7%

+21.74%

-5%

75080 $465,000

75081 $405,000

75082 $550,750

PGBT TOLL

75082

75080

75081

75082

75080

75081

Median home sales price

PGBT TOLL

BELT LINE RD.

April

2023

2024

$461,250

$492,000

75080

Homes sold by price point

$400,000

$444,500

75081

April 2024

$517,500

$650,000

75082

$1 million+

$700,000-$999,999

Average days on the market

Number of new listings

$400,000-$699,999

-28.6%

+38.89%

-35.71%

+26.9%

+33.33%

+65%

$100,000-$399,999

MARKET DATA COMPILED BY COLLIN COUNTY AREA REALTORS WWW.CCAR.NET

75080

75081

75082

75080

75081

75082

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RICHARDSON EDITION

Education

BY KEVIN CUMMINGS

BY COLBY FARR

Richardson ISD trustees approve teacher, sta salary raises

Ocials seek federal funds for highway congestion relief

North Texas ocials hope to launch a federally funded pilot program to help relieve congestion along several corridors in the region. What’s happening? The North Central Texas Council of Govern- ments intends to apply for a federal grant after action from the Regional Transportation Council during an April 11 meeting. If awarded, the grant funds would be used to create a smartphone application that would oer incentives to change travel behavior on the following corridors: US 75, I-635E, I-35W, I-35E and I-30 The council will apply for $20 million in federal grant money to fund the project and will use transportation development credits to meet the nonfederal match requirement. A closer look For the project, sta selected congested corri- dors in the region that have other transit modes

Amid ongoing budget discussion for scal year 2024-25, the Richardson ISD board of trustees passed a new compensation plan for the upcoming school year during a May 2 meeting that leaders said they hope will make the district more competitive at attracting and retaining talent. “If we’re going to call teaching a profession, let’s treat teachers like professionals, and let’s pay them like professionals,” trustee Chris Poteet said at the meeting. “It’s an important profession to each and every one of us for the future of our community, our state, our nation.” In a nutshell The starting salary for a new teacher with no experience is $60,000, which is lower than some other districts in the area. Under the new compensation plan for the 2024- 25 school year, the starting salary for new teach- ers will be $61,000, making it higher than districts

such as Plano, Denton and Lewisville ISDs. Instead of a traditional compensation structure that increases pay by a certain percentage for each year of experience, the new plan provides a $500 salary increase for each year of experience below 10 years and a $1,000 salary increase for each year above that for teaching sta, which includes nurses, counselors and librarians. In addition, many other nonteaching sta would see a 3% pay increase, and custodial sta would have a starting pay of $15 per hour. Overall, the newly adopted plan is expected to cost RISD about $18 million annually. The context Addressing compensation packages is one of a number of proposals aimed at helping the district prioritize budget resources and addressing an up to $28 million shortfall in FY 2024-25. “The need to become and remain competitive for top teachers and sta ... is the primary reason

available for people to shift to, Senior Program Manager Natalie Bettger said. The proposed smartphone application would oer incentives for people to change their method of travel, such as shifting to public transit. “We think using these corridors gives us an opportunity to get people to shift out of driving by themselves ... or possibly shift the time of day in which they’re traveling,” she said. The proposed app would focus on incentivizing shifts to transit vehicles that travel in managed lanes or shifts to what time a person travels, according to the sta presentation. With the app, sta from the council can verify whether users switch their method or time of travel to outside peak hours, Bettger said. “There’s a lot of exibility by using that type of technology in terms of what facilities we want to focus on [and] what types of incentives we want to oer,” she said.

Pay comparison Under the new plan, trustees hope to make RISD more competitive in terms of teacher salaries.

District

Starting salary for new hires

Richardson ISD

$61,000

Denton ISD

$59,340

The council aims to use federal grant funding to pilot a program meant to reduce congestion.

Allen ISD

$59,500

COLBY FARRCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Dallas ISD

$61,000

Lewisville ISD

$60,850

"Think of this as just the pilot corridors that have the best chance of winning. If we’re successful in these corridors, then I would take it to all the corridors." MICHAEL MORRIS, TRANSPORTATION DIRECTOR

SOURCE: RICHARDSON ISDCOMMUNITY IMPACT

we have had to be so aggressive in cost reduc- tions and maximizing our operating eciencies,” Superintendent Tabitha Branum said in a news release.

DALLAS 9500 North Central Expressway (214) 369-2800 ADDISON 15055 Inwood Road (972) 239-5891

City ocials to spend $139.1M to update library, City Hall From the cover

What’s happening

W. ARAPAHO RD.

New City Hall

Library

Funds from the 2021 and 2023 bonds, insurance proceeds, and project savings will be used to rebuild the municipal campus. Renovations began in March at the library while work on the new City Hall is set to start in November. The end goal is creating a new campus with a more urban, modern feel, Magner said. He added that the rst oor of the building will house all customer-facing departments, such as permitting and utility billing, which should improve the public’s interaction with certain city functions. Davidson said work at the library includes expanding the children’s and teen sections, adding a teen hangout area, and adding a new drive-up book drop-o. Updates to building infrastructure are also planned, she said. “The incorporation of exible open spaces … reects the evolving nature of libraries by accommodating diverse needs and activities while fostering adaptability and innovation within the community,” Davidson said in an email.

Current City Hall

Project highlights 1 Preserving most trees in Leadership Grove 2 Pedestrian area with the plaza and nearby green space 3 Additional entrance to complex o Belle Grove Drive 4 Wildower eld preservation 5 Drop-o lanes for both City Hall and library

B ELLEGROVE DR.

City hall total: $91M

Library total: $48.1M

2023 bond: $46M

2021 bond: $36.1M

Tenant improvement allowance for temporary City Hall: $6M 2021 bond: $22.4M Insurance proceeds: $16.5M

2023 certicates of obligation: $12M

SOURCE: CITY OF RICHARDSON COMMUNITY IMPACT

Why it matters

to host its book sale, President Barbara Read said. “We anticipate the renovated facility will attract new faces at the library, some who will be inter- ested in becoming Friends of the Library volun- teers,” Read said in an email. Longtime Richardson resident Je Carruth said he is happy to see the municipal complex staying put. “I’ve gone to a lot of stu there, and it gives it a lot of cohesion that it’s going to be in the same place,” Carruth said.

Once the new building is complete, Davidson said there will be interior design choices that more easily allow library sta to change the layout inside the building or move around various sections. “The upcoming improvements to the library promise to enhance its functionality and appeal to patrons of all ages,” Davidson said. Friends of the Library, an organization that supports sta, the community and the Richardson Public Library, plans to use the new basement space

The new library will feature updated design elements.

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BY CONNOR PITTMAN

What’s next?

Zooming in

What they’re saying

With the changes to the municipal campus layout, the library hopes to utilize the new fountain plaza, including outdoor story times, Davidson said. She added sta are also excited for other changes such as a larger storytime room with a puppet stage and exclusive study rooms in the teen area. “Addressing a longstanding request, the instal- lation of a convenient drive-up book drop stands out as a testament to the library's commitment to enhancing user experience,” Davidson said. The library has been in its current location since 1970. Magner said a deliberate decision was made to have only a single library, which makes it a signi- cant landmark in the city. Carruth said he is happy to see the library remain in the same space because he has fond memories of past programs that he's is hopeful sta will continue to maintain it into the future. “The renovated building will support how the library and its services adapt to the future,” Read said.

Magner said the area around the municipal complex is an identied economic reinvestment area. City ocials will look to identify development along West Arapaho Road near US 75 that will complement the city’s investment in the new municipal complex. “What we do on the corner can be tone-setting and could [further] the redevelopment of the Arapaho corridor,” Magner said.

“The civic campus can set the tone from an investment

and aesthetic standpoint for private development to follow.” DON MAGNER, RICHARDSON CITY MANAGER

March 2024 Demolition begins on old library May 2024 Destruction of the old City Hall Early 2026 Library reopens to the public Early 2027 City Hall and new municipal campus open

“The increased space provides room for the library’s collections

to expand and evolve alongside emerging technologies.” JENNIFER DAVIDSON, RICHARDSON LIBRARY DIRECTOR

Advanced stroke care you can count on. When seconds count. Methodist Richardson Medical Center is proud to be recognized as a Comprehensive Stroke Center by DNV Healthcare. Here, you’ll find a renowned care team, including specialists on the medical staff ready to provide 24/7 emergency stroke care. Being there with the advanced stroke care our friends and neighbors depend on. That’s community and why so many people Trust Methodist.

Knowing the signs of a stroke can make all the difference. BE FAST if you think you or someone near you may be having a stroke. Balance - Sudden loss of balance? Eyes - Loss of vision or blurred vision in one or both eyes? Face - Face numb or looks uneven? Arms - Arms or legs weak or numb? Speech - Speech slurred? Difficulty speaking? Confused? Time - Call 911 immediately. Time lost is brain lost.

Take our free stroke health risk assessment to learn more about your risk at MethodistHealthSystem.org/StrokeRisk

Texas law prohibits hospitals from practicing medicine. The physicians on the Methodist Health System medical staff are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Methodist Richardson Medical Center, Methodist Health System, or any of its affiliated hospitals. Methodist Health System complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

RICHARDSON EDITION

Congratulations Class of 2024 !

T his year Coram Deo Academy celebrates its 25th anniversary, and the Dallas Campus is pleased to celebrate its inaugural graduating class on May 18! Our six seniors join 94 graduates from our Collin County and Flower Mound Campuses. English Poet and Theologian Malcolm Guite is our Class of 2024 Honored Speaker to help us mark this momentous occasion.

The First Dallas Grads & the Colleges they will attend: Texas A&M University Texas Christian University LeTourneau University Dartmouth College University of Texas at Dallas Texas A&M University Madeline Noel Graves Joshua Henry Lloyd Pierce Diego Sullivan Jacob Roman Turner Ella Cloie Williams Maggie O’Toole Wilson

Honored Speaker at Class of 2024 Commencement: Fr. Malcolm Guite $ 1,243,500 in scholarships The Six 2024 Dallas Graduates Earned

We exist to train ethical servant-leaders and wise thinkers who will shape culture for the glory of God.

Christian, Classical, University Model® Education PreK to 12 th in Collin County, Dallas, & Flower Mound Learn More at CDALions.org

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Events

BY DUSTIN BUTLER

May

Open mic night Happy Hippie Brewing Company is hosting a for local musicians, poets, storytellers or comedians to take the stage and share their talents. • May 28 and June 4, 7 p.m.-10 p.m. • Free (admission)

• 500 Lockwood Dr, Richardson • www.happyhippiebeer.com

June

First Wednesday Book Club This presentation-style book club meets monthly to discuss the latest readings. The June meeting will cover Geraldine Brooks’ historical fiction novel “Horse.” • June 6, 2-3:30 p.m. • Free • Richardson Public Library, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Ste. 500, Richardson • www.cor.net/our-city/events-calendar Drop-in Tech Help The program is available every Thursday and open to anyone with a Richardson Public Library card. Card holders can walk in and spend time with a librarian to receive quick tech help covering e-books, computer navigation and basic cellphone use. • June 6, June 13, June 20, June 27, 2 p.m. • Free • Richardson Public Library, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Richardson • www.cor.net/our-city/events-calendar An Evening With Lee Asher Animal Planet star Lee Asher will talk about his passion for rescuing animals and helping people, detailing how he gave up his day job and how he learned to use social media to inspire positivity and laughter. • June 7, 8 p.m. • $40-$50 • Eisemann Center for the Performing Arts, 2351 Performance Drive, Richardson • www.eisemanncenter.com

Family improv meets pet movies Head to the Core Theatre to have fun with pets from the big screen. This family-friendly show asks what would happen if Nemo ran into the whale from “Free Willy” or if Stitch met Babe the pig. • June 1, 7:30 p.m. • $5-$10 • 518 W. Arapaho Road, Ste. 115, Richardson • www.thecoretheatre.org/family-improv

Dungeons & Dragons at the Library Adventurers age 13 and up will explore a mountainous villa hiding a dark secret. Registration is required and spots are limited. The event is a part of the Richardson’s Public Library’s Summer Reading Program. • June 15, 2 p.m.-4 p.m. • Free • Richardson Public Library, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd, Ste. 500, Richardson • www.cor.net/departments/public-library

Writers Guild of Texas Critique Group The Writers Guild of Texas will hold a critique group session at the Richardson Public Library to share their work with peers. Writers obtain valuable, constructive feedback and provide the same to others. While all writers are welcome, guild members receive priority. • June 10, 6:30-8 p.m. • Free • Richardson Public Library, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Richardson • www.writersguildtx.org/events Movie Screening: Raiders of the Lost Ark The library is hosting a screening of “Raiders of the Lost Ark” as part of Adventure Begins at Your Library, This year’s theme or the Summer Reading Program. The film follows the exploits of adventurer and archaeologist

Indiana Jones as he attempts to recover the Ark of the Covenant. • June 16, 2 p.m.-4 p.m. • Free • City Hall, 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd, Richardson • www.cor.net/departments/public-library

Summer wine tasting at Tricky Fish at CityLine

Tricky Fish is holding a Wine Tasting. Each attendee will receive four wines that will be paired with bites from

the Tricky Fish menu. • June 19, 6-7:30 p.m. • $40

for summer! • 1251 State St., Ste. 750, Richardson • www.tricky-fish.com/richardson-tx

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RICHARDSON EDITION

Events

BY MICHAEL CROUCHLEY

The museum features exhibits and information on the history of the African American in Plano.

13THST.

From left, Toni, Dollie and Areail Thomas reopened the Plano African American Museum in 2023.

PHOTOS BY KAREN CHANEYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

900 13th St, Plano www.planoafricanamericanmuseum.org

Plano Juneteenth plans ‘bigger and better’ this year Last year’s Juneteenth Celebration doubled as a grand reopening for the Plano African American Museum, which was shut down for more than a decade before sisters Areail, Dollie and Toni Thomas worked to revive it back in 2023.

will continue. The museum is also hosting the Plano Urban Music Festival on June 29 in McCall Plaza in downtown Plano. The Thomas’s are hoping to welcome people from across the community at the celebration. “We always say, Juneteenth is about celebrating everybody’s freedom,” Dollie said. “We want everyone in Plano to come together.” How we got here The Plano African American Museum was originally started by the Thomas sisters’ father, Ben Thomas, in 2006 before it closed in 2011. Areail called the rst year of operating a “learning experience.”

“It’s taken a lot of stick-to-itiveness to not give up,” she said. And it’s a passion for what the museum provides that has given them that persistence. “Even if we get down to $0, each of us is going to have to pick a bill to pay, because we will never close again,” Dollie said. “It’s just that important.” Looking ahead The Thomas sisters have big plans for the muse- um’s future, including expansions to the space and programming. “We want to be on everybody’s lips,” Dollie said. “We’re going to be the biggest little museum in North Texas.”

And after a full year in operation, Dollie Thomas says the Juneteenth Celebration will be “bigger and better” than last year. What’s happening The Juneteenth festivities will begin with a celebration and parade on June 22. The parade will start at Haggard Park and nish at the museum in the Douglass Community, a historically Black neigh- borhood in downtown Plano, where celebrations

NOW OPEN !

1240 E Belt Line Rd Richardson, TX 75081

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COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Nonpro t

BY DUSTIN BUTLER

Marci Duty works with the nonprot as a customer service representative and instructor.

Volunteers such as Marty Vigezzi replace laptop batteries and hard drives and check keyboards and mouse tracks to ensure they work properly before installing one of the two assistive softwares.

PHOTOS BY DUSTIN BUTLERCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Computers for the Blind helps the visually impaired

Computers for the Blind ships laptops with assistive software to the visually impaired across the country.

as part of the Texas Center for the Physically Impaired but became a separate entity in 1995. Looking ahead Board member Dan Youman said the organiza- tion’s target this year is to ship 2,000 computers to those in need. Board President Keith Landau said the organi- zation partners with businesses to donate large volumes of computer equipment. This allows Computers for the Blind to customize and ship laptops across the country. “We’re trying to get these companies to say, ‘It would be a better use of our property ... than just recycling them or trashing them,’” Mignardi said.

Local nonprot Computers for the Blind works to ensure those with visual impairments can access computers. Giving back The nonprot customizes refurbished laptops with software that allows individuals with visual impairments to use them. It also provides training on how to use the software, which helps with reading, screen navigation and magnication. The backstory The organization was started by Robert Lang- ford, who was blinded in an accident when he was 16, Executive Director Tanya Towndrow said. According to it’s website, it was founded in 1988

1201 S. Sherman St. Ste. 206, Dallas www.computersfortheblind.org

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RICHARDSON EDITION

Dining

DUSTIN BUTLER

The garlic butter plate ($11.25) has sauteed shrimp with a blend of seasoning served over rice.

KAREN CHANEYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

The coco shrimp plate ($11.95) features six fried shrimp, breaded with coconut akes and served with sweet chili dipping sauce.

COURTESY COCO SHRIMP

Coco Shrimp oers twist on typical Hawaiian cuisine Coco Shrimp started as a food truck in 2016 but after opening six restaurants has turned into a “train that isn’t slowing down,” said Trevor Carver, social media and market manager for the chain. The backstory Carver said founder Isaac Hadley, attended Brigham Young University Hawaii and enjoyed the shrimp food from trucks on the island. What’s special about it? Carver said Coco Shrimp tries to stand out by sticking close to tradition.

Coco Shrimp was founded by Isaac Hadley (left). Co-owner Jordan Barrus (right) joined in summer 2016.

COURTESY COCO SHRIMP

“We took the food truck route, which is very popular in Hawaii,” Carver said. “In the land of barbecue and burgers, [Coco Shrimp] is a new fresh take on Hawaiian food.” What’s on the menu? One of the most popular dishes on the menu is the coco shrimp, which features six coconut ake- breaded shrimp served on a bed of rice with a sweet chili dipping sauce. “The biggest thing we want people to do is stop in and try it once,” Carver said. “Usually once people try it, ... they love it, and they keep coming back.”

E. BELT LINE RD.

When Hadley was close to graduation, he didn’t know what he wanted to do after, and decided to open a food truck concept in Fort Worth, where he’s originally from. The rst brick-and-mortar Coco Shrimp opened in Fort Worth in December 2019 and the business has since opened several more locations, including in Richardson and Plano.

1240 E. Belt Line Road, Richardson www.cocoshrimp.com

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