BY ISABELLA ZEFF
Library renovation delayed; opening planned for September New construction needs will push the comple- tion of the Richardson Public Library renovation to May or June and its opening to September, accord- ing to a presentation at the Feb. 2 City Council meeting. Council approved an additional $1.18 million to address water in ltration issues that arose during construction. What’s happening? The library renovation project began in spring 2024, and work is about 75% complete, Assistant City Manager Charles Go said. In August, council approved an additional $1.15 million to the $48.1 million budget to address some construction challenges. The second funding increase will cover addi- tional waterproo ng needs. The original scope of work included waterproo ng on the east side of the building, which had a history of water in ltration into the basement, Go said. Despite preventative measures, water in ltration Comprehensive zoning ordinance update set Richardson is on track to update its comprehensive zoning ordinance in order to allow for more e cient housing and business development in the city. The overview The comprehensive zoning ordinance is a set of regulations related to land use and development standards that tells property owners what they can do with their land. Director of Development Services Tina Firgens said Richardson’s zoning ordinance is out of date with current market realities. “We say we want these things and we even go and sometimes incent them, but on the other hand, our regulations are inconsistent with that message,” City Manager Don Magner said.
Charter election set for May ballot
Richardson City Council called a May charter election for voters to consider 50 amendments to the city charter. Voters will consider a prospective resign- to-run amendment that would require the automatic resignation of any council member or mayor who announces their candidacy for any other elective public o ce after the May election. The big picture Council initially approved a retroactive resign-to-run provision. If approved, it would have forced the immediate resigna- tion of council member Dan Barrios, who is running for U.S. Congress.
Assistant City Manager Charles Go said the library renovation is roughly 75% complete.
ISABELLA ZEFF COMMUNITY IMPACT
has been observed in other sides, so the design team recommended the same waterproo ng work on the north, south and west sides of the building. Going forward Most of the interior work on the library will be able to continue on schedule during the water- proo ng process, but the new work will push the completion of the library to May or June. After work is complete, the library will need six weeks to move in furniture and books—both the temporary and new location will be closed during this time. Library Director Jennifer Davidson recommended that the move and closure be post- poned until August, allowing the temporary library to remain open through the summer. Richardson calls $223.4 million bond election Richardson voters are set to consider a $223.4 million bond in May after City Council voted unanimously to call a bond election Feb. 9. What you need to know City sta presented potential bond projects to council over several months, including street repair, re facility renovations and playground improvements. City Manager Don Magner con- solidated the proposed projects into the $223.4 million bond. The bond will appear on the ballot as ve separate propositions: • Proposition A: $132.2 million for street improvements • Proposition B: $36 million for re facilities • Proposition C: $22.2 million for park and recre- ational facilities
Dates to know April 2: Last day to register to vote April 20-28: Early voting May 2: Election day
The bond will be split into ve propositions. Street improvements: $132.2M
Fire facilities: $36M Park and recreational facilities: $22.2M
Total $223.4M
Sidewalks: $16.5M
Flood control and drainage facilities: $16.5M
SOURCE: CITY OF RICHARDSON COMMUNITY IMPACT
• Proposition D: $16.5 million for sidewalks • Proposition E: $16.5 million for ood control and drainage facilities Of the proposed funds for re facilities, $23.5 million is for the payment to construct Fire Station No. 7, but will not actually be paid until after this bond program. “I’m really excited about a record number for infrastructure on the streets and alleys,” Mayor Amir Omar said. The election will take place May 2, with early voting from April 20-April 28.
9
RICHARDSON EDITION
Powered by FlippingBook