Richardson | April 2026

The e-edition is an exact replica of the newspaper with interactive and searchable articles from all your favorite sections.

Richardson Edition VOLUME 8, ISSUE 8 APRIL 8MAY 6, 2026

2026 Voter Guide

Roads on the ballot Richardson voters to consider $223.4M bond in May

Also in this issue

E. ARAPAHO RD.

Impacts

Page 6

INSIDE

Learn more about a new Middle Eastern restaurant

Richardson’s city bond on the May 2 ballot proposes $132.2 million for road construction projects, including a reconstruction project at Arapaho Road and Presidential Drive. (Sara Carpenter/Community Impact)

Government

Page 9

See Amazon drone delivery changes in Richardson

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RICHARDSON EDITION

DALLAS COUNTY, TX • 2025 PROPERTY TAX DATA REPORT • PAID FOR BY OWNWELL

75% of Dallas County residential properties didn’t protest their 2025 property taxes.

25%

75%

Protested 1

Didn’t Protest 1

166,978

511,354

residential properties

$79.5M total missed potential savings

$45.8M total realized savings in 2025

Protestors won 57% of the time in Dallas County¹

WHY CHOOSE OWNWELL² 60%

IMPORTANT DATES

deadline for current & retroactive homestead exemption applications April 30, 2026 May 15, 2026

Dallas County 2025 win rate

40,142

Dallas County properties represented by Ownwell in 2025

property tax protest deadline

24% of Dallas County residential protested properties chose Ownwell in 2025

$744 average annual property tax savings for Ownwell clients in 2025

PROTEST YOUR 2026 PROPERTY TAXES

or visit Ownwell.com/impact to get started today. Enter an address and see how much you’re overpaying →

25%

of your tax bill savings only. No savings? No fee. Guaranteed.

¹ ownwell.com/results/texas-protest-vs-non-protest • ² ownwell.com/results/texas-property-tax-protest-results-agent-performance

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

About Community Impact

Community Roots: Founded in 2005 by John and Jennifer Garrett, we remain a locally owned business today. Texas-Wide Reach: We deliver trusted news to 75+ communities across the Austin, Bryan-College Station, Houston, Dallas Fort-Worth and San Antonio metros.

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Jacquelyn Burrer Karen Chaney

Adam Doe Colby Farr Hannah Johnson Heather McCullough Patricia Ortiz Mary Katherine Shapiro Jenna Stephenson Cody Thorn Isabella Ze Graphic Designers Nicolas Delgadillo José Jiménez Chelsea Peters Armando Servin Quality Desk Editor Adrian Gandara Senior Managing Editor Miranda Jaimes Senior Product Manager Breanna Flores

Tracy Ruckel General Manager truckel@ communityimpact.com

Michael Crouchley Editor mcrouchley@ communityimpact.com

John Alper DFW Market President jalper@ communityimpact.com

3803 Parkwood Blvd., Ste. 500, Frisco, TX, 75034 • 2146189001 Careers communityimpact.com/careers Press releases ricnews@communityimpact.com Advertising ricads@communityimpact.com communityimpact.com/advertising Connect on social @communityimpactdfw @communityimpactdfw

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RICHARDSON EDITION

Impacts

• 1415 State St., Richardson • www.imagestudiosrichardson.com

PLANO PKWY.

PGBT TOLL

78 7 Thrift City The store reopened its Richardson location on March 14 following a ve-day closure for a store renovation. • Reopened March 14 • 1750 Belt Line Road, Ste. 300, Richardson • www.thriftcityllc.com 5 MyLan Pho Express The menu features a variety of Vietnamese cuisine including pho soup, banh mi sandwiches, chow fun— which are at wide noodle dishes—and more. • Opened Feb. 14 • 3421 E. Renner Road, Ste. 106, Plano • Facebook: MyLan Pho Express 6 Chino-Mex The restaurant combines Chinese and Mexican cuisine and serves only halal meats. Chino-Mex oers fusion spins on street tacos, Lo Mein, ramen, rice dishes and more. • Opened March 13 • 904 Audelia Road, Ste. 300, Richardson • www.chino-mex.com

3 5

9 11

RENNER RD.

STATE ST.

BRECKINRIDGE BLVD.

Richardson

TELECOM PKWY.

CAMPBELL RD.

COLLINS BLVD.

ARAPAHO RD.

S. SHERMAN ST.

BELT LINE RD.

SPRING VALLEY RD.

BUCKINGHAM RD.

AUDELIA RD.

MAP NOT TO SCALE

Coming soon

• 2000 N. Plano Road, Ste. 114, Richardson • www.eathalalmunchies.com

8 Levant Coee, Roastery, Sweet & Ice Cream The cafe will oer a range of coees, including Italian, Yemeni, Mediterranean and American drinks. • Opening late 2026 • 100 Central Expressway, Ste. 21, Richardson 9 Original ChopShop The restaurant serves a variety of protein bowls, salads, sandwiches and all-day breakfast, as well as fresh juices

Now open

1 Damas Bites The restaurant serves Syrian and Mediterranean food, including hummus, falafel, brick-baked pita breads and fatayer, or savory meat pies. • Opened January • 13490 TI Blvd., Ste. 103, Dallas • Facebook: Damas Bites 2 Halal Munchies The restaurant oers a fully halal menu of salads, wings, gyros, burgers and more. The New York-based restaurant also recently opened a Houston location. • Opened Jan. 21

3 Hancock Whitney The center on Renner Road oers a variety of personal and business banking services, lending services and more, according to a news release from the company. • Opened March 3

• 3421 E. Renner Road, Plano • www.hancockwhitney.com

and protein shakes. • Opening fall 2026 • 1419 E. Renner Road, Richardson • www.originalchopshop.com

4 Image Studios The beauty salon hosts a range of independent beauty professionals oering hair, make-up, brow tinting and shaping, lashes, facials, skin care and more. • Opened December

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destination, recently opened its rst American location at Grandscape in The Colony. The venue has 20 playing boxes, which are semi-private spaces where guests can play games, eat and drink. • Opened March 6 • 5652 Grandscape Blvd., The Colony • www.toca.social.com

What’s next PERMITS FILED WITH THE TEXAS

DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING AND REGULATION

Now open

10 Al-Hamawi Roastery & Coee The cafe serves roasted nuts, sweets, coee and more and currently operates several locations in Illinois. • Opening TBD • 201 S. Greenville Ave., Richardson • www.alhamawiusa.com

Closings

11 Modern Market Modern Market served bowls, salads, sandwiches and pizza. There are still three Texas locations open in north Dallas, Southlake and Las Colinas. • Closed Feb. 24 • 1419 E. Renner Road, Ste. 500, Richardson • www.modernmarket.com 12 Mr. Max The izakaya-style Japanese restaurant served sashimi, noodles, salmon, sushi, tapas, sake and more. The restaurant opened its second location in Richardson in 2024. Its original location in Irving will remain open. • Closed Feb. 28 • 800 N. Coit Road, Ste. 2550B, Richardson • www.mrmaxtx.com

Relocations

JS International Grill The restaurant closed in Richardson on Feb. 22 and announced that it will be relocating to Plano. The Plano restaurant will be located at 2205 N. Central Expressway, Ste. 130, and is set for an April grand opening. • Closed Feb. 22 • 2205 N. Central Expressway, Ste. 130, Plano • Facebook: JS International Grill

13 Mutabak Karak The Canadian-based restaurant serves dishes inspired by Middle Eastern street food culture, specializing in mutabak, a crispy fried bread with sweet or savory llings. Other menu items include karak chai, loaded fries and sweet Yemeni pus. This will be Mutabak Karak’s third location, and its rst location in the United States. • Opened March • 1057 S. Sherman St., Ste. 110, Richardson • www.mutabakkarak.com

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RICHARDSON EDITION

Government

BY ISABELLA ZEFF

Eisemann Center eyes revenue growth amid budget pressure

said the center aims to reduce its reliance on city funding by increasing its earned and contributed revenue. With sustained growth, she said the subsidy could drop to $2 million a year. Breaking it down Haynes-Hamblen said the Eisemann Center hosts rental events, city events and “Eisemann Center Presents” music and theater shows. Staff work every year to hone the offerings of ticketed events and identify incentives to bring in more audiences, she said. “We’re really trying to learn every single year more and more about the market and the way that this market behaves,” Haynes-Hamblen said. Haynes-Hamblen said the center is also working to grow ancillary revenue from events—such as parking, ticket fees, concessions sales, artist mer- chandise and catering fees—that are not included in the base rental invoice.

Richardson’s Charles W. Eisemann Center for Performing Arts and Corporate Presentations is working to stabilize its revenue following post- COVID-19 challenges and amid budget pressures that could result in cut city programs. The big picture The statewide cap on property tax increases, which has been in place since 2019 and is likely to be lowered further in the next legislative session, has created budget pressures that could lead to a budget deficit in Richardson in the coming years, City Manager Don Magner said at a past City Council meeting. “Unfortunately the system that the state has put on us is [that] we are more limited than ever in the buckets of funding that we have,” Magner said. The city currently provides about $3 million a year in subsidy funds for the center, but Eisemann Center Executive Director Ally Haynes-Hamblen

Eisemann Center revenue

$3.5M $3M $2.5M $2M $1.5M $1M $500K $0

$1.06M

$3.22M

Usage days by event type, FY 2024-25 Fiscal year Nonprofit organizations

170

For-profit/corporations

139

Eisemann Center/City of Richardson events

198

SOURCE: CITY OF RICHARDSON/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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Amazon has introduced adjustments to its Prime Air drone delivery program in Richardson after residents voiced concerns about the noise and frequency of the drones. Sam Bailey, senior manager of economic develop- ment policy at Amazon, explained Amazon’s initial adjustments at the March 9 City Council meeting, although he said there is “more work to do.” The big picture Council approved a zoning change in June in a 4-3 vote to allow Amazon to offer drone deliveries within a 7.5-mile radius of its Richardson facility on Research Drive. The drone program launched in early December, delivering over 13,000 customer orders so far, Bai- ley said. Since the launch, residents who live near the Amazon facility have shared concerns about the noise, frequency and height of the drones that fly over their houses every day. “While we understand progress, that progress needs to be balanced with quality of life,” resident Nancy Crow said. “Lately while in my yard, on my patio, gardening or walking in Crowley Park, I consistently hear the buzz of drones overhead, and it is very irritating and not very peaceful.” Richardson does not have the ability to regulate most of the issues brought up in the complaints, Amazon rolls out drone delivery changes after resident concerns

Allen

SRT TOLL

Drone service area

Parker

LAVON LAKE

Murphy

DNT TOLL

Plano

Wylie

PGBT TOLL

Amazon facility

289

Sachse

Richardson

635

Garland

LAKE RAY HUBBARD

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

SOURCE: CITY OF RICHARDSON/COMMUNITY IMPACT

Woodcreek Church Decreasing the actual noise from the drone would require a hardware change, which will not be in development soon, Bailey said. Therefore, the primary method to decrease drone noise is by increasing their altitude. In addition to raising the average altitude to 225 feet, the eastward route redirection aims to ensure the drones reach maximum height prior to crossing over residential areas. “My goal is to make sure that anytime they are crossing a commercial line into a residential line, they’re at that 225 [feet],” Magner said.

as the drones are largely regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration, City Manager Don Magner said, but the city has worked with Amazon to address some of the concerns. What’s new Bailey said the following changes were imple- mented in February: • Increased minimum altitude for outbound flights to average of 225 feet • Redirected select outbound flights to route eastward over commercial area before entering

the Creek Hollow Estates neighborhood • Reduced overflight of greenway east of

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RICHARDSON EDITION

Government

BY ISABELLA ZEFF

Police report decrease in violent, property crimes

City to strengthen rental regulations Richardson is taking steps to strengthen enforcement of short-term rental regulations. What’s new Proposed amendments to the city’s STR ordinance include: • Requiring owners to update within 72 hours of any changes to a registration • Requiring owners to collect and remit all applicable hotel occupancy taxes • Expanding the grounds for revoking STR permits • Clarifying appeals process for revoked permits • Enabling city staff to hold guests, permit- ted owners and unpermitted operators accountable for infractions

approaches to combat organized auto theft. In a five-year timespan, from 2021 to 2025, Tittle said violent and property crime has decreased by about 52.5%. There were roughly 1,400 less inci- dents in 2025 compared to 2021. “There is a national trend of reducing crime, but not to this magnitude,” Tittle said. Zooming in Richardson has seen a continued decrease in calls for service from a 2023 high, with 187,629 total calls in 2025 to the emergency and non-emergency lines, as well as 230 texts to 911.

The Richardson Police Department reported a decrease in both violent and property crime in 2025, continuing a steady decline of crime in Richardson. Chief of Police Gary Tittle presented the police department’s annual review to City Council on March 2. The big picture Tittle said Richardson saw an 11.2% reduction in violent crime and a 24.8% reduction in property crime in 2025 compared to 2024. Building burglary and auto thefts dropped sig- nificantly, which Tittle said was largely due to new

Richardson total violent and property offenses, 2021-2025 Richardson Police Department reported total violent and property offenses have decreased by 52.5% since 2021. SOURCE: CITY OF RICHARDSON/COMMUNITY IMPACT

2021 2022 2023 2024 2025

2,663

2,311

1,932

1,634

-52.5%

1,260

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Election

BY MICHAEL CROUCHLEY & MIRANDA JAIMES

Voter Guide

2026

Dates to know

Where to vote

April 20: First day of early voting April 20: Last day to apply for ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) April 28: Last day of early voting May 2: Election day and the last day to receive ballot by mail (or 5 p.m. May 4 if the carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. on election day)

Dallas County and Collin County residents can vote at any polling location during early voting or on election day. Visit www.dallascountyvotes.org/voters/election or www.collincountytx.gov/elections for polling locations.

SOURCE: CITY OF RICHARDSON/COMMUNITY IMPACT

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

KEY : *Incumbent

Proposition W: Modernizes language used in this section of the charter. Proposition X: Removes this section, since compensation for municipal court judges are set in the budget process. Proposition Y: Updates language regarding director reports. Proposition Z: Requires board and commission members to be a resident for at least one year prior to appointment. Proposition AA: Makes non-substantive grammar changes. Proposition BB: Requires that Zoning Board of Adjustment members must vote unless otherwise required by law. Proposition CC: Removes redundancy requirement for the civil service board to establish rules regarding the reduction of forces. Proposition DD: Relocates text from the Civil Service Appeals Board to the appropriate section of the charter. Proposition EE: Allows employees the opportunity to apply for internal positions before external candidates. Proposition FF: Eliminates the minimum probation period for a civil service position and allows the board to determine this period. Proposition GG: Removes redundant section of the charter. Proposition HH: Allows the city to provide broader notice of a public hearing for the budget. Proposition II: Replaces the term “citizens of the city” with “the public” to broaden budget hearing participation. Proposition JJ: Clarifies signature requirements for initiative petitions. Proposition KK: Decreases the percentage of qualified voters required to sign an initiative petition. Proposition LL: Clarifies signature requirements for referendum petitions. Proposition MM: Decreases the percentage of qualified voters required

Proposition F: Broadens the opportunity for participation at council open meetings. Proposition G: Clarifies who may serve City Council subpoenas. Proposition H: Modernizes subpoena language. Proposition I: Eliminates redundancy residency requirement for candidates and council members in districts 1-4. Proposition K: Clarifies the word “voters” means qualified voters in the city. already defined in state law. Proposition J: Adds a one-year Proposition L: Clarifies that qualified voters of the city can recall the mayor and council members. Proposition M: Makes the rules for recalling the mayor or council members by petition clearer and more detailed. Proposition N: Requires that only residents can petition a recall election. Proposition O: Moves rules about removing the city manager to the correct section of the charter. Proposition P: Clarifies the city manager should live in the city within six months after appointment. Proposition Q: Clarifies the process for removing the city manager. Proposition R: Gives the city manager authority to create departments and subdivisions. Proposition S: Allows for the city manager to be absent from some council meetings. Proposition T: Allows the city manager to designate a representative when absent from a City Council meeting. Proposition U: Removes the requirement that the city manager obtain a surety bond. Proposition V: Requires the city to carry insurance to protect against losses caused by officials and employees.

to sign a referendum petition. Proposition NN: Retitles this section of the charter and modernizes language. Proposition OO: Clarifies that city property and funds cannot be garnished to satisfy debts, except as allowed by law. Proposition PP: Applies this section of the charter to more than one library. Proposition QQ: Authorizes more people to determine and condemn dangerous structures. Proposition RR: Allows the city to operate during a disaster by permitting action without a quorum and establishing a governing process. Proposition SS: Requires council to adopt a code of ethics for officials and review it at least every two years. Proposition TT: Clarifies procedures for proposing and adopting charter amendments. Proposition UU: Allows the City Council to make non-substantive charter changes, such as renumbering and correcting spelling or punctuation, without voter approval. Proposition VV: Adds a definitions section to clarify the meaning of terms used throughout the charter. Proposition WW: Prohibits a resigning member of council from voting on the appointment of their own replacement to fill their unexpired term. Proposition XX: Requires the mayor or a council member to automatically resign from office upon becoming a candidate for another elective position.

Sample ballot

Richardson ISD Board of trustees, District 3 Euan Blackman Nazlee Burney Luis Fernando Rojas Board of trustees, Place 6 Eric Eager* Blake Sawyer

City of Richardson The following propositions will appear on the ballot. Residents will be able to vote for or against each proposition. 2026 bond election Proposition A: $132.2 million for streets Proposition B: $36 million for public buildings Proposition C: $22.2 million for parks and recreation Proposition D: $16.5 million for sidewalks Proposition E: $16.5 million for drainage 2026 charter election Proposition A: Makes non-substantive grammatical changes. Proposition B: Expands the city’s authority to fund and maintain public buildings and facilities using assessments. Proposition C: Clarifies the election process of the Mayor Pro Tem with length of terms, and allows more than one term of service. Proposition D: Increases council pay to $150 per meeting (max $7,800/year), rising to $200 (max $10,400) in 2030. Proposition E: Clarifies procedures for addressing council member misconduct.

Scan the code to learn more about Richardson’s charter election.

RICHARDSON EDITION

Election

BY ISABELLA ZEFF

Richardson ISD board of trustees, District 3

KEY: *Incumbent

Richardson ISD board of trustees, Place 6

What would your top priorities be if you are elected?

Euan Blackman Occupation & experience: Current Classroom teacher with 23 years experience and Educational advocate at the school board level for a decade... www.euan4risd.com

Nazlee Burney Occupation & experience : Teacher; six years of classroom experience; Director of Admissions in private school; Masters of Education www.nazleeburney.com

Luis Fernando Rojas Occupation & experience: Truck driver; joined 2025 RISD bond steering committee; presented bond tax increase to board of trustees www.luisrojasforschoolboard.org

Why are you running for school board?

I’m running to continue contributing my time and experience to help guide RISD during a time of change. Our district has made meaningful progress, and I want to build on that momentum by supporting great teachers, strengthening student outcomes, and ensuring every student is prepared for the opportunities ahead.

My top priorities are supporting and retaining excellent teachers, protecting classroom resources, and ensuring strong academic growth for every student. I will also work to expand innovative learning opportunities and career pathways that prepare students for success after graduation.

Eric Eager* Occupation & experience: CEO & Cofounder, 4impactdata; RISD Trustee since 2020; CPA; technology entrepreneur; Leadership Richardson graduate; parent... 972-788-0796 Blake Sawyer Occupation & experience: US Operations Director for technology company; parent, long-time Richardson resident, member of several district committees... www.blake4richardson.com

Why are you running for school board?

I'm running because RISD needs a trustee already inside the system, not learning it. After 23 years in the classroom, nine district committees, and attending nearly every board meeting this decade, I know where the problems are. My son graduated from Pearce and our district matters to me personally.

I have lived in this district for 18 years and am deeply rooted in this community. I’m running for the school board because I believe diversity is one of our district’s greatest strengths. Our board reflects our community, and I hope to contribute to that representation while supporting all students...

I’m running because I want a better future for children all over the city.

As an RISD parent with students at every level, I am invested in our schools’ success daily. I have long advocated for academics, safety, accountability and transparency. As your trustee, I will ensure RISD serves every student with integrity and excellence, focusing on helping each child reach their unique potential.

As your trustee, my priorities will be students, educators and taxpayers. With children in SPED and advanced programs, I know how to advocate for individualized achievement. I will empower teachers to focus on academics and ensure fiscal integrity to keep RISD a prosperous, top-tier district for the next 50 years.

What would your top priorities be if you are elected?

First: maintain competitive teacher pay. RISD's pay plan cut turnover from 17% to just 11%. Second: Make RISD a destination district by expanding choice programming such as magnet schools, AP, OnRamps/Dual Credit college options. Enhanced CTE offerings with the new center coming soon.

I would ensure that RISD remains a district that families actively choose to be part of, even as the state expands voucher programs. I will advocate strongly for teacher support in the classroom, recognizing the significant pressure educators face to ensure student growth and success.

I believe our power is greater than we’re told. As a community leader, I aim to strengthen failing schools, support teachers with better pay, and ensure every child succeeds. Together, we can build an education system that leaves no student behind and creates opportunity for all.

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, go to www.communityimpact.com/voter-guide.

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Education

BY ISABELLA ZEFF

RISD expected to see enrollment decline over next 10 years

Richardson ISD is expected to see continued enrollment decline over the next decade, accord- ing to a demographic report presented to the school board Feb. 19. The big picture District-wide enrollment is currently at 36,247 students for the 2025-26 school year, said Hudson Huff with Zonda Demographics. Enrollment declined by 723 students compared to last school year, with second through seventh grade experiencing the most significant drops. Huff said enrollment projections show continued decline over the next decade, with more signifi- cant drops predicted over the next several years. Zooming in Projections show the district dropping below 34,000 students in the 2031-32 school year, Huff said, due primarily to lower birth rates and the antic- ipated impact of school choice. He said enrollment

Richardson ISD enrollment

40,000

Projected enrollment decline

37,633

35,000

36,247

33,149

30,000

School year

SOURCE: ZONDA DEMOGRAPHICS/COMMUNITY IMPACT

begins developing its budget for fiscal year 2026-27, Superintendent Tabitha Branum said. Texas bases school funding on attendance, so a decrease in students will result in a decrease in funding.

decline could stabilize in the early 2030s. “We do believe that we will start to stabilize, but we need some of those earlier grade group levels to start leveling out and picking back up,” Huff said. Enrollment numbers are a key data point as RISD

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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.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Transportation

BY MICHAEL CROUCHLEY

Ongoing projects

Ongoing project

LAKESIDE BLVD.

2 Glenville Drive reconstruction Project: The work includes pavement reconstruction along with improvements to public utilities, trac signals, lighting, pedestrian sidewalks and bike lanes. Update: The main southbound lane reopened to trac March 20, and crews are currently working on sidewalks, bike lanes and other improvements at Glenville’s intersection with Arapaho Road. • Timeline: winter 2021-spring 2026 • Cost: $23.7 million • Funding sources: 2015 and 2021 bonds, City of Richardson, grants 3 Sherman Street reconstruction Project: This project consists of road reconstruction of Sherman Street from Kaufman Street to Lingco Drive and reconstruction of Lingco from Sherman to Spring Valley Road. Update: Crews have completed underground utility work and paving work on the northbound lane. Work at the intersection of Lingco and Spring Valley was set to nish in March. • Timeline: winter 2023-summer 2026 • Cost: $6.55 million • Funding source: 2021 Bond

LAWNVIEW DR.

CAMPBELL RD.

ARAPAHO RD.

1 Lakeside Boulevard reconstruction Project: Crews are reconstructing the street and implementing utility improvements on Lakeside Boulevard from US 75 to Campbell Road, and Lawnview Drive from Lakeside to Greenville Avenue. Update: Installation of the waterline sewers from the roundabout to Campbell is currently underway, along with work in the Lawnview median. • Timeline: winter 2024-spring 2026 • Cost: $10 million • Funding source: 2021 bond

Richardson

SPRING VALLEY RD.

BELT LINE RD.

W. KAUFMAN ST.

LINGCO DR.

S. SHERMAN ST.

MAP NOT TO SCALE N

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RICHARDSON EDITION

Roads on the ballot From the cover

Zooming in

The big picture

Proposed bond projects

Alley

Street

Richardson’s $223.4 million bond proposal, the city’s largest ever, is heading to the ballot in May. The proposed bond features ve propositions funding street repair, re facility renovations, park improvements, sidewalk construction and drainage work. The majority of the money, $132.2 million , will go toward streets and alleys, as Assistant City Manager Charles Go said in an email that infrastructure maintenance “is an ongoing need” in Richardson. About $12.5 million would support the proposed expansion of the city’s re facilities, including the design for a new Fire Station No. 7, and $23.5 million in a future payment would be authorized in the bond for its construction in north central Richardson. The proposed parks funding would support renovations at Breckinridge Park, pool projects and playground renovations.

W. RENNER RD.

14 tra c signal rebuilds

31 street projects

PGBT TOLL

W. CAMPBELL RD.

13 alley segments

3 re station projects

N. COLLINS BLVD.

E. ARAPAHO RD.

N. WATERVIEW DR.

E. MAIN ST.

E. BELT LINE RD.

W. SPRING VALLEY RD.

W. BUCKINGHAM RD.

635

MAP NOT TO SCALE

SOURCE: CITY OF RICHARDSONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Magner said Richardson has seen a “dispropor- tionate amount of need” for road projects over the last decade because the city did not prioritize repairs when streets began aging. A citywide pave- ment condition assessment in 2019 identied the roads most in need of repair, some of which were reconstructed over the last several years under the 2021 bond, Go said. Richardson has fewer major facility needs in the 2026 bond program, Go said, so the proposal was able to set aside more funding for road repairs. “Seeing this level of focus on especially streets and alleys will really help us move the needle,” Mayor Amir Omar said at a Dec. 15 council meeting.

The bond program is “hyper-focused on our core infrastructure,” City Manager Don Magner said, including trac signals, school zone ashers, street and alley repair, and sidewalk construction. “Roadway systems require periodic repair, rehabilitation or replacement as they age and experience continued use,” Go said. Most street repair is not typically covered through general city funds, Go said, so cities rely on bonds to pay for larger repair projects. The proposed bond includes 13 alley repair projects and 15 street reconstruction projects, which will include full-depth pavement replacement of the entire road segment, as well as waterline and sewer replacement, Magner said.

What's on the ballot?

Proposition A: Street improvements ( $132.2M) Proposition B: Fire facilities ( $36M) Proposition C: Park and recreational facilities ( $22.2M) Proposition D: Sidewalks ( $16.5M) Proposition E: Flood control and drainage facilities ( $16.5M) B C D E

SOURCE: CITY OF RICHARDSONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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BY ISABELLA ZEFF

What’s next

Also of note

The bond could also free up limited general city funds for other uses. The 2026 bond would fund localized street repair for the rst time, projects typically paid for by city funds to replace smaller concrete panels that are in poor condition. Other infrastructure funding on the ballot includes $16.5 million for multiple erosion control projects and improvements to the Lois Branch channel to reduce ood risk in the nearby High- land Terrace area.

In 2021, Richardson established a $400 million, ve-year capital improvement plan aimed at upgrading citywide infrastructure, including utilities, streets and alleys. Magner said the plan is the largest capital investment in city history. Richardson may face a budget shortfall in the next few years due to a statewide cap on property tax increases, so Magner said the city will rely on the larger bond program to continue with the planned projects.

While the ballot is required to state that the proposed bond “is a tax increase,” Magner said the program would not require a tax rate increase and is “net-neutral to residents.” “This is about continuing what’s been several years of strong investment in our core infrastructure,” Magner said. Magner said the bond will allow Richardson to continue a ve-year capital construction plan that exceeds $400 million, also a rst in city history. If a proposition does not pass, Magner said the city will consider alternative funding sources and projects could be deferred or canceled. More information on the propositions can be found at www.cor.net/our-city/ bond-projects/2026-bond.

Richardson bonds over time

Streets

Public buildings

Parks

Sidewalks

Neighborhood vitality Drainage

+20%

$55M

2006

Streets funding grew by 360% from 2006-2026. Drainage grew by 377% in the same time span.

+74.24%

$66M

2010

$115M

+65.22%

2015

$190M

+17.58%

2021

$223.4M

2026*

*PROPOSED

SOURCE: CITY OF RICHARDSONCOMMUNITY IMPACT

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Events

BY ISABELLA ZEFF

Patrick Bartley with Texins Jazz Band Grammy-nominated saxophonist Patrick Bartley will perform at the Eisemann Center with the Texins Jazz Band and the Berkner High School Jazz Band. • April 19, 7 p.m. • $30-$42.50 • 2351 Performance Drive, Richardson • www.eisemanncenter.com/event/?i=11668 Richardson BioBlitz Head to Breckinridge Park to photograph and catalogue plants, animals and fungi. All ages are welcome and registration is required. • April 25, 2-5 p.m. • Free • 2000 Brand Road, Richardson • www.bit.ly/4sAEdjn Richardson Symphony Orchestra The symphony orchestra’s season nale concert will include Sergei Rachmanino’s “Symphonic Dances” and Anna Clyne’s lively “Masquerade.” • April 25, 7:30 p.m. • $28-$91.50 • 2351 Performance Drive, Richardson • www.eisemanncenter.com/event/?i=10938

April

‘Over the River and Through the Woods’ Richardson Theatre Centre presents a romantic comedy about an Italian-American family. • April 10-May 3, times vary • $22-$24 • 518 W. Arapaho Road, Ste. 113, Richardson • www.richardsontheatrecentre.net/season26.html Ladysmith Black Mambazo Ladysmith Black Mambazo, a Grammy-winning South African male choral group, will bring their traditional vocal styles to the University of Texas at Dallas. • April 10, 7:30 p.m. • $15, free for UTD students and employees • 800 W. Campbell Road, Ste. 3021, Richardson • www.bit.ly/3O7Tg5f Sow and Tell Richardson Public Library will host a seed swap party where attendees are encouraged to bring seeds to pack, share, swap and contribute to the public seed library. • April 11, 1-2:30 p.m. • Free • 2360 Campbell Creek Blvd., Richardson • www.bit.ly/sowandtell

UT Dallas Jazz Ensemble Enjoy an evening of big band jazz from a range of stylistic periods at the University Theatre, performed by the UT Dallas Jazz Ensemble. • April 30, 7 p.m. • Free • 800 W. Campbell Road, Richardson • https://calendar.utdallas.edu/event/ jazz-ensemble-6123

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Dining

BY KAREN CHANEY

Margherita pizza ($14) features tomatoes and basil.

Key lime pie ($11) is a top selling dessert.

Chilean sea bass ($40) is cooked in lemon wine sauce with artichokes, red peppers and capers.

PHOTOS BY KAREN CHANEYCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Venezia’s Pizza Cafe prioritizes hospitality

As a family owned and operated business, the Krasniqi family said they place high priority on providing a family friendly environment at Venezia’s Pizza Cafe. “My mom [Mandy Krasniqi] is a wonderful lady. Whenever we train [new hires], she’ll train them and show how hospitality should be run,” said Tony Krasniqi, manager of Venezia Trattoria in McKinney. “The main thing is making sure everyone feels like part of the family.” Benny and Mandy Krasniqi opened Venezia’s Italian Cafe in Dallas in 1997. The married business owners sold that restaurant then opened Venezia’s Pizza Cafe in Richardson in 2011 followed by Venezia Trattoria in McKinney in 2024. On the menu Mandy Krasniqi said their Chilean sea bass, which is one of her favorite dishes, takes top ranking on the popularity chart at their Richardson restaurant. “Whenever we describe the sea bass—it melts in your mouth and has a lemon wine sauce—that one is very easy to sell,” Tony Krasniqi said. “We have a lot of people who only get that.” Other top-selling items include shrimp scallop diablo and Mandy’s Special, featuring breaded chicken cooked in brandy cream sauce with basil, red peppers, tomatoes, pepperoncini peppers,

topped with feta and mozzarella cheese and served with fettuccine pasta. Tony Krasniqi said lasagna is widely considered to be a barometer of an Italian restaurant’s overall quality. He said their lasagna is a fan favorite and credits the made-from-scratch sauce as the reason. One of Mandy Krasniqi’s responsibilities is making desserts for both restaurants. She said her personal favorite is her amaretto cheesecake, but the most frequently ordered dessert is her Key lime pie. She credits customer appreciation as one of her favorite things about being a restaurateur. “The No. 1 reason I enjoy working here is when I hear customers say how much they love my desserts,” Mandy Krasniqi said. “My husband and everyone says, ‘Mommy doesn’t have to cook anymore.’ But I see people enjoying it so much, and I just want to make more.” The backstory Prior to opening Venezia’s over two decades ago, Benny and Mandy Krasniqi worked in a variety of restaurant kitchens in New York. They chose to move to Texas to start their business because although North Texas was growing, it wasn’t nearly as busy as New York, and they had relatives living in the area. As their three children, Tony, Albiona and Albion Krasniqi, grew up, they worked in the family restaurant in Richardson.

Cappuccino ($5) features decorative foam art.

Mandy Krasniqi co-owns Venezia’s Pizza Cafe in Richardson with her husband, Benny Krasniqi.

RENNER RD.

3555 Murphy Road, Ste. 107, Richardson www.veneziaspizzacafe.com

RICHARDSON EDITION

Real estate

In February 2026, the median price of a Richardson home was $437,450, down $13,000 from last February. Residential market data

February 2025

February 2026

Number of homes sold

Average home price in the last 6 months

-40.54%

+76.47%

+40%

75080 $470,000

75081 $422,500

75082 $543,500

PGBT TOLL

75082

75080

75081

75082

75080

75081

Median home sales price

PGBT TOLL

BELT LINE RD.

February

2025

2026

$460,000

$470,000

75080

Homes sold by price point

$370,000

$422,500

75081

February 2026

$521,888

$543,500

$1 million+

75082

$700,000-$999,999

$400,000-$699,999

Average days on the market

Number of new listings

$100,000-$399,999

+10.09%

+14.23%

+18.38%

+3.7%

+5.55%

+56.25%

<$99,999

MARKET DATA COMPILED BY METROTEX ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS WWW.MYMETROTEX.COM

75080

75081

75082

75080

75081

75082

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