Get documents about "Economic incentives bringing jobs, providing boost to Irving economy
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Volume 11, No. 2 April 2004
Economic incentives bringing jobs,
providing boost to Irving economy
Tax abatements and other incentives are bring-
ing major corporations to Irving, giving the city
a much-needed economic shot in the arm.
The biggest incentive agreement, expected to
pump $125 million into the Irving economy in
new construction over the next five to seven
years, is with New York financial giant
Citigroup. This initiative secured the 4,500
Citigroup jobs already in Irving, and guaranteed
the creation of about 900 new jobs over the
same time period. Over time, 3,000 new jobs are
expected to be added to the Irving employee
base. Development will occur on two campuses,
one near Regent Boulevard and Belt Line Road
and the other near Royal Lane and Las Colinas
Boulevard, totaling more than 750,000 square
feet. Construction is expected to begin as early
as this fall or spring 2005. The projected
employment base will make the Irving locations
the largest concentration of Citigroup employ-
ees outside of New York City.
Renderings of the Washington Mutual (above) and
Seattle-based Washington Mutual, the biggest Prime Therapeutics sites (at right).
savings and loan in the country, will expand
into a three-story, 120,000-square-foot opera-
tions center at its nine-acre Royal Ridge
Business Park at State Highway 114 and Belt accounting and credit functions at the Irving Prime Therapeutics, 2901 Kinwest Parkway, is a
Line Road. Construction is to begin this month location, adding 120 new jobs this year. provider of pharmacy services to Blue Cross and
and is expected to be completed in January Estimated economic impact is $1.26 million in Blue Shield programs in several mid-western
2005. About 400 employees initially will work at new business personal property and $2.2 mil- states. The company will double its size, leasing
the new facility, but that number could increase lion in real property improvements. Hanson a 75,000-square-foot building, and adding up to
to more than 2,000 over the next 10 years. Aggregates produces concrete pipe and prod- 265 employees this year. Prime needs the
Estimated economic impact is more than $30 ucts, asphalt, bricks and ready-mixed concrete. expanded capacity to serve about 4 million new
million in construction improvements and busi- customers that it gained in December in Illinois,
ness personal property over the next two to Lennar Homes, 1707 Market Place Blvd., which Texas and New Mexico.
three years. relocated its corporate headquarters to Irving
last year, will now open another subsidiary to “It’s clear that these world-class companies
Hanson Aggregates, 8505 Freeport Parkway, is consolidate its purchasing operations. The com- believe that Irving is a good place to do busi-
expanding its lease, adding two additional pany employs 175 people and expects annual ness, now and in the future,” said Finance
floors and a parking garage, for a total of 90,000 sales to top $200 million. Lennar builds homes Director David Leininger. “Their presence
square feet. The United Kingdom-based com- for first time, move-up and active adult home- means more jobs for our residents and provides
pany is consolidating its east and west coast buyers priced from $100,000 and up. a much-needed boost to our economy.”
Candidates vie for four City Council seats May 15
Irving residents will go to the polls to decide Place 2 incumbent Herbert Gears, a business Irving Community Television Network (ICTN)
four City Council races – Places 1, 2, 3 and 7. owner, will face Beth Van Duyne, a research will air voter forums prior to the election and
Early voting will begin Wednesday, April 28, and writer. also will provide live coverage on election day.
run through Tuesday, May 11.
Place 3 candidates are vying for a one-year Tune to cable Channel 74 for candidate inter-
Election day is Saturday, May 15, and the polls unexpired term. The three-way race is between views and election returns beginning at
will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. David Gutierrez, a woodworker; Allan Meagher, 7 p.m. May 15. The programs also will air on the
a manager for United Parcel Service; and Tino Internet at www.ictn.tv. Call (972) 721-2468 for
Places 1, 2 and 7 are for three-year terms. Soto, a consultant. more information about ICTN coverage.
Place 1 incumbent James Dickens, a retired city
employee, will be opposed by Truman Grayson, Place 7 incumbent Sam Smith, president of an Call the City Secretary’s Office at (972) 721-2493
a sales broker, and Melvin Pullen, a self- executive search company, will be opposed by for more information about the election times
employed investor. Joe Stultz, a finance professional. and dates.
Elections Arts Environment Streets
In This Issue Page 2 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10
Candidatos compiten por cuatro Early voting runs
posiciones para Consejales de April 28-May 11
la Ciudad, Sábado, 15 de mayo
Los residentes de Irving irán a En el lugar 2 Herbert Gears, el Irving Community Television Early voting by personal appearance will be
los colegios electorales a actual concejal, es dueño de Network (ICTN) transmitirá conducted from Wednesday, April 28, through
decidir los ganadores de cuatro negocio y se enfrentará a, Beth foros de votantes antes de las
Tuesday, May 11, at the following locations: Civic
lugares en el Concilio de la Van Duyne, una escritora- elecciones y también cubrirá en
Ciudad – Lugares 1, 2, 3 y 7. La investigadora. vivo el dia de las elecciones. Center Complex, 825 W. Irving Blvd.; Irving Arts
votación temprana comienza el Center, 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd., and Barbara
Miércoles 28 de abril y dura Los candidatos del lugar 3 Conéctese al Canal 74 para ver Bush Middle School, 505 Cowboys Parkway.
hasta el Martes 11 de mayo. El están compitiendo por un entrevistas con los candidatos y
Registered voters can cast their ballots on the
día de las elecciones es el término de un año. La compe- los resultados de las elecciones
Sábado 15 de mayo, y los cole- tencia de tres es entre: David comenzando a las 7 p.m. el 15 following days:
gios electorales estarán abiertos Gutierrez, un carpintero; Allan de mayo. Los programas tam-
desde las 7 a.m. hasta las 7 p.m. Meagher, un administrador de bién se transmitirán en el • Wednesday, April 28, through Friday,
United Parcel Service; y Tino Internet en www.ictn.tv. Llame April 30 – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Los lugares 1, 2 y 7 son por tér- Soto, especialista. al (972) 721-2468 para más
minos de 3 años. En el lugar 1 información sobre el programa • Monday, May 3, through Friday, May 7 –
James Dickens, el actual conce- El actual concejal del lugar 7, de ICTN. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
jal, es retirado de la ciudad de Sam Smith, presidente de • Saturday, May 8 – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Irving, tendrá como oponentes una compañia que busca Llame a la Secretaria de la • Sunday, May 9 – 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
a Truman Grayson, un agente ejecutivos, tendrá como opo- Ciudad al (972) 721-2493 para
de ventas, y a, Melvin Pullen, un nente Joe Stultz, un financiero más información acerca de las • Monday, May 10, through Tuesday, May 11
inversionista por cuenta propia. professional. horas y días de las elecciones. – 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Votación adelantada fijada para
el 28 de Abril - 11 de of Mayo
Locations of polling places La votación adelantada en persona se llevará a
cabo en Irving, en los siguientes lugares de
Lugares de Casillas Electorales votación adelantada: Complejo del Centro Cívico,
825 West Irving Boulevard, en la Centro de Artes
de Irving, 3333 North MacArthur Boulevard, y en la
City Precinct No. Polling Place Dallas County Precinct No.
Distrito Electoral Lugar del Distrito Electoral Número del Distrito del Condado de Dallas Barbara Bush Middle School, en 505 Cowboys
1 Thomas Haley Elementary 4621, 4622, 4623, 4630, 4634, 4638
Parkway desde el 28 de Abril - 11 de Mayo.
3601 Cheyenne St. Votantes registrados pueden depositar sus votos
2 A.S. Johnston Elementary 4624, 4625, 4631, 4647 en cualquiera de estas localidades en los sigu-
2801 Rutgers Drive ientes días:
3 MacArthur High School 4626, 4632, 4633, 4635, 4636, 4646,
3700 N. MacArthur Blvd. 4648, 4649 • Del Miércoles, 28 de Abril, al Viernes,
4 L.B. Barton Elementary 4611, 4618 30 de Abril – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2931 Conflans Road • Del Lunes, 3 de Mayo, al Viernes,
5 Irving High School 4612, 4613, 4614, 4615, 4619 7 de Mayo – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
900 N. O’Connor Road • Sábado, 8 de Mayo – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
6 J.R. Good Elementary 4608, 4616, 4617, 4620 • Domingo, 9 de Mayo – 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
1200 E. Union Bower Road • Del Lunes, 10 de Mayo, al Martes 11 de
7 Otis Brown Elementary 4605, 4606 Mayo – 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
2501 W. 10th St.
8 Lee Britain Elementary 4602, 4603, 4604, 4607
631 Edmondson Drive Voting by Mail, Votación por Correo
9 Cimarron Park Recreation Center 4642, 4643, 4644 Requests for a ballot by mail must be sent to:
201 Red River Trail Las solicitudes de boletas para votar por correo
10 Las Colinas Elementary 4637, 4639, 4640, 4650 deberán enviarse a:
2200 Kinwest Parkway
11 J.O. Davis Elementary 4609, 4610 Dallas County Elections Department
310 Davis Drive Early Voting Clerk
12 Sally B. Elliott Elementary 4600, 4601 2377 N. Stemmons Freeway, Suite 820
1900 S. Story Road
Dallas, TX 75207
13 Fire Station No. 8 4627, 4628, 4629
650 E. Las Colinas Blvd.
Applications for ballots by mail must be received
no later than the close of business Friday, May 7.
For more information, call the Dallas County
Elections Department at (214) 819-6300.
List of names on ballot Las solicitudes de boletas para votar por correo
deberán recibirse a mas tardar antes que las
Place 1 Place 3 oficinas hayan cerrado y no después del Viernes,
Jame Dickens Faustino “Tino” Soto 7 de Mayo. Para mas información, llame el
Melvin L. Pullen Allan E. Meagher
Truman Grayson David Gutierrez
Departamento de Elecciones del Condado de
Dallas al (214) 819-6300.
Place 2 Place 7
Beth Van Duyne Sam Smith
Herbert A. Gears Joe Stultz
Page 2 April 2004
Bellew, Spurlock named Irving Art
Association
High Spirited Citizens exhibits
Two longtime Irving residents have been For more than 35 years, Spurlock has provided
honored by the City Council with Irving High countless hours of service. One of the biggest Through Thursday, April 29
Spirited Citizen awards for their commitment commitments of the former councilman has • East Gallery – Pastel Society of the Southwest
and community service. Deborah Bellew been to American Business Clubs (AMBUCS) • West Gallery – Kaleidoscope
received the award in February, while Jack where Spurlock has served in positions ranging
Spurlock was recognized in March. from sergeant-at-arms to president. May 2-27
• East and West Galleries – IAA Annual Juried
Bellew has helped build Spurlock also spearheads Exhibit. Reception 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 16
and strengthen Irving the AmTrykes fund-raisers
through 40 years of com- to provide therapeutic tri- May 30-June 29
munity involvement. The cycles to disabled children. • East and West Galleries – Association of
de Zavala Middle School Traditional Artists Juried Exhibit. Reception
teacher has been closely Spurlock currently serves 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 13
involved with the Irving on the Salvation Army
Heritage Society, and has Council and is acting May 30-June 24
• East Gallery – Association of Traditional Artists
helped stage the Irving chairman of the Irving
Reception 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 13
Heritage Festival for the School District Safety Task
• West Gallery – Lena Pack
past 13 years. Force, in addition to serv-
Deborah Bellew Jack Spurlock ing another term on the The Jaycee Park Center for the Arts is located at
As a volunteer with Western Star Cub Scouts, city’s Planning and Zoning Commission. 2000 W. Airport Freeway. Hours are 12:30 to
she worked with the Scout’s Day Camp and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 1 to
served as the Scout’s Brave Lady. As an active In all, more than 400 of Irving’s “unsung” heroes 4 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call (972)
member of First United Methodist Church, have been honored with the High Spirited 721-8063 or visit www.irvingart.org.
Bellew has served on the vacation bible school Citizen award. To nominate a resident, call
planning committee and children’s committee. (972) 252-7476.
Lamar student receives first city
Neighborhoods award for water quality project
receive grants Brandy Obennoskey, an eighth-grade student at Lamar Middle School, has received the first award
presented by the City of Irving for best water quality project at the Irving Independent School
Nineteen neighborhood and homeowner
District Science Fair. She received a certificate and a $20 cash prize for her entry, “Is It Just High
associations received a financial boost for
Quality H2O?” The city presents programs on water quality at various Irving schools throughout the
their organizations with a Community
year, said Karen Siddall, drainage programs coordinator. “This year, we added an additional incen-
Partnership Grant awarded by the city.
tive as part of an ongoing effort to increase youth awareness of water, the environment and the
effects of pollution. As part of our presentations, students replicate water monitoring testing, see
The grants program, funded through the
how important water is and learn ways to protect our resources.”
Community Affairs Department, provided
$20,000 in seed money to benefit organized
neighborhoods. The money can be used
to fund projects for beautification efforts,
communication initiatives and neighborhood
events. Inspections Department recognized
The Irving Inspections Department has been named a 2004 Recognized City
The following groups received grants: Arts
by the Building Officials Association of Texas for its outstanding contri-
District, Barton Estates, Bear Creek, The
bution to the building profession and the community.
Club Townhomes, The Collections, Espanita,
Grauwyler Heights, Hillcrest Oaks, Hospital The award was presented Feb. 26 during the association’s mid-year con-
District South, Irving Hospital District, ference in Plano. In addition, Inspections Director Bill Elliott was named
Irving Lake Association, Lakeside Landing, “Building Official of the Year” by the organization.
Northgate Heights, Northridge/SONG,
Plymouth Park, Sherwood Forest, Stone Hill, This is not the first time the Inspections Department has been recognized by the
Valley Ranch Riverwalk and Woodhaven Building Officials Assocation of Texas. The department received the “Building
Plymouth Park. Inspections Department of the Year” award for large jurisdictions in 2001, 2002
and 2003.
Fired up for education
The Irving Fire Department has a new facility in which to educate residents.
The former fire station at 1230 Glenwick Lane has been refurbished to serve
as the Public Education Station for fire prevention education programs
for Irving school children and adults. A crew of fire employees and several
graduates of the Citizens Fire Academy converted the facility with in-kind
labor and donated materials.
April 2004 Page 3
Irving teens can “get to the Pointe”
Irving middle and high school teens can enjoy a wide range of activities at the
new Lively Pointe center, located at 909 N. O’Connor Road. The building, for-
merly Lively Park Senior Activity Center, was vacated in December after
construction was completed on the Heritage Senior Center at 200 S. Jefferson St.
The 20,000-square-foot facility provides numerous activities for teens, includ-
ing surfing the Internet, playing pool, working out in the fitness center, playing
video games or getting help with homework. Classes also are available, includ-
ing cooking, ceramics, flag football, karaoke, mariachi band and painting wall
murals, to name a few.
Irving teens enjoy a variety of The Parks and Recreation Department spent the past four years developing
teen-specific programming based on the America’s Promise initiative in a tem-
activities at Lively Pointe. porary facility. During that time, a variety of classes, activities and programs
were created and enhanced, including Teen Jams, Friday Nite Live teen talent
competition, Underwater Easter Egg Hunt, Eggs and Jam, robotics, field trips,
Drama Teach, homework assistance and Girl Power.
Lively Pointe is open from 4 to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 1 to 6 p.m.
Saturday. Admission is free with a valid Parks and Recreation ID card. ID cards
are available free at the center. For more information, call (972) 721-8090.
Weight room In brief
Parade seminar Comedian Timothy Ross will stage shows and a variety of food concessions.
memberships present “The Do’s and Don’ts of Parades” during
this year's Independence Day Parade Seminar at
For more information, call (972) 721-2641.
6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 22. The event will be Special Olympics basketball Irving’s
Want to weight train? If so, consider a membership held at the Civic Center Complex, 825 W. Irving Special Olympics basketball team will compete
at one of the city’s weight rooms. Weight training Blvd. in a state tournament May 20-23 in San Marcos.
offers many benefits. When combined with aerobic The team has won two consecutive titles: 2002
exercises it can reverse declines in strength, bone Born in Los Angeles to Area Title and Area 10 First Place Championship.
density and muscle mass. The following weight parents who were pastors
rooms have free weights, Universal Weight of a local church, Ross The city’s Special Olympics program is one of the
Machines and stationary bicycles. To join the began performing comedy fastest-growing delegations in Texas. Athletes
weight-room programs, residents must be at least in junior high school. with disabilities are able to participate in bas-
18 years old without a parent in attendance, or 16 Since moving to Texas in ketball, softball, track and field, bowling and
years old with a parent. Call (972) 721-2501 for 1997, he has been a fea- golf.
more information. Cost for the weight programs are tured performer at the
as follows: Improv in Addison and in Housed at West Park
various comedy clubs Recreation Center,
throughout the metroplex. Irving’s Therapeutic
Cimarron, Lee, Mustang, In addition to comedy Timothy Ross Program serves indi-
Northwest & Senter club appearances, Ross has also performed for viduals of all ages
INDIVIDUAL RATES with mental and
numerous church youth groups. Ross is skilled in
$25 1 mth the art of improvisation, making his comedic physical disabilities.
$65 3 mth style both fresh and relevant to his audiences. Interested volunteers
$110 6 mth and participants can
$200 year The parade seminar is free and reservations are call (972) 721-2519 for
required. Other seminar topics include: float more information. Special Olympics
FAMILY RATES (up to 4 people) design and idea concepts. Participants will also softball
$35 1 mth receive important parade information and Irving Star Search
$95 3 mth instructions. Five vocalists will be selected to vie for the dis-
$170 6 mth tinct honor of opening a citywide Patriotic Pep
$300 year Those groups interested in participating in this Rally with a traditional version of the “Star-
year’s Fourth of July parade are highly encour- Spangled Banner.”
West, Heritage (50-up) aged to attend. To reserve a space, call the Parks
and Recreation Department at (972) 721-2501. Competition requirements:
INDIVIDUAL RATES • Candidates must be 18 years or older and
Deadline to register is Tuesday, April 21.
$15 1 mth an Irving resident.
$35 3 mth Cinco de Mayo Join in the fun at this year’s • Candidates must record an acapella rendi-
$60 6 mth Cinco de Mayo celebration from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. tion of the “Star-Spangled Banner” on a
$100 year Saturday, May 1, at Lee Park Recreation Center, cassette tape or CD.
3000 Pamela Drive. • Entries must be postmarked by Friday,
FAMILY RATES (up to 4 people) May 14. Hand-delivered entries must be
$30 1 mth Health vendors, musical entertainment, Ballet received by 5 p.m. May 14.
$70 3 mths Folklórico, Hawaiian dances, cheerleaders and
$120 6 mths concessions will be featured. There is no admis- Mail or hand deliver entries to:
$200 year sion charge, and all ages are welcome to attend. Irving Parks and Recreation
Call (972) 721-2508 for more information. Attn: Star Search Competition
825 W. Irving Blvd.
Summer Spectacular at Senter Park Irving, TX 75060
Kick off the summer with a day of fun for the
entire family. Summer Spectacular will be held Finalists will be notified by Tuesday, June 15.
from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 15, at For more information, call the Parks and
Senter Park Recreation Center, 901 S. Senter Recreation Department at (972) 721-2501.
Road. Admission is free; however, fees will
apply to concessions and some outdoor activi-
ties. The Parks and Recreation Department’s
summer activity guide will be delivered
Enjoy outdoor games, summer crafts, clown to resident mailboxes in May as a special
activities, face painting, live entertainment edition of City Spectrum.
Page 4 April 2004
Genealogy program The Irving Public month for a lively discussion of the best that the
mystery genre has to offer. Topics range from
Library and the Irving Genealogical Society will
present Albert Hickman’s “After Their Spirit
Left” at 7 p.m. Monday, April 19, in the Central
contemporary works to the grand masters.
Children’s
summer
Library Auditorium, 801 W. Irving Blvd. The The next meeting will feature a discussion on
event is free and available to the public. A brief the works of Barbara D’Amato at noon
discussion of upcoming events and programs Wednesday, May 5, in the Central Library
reading
will follow. Call the library at (972) 721-2606 for Auditorium, 801 W. Irving Blvd. For more infor-
more information. mation, call (972) 721-2606.
Job Center seminar The Central Library Briefcase Book Club The monthly Bookcase
will host the first of four quarterly seminars for Book Club has moved to a new time, with
Reading fun begins Tuesday, June 1, for children of
job hunters Wednesday, April 21. The morning the next meeting set for 8 to 9:30 a.m. Friday,
May 7. This featured book will be Become an all ages. Children who read (or are read to) for at
session, beginning at 9 a.m., will provide infor-
mation on networking to find a job, Energy Addict: Simple, Powerful Ways to least 20 minutes a day for 10 or more days will
interviewing skills, resume preparation and job- Energize Your Life. receive a Summer Reading Club certificate.
hunting resources available through the library. Additional prizes are available for those who read
An afternoon job fair, from 1 to 5 p.m., will allow The club meets the first Friday of every month more. Visit the nearest library to sign up for the free
job hunters to meet with local employers. in the Central Library Auditorium, 801 W. Irving program, which will run through Saturday, July 31.
Employers interested in participating should Blvd. A joint project of the Library and
contact Chris Dobson at (972) 721-2606 or cdob- Community Affairs departments, it offers Irving children also are encouraged to attend
son@irvinglibrary.org. business people a unique opportunity to gain
Reada-Palooza, the Summer Reading Club kick-off
insight into current business topics and make
event, from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 5, at
Asian Heritage Festival Celebrate the rich new contacts. There is no cost to attend.
and diverse Asian-American heritage at the Irving Mall, located at State Highway 183 and
Asian Heritage Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To register, or for information on purchasing the Belt Line Road. For more information, call (972)
Saturday, April 24, at the North Lake College book of the month, call (972) 261-2606 or (972) 721-2458.
cafeteria. Activities will include martial arts 721-8038, or e-mail cdobson@irvinglibrary.org
demonstrations, as well as dance and music or dtodd@ci.irving.tx.us.
presentations for the entire family. The festival,
which is free and open to the public, is a joint Friends of the Library meeting The
project between North Lake College and the Friends of the Irving Public Library, a non-profit
Irving Public Library. North Lake College is group dedicated to promoting and supporting
located at 5001 N. MacArthur Blvd. Call (972) the library, will hold its Annual Membership
721-2458 for more information. Meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 27, at the
Central Library Auditorium.
Guest speaker will be Emmy award-winning
television reporter Jeff Crilley, who will talk
about his book Free Publicity. The Central
Storytime during 2003
Library is located at 801 W. Irving Blvd. For
Summer Reading Club.
more information, call (972) 721-2628.
Friends book sale This year’s Friends of the
Library Book Sale is set for Friday, June 4,
through Sunday, June 6, at Plymouth Park
Shopping Center, located at the corner of Irving Mother Goose Storytime The Mother
Boulevard and Story Road. Thousands of books Goose Storytime program is designed for
and other reading materials will be available for pre-walker and walking infants under the age of
nominal prices. Proceeds from the sale benefit 12 months.
the Irving libraries.
Babies who attend Mother Goose Storytime will
Día de los Niños Activities for Día de los The “members-only” preview and silent auction experience verbal, visual and tactile stimulation
Niños will include stage performances and will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 3. to enrich language development and encourage
bilingual puppet shows by the Irving Public Memberships will be available at the door. early brain development. This six-week pro-
Library. The event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 4; 10 a.m. gram will include the use of colorful board
Saturday, April 24, at the Cost Savers Plus park- to 5 p.m. June 5; and from 1 to 5 p.m. June 6. For books, singing, puppets and movement to
ing lot at the corner of O’Connor Road and more information, call (972) 721-2628. enhance and bring to life the visual world of
Pioneer Drive. Community services information language.
booths will provide crafts and other activities Mad Scientist Club Children who have
for the children. The program is made possible completed the first grade may attend the Mad Mother Goose Storytime is available at North
by a grant from the Texas Library Association. Scientist Club beginning Tuesday, June 8, at the Lake Community Library and the Valley Ranch
Call (972) 721-2458 for more information. East Branch Library, 440 S. Nursery Road. Branch Library. Group size is limited and regis-
Tickets are available at the East Branch the tration is required. Call North Lake at (972)
Midweek Mysteries Join the Midweek week of the program. Programs begin at 2:30 p.m. 273-3444 or Valley Ranch at (972) 831-0669 for
Mysteries group the first Wednesday of each Call (972) 721-3722 for more information. more information.
times
story
Toddler Storytime Preschool Storytime
For children ages 18 months to 3 years old. A parent For children ages 3 to 6 years old.
or guardian must attend the program. Monday 7:30 p.m. Central Library
Tuesday 10:30 a.m. East Branch Tuesday 10:30 a.m. Central Library
(bilingual) 10:30 a.m. North Lake Community
4 p.m. Valley Ranch Branch 7:30 p.m. Valley Ranch Branch
7 p.m. Central Library (family)
Wednesday 9:30 a.m. Valley Ranch Branch Wednesday 10:30 a.m. Southwest Branch
10 a.m. Northwest Branch 11:15 a.m. Valley Ranch Branch
10:30 a.m. Central Library 4 p.m. Valley Ranch Branch
10:30 a.m. Valley Ranch Branch Thursday 7:30 p.m. Central Library
11 a.m. Northwest Branch (bilingual)
Thursday 10:30 a.m. North Lake Community Friday 10:30 a.m. Northwest Branch
Friday 10:30 a.m. Southwest Branch
Call (972) 721-2606 for
more information and
library addresses.
April 2004 Page 5
ICTN Specials Starting a small business is
APRIL
topic of Hispanic Civic Forum
18 – Town Hall Meeting, Candidates Forum - How to start a small business will be the subject Cynthia Garcia, host of ICTN’s Vida Hispana.
Channel 73 of Vida Hispana’s third Hispanic Civic Forum at Panelists will include representatives from the
6:30 p.m. Repeat: 4 p.m. April 20 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 19. The event, which Internal Revenue Service, Consultant Juan Jose
20 – Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra with will be conducted entirely in Spanish, will be Salgado, Rigo Riza from the Irving Inspections
violinist Caitlin Tully - Channel 74 held at the Irving Civic Center Complex, 825 W. Department and a representative from the
Irving Blvd. It also will be presented live on Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
9 p.m. Repeat: 8:30 p.m. April 29
Irving Community Television Network (ICTN)
20 – Irving Democratic and Republican Clubs Channel 72 and 73 and also can be viewed on Residents who attend the free forum will be able
Candidates Forum - Channel 73 (live) the Internet at www.ictn.tv. to ask questions and receive information about
7 p.m. Repeats: 7 p.m. April 22, 25, 26 and the city and other agencies. For more information,
28; and 4 p.m. April 29. The Small Business Administration is co-spon- call (972) 721-2468.
25 – Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Audition soring the forum, to be moderated by René
Castilla, executive dean of educational partner- Si usted necesita está información en Español,
Finals - Channel 74
ships at North Lake Community College, and por favor llame a éste teléfono (972) 721-8032.
9:30 p.m.
27 – Irving Symphony Orchestra - The King of
Instruments - Channel 74
9 p.m.
MAY
4– Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Audition
Veterans memorial wall
6–
Finals - Channel 74
9 p.m.
Irving Symphony Orchestra - The King of
to be dedicated May 23
Instruments - Channel 74 A special veterans memorial will be officially dedicated at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 23. The public is
8:30 p.m. invited to attend the ceremony at Irving Veterans Memorial Park, 644 Rock Island Road, adjacent to
9– Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra with the Irving Central Library. Special speaker will be Col. Ken Cordier, a former Vietnam veteran POW.
violinist Caitlin Tully - Channel 74
The 75 names on the memorial are Irving residents who gave their lives in service to our country.
6 p.m. These veterans served in wars and police actions conducted since the City of Irving was founded.
11 – Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra - The first phase also includes nine flags and parking lot. The group also is developing a walk of honor
Romantic Rendezvous - Channel 74 through personalized, engraved bricks that will fund additional phases of the project. These include
9 p.m. Repeats: 8:30 p.m. May 20 and a Fountain of Hope, River of Freedom, World Map of Confrontation and Commemorative Wall of
6 p.m. May 23 Contemplation. The Parks and Recreation Department will maintain the park.
15 – City Election Returns - Channel 74 (live) “Thanks to the generous support of our community this memorial has become a reality,” said Bob
7 p.m. Romano, chairman of the Irving Veterans Memorial Park Committee. “We invite the public to join us
18 – Lone Star Youth Orchestra - Channel 74 for this special dedication.”
7 p.m. Repeats: 9 p.m. May 18 and 8:30 p.m.
May 27 Romano, a former councilman, presented the idea for the park to the City Council in 1998.
Subsequently, the City Council authorized the use of the 1.9-acre site and provided seed money for
19 – Irving Hispanic Civic Forum - Business - the memorial project. The volunteer citizens committee has managed the construction of the park,
Channel 72 and 73 (live in Spanish) the research of the veteran names and the fund-raising efforts. Several local businesses and
7 p.m. Repeats: 8 p.m. May 25; 4 p.m. residents have donated funds and in-kind services to make the memorial possible.
May 26; 8 p.m. June 1, 8 and 15; and
4 p.m. June 2 and 9. An engraved brick can be ordered with a donation of $125. A form is printed below, or log on to
www.ci.irving.tx.us to download a copy. For more information, call Romano at (972) 255-4575.
JUNE
2– Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra with
violinist Caitlin Tully - Channel 74
£ brick order
Commemorative Form can be reproduced. form
6:30 p.m. Only one brick per form.
6 – Lone Star Youth Orchestra - Channel 74 Name ____________________________________________________________________________________
6 p.m. Address __________________________________________________________________________________
15 – Irving Symphonic Band - MusicFest 2004 - City ______________________________________________ State _____________ Zip ___________
Channel 74 Phone ___________________________________________________________________________________
9 p.m. Today’s Date _________________ Cost: $125 per brick
Payment Method: r Money Order r Check
Make check payable to Irving Veterans Memorial Park and return to Irving Verterans Memorial Park
Irving: Game of the Week Committee, 825 W. Irving Blvd., Irving, TX 75060.
Games air on cable Channel 74 at 8 p.m. Sunday,
7 p.m. Monday and 8:30 p.m. Wednesday Three lines of information will be engraved on each brick with a maximum of 15 characters per line.
Periods, punctuation marks and spaces count as characters. Bricks may be purchased in honor of an
• April 18-21– High School District Track Meet individual, living or deceased. A letter will be mailed to the individual or family of the honoree.
• April 25-28 – High School Baseball - Irving at Engraving will be done EXACTLY as shown below. Please print.
MacArthur
Line 1:
• May 2-5 – High School Softball - State
Playoffs Line 2:
Line 3:
All programs also can be viewed online at
www.ictn.tv. Call ICTN at (972) 721-2468 for more Please mail my commemorative letter to:
information. Name ____________________________________________________________________________________
Address __________________________________________________________________________________
City ______________________________________________ State _____________ Zip ___________
Page 6 April 2004
Grants program helps Resident
low-income residents input
Irving will recognize National Community Development Week, April 12-18, with a series of events
and activities designed to inform the community about local use of Community Development Block
needed
Grant (CDBG) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Resident input is needed to develop a new five-year
The CDBG program, administered by HUD, is the principal federal program providing grants to plan for the city to receive federal grant funds from
states, counties and cities. These funds are used to improve physical, economic and social conditions the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
for low- and moderate-income residents. Development. Two public hearings already have
been held, with two more scheduled for the
Through this year, nearly $17 million following dates.
has been received for use by Irving
non-profit human service agencies, 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 21
new construction of affordable hous- J.O. Davis Elementary School Cafeteria
ing, housing rehabilitation and 310 Davis Drive
first-time homebuyer programs. Funding Priorities for 2004-09
As recommended by the Community 7 p.m. Thursday, June 17
Development Advisory Committee, a Civic Center Complex, City Council Chambers
volunteer committee appointed by the 825 W. Irving Blvd.
City Council, most of these funds have been dedicated to Proposed Five-Year Consolidated Plan
South Irving projects, especially housing repairs for senior and Fiscal Year 2004-05 Action Plan
homeowners.
For more information, call (972) 721-4800 or visit
For more information about the CDBG program, contact the the Grants Program office at 440 S. Nursery Road,
Grants Program office by calling (972) 721-4800 or in person
Before and after photos
Suite 201.
of a rehabilitated house.
at 440 S. Nursery Road, Suite 201.
April marks Fair
Housing Month New best friend could be
This year marks the 36th anniversary of the Fair
Housing Act, which affirmed the right of every
at the Irving Animal Shelter
citizen to obtain fair housing. The City of Irving Today, more than half of all American house- The Irving Animal Control Program also serves
encourages all residents to support and educate holds own a pet. Studies have shown that pets residents by removing stray and nuisance
others about fair housing issues year-round. fulfill a basic human desire by offering uncondi- animals; reuniting owners with their lost pets;
tional love and affection. And best of all, animals arranging adoptions of claimed and unowned
Fair housing involves making housing available, can help people stay healthy and happy. dogs and cats; and providing free educational
accessible and affordable to all citizens. The materials and presentations to schools and
Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in The City of Irving Web site, www.ci.irving.tx.us, community groups.
housing based on:
provides lots of useful information about pets,
• Race or color
including rules for adoption, lost and found pets, The Irving Animal Shelter is located at 100 N.
• National origin
• Religion and information about pet issues. Residents can Briery Road and is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Sex even e-mail Pets of the Week to a friend. Visit Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Familial status (including children under www.ci.irving.tx.us/PublicHealth/animalcon- Saturday. For more information, call (972) 721-
the age of 18 living with parents or legal trol/adoption/index.asp. 2256.
custodians; pregnant women; and people
securing custody of children under 18)
• Handicap (disability)
Examples of discrimination include:
• Refusing to rent or sell housing Irving Teen Court seeks volunteers
• Refusing to negotiate for housing
• Making housing unavailable The Irving Teen Court program is looking for volunteers ages 14 to 17 to serve as bailiffs, jurors,
• Denying a dwelling court clerks, defense attorneys and prosecutors. A training session will be held in May.
• Setting different terms, conditions or
privileges for sale or rental of a dwelling Attendance at the all-day Saturday training session is required for
those wanting to serve as defense attorneys or prosecutors, while
• Providing different housing services or
those interested in other staff positions are invited to a half-day ori-
facilities
entation. Court is held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. twice a month on
• Falsely denying that housing is available
Tuesdays, and volunteers must be able to serve at least one court
for inspection, sale or rental
session a month for four consecutive months.
• Persuading owners to sell or rent for profit
• Denying access to or membership in a Applications are available at the Teen Court office at the Criminal
facility or service related to housing sale Justice Center, 305 N. O’Connor Road; by calling (972) 721-3601; by
or rental faxing a request to (972) 721-2389; or by sending an e-mail to
mtucker@ci.irving.tx.us. The application also can be printed from
Residents are encouraged to contact the Grants the city’s Web site at www.ci.irving.tx.us.
Program at (972) 721-4800 for more information
on fair housing issues. The Grants Program Web Adult volunteers also are needed to assist staff during the regular
site also may be accessed for additional fair work day or with various tasks during Teen Court sessions.
housing information at www.ci.irving.tx.us/ Interested residents can contact the Teen Court office for more
commdev/grants. information.
April 2004 Page 7
At the theaters
Irving Black Arts Council Jackie Townsell Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra Wind Music and Fun that
African Dance and Drumming Clinic, 10 a.m. to Symphony Concert, 3 p.m. Sunday, May 2, Rocks! A concert
noon Saturdays from April 17 through June 19 Carpenter Performance Hall. Call (972) by Shana Banana,
(except May 8 and May 29), Suite 200. Youth 252-2787 for ticket prices. 1:30 p.m. Tuesday,
ages 8 to 18 receive hands-on instruction in the June 8, Carpenter
art of African dance and drumming. Tickets are Lone Star Youth Orchestra Slavonic Performance Hall.
$5 per student. Spectacular, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Florida’s award-winning
May 5, Carpenter Performance entertainer Shana Banana’s
Irving Symphony Orchestra The King of Hall. Tickets: $8 in advance, $10 lively stage presence and
Instruments, 8 p.m. Saturday, April 17, at the door. dynamic voice will enchant
Carpenter Performance Hall. The season ends children and parents alike.
with the Emperor Waltz by J. Strauss and New Philharmonic Orchestra Tickets: $6 individuals, $5 per
Symphony No. 3 by Saint-Saens. Tickets: of Irving Billy the Kid Meets a person for groups of 15 or more.
$28-$40. Young Winner, 8 p.m. con-
cert, 7 p.m. pre-concert Irving Symphonic Band Music
Entertainment Series of Irving Todd Oxford recital, Tuesday, May 18, Fest 2004, 7:30 p.m. Saturday,
and the Elision Saxophone Quartet, 7:30 p.m. Carpenter Performance June 12, Irving High School Auditorium. The
Monday, April 19, Carpenter Performance Hall. Hall. Tickets: $8-$15 Music Fest will feature Tam Miller on flute.
Irving’s own Todd Oxford and the Elision Tickets: $10
Saxophone Quartet presents a mix of classical Pat Riddle School of
jazz, pop, doo-wop, Latin and world music Dance 39th Annual YWCA 26th Annual Dance Recital, 2 p.m.
styles and composers. Tickets: $20. Recital, noon Sunday, Sunday, June 13, Carpenter Performance Hall.
May 23, Carpenter
Irving Black Arts Council Blues, Ballads, Performance Hall. KidsArts Summer Camps
Broadway and Blessings, 8 p.m. Saturday, Summer Camp No. 1 –
April 24, Carpenter Performance Hall. Features ICT Mainstage Crimes of the Heart, 8 p.m. and Multi-arts camp, cost: $190 (includes Shana
Patrick Amos, Denise Lee, William Blake and 2:30 p.m. Sunday matinee, Friday, May 28 Banana performance - June 8)
Natalie King. Catch an evening of down-home through Saturday, June 12, Dupree Theater. The June 7-11, ages 6 to 12+. Classes include:
blues, Broadway’s best, sultry ballads and Pulitzer Prize winner about three eccentric • Jewelry Making
praises to God. Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 at sisters from a small Southern town rocked by • Printmaking
the door. scandal when Babe, the youngest, shoots her • 3D Boogie Woogie Sculpture Workshop
abusive husband. Tickets: $12-$17 • Singin’ in the Summer Sun
Lyric Stage Desperate Measures, 8 p.m. • Martial Arts
and 2:30 p.m. Sunday matinee, Friday, April 30, Irving Chorale All That Jazz, 8 p.m. Saturday,
through Saturday, May 15, Dupree Theater. May 29, Carpenter Performance Hall. A musical Summer Camp No. 2 –
When a hot-tem- extravaganza including songs from “Chicago” Two-week theater camp, cost: $335
pered young cowboy and “The Lion King,” joined by an Irving dance June 14-25, ages 7-14
is sentenced to hang group and guest soloist. Tickets: $10-$12 More advanced theater camp with Child’s Play
for killing a man, his Touring Theatre
sister, a novice nun Ballet Foundation Inc.
in a nearby mission, Professional Preparatory For more information, call (972) 252-7558.
goes to the governor Performances, 2 p.m. and
to plead for her 6 p.m. Sunday, May 30, All events are located at the Irving Arts Center,
brother’s life. Carpenter Performance Hall. 3333 N. MacArthur Blvd. unless otherwise noted.
Desperate Measures Show includes excerpts
is a coproduction from the Exotic Ballets and For more information, call the Irving Arts Center
with Casa Mañana. Dancing to Oz. Call (972) at (972) 252-7558 or visit www.irvingartscen-
Tickets: $15-$29 252-2787 for ticket prices. ter.com. The Irving Arts Center Box Office may
be reached at (972) 252-ARTS. Box office hours
Las Colinas Symphony Orchestra The Forcher Dance Center are noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday
Symphony Goes Doo Wop With Love!, 8 p.m. Annual Spring Recital, and one hour prior to show times.
Saturday, May 1, Carpenter Performance Hall. Sunday, 12:30 p.m.
Irving Arts Center activities are sponsored in
Rediscover a lost mine of “rough diamonds” Sunday, June 6,
part by the City of Irving through the Irving Arts
that accompanied past interludes with love and Carpenter Performance
Board.
romance. Tickets: $19-$55 Hall.
Irving Arts Center ... There’s Always Something Going On!
At the Early Texas art The Eyes of Texas: The Lone Star State as Seen by Her Artists is on display
galleries
through Sunday, May 23, in the Focus Gallery and Dupree Theater Lobby. This collection of early Texas
art includes paintings and works on paper by Merritt Mauzey, Otis Dozier, Reveau Bassett, Florence
All exhibits are free McClung, Alexandre Hogue and many other Texas artists of regional and national importance.
and open to the public.
Adams’ paintings In Praise of the Pear: Paintings by Donna Finch Adams will be on display
All galleries are located from Saturday, April 24 through Sunday, Sept. 26, in the Carpenter Performance Hall Lobby. A gallery
at the Irving Arts Center, reception will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 25.
3333 N. MacArthur Blvd.
Five state competition Annual Texas and Neighbors Five State Competition will be
Gallery hours are 9 a.m. displayed from Saturday, April 24 through Saturday, May 15, in the Main Gallery. A reception and
to 5 p.m. Monday through awards ceremony will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 25.
Friday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Thursday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Watercolor exhibition Hosted by the Southwestern Watercolor Society, Western Federation
Saturday; and 1 to 5 p.m. of Watercolor Societies’ Annual Juried Exhibition will run from Saturday, May 22, through Sunday,
Sunday. June 13, in the Main Gallery. A reception and awards ceremony will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. May 21.
The display is in conjunction with the Western Federation of Watercolor Societies’ annual meeting.
Ceramic display The Heart’s Reef: Ceramics by Miao-Fang Lin, ethereal and organic ceramic
sculptural works by Miao-Fang Lin, a recent master’s of fine arts recipient from the University of Dallas,
will be showcased Saturday, May 29 through Sunday, June 20, in the Focus Gallery.
Page 8 April 2004
Family fun planned for Recycling
Earth Day on April 24 changes
The City of Irving invites residents to attend Irving’s Smart Living Expo, a celebration for Earth Day,
from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 24, at Heritage Park (corner of Second and Main streets).
Old Program … New Twist Improvements
have been made to Irving’s curbside recycling pro-
Attendees can visit with vendors about renewable energy, water conservation, sustainable and
gram, making it easier than ever for residents to
green building products/materials, organic gardening and land-
participate in the program. All recyclables, includ-
scaping with native plants. Recycled products will be on display,
ing paper, now can be placed in the blue bag. Glass
and attendees can visit booths about alternative health care.
bottles and jars also are acceptable, as are plastic
Residents also can adopt-a-pet through the DFW Humane Society.
food containers No. 1 through No. 7 (except No. 6).
Be sure bags don’t exceed 50 pounds.
Also on display will be alternative fuel vehicles, bicycle alterna-
tives and information about mass transit. Bring the kids out for a
Where are blue bags available for purchase?
variety of activities – a magical environmental show (starts at
Residents can find blue bags at most grocery and
10:30 a.m.), face painting, building birdhouses, getting a “tattoo,”
discount stores. The bags also are sold at the Civic
playing eco-games and more!
Center Complex, 825 W. Irving Blvd., in Customer
Service on the first floor. If purchased from the city,
Carter Bloodcare also will accept donations all day during the
cost is $5 for a box of 50.
Expo. To reserve a spot to donate blood during the Smart Living
Expo, call Heather Taylor at (972) 721-2345. Slots are available
Have the recycling schedules changed?
from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All donors will receive a free T-shirt.
Collection schedules are the same. Recyclables
must be at the curb by 7 a.m. the day of collection.
The event is being held in conjunction with the Fifth Annual
Rockin’ 50s Car Show and Street Festival. For more information,
call the Public Health and Environmental Services Department at What materials are accepted at the curb?
(972) 721-2355. • Aluminum and steel food cans; aerosol cans.
• Plastic food containers No. 1 through No. 7
(excluding No. 6).
• Glass bottles and jars.
• Paper.
City receives $56,000 grant for • Corrugated cardboard (flattened and put
under the recycling blue bag).
recycling in Irving school district What plastics are not accepted?
Plastic wrap, plastic bags of any kind (except for
the recycling blue bag in which recyclables are
The Irving Public Health and Environmental Services Department has received a $56,000 project placed) and bottles that have contained pesticides
grant from the North Central Texas Council of Governments to bring recycling into every classroom or other hazardous materials such as motor oil.
of the Irving Independent School District.
What glass is not accepted?
“The goal of this project is to create the recycling infrastructure at each campus, as well as the Light bulbs, plate glass, auto glass, tempered
administrative offices, so that recycling is accessible by all faculty, staff and students,” said Fran glass, mirrors, ceramics or any glass that is not a
Witte, the city’s solid waste programs and marketing supervisor. container.
The school district has recycling containers outside each campus building and the administrative Call the Public Health and Environmental Services
buildings, but few schools have a structured recycling program. In addition to providing recycling Department at (972) 721-2346 for a packet and
bins for each classroom and administrative office, training materials also will be developed. The pro- collection schedule. For more information, log on
gram is expected to begin in November, coinciding with Texas Recycles Day. to www.ci.irving.tx.us/PublicHealth/index.htm
For more information about the project, call (972) 721-2355.
New materials now accepted at Irving
recycling centers Recycling drop-off centers
now accept these new materials:
Understanding the recycling of plastics • Plastic food containers No. 1 through No. 7
(excluding No. 6).
Irving now accepts plastic food containers No. 1 through No. 7 (except No. 6 - Styrofoam) in the • Empty toner and inkjet cartridges.
curbside recycling program as well as all recycling drop-off centers. • Cellular phones.
To identify plastic containers for recycling, look at the bottom of the plastic container. A Other materials accepted at the recycling centers:
recycling triangle can be seen with three chasing arrows and a number in the middle. All but • Aluminum and steel food cans; aerosol cans
No. 6 is recyclable. Plastic grocery store bags are acceptable only at the drop-off centers. Plastic • Corrugated cardboard
containers that have contained pesticides or other hazardous materials, such as motor oil are • Glass bottles and jars
not accepted. • Junk mail, magazines and catalogs
Plastic Container Identification Code • Mixed office and school paper
(found on the bottom of coded containers) • Newspaper (including advertising slicks)
• Paperboard boxes (cereal, macaroni boxes, etc.)
• Plastic grocery store sacks (no other store bags)
Code 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 • Telephone books and clothing for donations
Recycling center locations:
Abbreviation PET HDPE V or PVC LDPE PP PS Other • Albertsons parking lot (I-635 and MacArthur)
Full name Polyethylene High Density Vinyl or Low Density Polypropylene Polystyrene A mixture • Albertsons parking lot (S.H. 183 and O’Connor)
Terephthalate Polyethylene Polyvinylchloride Polyethylene or combination • Hobby Lobby parking lot
of resins (S.H. 183 and Belt Line Road)
• Kroger parking lot
Is it YES YES YES YES YES No YES (515 S. MacArthur Blvd. at Sixth Street)
recyclable • Little Saigon Mall parking lot
in Irving?
(3113 N. Belt Line Road at Chime Street)
Can it be Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes
transparent? Hours of operation:
Monday, Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Typical soft drink, milk, shampoo honey, syrup, sour Foam cups, Catsup, Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
containers juice, water, laundry mustard cream, cream yogurt, pudding,
Tuesday and Wednesday Closed
peanut butter detergent cheese egg cartons mayonnaise
April 2004 Page 9
Highway 183 project gets approval
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
Photo courtesy of Halff Associates Inc.
has ruled that proposed improvements to State
Highway 183 will not have significant impact on
the environment, thus clearing the way to pur-
sue funding for right-of-way, engineering and
construction.
The start date for the project will be dependent
on funding availability, and city staff is working
with the Texas Department of Transportation
(TxDOT) and the Regional Transportation
Council to allow the $650 million project to
begin.
The proposed improvements to the heavily used
east-west highway through Irving will extend
from east of State Highway 360 to west of
Interstate 35E. Traffic on S.H. 183 currently
exceeds capacity, and the improvements are
designed to better handle demands anticipated
25 years into the future, according to TxDOT.
“We’re pleased that this important project can
now move forward,” said Jim Cline, the city’s
public works and transportation director. “We This computer-generated rendering shows the planned reconstruction and
had a tremendous amount of involvement from expansion of State Highway 183, looking east at the new Belt Line Road
our residents, local businesses, chamber of com- intersection (foreground) with proposed Irving Boulevard ramps in the
merce, Irving Citizen Advisory Committee and background.
others, and we really appreciate all of their
efforts.” The city has held several public input meetings mental resources before the projects can be
regarding the proposed highway project and approved. The environmental assessment
The project will involve widening the freeway worked to keep residents and businesses study, conducted by TxDOT and begun more
to eight general-purpose main lanes (four in impacted by the project updated throughout the than two years ago, considered a number of fac-
each direction) and adding a two- to three-lane planning stages. The project requires 72.6 acres tors, including noise levels, historical and
reversible Managed High Occupancy Vehicle of right-of-way. The owners of the two existing cultural resources, air quality, water resources,
(HOV) system. A second track for the Trinity homes and 64 businesses in Irving already have open space and right-of-way displacements to
Railway Express commuter rail would be added, been notified. City staff will work alongside homes and businesses. A draft of the assess-
and improvements will be made to major east- TxDOT through this transition to assist the ment was presented for public input last year,
west roads, including Irving Boulevard, Rock impacted property owners. and submitted to the FHWA for final approval.
Island Road, Trinity Boulevard and Hunter
Ferrell Road. The project also includes improve- The National Environmental Policy Act requires Residents with questions about the project can
ments to more than 100 intersections with federally funded transportation projects to call the Public Works and Transportation
traffic signals. examine potential impact on social and environ- Department at (972) 721-2646.
Various public works projects under way this spring
D.
1 Point Project Contractor Cost Completion Date
. 16
S. H
1 Las Colinas Blvd. Extension and Site Concrete $2.46 million Fall 2004
ROYAL LANE
S. H Lake Carolyn Parkway Extension
. 11
4
O’CO
N
2 Las Colinas Blvd. – Fuller to Site Concrete $1.6 million Spring 2004
NOR
WALNUT HILL LANE
BLVD
SPU S.H. 348
R3
248 1
.
3 Briery Road Paving SYB Construction Co. Inc. $881,000 Spring 2004
161
4 Northgate Drive Grade Rebcon Inc. $4.4 million Fall 2004
BELT LINE ROAD
H.
RO
S. Separation at DART
CH
ELL
EB
NORTHGATE DRIVE
LVD
5 Conflans Road Extension – Sutton & Associates L.P. $1.46 million Summer 2005
.
O’CONNOR ROAD
MACARTHUR BLVD.
S. H
ROCHELLE ROAD 4 . 114 Esters to S.H. 161
10 7
6 Grauwyler – Bent Tree to Betsy Ed Bell Construction Co. $6.6 million Spring 2006
S. H. 183
10 11 10 S. H. 183
6 GRAUWYLER ROA 7 MacArthur Streetscaping Ed A. Wilson Inc. $263,000 Spring 2004
ESTERS ROAD
PIONEER DRIVE GRAUWYLER ROAD
5
10 8 2002 Sanitary Sewer Replacement SYB Construction Co. Inc. $531,000 Summer 2004
IRV
ING
Section I
BLV
8 PIONEER DRIVE
D.
ROCK ISLAND ROAD 8
9 2003 Water Replacement Section II Gra-Tex Utilities $904,000 Summer 2004
3 9S. H. 356
NURSERY ROAD
IRV
ING 10 2004 Water Replacement Section I Camino Construction $372,000 Summer 2004
STORY ROAD
BLV
SHADY GROVE ROAD D.
12 11 Pilgrim/Standish Alley Project RKM Utility Services Inc. $271,000 Summer 2004
LOOP 12
HUNTER FERRELL ROAD 12 West Irving Branch Channel Humphrey & Morton $1.5 million Fall 2005
Improvements
For more information, call (972) 721-2611.
Page 10 April 2004
Rockin’ 50s set for April 24
Remember the past while preserving the future! This year’s Rockin’ 50s will be held in conjunction
with Irving’s Smart Living Expo from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 24, at Heritage Park, 217 S.
Main St. Admission is free. For Your
More than 100 classic cars and trucks are expected to be on
display throughout the day. This year’s event also will
include live entertainment from Wholly Smoke and visits
Health
from “Elvis.” For more information, call (972) 721-3636. Immunization roundup
A variety of health programs and screenings
for children will be available from 9:30 a.m.
Heritage Park site of Downtown Rhapsody to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 17, at Pierce
Early Childhood School, 901 Britain Road.
Enjoy an evening of music with Leo Hull and The Texas Blues Machine from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday,
May 28, at Heritage Park, 217 S. Main St. The event will offer free immunizations;
checkups; height and weight measure-
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnic dinners to enjoy throughout the ments; vision and hearing exams; dental
concert. The City of Irving Preservation and Redevelopment Board will provide non-alcoholic drinks checks; and lead and Tuberculosis screen-
and desserts. For information about this evening concert, call (972) 721-3636 or visit the city’s Web ings. Also, registration for the Children’s
site at www.ci.irving.tx.us. Health Insurance Program will be available.
All children are welcome at the event,
which is being sponsored by the Baylor
Irving Heritage Festival to be held June 11-12 School of Dentistry, Children’s Medical
Celebrate Irving’s cultural diversity and heritage Friday and Center pediatricians, Irving Independent
Saturday, June 11-12. A variety of musical performers, School District, City of Irving and UT
crafters and International Boulevard are just some of the Southwestern Medical School. For more
highlights of the 14th Annual Irving Heritage Festival. information, call (214) 819-2031.
Opening ceremonies begin at 7 p.m. June 11 and include an
Free breast and cervical health exams
evening concert by Wholly Smoke at Centennial Park, 444 W. The City of Irving and Planned Parenthood
Irving residents enjoy the
Second St. are offering free mammograms and
crafts at last year’s festival.
well woman exams to women 50 and
The festival continues from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 12 at Heritage Park and along Main Street, from older. The pap smear, pelvic and breast
Third Street to Rock Island Road. Activities will include heritage crafters, musical performances, a exams will be held from 9:30 a.m. to
children’s area, food vendors, arts and crafts, and International Boulevard celebrating Irving’s cul- 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 19, at Planned
Parenthood of North Texas, 1111 W. Airport
tural diversity.
Freeway. To make an appointment, or for
more information, call the Irving clinic at
Admission is free. Check for updates about the festival and list of musical performers as they are (972) 258-0021.
confirmed for the event at www.irvingheritagefestival.com. To volunteer during the festival, or to
become a vendor, call Diane Mannon at (214) 636-7326.
Organizing City maintains AAA bond ratings
The City of Irving has retained its AAA bond rating from both major Wall Street credit-rating
neighborhood firms, ensuring the most competitive interest rates for future bond projects. This is the 10th con-
secutive year that Irving has received the highest ratings for its general obligation debt from both
associations Standard & Poor’s Corp. and Moody’s Investors Service. Irving is one of only a handful of cities
nationwide and two in Texas with double AAA bond ratings.
In its correspondence to the city, Standard & Poor’s cited Irving’s “diverse and expanding eco-
Residents who would like to form a neighborhood nomic base, which supports above-average income levels, strong and diverse corporate presence
association are invited to attend a special meeting and sound fiscal management practices as evidenced by historically high reserves.”
of the Working for Irving’s Neighborhoods (WIN)
program at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 11, at the Civic Moody’s stressed that the city’s financial operations “should continue to benefit from strong
Center Complex, 825 W. Irving Blvd. management,” although slow revenue growth and increasing costs “will pose fiscal challenges
in the near term.”
“The WIN program helps residents start neighbor-
Following confirmation of the bond ratings, the City Council approved the sale of $34
hood associations and foster a spirit of
million in general obligation refunding and improvement bonds and $4 million in tax notes. A
community,” said Denise Todd, business liaison
total of $14 million in new bonds will be issued and used for a variety of projects, including ren-
and organizer of the special meeting. “The program ovations of the recently acquired museum facility, upgrades to the city auto pound, street
is a renewal of the old-fashioned concept of what it improvements and the preparation of a new master plan for the library system.
means to be a good neighbor.”
City staff and neighborhood association members
will discuss how to start an association, the bene-
fits of having a neighborhood association, and how Moving Irving’s heritage
to conduct effective neighborhood board meetings
and general membership meetings. The City of Irving recently relocated this 1930s vintage
building at 301 N. Compton Ave. to the Jackie Townsell
Bear Creek Heritage Center at 3925 Jackson St. The
For more information on how to start a neighbor-
building was formerly the Bear Creek Masonic Lodge
hood association, call Todd at (972) 721-8038. To
and also was used as a community center. It will be
register for the WIN meeting, call Tammy Hanson
refurbished and house a museum depicting the African-
at (972) 721-7600.
American history of the Bear Creek area.
April 2004 Page 11
Our Vision Voluntary water conservation
Irving, Texas –
The City of Choice ...
measures to begin May 15
The city will initiate its annual voluntary water restrictions beginning Saturday, May 15, and
Now and in the the conservation measures will continue until Thursday, Sept. 30. Irving water customers are
Future. encouraged to voluntarily adhere to the following guidelines.
Irving will be recognized for its Residents are asked not to water between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Addresses with even
innovative leadership, excellent numbers should water on Tuesdays and Saturdays only. Addresses with odd numbers are to water
customer service, cultural diversity on Sundays and Wednesdays only. (Refer to the watering schedule printed below).
and superior quality of life.
Call Water Utilities Department at (972) 721-2281 for more information.
Our Mission
The City of Irving will respect, value
and respond to the dynamic needs
S M T W T F S
of our residents, businesses and
visitors. Working in partnership with ODD EVEN ODD EVEN
our community, Irving will become
numbered NO numbered numbered NO NO numbered
addresses addresses addresses addresses
the city of choice as people elect to can water. OUTSIDE can water. can water. OUTSIDE OUTSIDE can water.
live, work and do business in our safe, No watering is WATERING No watering is No watering is WATERING WATERING No watering is
healthy and vital neighborhoods. allowed between allowed between allowed between allowed between
7 a.m. and 7 p.m. 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.
City ordinance prohibits temporary signs that are on utility poles or placed in the median of any street. Residents are encouraged to call the
Inspections Department at (972) 721-2371 so that these signs can be removed. Signs placed on public right-of-ways are allowed from noon Friday
to noon Monday.
The Community Affairs Department oversees the city’s cable franchise and acts as a liaison between Comcast cable and its customers in Irving.
Call Comcast at (972) 445-5555 if a problem occurs with service. Residents who are unable to resolve a problem with Comcast or have a com-
plaint with service should call the Community Affairs Department at (972) 721-2533 for assistance.
The city conducts a test of its outdoor warning system sirens at 1 p.m. the first Wednesday of the month unless weather conditions are inclement.
The city’s 20 outdoor warning sirens are strategically placed throughout the city to notify residents who are outdoors when hazardous weather
conditions exist. Residents are asked not to call 911 upon hearing the test sirens.
Council to hold
budget hearings
Residents can provide input on the city’s 2004- City offices to close for Memorial Day drop-off recycling centers and landfill at
05 fiscal year budget during three public 220 W. Hunter Ferrell Road also will be
City offices will be closed Monday, May 31,
hearings. Comments can be made to the City closed. All city recreation centers will be
Council on any aspect of the budget, including for Memorial Day. All offices will reopen at
their regular hours on Tuesday, June 1. City closed. The city’s swimming pools will be
programs and services, property tax rates,
libraries will be closed both Sunday and open, but the North Lake Aquatic Center
water and sewer rates, and sanitation fees.
Monday, May 30-31. will be closed.
Public hearings are set for Thursday, May 20,
Sept. 2 and Sept. 16, with adoption of the bud- There will be no residential trash or Other city holidays during 2004 are:
get scheduled for Sept. 16. All hearings are at brush collection on May 31, nor will there Monday, July 5; Monday, Sept. 6; Thursday
7 p.m. at the Civic Center Complex, 825 W. be any curbside recycling service. The city’s and Friday, Nov. 25-26; and Friday, Dec. 24.
Irving Blvd. Call the City Secretary’s Office at
(972) 721-2493 to confirm hearing dates. The
city’s budget year begins Friday, Oct. 1.
PRSRT STD
ECRWSS
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
IRVING, TX
PERMIT NO.116
www.ci.irving.tx.us
City Spectrum is published bimonthly by the City
of Irving Community Affairs Department to keep
Irving residents informed of activities and news
that may be of interest to them.
Laurie M. Kunke
Public Information Manager
RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER
Richard Hill
Public Information Specialist
Lorena V. Pape
Graphic Designer
Vol. 11, No. 2 • April 2004
POSTMASTER: Dated Material
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