A note from Rich Aubin

Thank you for the opportunity to update the neighborhood on projects and issues. We had a very busy summer and early fall with the passing of the annual operating budget and are now gearing up for the legislative session and the capital projects budget. I’ll start with matters of direct impact on Orchard Hills and work my way out.

New NPO for Orchard Hills

We have a new Neighborhood Police Officer (NPO) for Orchard Hills, Officer Matt Pesta. Officer Pesta has replaced Officer Dial, who took another position within the department. Officer Pesta’s information is in the contact section of the newsletter. Please do not hesitate to reach out to him with any question or concerns that you may have. I am extremely proud of Garland’s NPO program and the excellent work the NPO’s do to coordinate resources and solve neighborhood problems.

Parkmont Drainage Project

The Parkmont Drainage project is still coming. It is expected to go out for bid in the 1st quarter of 2017 with construction starting in the 2nd quarter. This is still contingent on some neighbors who have not yet responded to the City about right-of-way issues necessary to the project.

Neighborhood Vitality Pilot Program

In conjunction with the Parkmont Drainage Project, the Office of Neighborhood Vitality will be initiating a pilot program in Orchard Hills called “Where the Heart Is” to bring a broad spectrum of improvements targeted at a single neighborhood. An overview of the program is tentatively set for January 31, 2017 at 6pm at the Saturn Road Church of Christ. Please plan to attend.

Infrastructure (streets) and CIP Budget

I continue to bang the drum on street improvements. This year’s operations and maintenance budget did include extra, non-recurring funding for street improvements, but it is not enough to solve our very big streets problem (even if the funding were recurring). The 2017 Capital Improvements Program (CIP Budget) is being prepared and will be dealt with by the Council over the next few months. I will again push for funding for streets. I hope you will pay close attention to the CIP process and come down to talk to the Council about your opinions and needs.

I-635 East Reconstruction

This will be one of the major issues for Garland in the legislative session that starts this winter. Candidly, despite high hopes for getting this project moving, the outlook is a bit troubling due to the opposition of our State Senators to certain funding options. This project is critical to the future of Garland and to Orchard Hills. I expect to spend some time down in Austin this winter and spring pushing for the needs of Garland.

Thank you and please have a wonderful holiday season. Do not hesitate to reach out to me with any issues, ideas or concerns you may have.

Rich