Everything you need to know about Richardson’s upcoming $190 million bond election

Richardson voters can soon vote on five bond propositions in an upcoming election. The $190 million bond package is mainly focused on infrastructure repairs and improvements, and involves projects addressing streets, public buildings, sidewalks, stormwater drainage and parks.

The projects were selected after city departments presented reports to Richardson city council regarding their biggest needs, according to a city handout. The proposed bonds would not increase the city’s property tax rate, the handout says.

Early voting begins Oct. 18, and Election Day is Nov. 2.

Here is a breakdown of the five propositions.

Proposition A involves the issuance of $102 million in general obligation bonds that would fund repairs and replacement for streets, alleyways and traffic signals throughout Richardson, according to the city handout. The potential project would address more than 12 miles of streets and more than six miles of alleyways. It would also replace aging drainage, water and sanitary sewer infrastructure below streets and alleyways as needed. Four new traffic signals and 15 replacements are also planned.

Proposition B involves the issuance of $64 million in general obligation bonds for public buildings including the Richardson Public Library, city hall, fire station and animal shelter, the city handout says. The proposition would include a full renovation of the library, renovated staff areas and restrooms for city hall and security and technology enhancements for city hall. Fire Station 5 would receive a new fitness room and expanded living quarters, and the animal shelter would receive a new main entrance and expanded staff offices.

Proposition C involves the issuance of $8.5 million in general obligation bonds for repairing two of Richardson’s seven residential sidewalk zones and three of the nine commercial sidewalk zones, according to the city handout. This funding would focus on ensuring ADA accessibility and barrier-free ramps at intersections in these sidewalk zones.

Proposition D involves the issuance of $8 million in general obligation bonds that would fund a stormwater detention facility that would reduce flood risk downstream of Campbell Road, the city handout says. Other projects include gabion walls at Prairie Creek; a culvert outfall and sanitary sewer manhole, along with concrete protection, embankment stabilization and alley subgrade stabilization at Huffhines Creek; and gabion walls along with sanitary sewer and alley pavement protection at Chestnut Creek.

Proposition E involves the issuance of $7.5 million in general obligation bonds to address playground equipment updates at nine city parks, according to the city handout. Eight of these parks would receive new equipment, and the ninth park, Breckinridge Park, would replace equipment and relocate the playground near Keffler Fields. The proposition would also develop a city property on Apollo Road near North Plano Road with a multiuse field and infrastructure including water utilities, power, sidewalks and parking. A city property on South Glenville Drive near East Belt Line Road would receive a loop trail, creek crossing and landscaping.

For information on how and where to vote, click here.