Aug. 1, 2021
This Week's News
Development Partnership Brings New Vitality to Garland’s Medical District
The City of Garland is partnering with Prevarian Companies and Harrison Street to bring new vitality to the community’s medical district.

In May 2013, the City adopted the Forest-Jupiter Transit-Oriented Redevelopment Plan, with recommendations to include a medical district anchored by Baylor Medical Center – Garland. Following Baylor’s 2018 closure, the former hospital campus was recommended as a proposed Veterans Administration Hospital and Clinic in July 2019. In April 2020, the VA Medical Center Garland opened.

The City seeks to continue the redevelopment of the medical center campus to support the VA’s efforts and fulfill the City’s plans for a full-service medical district.

Located at the northeast corner of North Shiloh Road and Walnut Street, Valoris HealthPark Garland will serve as a renewed, centralized destination for comprehensive health care services for veterans and the residents of Garland.
Garland Independent School District Begins 2021-22 School Year Tomorrow
As Garland ISD students prepare to return to school Monday, Aug. 2, the City reminds all motorists to observe school zones and stay alert near schools, crosswalks and playgrounds.
 
Here are a few reminders to keep motorists and pedestrians safe this school year:
  • The school zone speed limit is 20 mph.
  • Use of cellphones in school zones is prohibited.
  • All vehicles must stop behind the painted white crosswalk line.
  • Vehicles and pedestrians must obey the direction of crossing guards.

Also remember that although school is back in session, Surf and Swim will remain open on weekends through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 6. Operating hours and more information can be found on the Garland Aquatics website.
GHFC Applications Close Friday, Aug. 6
The City will accept applications through Friday, Aug. 6, for a Garland Housing Finance Corp. (GHFC) board member position. The current term ends Aug. 31.
 
GHFC is a public nonprofit corporation. The programs offered by GHFC are designed to increase affordable housing opportunities while strengthening Garland.
 
A resume and letter of interest may be submitted to René Dowl, City Secretary, at RDowl@GarlandTX.gov or to City Hall, 200 N. Fifth St., Garland 75040. Applicants will be interviewed by the City Council at the 6 p.m. Aug. 16 Work Session.
 
Additional information about GHFC can be found at GarlandHFC.org. 
Downtown Road Closures Through Friday, Aug. 6
To promote pedestrian connectivity throughout Downtown Garland, the City in partnership with the Kansas City Southern Railway Company (KCS) will incorporate pedestrian panels at two railway crossings.

KCS will work at the Main Street crossing between Fifth and Fourth streets through Tuesday, Aug. 3. Work will move to the Avenue A crossing at Fifth Street from Wednesday, Aug. 4, through Friday, Aug. 6.

Please anticipate full and partial road closures through Friday, Aug. 6. Sidewalks at each crossing will be added in the future as part of the Broader Streetscapes Project set to break ground later this year.
Free Classic Movie at the Plaza Theatre
View a screening of the 1961 classic "Blue Hawaii" at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 13, at the Plaza Theatre, 521 W. State St.
 
Elvis Presley stars in this romantic comedy musical. After arriving back in Hawaii from the Army, Chad Gates (Elvis Presley) defies his parents' wishes for him to work at the family business and instead goes to work as a tour guide at his girlfriend's agency.
 
Admission is first-come, first-served general admission. No tickets are required.
 
Be a Part of the 75th Annual Labor Day Parade
The 75th annual Labor Day parade and festivities, presented by the Noon Exchange Club of Garland, will take place Monday, Sept. 6.

The parade will begin at 9 a.m. followed by an antique and custom car show and a karaoke contest.

Submit your parade entry today!

Registration information and applications are available at NoonExchangeClubofGarland.org.
Events and Announcements
City Council Meetings
Aug. 2 and 3
The Garland City Council Work Session will begin at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 2. Regular Meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 3, at City Hall, 200 N. Fifth St. The Aug. 3 Regular Meeting agenda will include a presentation of the City's annual budget. The proposed budget will be posted at GarlandTX.gov after the formal presentation.

Boards & Commissions Meetings
All upcoming Boards & Commissions meetings can be found on the Public Meetings calendar at GarlandTX.gov.

In-person meetings have resumed, but you can continue to watch the meetings online. The virtual meeting link will be included in the individual meeting agenda. You may participate by telephone. Dial-in numbers will be posted with the virtual meeting information.

View agendas at GarlandTX.gov and be sure to click the "subscribe" button to receive notifications when meeting agendas are posted.

Cultural Arts Commission Grant Applications
Sept. 17
Applications for the Garland Cultural Arts Commission's 2021-22 Grant Program may be picked up beginning Monday, Aug. 2, at the Granville Arts Center Box Office, 300 N. Fifth St., between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Applications are due to the Granville Arts Center Friday, Sept. 17. Follow-up interviews will take place Thursday, Sept. 23, at the Granville Arts Center. For more information, call 972-205-2780.

Garland Power & Light Winter Storm Update
Following the February winter storm and extended power outages, GP&L initiated a review into how the utility can better manage electric service outages ordered by ERCOT (also known as controlled outages or load shed) and enhance information sharing during an event. Progress is being made on both of these initiatives. Learn more.
COVID-19 Updates
As of Monday, July 26, the Garland Health Department has received reports of 497 active cases out of 29,208 confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Garland residents since the beginning of the pandemic, as well as 451 deaths. The City updates its posted case numbers each Monday.

You can get the COVID vaccine without an appointment at our Public Health Clinic, 206 Carver Drive. For more vaccine information, visit GarlandTX.gov.
Fight the Bite
The City of Garland reminds residents to protect themselves against mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile Virus by limiting outdoor activity during evening and early morning hours and wearing light-colored, long-sleeve clothing while outdoors. Remember also to eliminate any standing water on your property as this is where mosquitoes lay eggs. Learn more at GarlandTX.gov.
Public & Media Relations
P.O. Box 469002 | Garland, Texas 75046