Welcome Neighbors
Latest Neighborhood Newsletter
The February 2010 issue of the IHDNA Neighborhood Newsletter is now available for download. Read all that's new and be sure to check out our excellent sponsors!
Boy Scouts of America
Celebrate 100 years
The National Souting Museum will celebrate 100 years of Scouting this Saturday with birthday cake and $1 admission from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.. The museum is located at 1329 West Walnut Hill Lane. Call 972-580-2100 for more information.
State Highway 183 Zoning Overlay District Informational Meetings
Irving residents and business owners are invited to attend an informational meeting about the proposed State Highway 183 Zoning Overlay District. Meetings will be held at City Hall, 825 W. Irving Blvd., in the Council Chambers at the following dates and times:
- February 8 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.
- February 9 at 6 p.m.
- February 10 at 2 p.m.
The expansion of State Highway 183 offers a unique opportunity to create a new standard for development along this major thoroughfare. The zoning overlay proposes new requirements for landscaping, parking, building materials and design, and site design for new development, redevelopment and existing development. The highway expansion will include:
- Two- to three-lane frontage roads in each direction
- Four non-toll main lanes in each direction
- Two managed toll lanes in each direction
Funding for the project stems from a compilation of sources including the Texas Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, public/private partnerships and anticipated toll revenue. For more information, visit www.cityofirving.org and select “Economic Development Initiatives” under “Key Focus Areas” on the home page.
Texas Stadium Demolition
KRAFT Macaroni & Cheese CHEDDAR EXPLOSION is searching for one dynamite kid to be the Grand Marshall of the most explosive event of 2010, the explosion of Texas Stadium. One lucky kid who has made a positive, explosive difference in their community will win the chance to push the button that detonates Texas Stadium.
2010 Eco-calendar
An eco-calendar has been produced for Irving residents for 2010. It features a different environmental topic each month—providing readers with tips on how to be better stewards of the planet. The city will host a variety of classes and events throughout the year to further educate residents about energy and water conservation, recycling, alternative forms of transportation, building green and being eco-conscious consumers. Free copies of the eco-calendar will be available at City Hall and at all public library locations. For more information, call Corporate Communications at (972) 721-2533.
Drop-Off Recycling Centers Information
The city offers two attended dropoff recycling centers located at 3000 Rock Island Road in South Irving and at 8555 Home Depot Drive in North Irving. The third center, previously located at O’Connor Road and State Highway 183, has been closed. For a list of acceptable materials, visit www.cityofirving.org/begreen. Select “Recycle” then select “Drop-off recycling centers.” Hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Thursday and Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Both centers are closed Tuesday and Wednesday and for most city holidays. Call (972) 721-8059.
Winter Pet Care Tips
The Humane Society of the United States and Irving Animal Services urges pet owners to take precautions to safeguard pets against cold temperatures this winter.
- Wind chill can threaten a pet’s life. Outdoor dogs must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his/her body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The house should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with a flap of heavy, waterproof fabric or heavy plastic.
- Outdoor pets need more food in the winter. Keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet’s water dish to make certain the water is fresh and not frozen. Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal; when the temperature is low, your pet’s tongue can stick and freeze to metal.
- Warm car engines are dangerous for cats and small wildlife. Parked cars attract small animals that may crawl up under the hood looking for warmth. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car’s hood to scare them away before starting your engine.
- De-icing chemicals are hazardous. The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet’s feet. Wipe their feet with a damp towel after coming in from outdoors—even if you don’t see salt on walkways.
- Antifreeze is a deadly poison. However, it has a sweet taste that attracts animals and children. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze out of reach. Better yet, use antifreeze-coolant made with propylene glycol; if swallowed in small amounts, it will not hurt pets, wildlife or people.
- Tethering is unlawful in Irving. This winter, pet owners are reminded that keeping unattended dogs chained or tied to stakes or other stationary objects is prohibited. Call Animal Services at (972) 721-2256 for more information.
2010 Irving City Council Meeting Schedule
The City Council has scheduled its meetings for 2010. More
Irving Pursues Tree City USA Designation to Beautify City
The Parks and Building Maintenance Department is spearheading the city’s efforts to achieve national designation from the Texas Forest Service as a Tree City USA.
“Trees provide cleaner air, shadier streets and add to the aesthetic beauty of the community, and we’re excited to add the pursuit of the Tree City USA designation to the city’s list of initiatives that promote environmental sustainability,” said Chris Michalski, parks and building maintenance director. “Achieving this designation will demonstrate that Irving is a community that really cares about its environment.”
During the past year, through regular business operations, Irving exceeded the financial requirements to obtain the Tree City USA designation. In support of the Tree City USA initiative, the city hosted its first Arbor Day Celebration. In addition, the city will review its Tree Ordinance and propose to establish a new Tree Board comprised of community volunteers from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Keep Irving Beautiful and the Green Advisory Committee.
Nationwide, more than 3,000 cities participate in the Tree City USA program. Once Irving obtains its Tree City USA designation, annual observances, community forestry education programs and other initiatives that promote environmental sustainability will be ongoing to preserve the status.
Watch footage from the City of Irving’s Arbor Day Celebration on demand.
New Animal Care Facility Set to Open this Spring
This spring, Irving Animal Services will move into a new, 25,000 square-foot facility that is designed to attract more guests and increase the number of pet adoptions.
Distinguishing the Irving Animal Care Campus from traditional animal care facilities will be the adoption mall atmosphere that will allow pets to be showcased in a more attractive setting. Additional amenities will include adoption pods with open-area kennels, training areas for staff and volunteers, and outside shade structures. The facility also will feature state-of-the-art veterinary equipment rare to city-operated animal care facilities.
“The new location will be more visible to the community,” said Natalia Maravi, animal services attendant. “I think we’re going to be able to do a lot of good at the new location.”
The city also has allocated $325,000 for the construction of a dog park adjacent to the Animal Care Campus. The dog park—Irving’s first—will be equipped with Wi-Fi hot spots and play areas for large and small dogs. Vaccinations, adoptions, pet registration and other animal service offerings will be available at the new facility upon completion.
Capital improvement bonds and gas lease revenues are funding the new $6.2 million Irving Animal Care Campus, located at 4140 Valley View Lane. As part of a unique partnership, the facility also will be shared with the DFW Humane Society.
Irving Police offer Citizens Online Police Reporting
Help keep crime out of our neighborhoods. Report any non-emergency suspicious activity to the Irving Police Department by filing out an online report or by calling 972-273-1010.
