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The City of Plano is in the process of drafting its 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan. The Plan guides how we spend approximately $10 million in federal funds over the next five years for housing and community development needs.

Help shape the goals and strategies which serve you and your neighbors by completing an online survey or attending a public meeting at the Community Relations Commission Meeting on Thursday, November 14, 5:30 p.m. at the Plano Municipal Center, 1520 K Avenue, Plano 75074 or on Monday, November 18, 9 a.m. at the Sam Johnson Senior Recreation Center for Adults 50+, 401 W. 16th Street, Plano 75075. Learn more at Plano HUD Consolidated Plan.

Want to host a neighborhood-wide Fall Festival in your neighborhood this year? We have some great tips to help you and your neighborhood plan a successful fall event this year. Always remember your five senses when planning an event: taste, touch, feel, hear and see. Host a party to remember with these tips:

For more tips, call BEST Neighborhoods at 972-208-8150 or email best@plano.gov.

Have you seen Bluestem Grass in your neighborhood or even in your yard? If you see Bluestem and mow it over, then it only spreads the seeds. To eliminate this grass, pull the stems or treat with herbicide. Otherwise maintain your yard more regularly as it grows faster than other grasses. 

Yards with a few thin areas of Bluestem aren't a health or safety concern. Only thick areas of Bluestem Grass are enforced by the City. Learn more at Plano Neighborhood Services or call 972-208-8150.

Are you interested in becoming a homeowner in Plano? The City of Plano’s First-Time Home Buyer Program creates homeownership opportunities for low-to-moderate income families by providing assistance with down payments and closing costs, up to a maximum of $55,000.

Eligible applicants must be at or below 80% of the area median income, which is $66,500 for a family of four. Other requirements include: asset limits, a minimum 620 credit score, lender pre-approval and attending the City’s 8-hour First-Time Home Buyer class.

Review all requirements, download an application and sign up for the First-Time Home Buyer class here. 

Join us at the 2019 Neighborhood Summit on Saturday, November 9. Engage with Garland, Plano and Rowlett residents and discuss the ways they strengthen their communities, engage neighbors and plan for the future. Keynote speaker Angela Blanchard provides insight and strategies to create community by bringing people together in unique ways. Sign up here! 

Join us for the Neighbors Connect Roundtable: Creating Inclusive Communities. Dr. Meghna Sabharwal provides important insight about understanding the opportunities presented by an increasingly diverse society. Save the date! RSVP here!

Congratulations to our Nuttiest Neighborhood winner Whiffletree V, VI and VII! In just one month, neighborhood residents collected 1,717 pounds of peanut butter for the 2019 North Texas Food Bank Peanut Butter Drive. That's more than 3 1/2 pounds of peanut butter per neighborhood household!

 Is there one thing you want readers to know about Neighborhood Services?

I grew up in Montreal, Canada (Yes! I am a Canuck!) My mother is an Indian classical dancer and has run her school, Nrithyalaya, for the past 43 years. I have followed in her footsteps by running my own school here in Dallas for over 10 years now.  

The City of Plano is in the process of drafting its 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan. The Plan guides how we spend approximately $10 million in federal funds over the next five years for housing and community development needs.

Help shape the goals and strategies which serve you and your neighbors by completing an online survey or attending a public meeting at the Community Relations Commission Meeting on Thursday, November 14, 5:30 p.m. at the Plano Municipal Center, 1520 K Avenue, Plano 75074 or on Monday, November 18, 9 a.m. at the Sam Johnson Senior Recreation Center for Adults 50+, 401 W. 16th Street, Plano 75075. Learn more at Plano HUD Consolidated Plan.

Want to host a neighborhood-wide Fall Festival in your neighborhood this year? We have some great tips to help you and your neighborhood plan a successful fall event this year. Always remember your five senses when planning an event: taste, touch, feel, hear and see. Host a party to remember with these tips:

For more tips, call BEST Neighborhoods at 972-208-8150 or email best@plano.gov.

Have you seen Bluestem Grass in your neighborhood or even in your yard? If you see Bluestem and mow it over, then it only spreads the seeds. To eliminate this grass, pull the stems or treat with herbicide. Otherwise maintain your yard more regularly as it grows faster than other grasses. 

Yards with a few thin areas of Bluestem aren't a health or safety concern. Only thick areas of Bluestem Grass are enforced by the City. Learn more at Plano Neighborhood Services or call 972-208-8150.

Are you interested in becoming a homeowner in Plano? The City of Plano’s First-Time Home Buyer Program creates homeownership opportunities for low-to-moderate income families by providing assistance with down payments and closing costs, up to a maximum of $55,000.

Eligible applicants must be at or below 80% of the area median income, which is $66,500 for a family of four. Other requirements include: asset limits, a minimum 620 credit score, lender pre-approval and attending the City’s 8-hour First-Time Home Buyer class.

Review all requirements, download an application and sign up for the First-Time Home Buyer class here. 

Join us at the 2019 Neighborhood Summit on Saturday, November 9. Engage with Garland, Plano and Rowlett residents and discuss the ways they strengthen their communities, engage neighbors and plan for the future. Keynote speaker Angela Blanchard provides insight and strategies to create community by bringing people together in unique ways. Sign up here! 

Join us for the Neighbors Connect Roundtable: Creating Inclusive Communities. Dr. Meghna Sabharwal provides important insight about understanding the opportunities presented by an increasingly diverse society. Save the date! RSVP here!

Congratulations to our Nuttiest Neighborhood winner Whiffletree V, VI and VII! In just one month, neighborhood residents collected 1,717 pounds of peanut butter for the 2019 North Texas Food Bank Peanut Butter Drive. That's more than 3 1/2 pounds of peanut butter per neighborhood household!

 Is there one thing you want readers to know about Neighborhood Services?

I grew up in Montreal, Canada (Yes! I am a Canuck!) My mother is an Indian classical dancer and has run her school, Nrithyalaya, for the past 43 years. I have followed in her footsteps by running my own school here in Dallas for over 10 years now.  

During this one-hour meeting, sign up to be a Neighborhood Ambassador or Neighborhood Builder. Learn more about these roles and volunteer opportunities available through Neighborhood Services. Remember, when we take care of each other, we take care of our community. To learn more, click here. 

Many Plano residents need assistance with home maintenance to ensure their safety and protect the integrity of their neighborhood. The City of Plano offers assistance to veterans, single parents, widows or widowers, seniors, disabled residents and more. From minor home repairs to outdoor maintenance projects, Neighborhood Services offers programs to help you and your neighbors.

Your donation of time, skills or resources supports residential projects to purchase building materials, tools and supplies. Also, some home maintenance issues require hiring contractors or renting specialized equipment. Contributions are used solely for the expenses associated with these assistance programs and are tax deductible. Click here to donate, volunteer or suggest a neighbor needing assistance.

It is a dwelling which accommodates no more than eight people, regardless of legal relationship, who are elderly; disabled; orphaned, abandoned or neglected children; victims of domestic violence; or those rendered temporarily homeless due to fire, natural disaster or financial setbacks. Occupants live together with no more than two caregivers as a single household. Due to personal privacy regulations under the law, detailed information on Household Care Facilities may not be available to the public.

Occupants of household care facilities may be protected under the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. They may apply for reasonable accommodations based on the regulations to allow disabled persons an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling. Please visit the City’s Fair Housing page for more information.

Land uses allowed by right don't require any kind of notice. For example, a change of occupancy for a new household (single family residence) does not require notice to neighbors. All single family zoning districts allow Household Care Facilities by right, in order to be consistent with state law. Therefore, property owners typically don't receive a notice about new household care facilities within their neighborhood.

Where applicable, Household Care Facilities are required to have appropriate licensing and/or registration by the State of Texas. The zoning ordinance distinguishes Household Care Facilities from Rehabilitation Care Facilities. Rehabilitation Care Facilities accommodate individuals convicted of prohibited criminal conduct. Rehabilitation Care Facilities are not allowed by right in any residential district.

Under the zoning ordinance, the City verifies a household meets requirements of a Household Care Facility. As with any neighbor, the City can enforce disturbances (such as noise) and behaviors (such as disorderly conduct), traffic violations, excessive occupancy, trash accumulation or other violations of the law. For disturbances, behavior concerns or street obstructions, call 911. For excessive occupancy concerns or trash, contact Property Standards at 972-208-8150 or neighborhoods@plano.gov.

Hunters Creek is a small, diverse voluntary Homeowners Association (HOA) located in the heart of Plano, between Jack Carter Pool and Bluebonnet Trail. Once an inactive HOA, neighborhood leaders and residents of Hunters Creek re-engaged earlier this year after learning about the City of Plano's BEST Neighborhoods programs.

Neighborhood leaders rolled up their sleeves for extensive outreach through door-to-door canvassing, email and social media. These efforts led to the creation of five neighborhood-based committees: Welcome Committee, Event Committee, Landscape Committee, Beautification Committee and Crime Watch Committee. Through the committees, Hunters Creek created a website; applied and received a Neighborhood Engagement Mini-Grant; and, hosted a neighborhood block party with over 100 neighbors in attendance!

They have achieved so much in a short period of time, and yet strive to further enhance the quality of life within their neighborhood. Hunters Creek is a leading example of how being good neighbors within a neighborhood leads to stewardship in the surrounding community.

Congratulations to Avignon Windhaven HOA for being designated a Gold level awardee through the City of Plano’s BEST Neighborhoods Designation Program! The Gold level designation is the second highest designation within the program. There are benefits for BEST Designation Program neighborhoods and Avignon Windhaven is eligible for several Gold level perks.

Thank you Avignon Windhaven for being a neighborhood that goes above and beyond to create a community that is BEST - Beautiful, Engaged, Safe and Thriving! 

Do you want to reduce your energy costs and carbon footprint while increasing the market value, longevity and comfort of your home? The City of Plano offers a Smart Energy Loan Program, in partnership with BTH Bank.

This program gives eligible Plano homeowners the opportunity to make affordable, energy-efficient improvements to their homes. Improvements include water heating systems, air conditioner and heat pump replacements, solar screens, daylighting systems, replacement of appliances, new windows and more.

Check out our website to download an application and learn more.

Plano's annual Point-in-Time Homeless Count is on the evening of Thursday, January 23.

Volunteers are needed to collect food and hygiene packs in December, as well as conduct surveys with people experiencing homelessness on the night of the Count. All survey volunteers receive training and assistance from a Plano Police officer. Sign up to volunteer here.

Saturday, March 7

Rowlett Community Centre

5300 Main St., Rowlett TX 75088

Learn to better manage your homeowners association and find tools for hot-topic legal issues. Speakers include attorneys, financial institutions, community managers and more! Neighborhood Services will charter a bus for Plano residents to ride together to the event. Plan to get on the bus and stay tuned for more details.

Join us for our upcoming Neighbors Connect social event on Thursday, January 30. Socialize with Plano residents and learn more about Plano neighborhoods. More details coming soon, check here for updated information. 

If your neighborhood group plans to apply for a Neighborhood Revitalization & Beautification Grant, the time is now! The pre-application deadline for the 2020 Spring grant cycle is Thursday, January 2, 2020! Contact Steven Doss with any questions at 972-208-8150 or sdoss@plano.gov.

As a Property Standards Supervisor, I am primarily responsible for reviewing and evaluating the work of property standards specialists. The most rewarding aspect of my job is getting the opportunity to encourage professional development and assist staff with developing their career plans. 

The career chose me. I was looking for a career which gave me the opportunity to employ all the skills I’ve acquired throughout my life. This job incorporates all of my skills, along with a passion to serve others.

Working with the Neighborhood Services department gives me the ability to make a positive difference in someone’s life.  

  

The future of our children and guiding them to make sound, Godly decisions which affect their lives and the world around them in a positive way.

We are here to help. Serving our residents brings us a sense that we are making a difference.

Not really a hobby, but I enjoy singing in the church choir anytime I get a chance.

The people. The people I grew up with are still my best friends and anytime we get together, it’s like family.

 

Anywhere I can get some good food. I love to eat!

The City of Plano’s Housing Rehabilitation program offers emergency repair grants up to $5,000 for low and moderate income homeowners. Eligible repairs consist of:

For homes needing more extensive improvement, the City offers Limited Repairs Assistance in the form of partially forgivable loans up to $55,000. Eligibility requirements consist of criteria such as household income, a city inspection to determine eligibility and property value. Find more information and complete an application or contact a Housing and Community Services Coordinator at 972-208-8150.

A few activities to consider:  

If you need a contractor to help with repairs, the City of Plano has a database of registered contractors online. This provides you with the security of knowing you are dealing with a professional, reputable company.

If you’re thinking about doing major home improvements this spring, consider checking out the Great Update Rebate. More than $2.5 million has been allocated to this program since its inception in 2014. This program helps homeowners with the financial burden of caring for older homes in the city. If you qualify, the City of Plano may contribute up to $5,000 to your home repairs.

Join Property Standards at a Maintenance Workshop to learn how to upkeep and maintain your home and property.

This Property Maintenance Workshop for Spanish speakers will include topics such as tree trimming, grading and erosion, foundations, electrical, plumbing and more. The class is great for first-time home buyers or anyone who wants to learn about basic property maintenance. Sign up here.

Saturday, March 7

Rowlett Community Centre

5300 Main St., Rowlett, TX 75088

Mark your calendars for the HOA Legal Clinic in Rowlett, TX! You’ll learn tools to better manage your HOA and hot-topic legal issues. Speakers include attorneys, financial institutions, community managers and more. Plano Neighborhood Services is chartering a bus for residents to ride together to the Legal Clinic. Register and get on the bus.

Volunteers are needed to help with the Love Where You Live Service Day on May 2! Volunteers are the heart of the Love Where You Live program and help improve our community to keep Plano beautiful. All skill levels are welcome and appreciated. Sign up as a volunteer today!

Registration for this year’s Great American Cleanup opens March 2! Join the community-wide cleanup on Saturday, April 18. Enjoy an after-party with free lunch, live music, games and more at Chase Oaks Church. Visit plano.gov/GAC for more information.

I provide administrative support in the department, especially for the Best Neighborhoods and Community Services divisions.

Sharing meals and spending time with my family and friends.

I was born and grew up in a suburb of Osaka, Japan, which is the second-largest city in Japan. Osaka is famous for its fun and friendly people. Osaka is also known for its delicious food. If you have a chance to go to Japan, I highly recommend visiting Osaka, Kyoto and Nara, which are the oldest parts of the country. You can see traditional Japanese places more than Tokyo, the capital of Japan. 

 

I love beautiful places, so I enjoy heading to Legacy West to stroll and eat with my family, and meeting up with friends at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve and Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve to go on walks.

As many begin to feel the financial impact of COVID-19, the City and local nonprofits are here to help. The City’s Homelessness Prevention Program provides rental and utility assistance to low-income Plano residents at risk of homelessness. To apply, contact the Assistance Center of Collin County at 972-422-1850, option 2. Other vital social service programs serving Plano residents during the COVID-19 outbreak, include food pantries, shelters and transitional housing programs. Find answers and connect with local service providers on the City’s COVID-19 resources page.

Neighbors Connect goes virtual! The BEST Neighborhoods Team is hosting a BEST Break the first and third Wednesday of the month at noon and

4 p.m. Tune in to connect with Plano neighbors and City departments. The next BEST Break is Wednesday, April 15. Sign up now! You''ll also be able to pick your preferred time, noon or 4 p.m. Download Zoom to get prepared to join us, we look forward to connecting with you. Email best@plano.gov if you have any questions.

Email best@plano.gov with other ways your neighborhood is staying connected, engaged, and serving those in need. 

We’re launching a new service this week: Bi-weekly Senior Care Calls. City staff will call to ask how you’re doing, to answer your questions and to connect you to community resources if you need them. Get on our call list by filling out the online form.

IMPORTANT: If someone calls claiming to be with the City of Plano, and asks for your personal financial information or asks to enter your home, hang up and call Plano Police Department non-emergency number at 972-424-5678.

As the new season begins, Plano’s BEST Neighborhoods Division is challenging you and your neighbors to Fall into Fitness! Rack up minutes Sunday, November 1 to Monday, November 30 by walking, jogging, dancing or any other movement. The top neighborhood will win a prize! To compete, you must be a registered neighborhood with the BEST Neighborhoods Division.

Check if your neighborhood is registered, and if it’s not, register for free! Registration opens for the competition Thursday, October 15. Spots are limited, so make sure to sign up early to take on the challenge. Email best@plano.gov or call 972-208-8150 with any questions.

Join us Saturday, November 7 to engage with Garland, Plano and Rowlett residents on ways you can invest in your home. Topics include establishing your neighborhood values, building a neighborhood network, how to preserve or increase your home value and do-it-yourself home improvement tips from the experts. Residents from Plano, Garland, Rowlett and surrounding communities are welcome to join us. Register now!

The City of Plano Day Labor Center provides a safe place for contractors, including homeowners and business owners, to connect with laborers to exchange daily pay for work in an organized, supervised environment. To keep our customers safe and healthy during COVID-19, we are practicing social distancing and encouraging contractors and laborers to wear a mask while negotiating and driving to the job site.

Apply for a Neighborhood Revitalization & Beautification Grant! The pre-application for the Spring 2021 cycle opens in November 2020. Contact Senior Planner, Kala Krishnan by email or call 972-208-8150.

Join Us For BEST Break: Special Edition Roundtable

The BEST Neighborhoods Division invites you to connect through BEST Break, our virtual version of Neighbors Connect! Our first roundtable will be Wednesday, October 21, 6:30 p.m. Meet Plano neighbors and discuss how you and your neighborhood have been connecting and engaging over the past six months. Share your challenges and triumphs! Register now.

Congratulations to Shoal Creek for winning the 2020 Nuttiest Neighborhood Award! Thank you Shoal Creek, and all participating neighborhoods, for contributing to the North Texas Food Bank. Participating neighborhoods collected 6,410 pounds of peanut butter!

Collin County Cares offers emergency assistance with rent, mortgage, utilities and food for Collin County residents who lost 15% or more of their income since March 1 due to COVID-19. Low and moderate income Plano residents who don’t meet this criteria but are at risk of losing their housing can apply for assistance through the City’s Homelessness Prevention Program by calling the Assistance Center of Collin County at 972-422-1850.

As a Neighborhood Planning Tech with the BEST Neighborhoods Division, my role is to ensure we provide Plano neighborhoods the best opportunity to be Beautiful, Engaged, Safe and Thriving. Many days include connecting our neighborhoods with available resources and supporting the BEST team with technical assistance.

While studying Political Science at A&M, I was encouraged to take an Urban Planning course by my professor. I loved the subject and pursued Urban Planning. I believe cities are the key to inclusivity, community and accessibility. I especially love learning about the importance of neighborhoods and the uniqueness and history of each one.

I visited Turkey when I was 15. I would love to visit again and drink Turkish tea by the Mediterranean Sea!

I love to hike, read, draw on Procreate, travel and visit new coffee shops across DFW.

I live in a neighborhood in East Dallas and I love that it’s in close proximity to downtown Dallas, Lower Greenville and a short drive to White Rock Lake. I also love the diversity of my community and all the great food.