Community Engagement Meeting 2026

RCA asked the OST/Almeda Corridors Redevelopment Authority (TIRZ 7) to extend the Southmore median's curbs, infrastructure and landscaping from Emancipation to the Columbia Tap Trail. This meeting was the first formal community engagement step TIRZ 7 needs before it can allocate funds and bid the work. TIRZ 7 builds, the Southeast Management District maintains, and no new tax falls on residents.

Residents asked for a standard curb and gutter, native low-maintenance plantings, rocks or boulders to keep cars off the grass, and irrigation, with the OST median as the model. No existing trees will be removed. TIRZ 7 will email a design survey, hand the input to a landscape architect, and bring a design back. Construction is not expected before 2027. Send inspiration photos and ideas to riversidecivic@gmail.com and RCA will forward them.

TxDOT reported a new maintenance contract that cuts the 288 right-of-way every two weeks with penalties for missed work, and asked residents to report trash at 288 and Southmore by email. Riverside Park and Mills Bennett Park are getting perimeter lighting and security cameras, and residents asked for temporary no-right-turn signs in the Ardmore Bridge construction zone.

Halloween in the Park is this month, Soul Santa is in December, and the Riverside Mini-Rodeo returns in March. Volunteers are needed for all three. The November 12 general meeting and board election will be virtual, and board candidates must declare by October 13.