City Manager’s Weekly Report
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Robert Ranc, City Manager
MARCH 21, 2025
UPCOMING EVENTS
March 22: Texas Tastemakers Festival (12:00 - 6:00 PM, Downtown Square)
March 26: Coffee with the Contractors (9:00 AM, 112 N. Arizona Dr)
March 27: Chamber Quarterly Business Roundtable (11:30 AM, 110 S. Preston Rd - Suite B)
March 29: Chamber Downtown Wine Crawl (5:00 - 9:00 PM, Downtown Square)
CITY UPDATES
DOWNTOWN PARKING GARAGE CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS UPDATE
This week, Swinerton successfully completed the pouring of the Slab-on-Grade 1B and columns for the Downtown Parking Garage project. Looking ahead, next week, Swinerton will proceed with pouring the Slab-on-Grade pour 2 and columns, continuing to make significant progress on the structure. Additionally, they are moving forward with the installation of frames, beams, and decks in preparation for pour 3. These efforts are critical steps as we work towards the continued development and completion of this important project.
IMPORTANT ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE FOR N. ARIZONA DR
Beginning Thursday, March 27, N. Arizona Dr, between W. Pecan St and FM 455, will be closed for approximately six months (weather permitting) to facilitate work related to the Downtown Parking Garage and roadway improvements. During this closure, customers visiting the office building at the corner of N. Arizona and FM 455 will still have access to exit the parking lot and head south on FM 455.
SWINERTON TO HOST COFFEE WITH THE CONTRACTORS ON MARCH 26
Swinerton will be holding its next Coffee with the Contractors on Wednesday, March 26, at 9:00 AM at their field office, located at 112 N. Arizona Dr. As work progresses on the Downtown Center and Parking Garage, this event provides an opportunity to meet with the project managers and team members involved to receive updates on the construction.
UPCOMING DOWNTOWN SQUARE EVENTS
Over the next two weekends, the Downtown Square will host two exciting community events that showcase the best of Celina’s local culinary and beverage offerings while supporting our vibrant downtown businesses.
Texas Tastemakers Festival
Saturday, March 22, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
On Saturday, March 22, the Downtown Square will welcome the Texas Tastemakers Festival, a celebration of food, beers, and spirits from local makers. This event provides a unique opportunity to support and highlight the local businesses that contribute to the thriving culture of Downtown Celina. Our Downtown restaurants will play a prominent role, offering an array of delicious food and specialty drinks to enhance the tasting experience. Attendees are encouraged to visit these local establishments to enjoy unique dishes and beverages that complement the festival’s offerings.
Chamber
Downtown
Wine Crawl
Saturday, March 29, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
The following Saturday, March 29, the Downtown Square will host the Chamber Downtown Wine Crawl, an evening dedicated to fine wines and community engagement. Participants will explore the charming streets of Downtown Celina while enjoying 10 tastings of exceptional wines from local wineries. This event invites residents and visitors to sip, savor, and socialize in a festive atmosphere that celebrates the heart of our historic Downtown Square.
Both events are anticipated to draw significant attendance and will provide a valuable platform for local businesses to connect with the community while enhancing the cultural and economic vitality of Downtown Celina.
OWNSBY PARKWAY RECONSTRUCTION: ENHANCING SAFETY & TRAFFIC FLOW
The City of Celina is making significant progress on the Ownsby Parkway Reconstruction Program, a $19 million infrastructure investment designed to enhance mobility, safety, and the overall quality of life for residents. This transformative project will deliver a four-lane divided concrete roadway, an advanced underground drainage
system, new streetlights, comprehensive landscaping and irrigation, and key traffic improvements, including a traffic signal at the Preston Road/Ownsby Parkway intersection and dedicated turn lanes.
Current Progress:
• Roadway/Driveways: All roadway paving and driveway construction along Ownsby Parkway are complete, providing a smoother and more durable driving surface for residents and visitors.
• Traffic Signal Installation: The new traffic signal at the Preston Road/Ownsby Parkway intersection is anticipated to be fully operational by the end of the week of September 17th, improving traffic flow and enhancing safety at this critical junction.
• Landscaping/Aesthetic Enhancements: Landscaping efforts are nearing completion, contributing to the beautification of the corridor. Additionally, decorative and screening walls are under construction, offering both visual appeal and privacy for surrounding areas.
Upcoming Milestones:
• Intersection Improvements: Work will soon begin on the Quail Hollow and County Road 83 intersection, a vital component of the project aimed at further enhancing traffic efficiency and accessibility.
Benefits to Residents:
Upon completion, the Ownsby Parkway Reconstruction Program will deliver substantial improvements, including:
• Enhanced Traffic Flow: The four-lane roadway and new turn lanes will reduce congestion and improve travel times.
• Increased Safety: The addition of the traffic signal and upgraded intersections will provide safer and more efficient movement through the corridor.
• Aesthetic/Community Value: Landscaping, decorative features, and screening walls will enhance the visual appeal and privacy along the parkway.
• Improved Infrastructure: The modern underground drainage system will support long-term roadway durability and better stormwater management.
TEMPORARY LANE CLOSURE FOR CONSTRUCTION ON S. COIT RD
Beginning Monday, March 24, the southbound lane of S. Coit Rd will be closed for construction just south of the intersection of Old Glendenning Pkwy. This lane closure will be in effect from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily and is expected to last approximately five weeks, weather permitting. Drivers are encouraged to plan for potential delays and seek alternate routes when possible.
COUNTDOWN TO THE LIBRARY BOOK MOBILE’S APRIL LAUNCH
The Library Book Mobile is making significant progress toward its highly-anticipated debut in April. Set to hit the road in a few weeks, the Book Mobile will be fully stocked and ready to serve the community. Before its official launch, it will be showcased at the Texas Library Association Conference in the first week of April. Following the event, Hayley Valdez, Library Outreach Coordinator, will take the Book Mobile on its first official route shortly after, bringing valuable library services directly to residents and expanding access to reading materials across the city. The Book Mobile was made possible by grant funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
CELINA POLICE DEPARTMENT HONORS NEWLY-PROMOTED CORPORALS
This week, the Celina Police Department held its promotions ceremony to recognize and celebrate the achievements of Corporal Eddie Veracruz, Corporal Ben Wollet, and Corporal Josh Poe on their well-earned promotions! Their dedication and commitment to serving the Celina community are truly appreciated and do not go unnoticed. We are proud to have them as part of the Police Department’s leadership team and look forward to the positive impact they will continue to make.
DALLAS NORTH TOLLWAY PHASE 4A PROJECT: LANE CLOSURE NOTIFICATION
As part of the ongoing work on the DNT Phase 4A project, please be advised that crews will be implementing the upcoming lane closures. These closures are necessary for transporting topsoil, performing a mass haul of materials, and completing clean-up work in the affected areas. Please note that the entire left lanes will not be closed, and we will ensure there are no conflicts between lane closures within the same areas. Additional closures will occur at construction exits as needed to maintain safety and efficient traffic flow.
Monday, March 24, through Saturday, March 29, from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM
• The daily northbound and southbound left lane of Dallas Pkwy from First St to FM 428
Monday, March 24, through Friday, March 28, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• The daily northbound and southbound U-Turn lane at First St.
ROAD CLOSURES RESIDENT MAP
The City ‘s Road Closures Resident Map serves as a crucial tool for residents to remain informed about ongoing projects and associated road closures within the city. This comprehensive resource empowers individuals to plan their travel routes effectively, minimizing disruptions caused by construction activities. By clicking on the map or accessing the link above, residents gain access to the full interactive map, ensuring easy navigation and timely updates on the evolving infrastructure projects throughout Celina.
