MIDLOTHIAN MEANS Building a stronger community

With Midlothian continuing on a growth trajectory of more than 5% per year, the City of Midlothian has embarked on a forward-thinking plan to improve infrastructure, facilities and services for its citizens.

Passage in 2021 of four bond proposals

• Build a new Public Safety Facility to house police services, fire administration and emergency dispatch.

• Construct a new City Hall and public library facility to be the centerpiece of a revitalized downtown.

• Create a community recreation center, including a competition swimming pool, to provide programming for all ages.

• Continue to improve streets, roads and major thoroughfares throughout the city.

Develop a parks master plan

A ten-year master plan for future parks, recreation, open space and trail offerings is under development. Residents may give input into the plan at www.midlothianparkvision.com

Plan for infrastructure needs

The city continues to make provisions for future water needs and wastewater management. Thanks to the City Council, these projects and others are underway.

“Midlothian is in the enviable position of financial strength to be able to tackle such ambitious projects,” says Mayor Richard Reno. In fact, it is because of its financial strength that Midlothian’s bond ratings were upgraded in 2021 by the two major rating services, Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s. The high ratings give the city a better interest rate on bonds.

For updates on the 2021 Bond Projects, visit www.midlothian.tx.us.

Lawson District Development Plans to Retain Downtown’s Historic Charm

The Lawson District Development will be a mixture of restaurants, commercial and retail space.

Encompassing the original town, Midlothian’s central business district provides a window into the city’s proud past. The Downtown Plan, the city’s long-range master plan for revitalizing historic downtown has renewed interest in the area.

The Lawson Development District proposes to re-develop the buildings located at 301 and 211 West Main Street while retaining the local charm. The development is proposed to be a mixture of restaurants, commercial and retail space.

Also blossoming two blocks away from the center of downtown is Founders Row, which is a unique development of vintage buildings that have been relocated and renovated to offer a quaint and appealing setting for cafes and restaurants, stores and boutiques. Visits to Downtown can include a stop by Heritage Park, home to Larkin Newton Cabin, which was the original 1848 home of one of the town’s founders. Downtown is also the venue for many of the city’s special events, such as the annual 8th Street Dance, Southern Star Christmas Celebration and Independence Day Parade. The Downtown Plan’s overarching vision is to guide development that will create a safe, walkable and vibrant destination with diverse opportunities for shopping, entertainment, socializing, working, enjoying the arts and residential living, functioning as the cultural heart of the community. The new City Hall and public library facility approved by voters in the 2021 bond election, is being designed to be the centerpiece of downtown. Civic centers are considered to be catalysts for private development. The City Hall/library facility is expected to be completed by 2024. For more information about the Downtown Plan, visit https://www.midlothian.tx.us/515/Comprehensive-Plan.