Welcome to the June 2021 edition of Street Talk, updating you on street and other roadway and infrastructure projects in Garland.

Engineering: Meadowcreek Park Project

Meadowcreek Park Storm Sewer Improvements  Meadowcreek Park Storm Sewer improvements are being constructed by New World Contracting, LLC. The project includes drainage improvements throughout the Meadowcreek Park neighborhood off of O’Banion Road. It includes 3,300 feet of reinforced concrete drainage pipe, 20 new drainage inlets, and the replacement of street and alley paving along the alignment. This project officially started May 24 and should be complete in fall 2021.    For more information about the project, contact Senior Field Engineer Mike Rozelle at 972-205-2174.

Streets: Upcoming Projects

The following street projects are scheduled to begin in July and August: Arcady Drive (Linda Drive to south cul de sac) - street reconstruction Buckingham Road (at KCS Railroad Crossing) - railroad track/concrete street repair Centerville Road (Broadway Boulevard to State Highway 66) - concrete street repair If you are interested in learning about other active alley reconstruction, street reconstruction and street rehabilitation projects, visit the Street Department Current Projects webpage to view the list of all current construction projects.

Employee Spotlight

Get to Know Renaldo Mack, Street Overlay Crew Leader

"Whatever the challenge is, my pride leads me to good production, which allows me to be able to sleep at night knowing that I've done a good job."

Garland native Renaldo Mack enjoys watching food shows, eating at Cajun Donuts II off of Belt Line Road, and listening to music from the '40s and '50s. When he isn't enjoying his pastimes, he is working as Overlay Crew Leader at the City of Garland Street Department. There, he is affectionately known as "Lil' Mack" because when he started 19 years ago, his uncle was known as "Big Mack." Get to know more about Renaldo and all that he does for the streets of Garland!

Q: What do you do? A: I make sure that when we schedule an overlay for a street, notes are put out in residents' doors 10 days in advance and parking signs are up three days in advance. On the morning of the overlay, I make sure to knock on doors when we see vehicles that need to be moved in order for us to start the process. I make sure that everything is run smoothly. I talk to residents and coordinate my team. Q: What do you like most about your job and what is the most challenging? A: I enjoy being able to complete a task. I am a "list person," so being able to check off my list when we overlay streets is a satisfaction for me. Seeing the results gives me a lot of joy! One of the most challenging aspects of my job is the fact that people don't realize this is a dangerous job. People can get hurt here, so we definitely depend on each other. We watch each other's backs and also look out for residents and people on the road. This can be a bit stressful, but it's very rewarding.

Q: What is a funny or interesting anecdote from your time here? A: It was around 15 years ago! We were coming down Forest Lane and we saw an 18-wheeler spill. Every time there is a spill, a crew is sent to help out. The craziest thing is that the spill was chicken parts. It was all over the lanes! Q: What is your motto or personal mantra? A: My pride won't let me fail. Whatever the challenge is, my pride leads me to good production, which allows me to be able to sleep at night knowing that I've done a good job.

Q: What are some lessons you've learned so far in this career? A: I've learned that punctuality, professionalism and production are valuable elements for success. Q: Anything you want to tell the residents? A: I want everyone out there to know that we are really doing our best. We know it can be frustrating having to move vehicles or detour while we are working on your streets. We do try our best to get in and out as fast as possible and appreciate all of your cooperation. Thank you!

635 East Project: Stay Connected

Make sure to stay connected if you drive through the areas impacted by the 635 East Project. Sign up for 635 East text alerts by texting “635 East” to 833-499-6353. Also, don't forget to sign up for  e-blasts and follow this project on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Visit 635east.com for more information. Visit GarlandTX.gov/Garland635Info for information specific to Garland.

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We continue to accept maintenance requests through all portals, including eAssist, email (Street@GarlandTX.gov) and phone (972-205-3555).

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