Citizens Cry Foul to Code Enforcement

For years the City Of Garland has promised it’s citizens a reconstruction of the Historic Downtown Square. As the current businesses surrounding the Square continue to grow, and others move in, we begin to wonder what will become of the Historic Landmark. Included in this reconstruction is the century old building previously occupied by the Garland Civic Theater. As the property sits vacant and in disrepair, the long promised revitalization of Downtown Garland seems to have come to a halt. In the last decade, phases of the revitalization have come to fruition such as the DART rail station, the Oaks apartments (phases 1 and 2), and the construction of government buildings. Currently, City Hall is getting a face-lift inside and out, causing construction related blockades around the downtown area. It’s Deja Vu for many that frequent the public city meetings as the same renderings for the reconstruction of the Square are once again presented. Mayor Doug Athas, when questioned, indicated that although the renderings appear to be the same ones presented several years ago, have been slightly enhanced. Although the public meetings are designed to hear the opinions of the citizens, cynics feel as if the meetings are a stalling tactic. It is well known that most of Garland City Hall staffers do not reside in the city itself, creating a disconnect between the residents and business owners of the area. With nearly a quarter million people in the City of Garland, we feel that this reconstruction is of great importance to the growth and continued health of our city.

For more information and schedule of city held meetings, please visit the City of Garland’s website.

Nancy Ghirla

Email: [email protected]