Richardson officials proposed $22.9 million in water and wastewater projects, including maintenance and capital improvements, for the city’s fiscal year 2026-27 budget. Planned projects include water and wastewater pipeline replacements, tank and station upgrades, and manhole rehabilitation at Spring Creek.

The overview: Director of Public Services Eric Robison said Richardson has seen a gradual reduction in average water use since 2013, when the city began investing heavily in infrastructure and preventative maintenance. The city’s water use is now consistent with regional trends, Robison said.

“It shows that our preventative maintenance programs, like our waterline replacements [and] our tank and valve rehabs are being a good, beneficial use of those dollars,” Robison said.

Also of note: The yearslong project to improve Richardson’s Water Pressure Zone 825 is almost entirely complete, Assistant Director of Engineering Katie Barron said. The project aimed to increase water pressure in the northwest area of Richardson to help accommodate future growth.

Misk Silk Boutique is now open in Richardson at Al Ameera Plaza.

The details: The boutique offers a variety of women’s fashion items for both everyday wear and special occasions, including luxury abayas, kaftans and modest fashion, as well as Arabic perfumes and jewelry.

“We are excited to bring something unique to the Richardson community and hope to become a go-to boutique for beautiful modest fashion and elegant styles,” a company representative said in an email.

• 1055 S. Sherman Street, Ste. 102, Richardson

CSL Plasma operates several plasma donation centers across Dallas-Fort Worth, with locations in McKinney, Grand Prairie, northeast Fort Worth and Dallas. CSL operates over 350 locations in the United States and Europe, according to the company website. Community Impact contacted the company to learn more about plasma donation, and got responses from Wlenyeno Elliott-Browne, the company’s global head of plasma quality. Answers have been edited for clarity and style.

Who can donate plasma? Are there any age, weight or health restrictions? 
Generally, anyone in good health, between the ages of 18 and 74, who weighs at least 110 pounds, and meets eligibility and screening requirements can donate plasma. Prior to donating, every donor must complete a medical questionnaire, which is reviewed by a CSL staff member.

Is donation painful?
In general, people may experience mild discomfort when donating plasma, similar to when donating blood or having blood drawn. Donors often compare the feeling of the needle to a slight pinch or bee sting.

Several construction permits have been filed around Dallas-Fort Worth. Check out five expensive construction projects around the Metroplex, including park renovations in Southlake and a new body shop in Plano. 

1. North Park renovations in Southlake
North Park on Dove Road will receive new turf, chainlink fence, drainage, sidewalk and irrigation improvements, according to documents filed with the TDLR. North Park opened in 2012 and features sports fields, multiuse trails and a pond. 

• Location: 200 E. Dove Road, Southlake
• Estimated timeline: July 1, 2026-Dec. 31, 2026
• Estimated cost: $8.2 million

• Location: 2601 Preston Road, Frisco
• Estimated timeline: Aug. 3, 2026-Nov. 6, 2026
• Estimated cost: $2 million