Allen officials are working to determine infrastructure priorities for the next few fiscal years.

In a 6-0 vote with Commissioner Tim Voss absent, the Allen Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the city of Allen’s 2027-31 Capital Improvement Program at an Aug. 4 meeting.

The big picture: A capital improvement program is a planning tool that helps city officials establish priorities, funding sources and timelines for projects, Assistant Director of Engineering Kevin Ferrer said.

Zoom in: The engineering department’s priorities for fiscal year 2026-27 in the proposed CIP include upcoming and ongoing projects, as well as projects that are still in the design phase, Ferrer said. Upcoming and ongoing projects include:

• Asphalt overlay on Bethany Drive between Greenville Avenue and Malone Road
• Concrete street pavement replacement to continue to address the 2022 pavement condition analysis
• Rehabilitation of existing equipment at the Maxwell and Lost Creek Lift Stations
• New police headquarters
• Oak Hill water main and Jupiter sanitary sewer main replacement

HQ is now open in Allen, Gillett Commercial owner Bucky Gillett said

The details: Developed by Regus, HQ offers office space rentals for individuals and teams, as well as coworking spaces, per its website. HQ takes up about 17,000 square feet inside The Asher, a business center developed by Gillett Commercial.

• 400 N. Allen Drive, Ste. 104-107, Allen

The North Texas Irish Festival will move to Denton from Dallas in 2027, according to a news release from the organization.

The details: The festival will be held at the North Texas Fairgrounds, the location of the North Texas Fair & Rodeo, from March 13-14, according to the release. 

The festival celebrates Irish and Celtic music, dance and culture and includes events and entertainment such as live music, dance shows, storytelling, food, education and art exhibits.

The 2027 event will have multiple stages for live music, Irish step dancing performances, cultural demonstrations, historic storytelling, vendor and shopping opportunities, activities for children and authentic food and beverages, the release states.

The backstory: The North Texas Irish Festival started in 1983 and has been located in Fair Park in Dallas since 1984, according to the organization’s website. It is produced by the Southwest Celtic Music Association, a Dallas-based nonprofit.