[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6536693,"mediaKeyId","3730935-6640da3c756dadb36182963bd8bf149e","parentId",3730935,"title","Council opens public hearing on Amazon Prime Air drone hub proposal; neighbors voice noise and quality‑of‑life concerns","audioSeconds",9565,"startMs",9565000,"endMs",-1,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3730935-6640da3c756dadb36182963bd8bf149e&start=9565&end=0","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3730935-6640da3c756dadb36182963bd8bf149e/thumbnail_9565000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6536693/Richardson/Dallas-County/Texas/Council-opens-public-hearing-on-Amazon-Prime-Air-drone-hub-proposal-neighbors-voice-noise-and-qualityoflife-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6536693-c88581859f7368d88721dd24a7834d3f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770997513&Signature=IGhTKY2tGgRQfZC-oIvFAXh3K2KvyEYLvoYn5YHBzzm-ht27GS0GYc0yjGB67YlcB8XDkZ480FdoJtvkfnPpvC4QoDtEJu0OxESiXqRtuY2fgSRW6uKL17fBbOc42D1wvta~y3Q1dEQAkmzOQuXeMVYeaoNcP~yjjKQHigc3qtPxlU8oOo8qEnT~LUd3r1ox6upN6U7WwPxlTd5hYafg3VZqgEx3zcyKBYNM0WAUVmTPY0g8-LhzpZcjmdUZ7njXR6jRQsO3U7QMYLqLMI1yrHmjelJAwxyEdz9rOVFyJ0bp9h0TnQBXfP3oULw3oYPRjjngqK3UJoMNLvZcIqfAIA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Richardson","date","2025-06-09T00:00:00Z","article","Amazon representatives presented a proposal to amend the STX‑8 Planned Development to allow a commercial drone delivery hub as an accessory use at 3030‑51 Research Drive, a fulfillment center in Richardson's industrial area. The application would add definitions for \"commercial delivery hub,\" cap the paddock at 10,000 square feet and limit launch pads to four on the concept plan; Amazon asked the council to approve operational hours consistent with FAA civil twilight (30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset).

Amazon senior manager Sam Bailey described the Mark 30 aircraft the company plans to operate under an FAA Part 135 air‑carrier authorization and said the company would base about 10–15 drones and 10–15 on‑site monitors at the paddock, with a potential capacity up to 300 flights per day under high demand. \"This is a permanent infrastructure investment into the site that would operate from the City of Richardson,\" Bailey said, describing battery storage, launch pads and a fenced paddock adjacent to the existing building.

Noise, safety and process questions: Several council members pressed Amazon on hours and community impacts. Council Member Justice proposed tying allowable launch hours to the city's noise ordinance rather than the FAA civil twilight standard; Council Member Corcoran asked whether the city could require a future special use permit if problems arise. City staff said changing or revoking a zoning approval later would be legally difficult and that converting the approval into a special‑use requirement now would add steps and delay the project; staff also said a PD amendment is the typical mechanism when an applicant proposes site infrastructure changes for a single property.

Public comments: A Creek Hollow neighborhood resident, Dante Lopez, and other attendees told the council they have experienced increased industrial traffic and noise in recent years and said drone overflights would add to quality‑of‑life impacts. \"There's been a lot of changes in this area over the last 4 years, and collectively, they've not been conducive to the residents,\" Lopez said, asking council to deny the request. Another resident, Eric Scott, said he had heard drone flights in nearby neighborhoods and urged caution.

FAA and environmental review: Amazon told council the PD amendment is only the land‑use step; airspace approvals, including an FAA environmental assessment and a certificate of authorization, would be required before the company could begin flights. Amazon said it had modeled noise at a comparable site in Tolleson, Ariz., and provided decibel readings for the paddock, the nearest yards and other points; the company said the Mark 30 has a lower measured noise profile than an earlier model used in College Station.

What council asked for: Council members asked staff to return with clarifying language that could include a required reportback on complaints, and several members suggested the council could require a review or status update after a defined period (for example, six months) so elected officials could evaluate recorded complaints and operational impacts. Staff cautioned such reviews do not guarantee that an approved zoning condition can be reversed absent a substantial legal basis; Amazon said it would continue community outreach and pursue FAA clearances after any local land‑use approval.

The hearing: The public hearing was opened and several members of the public spoke. No final zoning action was taken at this meeting; the item remained under council consideration.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Richardson - City Council Work Session - Jun 09, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Amazon proposed a 10,000‑square‑foot \"paddock\" drone hub at its Richardson fulfillment site and briefed the council on aircraft, operations and FAA approvals; neighbors urged denial, citing noise and quality‑of‑life concerns.","taxTitle","Richardson, Dallas County, Texas","taxId",2786,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6536698,"Richardson council reviews Charter Review Commission recommendations; council compensation debate continues",3371,4640000,8011000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3730935-6640da3c756dadb36182963bd8bf149e&start=4640&end=8011","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3730935-6640da3c756dadb36182963bd8bf149e/thumbnail_4640000.jpg","/articles/6536698/Richardson/Dallas-County/Texas/Richardson-council-reviews-Charter-Review-Commission-recommendations-council-compensation-debate-continues","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6536698-d49bdcfeecb41f2cc105ce9c9459fb3d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770997513&Signature=LvfNUogOaWGyBCrqDaYQYAuxseyduTFlyjg80-ZIDVV81wmZ9--cNnvznusLQa8zKGG3U6SBAQKAu4iHC-033Lojv5i04QWSvsUu8sc2HlCiOtMEnRbllbFdogrxSUXOoQKPxIcxRVHST75NsnvlCJNGBVf7PQ2JYGIx-jEtiFqSPJluwSA-ro-Mx66Y~BESq69tOm612463ueUC2SvBrRr0ZQMlJGtF6Pu81b5AblPv36EPUTgInj58qFSkmMhZDJOVt64buT6fwzT0~AD74jGugXXEfo7kx56-dNVjKHGYiobDQ5AsBv4AjyXLl0YAxEmykxMgpFIyxt0Ph10~og__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Richardson City Council members resumed a multi‑week review of the Charter Review Commission's proposed redline changes, discussing language clarifications, definitions, municipal officer procedures and a contested recommendation to raise council compensation.

The council packet included a redline charter and staff recommendations. City staff asked council members to comment article‑by‑article and said staff would return next week with revised language and a proposed definitions section.

Why it matters: The Charter Review Commission forwarded a set of recommendations that would change how the city defines terms, handles complaints about council members, and sets compensation. Council members signaled concerns that some proposed changes — especially a large increase in pay — could be politically unpopular unless framed and justified to voters.

Compensation debate: The charter panel recommended raising council pay, and council members offered competing options at the meeting. Council Member Justice said any increase should be presented to voters with a clear basis and suggested tying a new figure to a recognized index: \"If I'm going to go to a voter and I have to explain to them why we are saying 200... I would like to have a basis that we can tie that to,\" Justice said, advocating a CPI‑based benchmark. Council Member Dorian argued for a larger monthly stipend to offset unpaid hours and out‑of‑pocket costs and said higher pay could broaden the candidate pool. Several other members proposed a compromise — a lower immediate increase with a not‑to‑exceed limit and review at the next charter cycle.

Complaint process and due process concerns: Council members discussed proposed Charter language (3.06) to permit written complaints alleging willful charter violations. Mayor Pro Tem Hutchenrider and others asked for clearer procedural steps — including an investigation threshold — so a single complaint would not automatically trigger a public hearing. City attorneys agreed to draft refined language modeled on the city's existing ethics ordinance and to return with proposed procedures for early review, possible investigation and handling of complaints.

Other redline items: Staff reviewed editorial and clarifying changes proposed across Articles 1–6 and 8, including consistent use of \"qualified voters,\" minor modernizing edits, and suggested removal of antiquated provisions that are already covered by state law. On city‑manager language, staff explained a proposed clause that allows the manager to demand written charges after three months of service; attorneys told council the clause would not prevent negotiating a super‑majority removal clause in a manager employment contract.

Next steps: Council asked staff to return with (1) a draft definitions section, (2) compensation options (including a CPI‑based option and a lower alternative), and (3) revised complaint and charter‑misconduct language for review. Council did not vote on any charter amendments at the meeting and scheduled follow‑up work next week.","The City Council continued a line‑by‑line review of proposed charter changes from the Charter Review Commission, including a heated discussion over recommended increases to council compensation and requests for staff follow‑up on complaint and investigation procedures.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6536703,"DART outlines service changes, Silver Line timing and new 'TIRS' economic tool in Richardson briefing",4388,242000,4630000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3730935-6640da3c756dadb36182963bd8bf149e&start=242&end=4630","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3730935-6640da3c756dadb36182963bd8bf149e/thumbnail_242000.jpg","/articles/6536703/Richardson/Dallas-County/Texas/DART-outlines-service-changes-Silver-Line-timing-and-new-TIRS-economic-tool-in-Richardson-briefing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6536703-98b6cee07a0432485fd0c71b4d7cc408/orig.mp4?Expires=1770997513&Signature=djYW8CVBnfCD048CbciLK6OMLZByTZVGg64vgdcO0kHeLozp0e-DqoC6L4vsJpnPKQzwuTP0liLqOvL3p6XCJfh38TgCR01r65PDcJO2fpOXUIo-OU4onBC~VJ-A4odhYzGUIu~ijORD1mzwmXhkgMxuHfIpySSgqzM-OejnJ7nYegNtGrg2PHAa9DKVxTb9nUK34vfcuepqK67B55tLAvr5owgWsNZ1lLMCUgsU4azRlliDOaEpWoUncArfdE6dzC06xymonOGp0o6U5MNe1F1bnACX~cotXx4-a-pOUJJBF5HP2KhZUsC8aScAncrIRtVoknaq9rmDQW0FdERgqQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dallas Area Rapid Transit board chair Gary Slagle and DART Chief Executive Officer Nadine Lee briefed the Richardson City Council on regional funding, governance proposals and service planning, and described a new interlocal approach for using sales-tax growth as a local economic development tool.

In a presentation to the council, Gary Slagle said recent Texas legislative proposals that would have redirected 25% of DART sales tax to cities did not pass but remain a concern for the agency. \"Taking away a quarter of that sales tax would have been devastating for the region, for our employees, and for DART,\" Slagle said, describing the legislative pressure and the board's work to respond.

Slagle and Lee also described the agency's work on a new TERS (sales-tax) interlocal agreement the board approved and that DART staff are negotiating with member cities. Slagle said DART intends the TERS tool to help cities accelerate development around stations and to return a share of future sales-tax receipts to participating municipalities. \"We have that resolution ... DART is working with the cities on putting together an ILA to make this happen,\" Slagle said.

Why it matters: DART serves 13 cities across 600 square miles; proposed changes to how DART revenue is allocated would change the agency's operating budget and service levels. DART told Richardson officials it will hold 16 public meetings across the region — one in Richardson — to present possible service reductions or reconfigurations if the agency must allocate 5% of its sales tax differently to meet new legislative or regional arrangements.

DART CEO Nadine Lee outlined elements of the agency's Point B strategic plan, its fleet recapitalization and system modernization program and the Silver Line regional rail project. She reported that light-rail vehicles reach the end of typical useful life at about 25–30 years and said DART has ordered 476 buses (deliveries starting next year) and plans to issue a request for proposals for new light-rail vehicles with deliveries expected in the 2028 time frame.

Lee said the Silver Line construction is substantially complete: \"We have over 90%–95% of the guideway construction activities already complete,\" she said, noting a full track connection across the 26-mile corridor and ongoing systems testing. Lee told council members DART expects to announce the Silver Line revenue-start date in the coming months and that the agency anticipates opening before the end of the year; agency materials shown to Richardson staff target fall 2026 for completion of a major arch bridge structure on the corridor.

Council questions and next steps: Council members asked about governance proposals that would change DART board representation, security and station maintenance, and station-area economic tools such as tax increment or sales-tax capture mechanisms. Several council members urged stronger communications with cities that opposed recent governance legislation and asked whether DART would provide a public explanation of possible service trade‑offs that would result if the agency reallocates revenue. Slagle said DART will continue city-level outreach and also participate in a regional Transit 2 study through the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG/RTC).

DART said it will present community meetings on potential service changes (Richardson's is scheduled in City Hall) and will return to member cities after public feedback to recommend a FY26 operating budget that reflects any adopted changes.

The council did not take action after the briefing; DART said it would follow up with materials and continued outreach.","Dallas Area Rapid Transit officials updated Richardson leaders on legislative outcomes, governance talks, a new sales-tax economic development tool and community meetings about potential service changes tied to budget pressures and a proposed 5% sales-tax reallocation.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6536689,"Council approves minutes of May 19 and June 2 meetings, 7-0",46,73000,119000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3730935-6640da3c756dadb36182963bd8bf149e&start=73&end=119","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3730935-6640da3c756dadb36182963bd8bf149e/thumbnail_73000.jpg","/articles/6536689/Richardson/Dallas-County/Texas/Council-approves-minutes-of-May-19-and-June-2-meetings-7-0","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6536689-2bf0c12a4ea48b56c121b353882fbf09/orig.mp4?Expires=1770997513&Signature=D-yhOkW1EbzolJhlJ5Hr9sWF~hRRtxb7P4AFyNpbkXn4KbP4JVOky7BKV0~34xJLP4JpqShGoxMvo9~H55EyDa3Xlb5DGNlcioJL-YgTrC78AI8io~~ikSbgxBPJOuB8LBkl8v1PRwYbeCJ7ob5JBuXUBfbNuwQdRFOor9Z-QiCHm3Kzn4l5Q5lIyueYx2yLEHYABdEj-2TCsRLGN~Zk9ksjsOOuBZTBsW2Eh7CeaQSa8cPyvEXc8WSFGlEp1WRTsb~Y-J6WAnGDS7PuR6IlvIB5T6jkfpYrgQWoD8Jjwb2gd5FZK1nK0beTxix6Z9zrICqgvvuTHxkM7fyg0jPn0A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Richardson City Council approved the minutes for the May 19 and June 2, 2025 meetings without discussion. Mayor Pro Tem Hutchenrider moved approval and Council Member Dorian seconded. The mayor called for a voice vote and announced the motion carried, \"7 0, everyone's in favor.\"

The council did not discuss or amend the minutes during the meeting.","The Richardson City Council approved the minutes for the May 19 and June 2, 2025 meetings by voice vote, 7-0.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council opens public hearing on Amazon Prime Air drone hub proposal; neighbors voice noise and quality‑of‑life concerns

Richardson council reviews Charter Review Commission recommendations; council compensation debate continues

DART outlines service changes, Silver Line timing and new 'TIRS' economic tool in Richardson briefing

Council approves minutes of May 19 and June 2 meetings, 7-0