‘Neighborhood Network News’ Features City’s Flood Response, Self-Driving Cars and More

By Susan Schrock

Posted on October 26, 2018, October 26, 2018

In this Neighborhood Network News edition, you can learn more about the City of Arlington's response to recent flooding, read how we continue to be a leader when it comes to exploring innovative transportation technology and see how our students are making a difference through acts of kindness.

Flooding Response: Heavy rains in September and October unfortunately led to flooding for residents and businesses in some parts of Arlington. In our newest On the Clock episode, City Manager Trey Yelverton gives residents a behind-the-scenes look at how the City responded to recent flooding, from distributing free sandbags to cleaning up debris to minimize flooding risks.

Drive.ai Self-Driving Shuttles: Self-driving cars have arrived in Arlington! On Oct. 19, the City and Drive.ai rolled out a pilot program to provide on-street autonomous shuttle service to residents, employees and visitors within the Entertainment District. Arlington is the first Texas city to offer on-demand, self-driving shuttle service to the general public. The service is available to users free of charge.

Parks Receives National Award: Arlington residents already know what an asset our Parks and Recreation Department is for the community. It turns out that the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration and the National Recreation and Park Association agree. We're thrilled to announce that the Arlington Parks and Recreation Department recently won the 2018 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management. The City has been named a finalist for this prestigious honor in three previous years.

Meet the Neighbors: The latest episode of Meet the Neighbors takes us to Shorewood Estates near Lake Arlington, which celebrated National Night Out in a big way. Click here to see this month's episode and click here to see the other neighborhoods we have visited.

Woodland West Library Upgrades: Renovations are well under way at the Woodland West Branch Library! Our latest Bond Tracker episode will catch you up on the details of this $378,000 bond project, which will upgrade and modernize this popular branch library.

Residential Rebuilds: The City recently wrapped up a $21.7 million, two-year project to create smoother, longer-lasting roads for neighborhoods across Arlington. In addition to rebuilding select residential roads with concrete designed to last 50 years, the City addressed standing water issues on various streets and made water and sanitary sewer line improvements. These needed neighborhood improvements were approved by Arlington voters in the 2008 and 2014 bond elections.

Acts of Kindness: The Arlington community sure has a big heart! Students at Little Elementary School teamed up to bring a "Buddy Bench' to the playground so no student feels alone at recess, more than 560 Morton Elementary School students received a free pair of socks and shoes, and students at Thornton Elementary School were recognized by Arlington's Community Relations Commission for their new Kindness Club.

Medieval Arts Festival: Return to the days of Knights, Chivarly and Castles at the Arlington Public Library's annual Medieval Arts Festival, scheduled from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3 at the new George W. Hawkes Downtown Library, 100 S. Center St. It's an afternoon of fun for the whole family and a great educational opportunity.