The Garland City Council has called for a general election on May 2. Voters in Council Districts 1, 2, 4 and 5 will elect representatives to two-year terms. Voters citywide will decide whether a portion of Hollabaugh Park can be used for a new library.
In January, both the Park Board and Library Board unanimously approved the plan to use land adjacent to Hollabaugh Recreation Center, 3925 West Walnut Street, as the site for the relocation of the Walnut Creek Branch Library. By law, voters must approve any plan to use parkland for purposes other than a park.
Voters approved a $10.9 million relocation and expansion of the Walnut Creek Branch Library in the City’s May 2019 bond election. In subsequent months, the city has been looking for property that would accommodate a 16,000-square-foot building and parking – ideally with access to a major street and within a mile of the existing library.
However, those conditions for relocation proved difficult in built-out West Garland. At the council’s Feb. 3 work session, Library Director Karen Archibald told the council that “potential sites did not work out due to cost, location and site layout.”
The Hollabaugh Park site was presented as highly visible, large enough for the library and parking lot and within the one-mile radius for continued service to the Walnut Creek Branch community. Parks and library officials also touted the potential for programs that could be uniquely crafted to a dual site.
Early voting for the May 2 general election will be April 20-28. The deadline to register to vote in the election is April 2. A Garland resident may vote anywhere in Dallas County. Proper identification is required to vote.
Questions regarding early voting – contact Dallas County Early Voting at 214-819-6359.
Other election issues – contact city secretary at 972-205-2404 or Dallas County at 214-819-6300 or DallasCountyVotes.org.
Information provided by the city of Garland.