Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Mesquite public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
20 issues
Fleet and Equipment Upgrades
The city is looking to purchase several new garbage trucks, front loaders, and heavy equipment totaling over $2 million to keep trash and waste collection running smoothly. Replacing aging trucks prevents service delays for residents.
Accessory Dwelling Unit Zoning Request at 3501 Antilles Drive
Rita Prieto has requested a zoning change and conditional use permit to build an oversized accessory dwelling unit on Antilles Drive. The proposal includes reduced lot size requirements and increased height and area limits.
Public Safety Radio System Upgrade
The city is moving forward with funding and contracts to upgrade the P25 Public Safety Radio System and secure cybersecurity hardware through Motorola Solutions and the Quality of Life Corporation.
Property Sale for Gus Thomasson Road Development
The city approved selling a small parcel of land on Gus Thomasson Road to make way for a new national brand coffee shop.
MISD Property Exchange for Future School
The city and school district agreed to swap land on McKenzie Road to pave the way for a future public school.
Transfer Station Feasibility and Construction
The city is exploring building a second transfer station to handle growing trash volume, reduce truck wear, and cut down on driver overtime.
School Expansion and Traffic Queuing
Commissioners discussed potential traffic and vehicle stacking challenges associated with expanding B.J. Smith Elementary School and building a new pre-K academy.
Street Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program
Residents expressed frustration over unpaved road conditions, potholes, and lack of municipal sewer connections on McKenzie Road.
Temporary Classroom Building at Antioch Worship Church
Antioch Worship Church requested a special exception to allow a temporary classroom building for five years while they raise funds for a permanent structure. The board approved it with requirements for interim site plan submissions.
Garage Conversions and Parking Requirements
Property owners sought a variance to allow an existing garage conversion to remain with only one off-street parking space instead of the required two. The board denied the variance, citing lack of hardship and street parking concerns.
Senior and Disabled Resident Trash Service Discount
The city added a $2 monthly discount on trash service for qualifying senior citizens and disabled residents, funded through the solid waste budget.
Neighborhood Speeding and Traffic Calming
Residents expressed frustration over speeding vehicles and cut-through traffic in residential neighborhoods like Solterra and Fall Creek Cove.
Backyard Hen Regulations
The city looked into allowing up to four backyard chickens with permits, but decided against it due to the need for a new animal services officer and ongoing enforcement costs.
Inaugural Annual Economic Incentive Report
Staff reviewed economic development performance from 60 projects since 2012, showing $2.06 billion in taxable value and nearly 10,000 jobs.
Upcoming Municipal Policy Briefings and Comprehensive Plan Update
The city is gathering public input on vision statements and guiding principles to shape Mesquite's long-term comprehensive plan.
Oates Drive Road and Bridge Improvements
Mesquite is partnering with Dallas County to fix up Oates Drive between Motley Drive and Gus Thomasson Road.
Water Rate Increases
The city adopted fee updates, a 3% water/sewer rate increase, and a $2 monthly trash discount for seniors and disabled residents.
Heavy Truck Traffic in Residential Neighborhoods
Creek Crossing residents complained that delivery trucks constantly cut through narrow neighborhood streets, tearing up the pavement and creating safety hazards because GPS units misroute them.
Public Transportation Reliability
New residents expressed deep frustration with Mesquite's limited public transit options, including the Star Now on-demand app and Hanby Stadium shuttle, making commuting to downtown Dallas unnecessarily difficult.
Industrial Development and Infrastructure
Mesquite is getting a massive new housing development called Solterra MPC. This means a lot more people will be calling Mesquite home soon, so expect things to get busier!