Week 3

Hey North Dallas! (or... maybe not?)

Alright, we need to talk.

So, obviously there's an actual neighborhood called "North Dallas" closer to the city (that part of Dallas just south of 635). When I started this newsletter, I figured everyone is like me and uses "North Dallas" as a catch-all for this whole area anyway - how naive. Plano, Frisco, McKinney, Addison, Carrollton... I just say "North Dallas" when outside people ask where I live because it's easier.

But I've gotten some feedback that it might be confusing people. And honestly? That's very fair. The last thing I want is someone thinking this newsletter covers a totally different part of town.

So here's what I'm thinking and where I need YOUR support: Do I rebrand this thing to be more clear, or do we just roll with it because I’m not the only one who considers "North Dallas" to be up here in the suburbs.

If you've got a better name idea, send in a reply and let me know. I'm genuinely curious what you think.

Anyway, let's get into this week's updates...

Turkey Fry Fun this Saturday, Nov 15 from 10am to noon at Plano's Fire Rescue Training Center (4637 McDermott Rd). Watch firefighters demonstrate how NOT to fry a turkey, get safety tips, and check out the touch a truck event, training center tours, games, and giveaways. Plus, free fried turkey. Spots are limited, so register now.

Coffee with the Mayor in Frisco on Friday 11/14 at Rollertown Beerworks (6450 Main St). Mayor Jeff Cheney is hosting the final "Coffee with the Mayor" for 2025. Bring your questions, tour the new facility, and hear updates on the Downtown Rail District Redevelopment. Next one's not until January 2026.

Vote for Dallas! Two Dallas trees are up for best Christmas tree in America. Go show some love and vote for your favorite.

Ever wonder what happens to your recyclables after they're picked up? Plano Recycling Center Tours happening Thursday, Nov 13 from 10:30 to 11:30am at Republic Services' Plano Recycling Center (4200 14th St). Take a family friendly tour and get all your recycling questions answered. Space is limited, registration required.

iNaturalist Workshop is on Friday, Nov 15 from 9am to noon at The Grove at Frisco Commons (8300 McKinney Rd). Learn how to use the free iNaturalist app to identify plants and animals on trails. Bring water, comfortable clothes, and a smartphone with the app installed.

Active Shooter Response Training on Monday, Nov 18 at 6:30pm at Davis Library (7501 B Independence Parkway, Plano). Plano Police Department's Homeland Security and Crime Prevention Units are hosting a Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events training. Learn strategies to increase your survivability.

WaterWise Plumbing Workshop on Saturday, Nov 15 from 3 to 4pm at Parr Library (6200 Windhaven Pkwy). Learn how to find and fix common household plumbing leaks, ask questions about water conservation, and learn about City of Plano rebates. Attendees get free water conservation items (one per household).

Santa's coming early to the Gene Carey Animal Shelter in Lewisville on Saturday, Nov 15 from 11am to 2pm (995 E. Valley Ridge Blvd). Free photos with Santa for all pets and humans.

Free Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday, Nov 27 in Plano for those in need. Put your name on the list by calling or texting 469.909.0347.

Texas Giving Machine returns to downtown McKinney from Nov 21 through Dec 4. "Purchase" gifts for people in need (warm clothing, food, hygiene kits, livestock, meals) with a simple card swipe. Each donation goes directly to local and global charities.

Tri City Challenge on Nov 15 starting at 8am in Highland Village. Lewisville, Highland Village, and Flower Mound are competing in a series of challenges for bragging rights. Currently sold out, but you can join the wait list by calling 972.317.7430.

USAA opened an additional building in Plano which is expected to grow the campus to 3,600 employees once it’s filled in 2026.

AT&T might be moving…HERE! the telecom giant is seriously eyeing Plano and Frisco for its new headquarters. Top contenders include The Park at Legacy in Plano and a site near The Star in Frisco. If downtown Dallas loses AT&T, property values there could drop 30%. Big win for the north side if it happens.

Frisco wins again: A new study crowned Frisco the #1 best city in America for remote workers in 2025. Allen came in at #3, Plano at #6. Remote workers here are pulling six figure salaries with housing costs under $25K annually. Not a bad combo.

Remember that giant hole on the tollway in Frisco? Construction finally kicked off on The Mix, a $3 billion mixed use development that's basically Frisco's answer to Legacy West. It's been a decade long saga, but dirt is actually moving now.

Dillard's is closing its Plano store at The Shops of Willow Bend in early 2026. Store employees confirmed the closure, with some saying January 2026 is the target. This follows Neiman Marcus' decision to close its Willow Bend store in January 2027 as part of the mall's anticipated redevelopment plans.

Flying Fish is opening a second Plano location at 4032 Preston Road in January, taking over the former Dickey's BBQ space.

Desperados Mexican Restaurant is opening a Plano location in the Willow Bend Shopping Center this fall. They currently have locations in Garland and on Greenville Avenue in Dallas. Construction started in September, but the grand opening date is still TBD.

TRŪ Bowl Superfood Bar is opening its first Texas location at The Shops at Granite Park. They serve açaí, pitaya, and superfood bowls. Soft opening planned for January, grand opening in March.

Lewisville's Main Street Bridge will temporarily close this weekend (Friday, Nov 14 through Sunday, Nov 16) while TxDOT installs steel girders for the new bridge. The managed lanes will be closed.

SMU sits at 7-3 after beating Boston College 45-13 last week. They host Louisville this Saturday. The Mustangs are 4-1 in ACC play and still in the hunt for a strong bowl game.

North Texas is 8-1 and playing at UAB this Saturday, Nov 15 at 1pm. The Mean Green still have a very outside shot at the College Football Playoff if they can run the table.

The Cowboys return from their bye week on Monday, Nov 17 at 8:15pm ET to face the Raiders in Las Vegas on Monday Night Football (ABC/ESPN). Dallas is 3-5-1 and desperately needs a win to stay in the playoff hunt.

The Mavs are struggling at 3-8 to start the season. They host the Clippers on Friday, Nov 14 at 7:30pm, and Portland on Sunday, Nov 16 at 6:30pm. Rookie Cooper Flagg has been a bright spot, becoming the youngest Maverick ever to play at just 18 years old.

The Stars sit at 10-4-3 and are playing well as expected. They're at Montreal on Thursday, Nov 13, then home vs Philadelphia on Sunday, Nov 15.

When the 2026 schedule for FC Dallas is released I will be posting that to the list as well. Shoutout to season ticket holder Allison!

That's it for this week. See you next Wednesday at 8pm.

-Your Neighbor

P.s did I miss anything? Anything that MUST be on next week's edition? Let me know by replying to this email. I actually read them.