Novemer 9, 2009

CENTENNIAL PLAZA GRAND RE-OPENING
The City of Midland will celebrate the latest victory in Downtown.  On Tuesday, November 10, 2009, at 3:00 p.m., a ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at Centennial Plaza.  The ceremony will take place at Centennial Plaza in downtown Midland.

U.S. Congressman Mike Conaway will be the guest of honor at the event.  Mayor Wes Perry will speak about the new improvements and focus on how downtown has changed during the last year beginning with the implosion of the Midland Savings Building in November 2008.

The renovations to Centennial Plaza were fueled by an Economic Development Initiative grant.  The $250,000 grant was secured with the assistance of U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison and U.S. Congressman Mike Conaway. Other project funding includes $800,000 from the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) and Hotel/Motel funds.   

Centennial Plaza, located just west of the Midland Center, was built in 1985.  A strategic urban space located in the center of Midland's high-rise downtown community, it offers unique outdoor space for urban dwellers. The park's original design was a multi-function space configuration that addressed the public's desire for water features and structured visitation. 

The new plaza has a more open appearance.  Upgrades include renovations to the existing fountains, updating landscaping, and replacing paving tiles.  Improved lighting was also be added to improve pedestrian safety and expand the plaza’s use to nighttime hours. 

NOVEMBER 10th CITY COUNCIL MEETING

• During the regular 10:00 a.m. city council meeting, the council will consider accepting reimbursement funds from the Texas Department of State Health Services to assist with delivery of H1N1 services.  A total of $352,496 will reimburse the Midland Health & Senior Services Division for personnel time, travel, and supplies.  This is part of the federal funds allocated to the state as part of public health H1N1 preparedness services. 
• If the City Council approves, look to see the MPD Citizen Police Academy members continue to patrol our city’s parking lots.  Since 1995, this group has conducted the disabled parking enforcement. The volunteers are trained on the legalities and application of the disabled parking laws.  They must work in pairs, wear distinctive uniform, and call dispatchers immediately upon any problems.  The volunteers are prohibited from any enforcement activities while in their personal vehicles and while not paired up with another volunteer.  There are 12 volunteer candidates to be approved. 
• The City Council will also consider accepting funds from the Permian Basin Regional Planning Commission for Solid Waste management projects.  The $50,100 will be used for various projects including education and advertising major citywide cleanups, litter prevention, beautification, conservation, illegal dumping, and composting.  Part of the grant will also be used to purchase at least two 30-cubic yard recycle containers for cardboard and plastic which will be strategically located throughout the city. 

HOMICIDE UPDATE
The reward for information leading to the arrest of a suspect or suspects in the October 6, 2009, Homicide of 45-year-old James Thomas of Midland has been increased.  Crimestoppers will now offer $2,500. 

Detectives have no new leads in the case and are hoping this will encourage anyone who may have valuable information to come forward.

EMS crews and police were called to the scene of a stabbing on the morning of October 6, 2009, at 6:49 a.m. just east of the intersection of Midland Drive and Wall Street. 

Thomas, sometimes known as James "Sidewalk" Thomas, was discovered in the driver’s seat of a truck, with the vehicle running, doors shut, and still in the drive gear.  He had suffered multiple cuts, stab wounds, to his face and neck area.

Anyone with information should contact Midland Police at 685.7108 or Crimestoppers at 694.TIPS.

Can't find what you're looking for? Try our search engine.