October, 2025
NEWSLETTER
WELCOMEOCTOBER
Dear District 2 Residents,
As we step into the month of October, I want to take a moment to thank you for the trust you place in me to represent you on City Council This season brings a fresh opportunity for us to come together, share ideas, and continue building a stronger community for everyone who calls District 2 home
October is always a special time in Temple. From neighborhood gatherings to fall festivals, decorative yards and porches, neighbor get-togethers, and community clean-ups, there are countless ways for us to connect. I encourage you to participate, volunteer, and lend your voice because the strength of District 2 is rooted in its people.
As your council member, I remain committed to transparency, accessibility, and action. Whether it’s addressing infrastructure needs, supporting small businesses, or creating safer and more vibrant neighborhoods, your concerns guide my work Please know my “office” is wherever you need me I’m available to meet at the places where your concerns matter most
Let’s make October a month of progress, partnership, and pride in our community. Together, we can continue to move District 2 forward.
With appreciation, Zoe Grant, City Council Member, District 2
committed to being accessible to you.
While Council Members do not maintain a dedicated office, I am available to meet with you Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Meetings can be held at a location that best fits your concern — whether that’s in your neighborhood, at City Hall, or another public space that can be reserved.
DI value our time together and strive to respond promptly to calls, emails, and meeting requests during the week. Weekends are reserved for personal time, but I will always do my best to address urgent matters
Your input and concerns matter to me, and I’m here to listen, collaborate, and work for the betterment of District 2
Emails are always appreciated: zgrant@templetxgov
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Improved Brush & Bulk Pickup Service for District 2 & all areas of the city
As you have heard, great news for our residents the City has transitioned from quarterly brush and bulk pickups to a monthly service! This means you can now schedule one brush pickup and one bulk pickup every month instead of waiting for a quarterly collection. To ensure timely service, please call the Solid Waste Department to let them know when you’d like your items collected. Scheduling ahead helps crews plan routes efficiently and keeps our neighborhoods cleaner.
Additionally, please note that some alleys have already transitioned, or are in the process of transitioning, to front pickup service As always, bulk pickup should never be placed in alleys If you’re unsure whether your address is included in the transition, the Solid Waste Department can confirm your pickup location when you schedule your service
Illegal Dumping Concerns
Illegal dumping is occurring throughout our community. For your safety, we ask that you do not confront individuals yourself. If you are able, safely record or take note of a license plate number and report it to the proper authorities. Your cooperation helps keep our neighborhoods cleaner and safer.
Alley Responsibility
Please remember that alleys are the responsibility of property owners, landlords, or renters Your property extends from the right-of-way at the front of your yard to the center of the alley behind it Keeping alleys clear and clean ensures safe access for everyone especially neighbors who have garages or driveways that open to the rear. Thank you for doing your part to maintain these shared spaces. Website: templetx.gov/alleys Video: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/178usDDE81/
We sincerely appreciate your patience and positive feedback as we’ve implemented these changes. We also recognize that our initial communication about the new schedule could have been clearer. Moving forward, we’re committed to rolling out stronger outreach and educational efforts so every resident understands how and when to use this improved service
Together, with your cooperation, we can keep District 2 looking its best while making waste collection easier and more convenient for everyone.
Do I have to pay?
How big of a pile did you say we could have?
C O N T
Did you receive this on your door? Call in to schedule a pickup.
FREQUENTLYASKEDQUESTIONS
Bulk & Brush Pickup Questions
Q: Why did my neighbors’ bulk or limbs get picked up but not mine?
A: Your neighbors called the Solid Waste Department to schedule their pickup. Again, brush and bulk pickups are now by appointment only. To ensure your items are collected, please call ahead to schedule your monthly pickup
Q: Why did my items get picked up but not my neighbors’?
A: Most likely, your neighbors did not know they needed to schedule a pickup
Tip: Have a friendly conversation with your neighbor — “Did you know you have to call to schedule pickup now?”
Household Hazardous Waste Event 2025
The City of Temple will be hosting the Household Hazardous Waste Collection event. This event will be a contactless drive-thru. We ask you to remain in your vehicle. Any containers will not be returned & must be 5 gallons or less per container.
Date: October 25, 2025 Time: 8AM -1PM
Another great option is for everyone on the street to call in and schedule for the same day. When the Solid Waste team sees a common street scheduled, they can coordinate and collect everyone’s items together. Seewhatcanbedroppedoff
Location: 2611 E Ave H, Temple TX, 76501
FERGUSONPARK
E Adams Avenue & 24th
The rocket is not shown but will remain
NOTE: The only thing that is not shown, so you can see more of the playground elements, are the shade structures.
Tentative Late Spring Early Summer
JONESPARK
E Avenue H & 23rd
Unfortunatly, I can not share the pictures of the park improvements until council approves it, but it’s going to be good! I can’t wait for you to see it!
Updates on what District 2 roads are next for design, slurry seal, and reconstruction
A R O U N D T O W N
FREQUENTLYASKEDQUESTIONS
“When Will the Roads Get Done?”
We hear this question often, and we understand your frustration with road conditions. As you drive through town, you will see the resurfacing of E Avenue H where the overpass sidewalk was recently completed and you ask what about the side streets. Many of the streets you see marked for work also have water, sewer, and drainage pipes scheduled for reconstruction beneath them.
Before we can lay down new pavement, crews must first complete the underground work — replacing or upgrading old pipes and utilities. This ensures that once the road is rebuilt or resurfaced, it will last longer and won’t have to be torn up again for future repairs.
Once the underground projects are complete, we can move forward with rebuilding and resurfacing the roads. This approach saves money in the long term and results in a stronger, safer infrastructure for our community.
Thank you for your patience as we work step-by-step to improve both what’s under our streets and the roads themselves.
CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations to Shawn Reynolds, who has been promoted from Chief of Police for the City of Temple to Assistant City Manager.
Your leadership and dedication to the Temple Police Department over the past five years have strengthened public safety, built community trust, and set a high standard of service. We are grateful for your commitment to our city and excited to see the positive impact you will continue to make in your new role as Assistant City Manager.
To read the full Media Release, visit templetx gov/news
Overpass closure for 6 months due to safety concerns
As your District 2 Council Member, I want to keep you updated: the 24th Street overpass will remain closed for an additional six months for observation.
A well-lit, pedestrian-safe, beautiful bridge with access to the Crestview, Ferguson and MLK neighborhoods was long overdue for an overhaul Just like you, I was so excited to see this come to fruition for the Eastside.
While I know this extension is frustrating, safety is our top priority for our residents
Taking the time to correct these issues now will ensure the overpass is reliable and secure for years to come.
FREQUENTLYASKEDQUESTION
What is happened to the Overpass?
During the final stages of construction, crews identified safety issues that must be addressed before the overpass can safely reopen.
“Concrete pieces are breaking away from the surface now that can be caused by weather, temperature differences so lots of different things can cause it," said Megan Price, Temple spokesperson
www.kxxv.com/news Overpass
Thank you for your patience as we work to complete this important project.
U P C O M I N G E V E N T S
NATIONALNIGHTOUT
You’re Invited to National Night Out in District 2!
Come out and meet your neighbors, enjoy great activities, and celebrate community spirit at one of these National Night Out locations in District 2. Bring your family and friends you don’t want to miss the fun!
�� Tuesday, October 7th
Here’s where and when you can join the celebration:
�� Midtown Neighborhood Coalition
1018 S. 7th Street, Temple, TX 76504 (St. Mary’s Catholic Church)
�� 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
�� Ferguson Park District Coalition
1203 E Adam’s Ave, Temple, TX (Ferguson Park)
�� 4:15 PM – 9:00 PM
�� 1818 South 45th St, Temple, TX 76504
�� 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
�� Temple Heights Neighborhood Coalition
2302 W Avenue Z (Jaycee Park)
�� 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
�� Heights Baptist Church, Temple
1220 S. 49th Street, Temple, TX 76504 (parking lot behind church)
�� 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
�� Corinth Missionary Baptist Church
321 S. 10th St, Temple, TX 76501
�� 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Why Attend?
-Meet your neighbors and local officials
-Enjoy food, games, music, and fun activities for all ages
-Strengthen our community and learn about neighborhood coalitions
Spread the word
OCTOBEREVENTS
E V E N T S
O W E R O F C O M M U N I T Y
NEIGHBORHOODCOALITIONS
What is a Neighborhood Coalition?
A Neighborhood Coalition is not a Homeowner’s Association. It is not an exclusive club or a governmentrun initiative. It is a grassroots effort neighbors joining forces to create long-term solutions that make our communities healthier, safer, and more vibrant
Every neighborhood is unique, with its own needs and challenges, and the role of a Neighborhood Coalition is to help address those needs based on what residents prioritize
The goal is simple: to bring people together, establish pride in our communities, and build real change that lasts. Whether it’s advocating for better street lighting, organizing community cleanups, addressing crime concerns, or creating more opportunities for youth, the coalition is a platform for residents to unite and take action.
But it's also about having fun, back in the day, neighbors knew and talked to each other, they knew the kids, they shared recipes, borrowed sugar, and we drank from the water hose So it's about getting back to the basics of neighborly love and block parties
Did you know we have a party trailer? It has a variety of games, a water cooler, folding tables and chairs a 10x10 canopy. You can find out more about that from our Housing Resource Center, Kirby Fiebig, NeighborhoodRevitalization@templetx.gov 254-298-5999
Some of the ideas that have come out of the coalition meetings are food truck nights, yards of the month, musical gatherings in parks, egg hunts are coming up and national nights out. I believe last year was one of the largest participations in various neighborhoods.
Power of Community: Strengthening Our Neighborhoods Together!
Contact Belinda Garcia, our City’s Neighborhood Navigator at 254 298 5808
bgarcia@templetx.gov
= District 2 Coalitions
Interested in a New Coalition and Find Contacts
Next Issue of What’s New: New Houses Springing Up In District 2
Let’s Talk affordable Homes What’s New Downtown
PROMISEHOMES
City of Temple Honored with Community Award from The Promise House of East Bell County
The City of Temple was honored to receive The Promise House of East Bell County’s first Community Award during the 2025 Night of Promise celebration
This recognition highlights the City’s continued commitment to supporting families and strengthening community partnerships The City assisted Family Promise with the land needed to establish their new Family Shelter, creating a safe and supportive space for families transitioning out of homelessness.
Now, Promise Homes located at the corner of 24th Street and East Avenue N represent the next step toward long-term stability for families who have faced housing challenges These homes provide continued support
and resources as families work toward self-sufficiency and a brighter future.
A Message from Council Member Zoe Grant
“When we invest in families, we invest in the future of Temple”
“The Promise Homes are a symbol of hope and progress showing what can happen when a city and community organizations come together to meet real needs with compassion and vision.”
The City of Temple is proud to partner with organizations like Family Promise that bring hope, dignity, and opportunity to our community Ribbon Cutting October 8th
CENTRALTEXAS4C
The Texas 4C Head Start building is coming along smoothly! Construction progress has been steady, and the site is really taking shape. I look forward to sharing more great news and updates in the next issue as the building moves closer to completion Location: 30 & E Avenue J th
O B S E R V A N C E S
SeeTemple’sFullOctober2025Issue
Honoring the Legacy and Leadership of Hispanic Members of the Community
The City of Temple proudly recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month with a special celebration honoring the rich history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic leaders — both past and present — whose impact continues to shape our city and nation.
Community members, city leaders, and local organizations will gather to reflect on the achievements of Hispanic Americans in Temple and beyond.
The celebration will highlight the importance of diversity, unity, and cultural pride, recognizing that the strength of our city is built on the collective efforts of all who call it home.
Join us for the 4th Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Ceremony on Wednesday, October 8, at 10:00 a.m. at the Frank W. Mayborn Civic & Convention Center.
This is a free event and open to the public.
“As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we celebrate the stories, traditions, and leadership that continue to strengthen the fabric of Temple. Our city thrives when every culture and voice is celebrated together. I encourage everyone to come out, learn, and honor the contributions of our Hispanic community.” Dr. Zoe Grant
You’re Invited: City Council Meetings
The Temple City Council meets on the first and third Thursday of each month at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall. Each meeting is preceded by a City Council Workshop.
I would love to see you there! Please attend, participate, and come up to meet me let me know you’re from District 2 Your presence matters, and your voice is welcome. Your Opportunity to Speak
Did you know that at the beginning of each meeting, you can speak for up to three minutes on any topic? Simply sign up before the meeting starts You can also share input or ask questions about items on the regular agenda your feedback helps guide the decisions we make
A Personal Note from Zoe Grant
I have seven months left in my 3 year term, and many of you have mentioned to me that you’d come out to a council meeting — I’m still waiting to see you in those seats!
This is your city and your council, and your participation makes District 2 stronger I truly hope to see you at an upcoming meeting
Zoe Grant
City Council Member, District 2