This ‘n data
PLAZA DEDICATED TO FORMER MAYOR WILLIAMS
V
isitors arriving at the south entrance to City Hall are now greeted by one of former Mayor Jeff William’s best-known catchphrases, “It’s a great day in Arlington!” The phrase, emblazoned in metal lettering on the large stone public seating area in front of the building, was unveiled last month as part of the City’s dedication of the Jeff Williams Plaza. The ceremony, attended by current and former City Council members, county and hundreds of family members and friends, was held on the lawn of Levitt
contributions to the city. Williams’ leadership was critical in keeping the Texas Rangers in Arlington and expanding the Entertainment District, keeping the City’s tourism economy and national reputation as an entertainment destination strong. As a hallmark of his service, Arlington won the national competition to be the home of the National Medal of Honor Museum, set to open in Arlington in 2024. His plan to create jobs and build tourism in order to keep taxes low and provide better city
Photo: City of Arlington
Pavilion Arlington facing the plaza. Williams, who has served the Arlington community for more than 30 years, including six as mayor, is the eighth of 11 trailblazers, civic leaders and faith leaders tapped by the City’s Honorary Naming Recognition Task Force to be recognized for their service or their
services to strengthen our neighborhoods was embraced by the “can do spirit” of the Arlington community. In Williams’ Arlington advanced with 140 new businesses, 6,000 new jobs, and a $5 billion increase in the City’s property tax base. Williams also led the 14
establishment of the Economic Development Corporation, a perpetual investment in Arlington’s economy, and led the Arlington Tomorrow Foundation in making strategic investments. He also partnered with Downtown Arlington on redevelopment of the Abram Street Corridor, Urban Union, the Downtown Library and the Levitt Pavilion, and led Arlington to be a national leader in transportation and innovation. Working together and sharing values such as integrity, commitment and patriotism is how Arlington has been able to successfully compete against other cities across the nation for projects such as the National Medal of Honor Museum, Williams said. “We have an opportunity for us to take on that responsibility, to be a beacon for the entire nation, to champion these values. To be a place where people can come together and talk about how we can work together to make a difference. We all know that is the key, working together,” Williams said. “Certainly, all of y’all have set that example. Let us continue to do that.”
– Susan Schrock
ARLINGTON TODAY • June 2022 • arlingtontoday.com
Arlington By the numbers 684
The length, in feet, of the Banzai Pipeline thrill ride at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor.
500
The number of acres of open space at the Viridian master-plan community. Source: viridiandfw.com
170+
The number of specialty stores at the Parks Mall at Arlington (at press-time). Source: theparksmallarlington.com
150
The number of seats in the UTA Planetarium from which you can gaze at stars. Source: vacationidea.com
103
The age of the oldest building on the University of Texas at Arlington campus. Source: uta.edu
Raise your hand if you were a “bleacher creature” when Rusty Greer laid out to make a spectacular catch of a line drive, thus preserving Kenny Rogers’ perfect game on July 28, 1994.
