Commercial Roofing Contractors in Plano, TX

PLANO, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) – Check fraud is already becoming a rampant problem and some believe overstuffed mail collection boxes in Plano aren't helping to slow it down.

Larry Strauss was under a deadline to get an IRS check in the mail.

The 76-year-old retiree dropped it off in a collection box outside the U.S. Postal Service branch on Coit Road in Plano.

"When I mailed a check to the IRS, I also mailed a check to my son," he said.

Soon Strauss was getting alerts from his banks about possible fraud on his account. Both mailed checks were stolen and rewritten to other people for higher amounts, a process called washing and cashing.

"I had to change all of my user mail and my passcodes and my user name on my accounts because somebody has that information," Strauss said.

Strauss believes he became a victim because for months, the two outdoor collection boxes at the branch have been so packed with mail at times, anyone could easily reach in and grab whatever they wanted.

"I thought I wedged it down enough there would be no problem," he said.

Some of these photos were taken around the time Strauss had his mail stolen.

Other Plano residents have complained about it and a frustrated postal customer even placed a sticker on one of the boxes saying "we actually do not pick up at 5, hence the overflowing box."

In a statement to CBS 11 News, the postal service said:

"Local postal management in Plano is aware of recent customer concerns regarding collection boxes and has taken immediate steps to ensure outgoing mail is handled properly and that all collection boxes are clear. Any customer who has a concern about mail security is reminded that they may also deposit outgoing items inside our Post Office in the lobby drop box. We apologize for any inconvenience that may have been experienced."

It's been more than an inconvenience for Strauss, who's worried that a lot of his personal information has been compromised and he's still waiting for a bank to reimburse one of the fraudulent checks.

"Unfortunately, when I mailed the letters, whoever was supposed to empty that mailbox was one of those people who didn't care," he said.

What's happening here should also serve as a general warning about sending checks through the mail. Recent data shows an alarming increase in check fraud and that every week in the U.S. around 1,300 stolen checks are posted for sale on the dark web.

Today we noticed the collection boxes at the West Plano branch being emptied within an hour of the designated time of 5 p.m.

But it doesn't matter to Strauss who no longer trusts using them.

"...Once again, if you have to pay a bill, don't send a check via the post office," Strauss said.

J.D. Miles

J.D. Miles is an award-winning reporter who has been covering North Texas for CBS 11 since 1996.

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Proposed development would create a life science ecosystem with world-class lab, office, and therapeutic production space

PLANO, Texas, Feb. 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- NexPoint, a multibillion-dollar alternative investment firm, announces plans for TxS District, a proposed 200-acre life sciences development in Plano, Texas. The project, named to signify "Technology x Science," is designed to foster innovation and collaboration among companies and institutions across the life science sector.

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The project centers on the 91-acre main campus, which previously served as headquarters for Electronic Data Systems (EDS). The district would incorporate 109 additional acres in the Legacy neighborhood. In total, the project would create over 4 million square feet of lab, office, and therapeutic production space across four phases of construction.

Phases one and two propose transforming two existing buildings on the main campus into 970,000 square feet of world-class lab and office space and 120,000 square feet of amenity space. Initial site improvement plans also include a public park, an amphitheater, and connectivity to the nearby Legacy retail development.

NexPoint believes the proposed project can be achieved through a public-private partnership. The firm is engaging with the City of Plano about NexPoint's development plans and the project's impact on the surrounding area.

"Not only would this project be a major economic catalyst for the region, but it would also establish North Texas as a leader in life sciences," said James Dondero, NexPoint founder and principal.

"Plano is the ideal location for this project," said Frank Zaccanelli, president of NexPoint Development Company, the development arm of NexPoint's real estate platform. "We hope to partner with the City to transform these properties into a thriving life science district and bring high-paying jobs to the Plano area."

NexPoint is collaborating with CRB, a leading global provider of sustainable engineering, architecture, construction, and consulting solutions to the life sciences industry, to provide architectural and engineering services throughout the four proposed phases of construction.

"Co-locating research alongside production is crucial for new technologies and nimble solutions," said Eric Danielson, senior director of business development for CRB. "NexPoint's project would do so sustainably, by transforming the large, well located and well featured campus into a vibrant facility that will benefit all tenants. We are excited to help bring this vision to life."

NexPoint engaged JLL as the project's leasing agent. JLL has a dedicated life sciences team that works across the country and has been involved in the development of some of the top life sciences ecosystems in the U.S.

"The TxS project would be unique in its ability to support life science companies at any point in the process: discovery, early-stage development, and commercialization," said JLL's Matt Daniels. "With cutting-edge research facilities and new federal policies promoting the repatriation of drug manufacturing, and a tight labor market in coastal life science hubs, Plano is poised to become a top choice for companies seeking expansion and solutions."

NexPoint purchased the main campus in 2018 and has been acquiring the additional acreage since then. The firm has been involved in several life science deals including its investment in IQHQ, a life science REIT that operates in life science clusters on the East and West Coasts.

TxS District would be an integral part of NexPoint's planned growth within life sciences. In addition to life science real estate, NexPoint is making direct investments in biotech companies and other public and private healthcare businesses through its corporate credit and equities group.

"NexPoint is positioned to be a leader in the life science space," said Dondero. "Through TxS District and other ventures we plan to continue to grow our life science business across the NexPoint platform."

More information about NexPoint's TxS District plans can be found at nexpoint.com/txs-coming-soon/.

About NexPoint

NexPoint is a multibillion-dollar alternative investment firm comprised of a group of investment advisers and sponsors, a broker-dealer, and a suite of related investment vehicles. NexPoint provides differentiated access to alternatives through a range of investment solutions, including public and private real estate investment trusts, tax-advantaged real estate vehicles, merger arbitrage and event driven strategies, other private real estate investments, closed-end funds, interval funds, and a business development company. NexPoint is based in Dallas, Texas and is part of a network of affiliates with expertise across the asset management and financial services spaces. For more information visit nexpoint.com.

About CRB

CRB is a leading global provider of sustainable engineering, architecture, construction, and consulting solutions to the life sciences and food and beverage industries. Our innovative ONEsolution™ service provides successful integrated project delivery for clients demanding high-quality solutions -- on time and on budget. Across 21 offices in North America and Europe, the company's nearly 1,800 employees provide world-class, technically preeminent solutions that drive success and positive change for clients and communities. See our work at crbgroup.com, and connect with us on social media here.

CONTACTS

NexPointBrendan McGrail, Prosek Partners for NexPointbmcgrail@prosek.com

CRBChris Clark, CRBchris.clark@crbgroup.com

Bonnie Quintanilla, Clarity Quest Marketing for CRBbonnie@clarityqst.com

SOURCE NexPoint

Baphomet bedside buddies, upside down crosses, spewing Satan sinks and a devilish welcome, one Facebook user claimed a satanic hotel would soon be opening in Plano, Texas. But don’t pull out the rosaries and holy water yet, the hotel is not actually real.

On Feb. 23, a Facebook user claimed that a satanic hotel was supposedly opening in an abandoned office building in the heart of the Downtown Plano Art District.

The post showed a handful of painted pentacles on walls, demonic bedside statues, Satan’s mouth bathroom sinks and a fiery cross that lights up the pool.

But the Baphomet-themed hotel won’t be coming anywhere near Plano. The images were created using an AI art platform. According to The Buzz, an Instagram account posted photos showing how AI art can be made using a specific algorithm. In this case, a satanically-spooky hotel.

The trolling Facebook post claimed that the “hotel” would open on June 6th at 6 p.m. (yes, 666). Surprisingly most commenters on the social media post were not too upset about the prospect of the sinful hotel but instead shared their excitement to visit.

If you are curious about what a satanic hotel would even look like check out the original artist’s work here.

“The city encourages visitors to Plano to explore lodging options on the Visit Plano website,” the city of Plano responded to Local Profile’s inquiry about the hotel.

If you’re disappointed the spooky hotel is a fake, the Satanic Temple of Dallas-Fort Worth is very real and operating.

Despite the hotel being nothing but art, North Texas does have a history with a terrifying dark side. Ranch 111 was reportedly an abandoned Scout camp. Today, it’s home to a subdivision of homes, Firewheel Golf Course and One-Eleven Park in Garland. Residents claim devil worship, human sacrifice, animal mutilation, witches’ covens and more occurred on the land. It is even said that satanic cults that would kidnap your kids for their fiendish rituals.

The City of Plano is under growing pressure from people who want changes to short-term rental rules. Neighbors in one community are sounding the alarm after a shooting outside a rental property.

At Monday’s city council meeting, they demanded that city leaders keep short-term rentals away from single-family homes, and they were joined by several others.

Bill France is with the Plano Texas Neighborhood Coalition. He spoke publicly to the council at Monday night’s meeting.

“Over the past eleven months you have heard the testimony of many of your residents,” said France. “You've heard about the loud parties in the middle of the night.”

France compared having a short-term rental next door to having a commercial business for a neighbor.

“Folks don't move into a suburban neighborhood and expect to live next to a hotel and bar or a brothel,” he said

The meeting comes just two weeks after a bullet came through the window of Zoe Sanchez's three-year-old daughter's room. The shooting started with a fight at a local short-term rental.

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“I don't sleep. I'm fearful, I'm anxious as each passing day brings a possibility of an out-of-control party at the property or any other properties surrounding us,” Sanchez said.

Neighbors in one community are sounding the alarm after a recent shooting and are demanding short term rentals are kept away from single family homes.

Mark Cherne, though outnumbered by those opposed to STRs, said he and his wife have plans to turn their current Plano home into a short-term rental. He has an STR in another city and said responsible renting is possible.

“We have had zero complaints or problems with our short-term rental,” Cherne said. “The vast majority are regular people like you and me who simply want to get away for a little bit.”

Current city policy prohibits bed and breakfasts, hotels and motels, and boarding homes in Plano single-family areas. The city must now collect data to find a legally sustainable ordinance for short-term rentals.

“The discussion and direction of short-term rentals are on the preliminary opening meeting so we can get some direction for putting it on the agenda for making decisions,” said Mayor John Muns.

Potential zoning amendments, legal guidance, and additional public feedback will take time before Plano finds a resolution.

Celebrate the food, music and culture of the great state of Texas at Texas Forever Fest this March! Organized by Plano Arts & Events, this year’s festival will take place on March 25 from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. in Downtown Plano’s Haggard Park (901 E. 15th Street). Bring the entire family and enjoy free live music, entertainment and more.

The festival will feature live music, family-friendly activities, food, drinks and shopping, all influenced by Texas’ diverse culture and spirit.

Attendees can check out Texas country and Americana bands playing the festival including headliner Casey Donahew. Over the last 18 years, Donahew has risen from local favorite to a nationally hot touring act, racking up 21 #1 singles. Texas native Donahew will take the main stage and close out the festival at 5 p.m. The full music lineup will be announced soon.

Line-dancing lessons, mechanical bull rides and calf-roping, quick-shoot cowboys and a trick roper will offer entertainment for all ages. Festival goers can burn off excess energy in the free H-E-B zone for all ages and the free wild west corral for kids. Guests will also be able to learn about the state’s history and culture in the heritage area.

Local vendors will be set up in a market area where festivalgoers can shop for all things inspired by the Lone Star State. Vendors at the event include the popular Tumbleweed TexStyles. The children’s entrepreneur market will allow youth to set up and sell items they’ve made.

Stop by for a bite to eat at Fletcher’s Corny Dogs or Plano’s own Ye Ole Butcher Shop. Various food trucks and other vendors will offer festival-food favorites while The Spirits of Texas Tasting hosted by the friendly folks at Texas Whiskey Festival will allow guests to sample over ten Texas whiskeys. Whiskey-tasting tickets are available at bit.ly/SpiritsofTexasTasting. Beer will be sold at a cash bar, and nonalcoholic drinks will also be available throughout the fest.

The application deadline to participate as a vendor is Friday, February 10. Vendors can apply here.

More information about the festival can be found at texasforeverfest.com or on the Facebook event page.