State Metro Briefs

Dallas Water Utilities scam alert

The Dallas Police Department Financial Investigations Unit has been warning the public to be aware of a scam that is currently being circulated by phone. Fraudsters are using the Dallas Water Utilities spoofed main telephone number to scam customers.

The telephone number that will appear on the customer’s Caller ID is the spoofed main line phone number 214-651-1441. The fraudsters will use fear tactics on existing DWU customers, citing their water service will be disconnected if they do not make a payment.

DWU has addressed this issue and posted an alert on its website. DWU stated they do not call customers that are delinquent on their utility bill and only send written notice via postal mail.

The Financial Investigations Unit has asked the public to help spread awareness about the scam. It asked that anyone who receives a call from one of these fraudsters to take one of the following steps:

Fifth virtual public meeting to discuss the Convention Center Master Plan

The fifth Virtual Public Meeting will be held to discuss area plan and transportation updates July 14 at 6 p.m.

In February 2021, the city of Dallas began development of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas Master Plan with a vision to transform the facility into the premier convention center and district in the country. On Feb. 9, Dallas City Council voted to move forward with the preferred option, 3C – West of Lamar. This option includes opportunities to provide the necessary exhibit and ballroom space to remain competitive with the top-tier facilities in the country. 

Additionally, this option opens land east of Lamar Street for new development, connecting Downtown Dallas to the Cedars as well as to the other surrounding neighborhoods. This transformative option will create new and exciting public destinations in the heart of the city, an integrated transportation hub that brings together local transit options, and area transportation improvements that connect more communities to downtown. The result will turn the convention center district into a regional catalyst for growth and a welcoming place for everyone.

The city has urged residents and stakeholders across Dallas to have a voice in the conversation and share their ideas and input for the development of the KBHCCD Master Plan. The public can register for the virtual event at http://bit.ly/meeting-0714.

After July 14, the meeting, the presentation and recording will be available at http://www.dallasccmasterplan.com.

Town Hall Meeting to discuss North Texas State Psychiatric Hospital

State Senator Royce West will be joined by State Representative Toni Rose for a stakeholder Town Hall Meeting to discuss plans for the new North Texas State Psychiatric Hospital that will be built in Dallas/Dallas County within Texas Senate District 23.

The meeting will be held July 19 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Paul Quinn College – John H. Adams in the Administration Building Auditorium, located at 3837 Simpson Stuart Road.

The state psychiatric hospital was approved by the Texas Legislature during the 2021 Regular Legislative Session. The meeting will allow legislators, UT Southwestern and Texas Health & Human Services Commission officials to hear concerns, provide information and gather input from area and Dallas County residents and constituents related to the new hospital.