To the University Crossing community, happy spring! March was a busy month, and as such, there are some updates I would like to share.
To begin, I would like to provide an update on the pedestrian bridge over Mockingbird Lane (Bridge). The University Crossing Public Improvement District (UCPID) maintains close contact with the City of Dallas (City) in regards to Bridge maintenance. To that end, the City indicates that LED-lit hand rails should be installed along the Bridge sometime in April. Once installed, this railing will be a fantastic addition to the Bridge. This Bridge is not the only important connection in our community. Another important connection is the University Crossing Trail. The UCPID hopes citizens can take advantage of these great connectors.
Additionally, the UCPID completed installation of four (4) bike stations, which have been installed at the following locations: 1) east of the Highland Residences, along the trail; 2) near the entrance of the 6060 Building; 3) near the Shelby Residences along SMU Blvd.; and 4) near the entrance to the Meadows Building next to the Lovers Lane DART stop. The UCPID stations are networked with two (2) stations at Mockingbird Station for a total of six (6) stations in the area. The UCPID is grateful to Mockingbird Station for initiating this program and to the property owners who consented to have stations on their properties. We hope this bike network can help provide an alternative form of transportation to all the citizens who live, work, or visit our community.
The UCPID continues to partner with the Park & Rec. on installation of pedestrian lighting along the University Crossing Trail, which runs through our community. Over the next few months, the UCPID and Park & Rec. will develop a funding program, which will be used to install the light fixtures along this portion of the Katy Trail. The UCPID will provide updates as this program progresses.
Furthermore, in an ongoing effort to promote the arts in our community, the UCPID was proud to collaborate with 101.1FM, DART, SMU University, Mockingbird Station, and Bridge the Gap Chamber Players to bring "Bach in the Subways" to our community. Musicians performed at Mockingbird Station in tribute to the composer Johann Sebastian Bach. The performances were inspiring, the crowd was enthusiastic, and the UCPID hopes to facilitate similar programs going forward.
I also want to encourage you to take part in some of the UCPID's ongoing programs. For example, with our Music on Mockingbird program, the UCPID sponsors live music every Friday evening at Mockingbird Station. We also encourage you to take advantage of our Lunch & Learn program, where a Dallas Police officer can visit your place of business and offer "Best Practices" related to calling 911, motor vehicle safety, and more. If you are interested in scheduling a Lunch & Learn at your property, please contact us at the email below. Furthermore, to supplement our Lunch & Learn program, the UCPID has developed a Resource Guide, which is free to all citizens. This guide is designed to provide "Helpful Hints" related to such topics as: when to call 911, crime watch tips, pedestrian & bicycle safety, and how to obtain a Criminal Trespass Affidavit. If you would like a copy of the Resource Guide, for your home or business, please let us know.
Thank you for your support, and I look forward to our continued partnership.
Patrick Sanders
UCPID Executive Director