A NOTE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Greetings to the University Crossing community! In addition to the cooler weather, September ushered in some other important developments I would like to share:
To begin, as many of you may have seen, construction of the University Crossing Bridge is entering its final phase. In September, the City of Dallas continued construction of the Bridge, which included assembling the walkway across Mockingbird Lane. Additionally, the City completed construction of a smaller bridge across the DART rail line just north of Twin Sixties Street, which will extend the trail east toward White Rock Lake. Finally, the City and the University Crossing Public Improvement District have been working closely on preparations for a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the opening of the Bridge. Once plans are finalized, we will notify the community. In the meantime, for up-to-date information related to Bridge construction, lane closures, or to view the time lapse photos of the construction, you can visit our website at:
www.universitycrossingbridge.com.
Additionally, as noted last month, the UCPID Board of Directors approved improvements to the planters along Mockingbird Lane. Specifically, the area of focus will be the planters between Mockingbird Station and Matilda. Over the month of September, the UCPID worked closely with the City, as well as our own contractors, to finalize a "scope of work." To that end, we believe this project will be completed by the end of October.
Also, as previously noted, the UCPID is partnering with the City of Dallas, Park & Recreation Department on installation of pedestrian lighting along the portion of the Katy Trail extension that runs through our community. To that end, the UCPID has obtained bids, related to the cost of this project. Over the next few months, the UCPID and Park & Rec. will use these bids to 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.
Speaking of programming, I 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 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.
Finally, as part of our ongoing effort to serve our community, the UCPID is considering some new programs to add to our list of offerings. Specifically, the UCPID is researching the possibility of a bike share program for our area, which would include bike stations located at strategic locations in our community. Also, in an effort to promote the arts in our area, we are trying to identify locations best suited for public artwork. As these programs develop, we will update you.
Thank you for your support, and I look forward to our continued partnership.
Patrick Sanders
UCPID Executive Director