Lunch and Learn - The Shelby

Last week, residents of the Shelby Building met with Patrick Sanders, Executive Director of the UCPID and members of the UCPID Expanded Neighborhood Patrol (ENP). Members of the ENP are off-duty police officers from the Dallas Police Department who are dedicated to serving the University Crossing community. The UCPID works closely with ENP officers daily to monitor all safety and security concerns in the area.

ENP officers encourage neighbors in UCPID to call 911 when you see anything out of the ordinary. If you see something, say something.

For less immediate UCPID concerns, please email info@universitycrossing.com to contact Patrick Sanders, ED for the University Crossing PID.

To schedule your lunch and learn, please contact info@universitycrossing.com

New Art in University Crossing

We're Adding New Art to University Crossing!

This week, artist J.M. Rizzi started on a large mural that will face the University Crossing Trail as you pass through the trail over Twin Sixties Drive.

This will be the fourth large mural installation project that the University Crossing PID has either commissioned or worked closely with a property owner to commission in the area.

The University Crossing Public Improvement District continues to identify ways to beautify the area and create a sense of community and ownership for visitors, property owners, neighbors, and students to enjoy. Thanks to a partnership with The City of University Park, The City of Dallas, and DART, the University Crossing PID is able to accomplish large projects like this one.

Rizzi will be onsite in the morning and evening through the end of September working on the mural if you'd like to stop by and admire his work. The mural will be a representation of those who use the University Crossing Trail, as well as tell show the symbols of what makes us University Crossing.

For more information other projects or maintenance in University Crossing, please visit www.universitycrossing.com or contact Patrick Sanders at info@universitycrossing.com.

2023 UCPID Annual Meeting

Thank you to all who attended the 2023 UCPID Annual Property Owner’s Meeting on Monday, June 12. We provided an overview of all activities in the PID - and shared some of the goals for the next year. Here are some of the highlights:

  • New Art and garden space coming this summer and fall

  • Partnerships with the City and Parks and Rec to add lighting along the University Crossing Trail

  • Continued landscaping and maintenance throughout the PID

  • Expanded support for security and homeless outreach

  • And more…

The links for the map of current activity and presentation are included below:

For any questions, please contact Patrick Sanders at info@universitycrossing.com

General Election Early Voting Through May 2

GENERAL ELECTION EARLY VOTING TODAY THROUGH MAY 2

ELECTION DAY MAY 6

Several Locations Near University Crossing - Dallas City Council Candidates on the Ballot

General Election early voting begins this week prior to election day on May 6, 2023. You can early vote at several locations near the University Crossing neighborhood, including:

  • Audelia Road Branch Library

  • Our Redeemer Lutheran Church

  • Harry Stone Recreation Center

  • Lochwood Branch Library

  • University Park UMC

Find early voting locations and operating hours here.

Ballot, candidate and election information can be found at the City of Dallas election website here.

Earling voting ends on May 2 and election day is set for May 6.

The list of candidates for Dallas City Council can be found here.


University Crossing Sponsors 2023 Dallas Mavs St. Pat's Parade and Festival

Greenville Avenue Area Business Association Officially Announces

The 42nd Annual Dallas Mavericks St. Patrick’s Parade & Festival on Saturday, March 11, 2023, featuring Grand Marshal and City of Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson 

The largest St. Patrick’s parade in the Southwest returns this year, continuing one of Dallas’ best traditions, with proceeds benefitting the G.A.A.B.A. Scholarship Fund for graduating Dallas ISD high school seniors. 

The Greenville Avenue Area Business Association (G.A.A.B.A.) is proud to announce the 42nd Annual Dallas Mavericks St. Patrick’s Parade & Festival on Saturday, March 11, 2023, presented by the Dallas Mavericks – the parade’s top sponsor since 2016. The parade will begin at 11 am on Greenville Avenue at Blackwell Street and end at SMU Boulevard and Central Expressway. The festival will run from 9 am until 3 pm.

Attended by over 125,000 people each year, the largest St. Patrick’s event in the Southwest returns with live music, floats, food trucks, and an Irish spirit of celebration, featuring City of Dallas Mayor, Eric Johnson, as this year’s Grand Marshal.

“Every year we look forward to one of the biggest events in Dallas, the St. Patrick’s Parade, and this year we are thrilled to once again partner with the Dallas Mavericks to bring that vision to life,” said Kevin Vela, Board Chairman of G.A.A.B.A. “The Mavs organization has been our number one sponsor for many years and a phenomenal parade partner. We’re proud to work together to bring top notch family-friendly entertainment to the community while making a valuable contribution to area youth through our educational scholarship fund.”

Featured Events

The parade has delighted families and children for more than 40 years and has attracted some of the best entertainment in the Metroplex. Featured event activities are open from 9 am to 3 pm. Noted events include:

·       CW33 (KDAF) Parade Live Broadcast will run from 11 am -1 pm at 5252 Greenville Ave.

·       The Festival Zone will be situated at 5111 Greenville Ave. (Office Depot/CVS) and will feature food trucks, exhibitor booths, sponsor exhibits, family friendly activities, and a VIP Tailgate Area.

·       The 5th annual Comerica Bank Family Zone is located at Lovers Lane and Greenville Avenue and will be equipped with arts and crafts, kids activities and treats for the entire family (no alcoholic beverages allowed in this area).

“The Mavericks are excited to be partnering once again with G.A.A.B.A. in 2023 to showcase one of Dallas’ most beloved traditions,” said Cynt Marshall, Dallas Mavericks CEO. “We love bringing the community together, and as a presenting sponsor, the Dallas Mavericks are showing up big with the Mavs Express bus, Mascots, and ManiAACs.”

Scholarship Goals

Proceeds from this year’s parade will go toward the G.A.A.B.A. Scholarship Fund, which provides a total of $45,000 dollars to graduating seniors in DISD in previous years. Each year, G.A.A.B.A. awards up to $15,000 to select students at Conrad, Wilson, and North Dallas High Schools.

Online donations may be made at  https://DallasStPatParade2023.eventbrite.com Click: “select a time” and then “tickets.” Scroll to the bottom for the Donations box and enter your desired amount.

“Our goal this year is to raise $42,000 in donations, which aligns with celebrating the parade’s 42nd year.

Event Sponsors

·       Presenting Sponsor: the Dallas Mavericks.

·       Official Parade Sponsors: 7-Eleven, Comerica Bank, Visit Dallas Tourism Public Improvement District, University Crossing PID, DART, Dallas Blonde, Deep Ellum Brewing, WGU Texas and Thomas J Henry.

·       Media Sponsors: CW33, iHeart Radio, Lonestar 92.5, Star 102.1, 97.1 The Freak, 102.9 NOW, and 106.1 KISS FM.

·       Festival Partners: St. Paddy’s Day DASH, US Energy Square LLC, Meadows Building at Energy Square, Half Price Books, Versa Printing Inc., American Golf Cars Irving, DoubleTree by Hilton Dallas-Campbell Centre, Buyers Barricades, Revel XP Elite Fan Experiences, and The Gild.

Timing & Transit Tips

The parade will begin at 11 am, but the public is invited to arrive on Greenville Avenue for festivities beginning at 9 am. Because of the crowds and popularity of the parade, visitors should plan to arrive early and leave late. The festival runs from 9 am until 3 pm.

The parade route starts on Greenville Avenue at Blackwell Street—with street closures scheduled to start at 10:00 am for north and southbound lanes of Greenville Ave—and ends at

SMU Boulevard at Central Expressway. Alternative routes around the parade area include Loop 12, Mockingbird Lane, and Park Lane with access to Skillman. Parade-goers are encouraged to

ride share or ride the DART Rail, as parking is extremely limited. Recommended DART Rail stations include Mockingbird Station, Lovers Lane Station, and Park Lane Station.

About G.A.A.B.A. & the Dallas St. Patrick’s Parade & Festival

The Greenville Avenue Area Business Association (G.A.A.B.A.) was formed in 1987 to help unify area business and promote the Greenville Avenue region. Its first objective is and always will be the presentation of the annual Dallas St. Patrick’s Parade & Festival. The Parade has grown to be one of the largest St. Patrick's Parades in the country, with over 125,000 attendees and more than 100 parade entries. Proceeds benefit the G.A.A.B.A. Scholarship Funds benefiting Dallas ISD Seniors.  More than $150,000 in scholarships have been awarded.

About the Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks play in the Southwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and began as an expansion franchise in 1980. The Mavs have won one NBA Championship (2011), four division titles (1987, 2007, 2010, 2021), and two conference championships (2006, 2011). The team is led by Owner Mark Cuban, General Manager Nico Harrison, and Head Coach Jason Kidd. In addition to on-court success, the Mavs are committed to making a difference in North Texas through outreach programs and the Dallas Mavericks Foundation. Learn more at www.mavs.com.

 

Holiday Music on Mockingbird - Dec. 17

Holiday Music on Mockingbird

Join us for a fun holiday event with LIVE MUSIC at Mockingbird Station. On Saturday, December 17, from 5-6pm SMU’s Bridge the Gap Chamber Players will be playing live holiday music to get you in the spirit of the season. Musicians will be available to take requests and engage with the shoppers and diners in Mockingbird Station who are feeling festive and merry. The event is presented by the University Crossing PID, Mockingbird Station and Bridge The Gap Chamber Players. Jeff Tullis Music also be at the event. We hope to see you there!

TRAIL SAFETY

GET OUTSIDE!

Tips on how to stay safe in Glencoe Park and on the University Crossing Trail!

UCPID Board member, Kristin Munson, worked with Dallas Park and Recreation to create a quick Public Service Announcement about how to be safe while using the University Crossing Trail.

Thank you, Kristin and Dallas Park and Rec for a great partnership! We look forward to seeing you out on the trail!

Check out the video here!

#DallasTrailSafety

New View - UCPID Camera

We have a new view! We’ve moved the time-laps camera in the PID to a new location. You can log on to watch the action across the Mockingbird Pedestrian bridge. Thank you to Larry Walton and The Highland for making the move and getting the camera set up for viewing!

Here’s the link for viewing! Click here.

2022 Dallas Mavs St. Patrick's Day Parade + Festival

The parade will kick off on Saturday, March 12 at 11am on Blackwell Street and will travel down Greenville Avenue ending up with a Festival and concert at Energy Square.

The parade route and more details can be found at this link.

Organizers have again partnered with the management of the Meadows Building, Westwood Financial Corp, and lots from Office Depot to CVS to provide exhibitor accommodations, food trucks, and activities for all ages.

Join the tradition and sign up for exclusive float and exhibitor entries.

You may also choose to Celebrate St. Patty’s Day at the official concert of the 41st ST. PATRICK'S PARADE & FESTIVAL featuring the TOADIES, 40 ACRE MULE, JAKE QUILLIN, 4 BARS, DJ, FOOD TRUCKS & more!

University Crossing Trail Detour Update

Please plan accordingly, the University Crossing Trail will be experiencing a detour in the upcoming weeks. The University Crossing PID has commissioned a local artist to provide a mural and add beautification to the area. From Monday - Friday and 9am - 5pm, the trail section included below will be blocked off so that the artist can complete his work. Please contact info@universitycrossin.com if you have any questions.

Resources for Managing Panhandlers in University Crossing

Individuals panhandle for a variety of reasons, but most of those who have engaged with the UCPID street outreach staff and the City of Dallas End Panhandling Now have expressed they are fulfilling basic needs, such as food or shelter.

Between 70-80% of the individuals engaged by UCPID street outreach are considered homeless, however many do not consider themselves to be homeless.

An example of this might be an individual who panhandles daily to pay for a motel room and food for the evening. Others might be living in encampments near the areas where they solicit. Among the most common referrals made by staff is to local shelters.

Additionally, many clients have shared that their mental health prevents them from getting and keeping traditional employment, or prevents them from seeking social services from shelters.

Panhandlers report earning anywhere from $20-$300 daily. The average age of individuals engaged by University Crossing street outreach is 46 years old.

In an article from The Dallas Morning News in February 2021, the former Office of Homeless Solutions Interim Director, Kevin Odom, advised against giving to panhandlers directly.

Odom stated, “multiple persons at the intersection are permanent residents of motels in the area, and choose that area to remain due to the profitability that panhandling provides. I would offer the advice that the most effective way for panhandling to cease in an area is for giving directly to persons to cease."

Odom continued, “I would also recommend that staff and the public not collect and provide on-site donations to the persons camped in this location as donations, though well-intended, can continue to discourage persons from accepting placement in a shelter or other housing options."

He encouraged members of the community to instead donate directly to service providers who can provide long-term assistance with their homeless recovery.

The solution to ending panhandling is simple.

If you want to end panhandling, stop directly giving money to panhandlers.

Giving to panhandlers:

  1. Puts them physically at risk as they maneuver through traffic

  2. Discourages people from accessing homeless recovery resources to change their long term situation

  3. Funds may be used to fund addiction

  4. May put the giver in danger if the panhandler becomes aggressive

Alternatives to giving money directly:

  1. Provide food, water, hygiene kits, and other basic essentials

  2. Provide employment opportunities and job skills training while emphasizing the importance of doing work

  3. Provide shelter

  4. Give to organizations that provide homeless recovery resources

Ways to Give:

Holiday Safety Tips from University Crossing

We’ve made it! The holidays are upon us!

We want to be sure that you’re being safe during the hustle and bustle of the holidays while you shop in the University Crossing neighborhood. That’s why our security team has prepared a list of safety tips to help you get to and fro safely. Remember! IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING!

Take care and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

General safety tips when you’re out and about!

  • Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car. Set your alarm or use an anti-theft device

  • If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area

  • Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows

  • Park as close as you can to your destination and take notice of where you parked

  • Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside

  • Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. This creates a temptation for thieves. If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight

  • Be sure to locate your keys prior to going to your car

  • Shop with a friend or relative. There is added security in numbers

  • Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and parcels. Do not put them down or on top of the car in order to open the door

  • When approaching or leaving your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings

  • Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area

Tips To Thwart Porch Pirates

  • Ship to an Amazon locker

  • Ship to a FedEx or UPS office

  • Send the package to your work address if your business allows

  • Send to a family member or friend who will be at home when the package is delivered

  • Install an outdoor security camera

  • Keep your property well lit

  • Request notifications on your deliveries

  • Set up a vacation hold if you plan on traveling during the holidays so gifts won’t be left on the doorstep

  • Never accept a surprise delivery where a payment is required, and never give out personal information when receiving a delivery that you purchased as it may be a scam

 Several ways to report a crime

  • Dial 9-1-1 for emergencies

  • Utilize the Dallas Online Reporting System to file a report online

  • Visit your local police substation to make a report in person

  • Utilize the iWatch app to anonymously provide information about criminal behavior

SMU Homecoming Celebration and Smoker Takeover at The Beeman

Dallas, get ready! San Antonio's 2M Smokehouse is coming to Seely's Mill at The Beeman Hotel for a one-day only "Smoker Takeover"!

Seely's Mill is hosting a Smoker Takeover Event in collaboration with San Antonio's famed 2M Smokehouse, serving 10-hour-cooked barbacoa tacos, Mexican street corn, and nopales. 

Enjoy live music by Jimmy Barcus from 5pm - 8pm, and classic Texas canned cocktails by Lone River Ranch Water.

Watch the SMU Homecoming football game in Seely's Mill and cheer on the undefeated SMU Mustangs vs. Cincinnati 

Saturday, 10/24

4:30pm - 8pm

RSVP here:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seelys-mill-x-2m-smokehouse-smoker-takeover-at-the-beeman-hotel-tickets-125656926249

https://www.facebook.com/events/762421617672388

Grand Opening - Seely's Mill Mustang BBQ THIS WEEKEND

Grand Opening Event - Seely's Mill Mustang BBQ
Saturday, 9/26 4pm - 7pm
@The Beeman Hotel

To celebrate the unveiling of Dallas' newest BBQ joint, The Beeman Hotel invites University Crossing locals to the grand opening party for Seely's Mill on Saturday, September 26 from 4pm-7pm.  

This evening event taking place at The Beeman Hotel's new restaurant will be a night dedicated to celebrating some of the best parts of Texas' culture- BBQ, whiskey, and music. The Seely's Mill culinary team will be serving some of the smokiest BBQ dishes in town from their on-site smoker. Still Austin Whiskey Co. will be pouring up their newly released, world-class spirits to kick off their partnership with The Beeman Hotel.

Attendees can sample the Still Austin Straight Bourbon Whiskey, an expression of true Texas terroir, with 100% Texas-grown corn, rye, and malted barley, along with hints of Texas pride. There will be also a lineup of live music featuring homegrown talent for all to enjoy. The grand opening of Seely's Mill is a true celebration of all things Texas and is one event that cannot be missed! Seely's Mill will be open for diners starting on September 25.

RSVP: 

Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seelys-mill-mustang-bbq-at-the-beeman-hotel-tickets-121389514305

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1299271933737744

Holiday Music in University Crossing

It’s beginning to look a lot like the HOLIDAYS in the University Crossing neighborhood! The businesses and residents are preparing for the holidays all over University Crossing! We have several LIVE MUSIC events happening in and around University Crossing to get you in the holiday mood.

You can catch jazz duos, brass sections, piano and strings at Energy Square and at Mockingbird Station throughout December!

Here’s a schedule of upcoming holiday LIVE MUSIC events in University Crossing:

  • Saturday, December 14, 5-6 pm at Mockingbird Station (near Angelika Theater)

  • Tuesday, December 17, 12-1 pm at Energy Square Three Lobby

  • Friday, December 20, 5-7 pm at Mockingbird Station (near Urban Outfitters)

  • Saturday, December 21, 5-6 pm at Mockingbird Station (near Angelika Theater)

  • Saturday, December 28, 5-6 pm at Mockingbird Station (near Angelika Theater)

2019 Annual Property Owners Meeting

In June, the UCPID hosted its Annual Property Owner’s Meeting. More than 20 property owners or interested parties were in attendance for the lunch and presentation. Special guest, Matt Omundson (Board Chair) gave a talk about the plans for Energy Square and the Meadows Building.

Patrick Sanders, UCPID Executive Director, gave an update on the status of the University Crossing neighborhood. Many exciting updates and improvements are in the works for Fall 2019!

You can see more in the presentation to the Property Owners here.

For any questions - please contact Patrick Sanders at patrick@universitycrossing.com

May Update from UCPID Executive Director - Patrick Sanders

A Note from Patrick Sanders, UCPID Executive Director
May 2019

Hello Spring! New awakening for University Crossing means exciting activity and fun events! We are thrilled to see new businesses popping up and new development happening all over our community. I encourage you to get outside and experience the Mockingbird Pedestrian Bridge and the University Crossing Trail! Grab a Zagster bike while you're out and enjoy the spring weather.

Here are some highlights of what's happening in University Crossing:

  • Pedestrian Trail Lighting - We are continuing to work with our Board and the City to define a pedestrian lighting plan for the new University Crossing Trail. Our goal is to help keep our community safe and we are committed to providing lighting for our trail to reach that goal. While there are many hands in this process, we hope to have this project installed during fall 2019.

  • New Art in University Crossing - We are very excited about a new piece of art that was gifted to our community! We are working with the City and the Parks and Recreation Department to determine the best placement and plan for getting the art placed. Stay tuned for a peak at our new art addition!

  • Community Advocate - We are working every day to identify ways to be your community advocate. Last month, we were able to work with the Homeless Initiative (name) to remove several encampments under the Greenville Ave. bridge and find new homes for many of our vulnerable citizens.

  • Music on Mockingbird - We will continue to offer amazing live music at Mockingbird Station (near the Angelika Theater) on Saturdays from 5-6pm throughout the spring and summer. We hope you will make it a point to join us!

We are always excited to serve you and our neighborhood. As the weather heats up, more people will be out and about. We still encourage you to SAY SOMETHING IF YOU SEE SOMETHING. Our Expanded Neighborhood Patrol will have an eye out for you, but it does take cooperation to keep us all safe.

Please let us know if you have any questions about University Crossing or the initiatives we have planned for the community.

Thank you!

All the Best!

Patrick Sanders
UCPID Executive Director

patrick@universitycrossing.com




40th Anniversary of Dallas' Official St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival

Get your green on! YES! It’s a big day in University Crossing on Saturday, March 16 at 11am. The 40th Anniversary of Dallas’ Official St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival will wind its way through the University Crossing neighborhood. University Crossing PID has come on again as the maintenance sponsor for the parade and will help support clean up after the fun party!

You can learn more about the parade and festivities, as well as check out the parade map here.

Also, did you know that parade proceeds benefit the Greenville Avenue Area Business Association (GAABA) Scholarship Fund for Dallas ISD students? GAABA has donated more than $115,000 in scholarship money to area students.

We hope to see you in your finest green! Hope its a lucky day for you!