To begin, the pedestrian bridge over Mockingbird Lane (Bridge), is now open to the public! To commemorate this historic event, the University Crossing Public Improvement District (UCPID) partnered with the City of Dallas to host the official "Ribbon Cutting" ceremony on November 4th, as well as a community celebration on November 6th. This Bridge is not only an important connection to the Katy Trail, it also extends the new University Crossing Trail, which runs north to SMU Boulevard, and east across the DART line to Skillman Avenue. In short, it is a fantastic addition to our community, and I hope everyone will be able to enjoy it!
Additionally, in an effort to improve the quality of life of the citizens we serve, the UCPID partnered with other community stakeholders to provide some enhancements to our area. Specifically, the UCPID purchased a new Pet Waste Station, which was installed by the City of Dallas, Park & Recreation Department (Park & Rec) near the southern entrance of the new Bridge. Furthermore, the UCPID financed the installation of security fencing near a location known for criminal activity. The financing of this fencing incorporates the principal of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED), by utilizing fencing to neutralize a nexus for criminal activity.
Also, the UCPID continues to partner with the Park & Rec on installation of pedestrian lighting along the University Crossing Trail, which 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.
Regarding programming opportunities, I want to encourage you all 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. After hearing about Music on Mockingbird, a local classical radio station contacted the UCPID and would like to partner with us in the spring in an effort to promote classical music throughout the metroplex. We will keep you posted as this collaboration develops. 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 & Learnat 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, the UCPID is collaborating with the City of Dallas to identify public spaces that can be utilized for future art projects. We will update you as these programs develop.
Thank you for your support. I look forward to our continued partnership.
Patrick Sanders
UCPID Executive Director