A Note from the Executive Director
January 2018
Happy New Year to the University Crossing community! December was an exciting month in University Crossing, and as such, there are some updates I would like to share.
To begin, I would like to provide some updates related to the pedestrian bridge over Mockingbird Lane (Bridge). After the Bridge opening, the University Crossing Public Improvement District (UCPID) continues to stay in close contact with the City of Dallas (City). To that end, the City has indicated that the Bridge should be well lit by the beginning of 2018. There will be "up lighting" to illuminate the support beams and "down lighting" to illuminate the sidewalk below. The City also intends to install LED hand rails along the Bridge. This installation is expected to be completed in the spring. Also, please note that this Bridge is not just an important connection to the Katy Trail. The Bridge also connects to the new University Crossing Trail, which runs north to SMU Boulevard, south to Glencoe Park and east across the DART line to Skillman Avenue.
Additionally, in an effort to improve the quality of life of the citizens we serve, the UCPID has created a contract with a bike share company to install bike stations at strategic locations throughout our community. Unlike "Dockless Bikes," which are prevalent throughout our area, our bikes can only be left at a docking station or a bike rack. We hope this bike network can help provide an alternative form of transportation to the citizens who live, work and visit our community. We expect the "roll out" to occur sometime in February.
The UCPID continues to partner with 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, UCPID and Park & Rec. will use these bids to develop a funding program 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 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. Please let us know if you would like a copy of the Resource Guide for your home or business.
Finally, as part of our ongoing effort to serve our community, the UCPID is collaborating with the City to identify public spaces that can be utilized for future art projects. We will update you as the programs develop.
Thank you for your support, and I look forward to our continued partnership in the new year.
Patrick Sanders
UCPID Executive Director