To the University Crossing community, February 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) regarding Bridge maintenance. To that end, in addition to the "up lighting" that illuminates the support beams and the "down lighting" that illuminates the sidewalk, the City will install LED lit hand rails along the Bridge. The City indicates that the railing should be installed in the next few weeks. Another important connection in our community is the University Crossing Trail, which runs north to SMU Boulevard, south to Glencoe Park, and east across the DART line to Skillman Avenue. The UCPID hopes citizens can take advantage of both of these great connectors.
Additionally, as previously noted, the UCPID executed a contract with a bike share company to install bike stations at strategic locations throughout our community. To that end, the first of four stations has been installed behind the Highland Hotel, next to the University Crossing Trail. We anticipate the remaining three stations will be installed by mid-March. Unlike "Dockless Bikes," our bikes are designed to be left at either a docking station or a bike rack. 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 the 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.
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, working with the City and TXDOT, the UCPID financed the installation of a Radar Feedback sign along NBFR 75 near the Highland Residences. This sign was installed after a traffic study was conducted, which showed excessive speeding along this portion of the access road. The sign is designed to show drivers their speed and remind them that they are traveling in 35 mph zone. We hope this helps slow traffic in our community.
Thank you for your support, and I look forward to our continued partnership.
Patrick Sanders
UCPID Executive Director