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!

February Letter from UCPID Executive Director

A Note from Patrick Sanders, UCPID Executive Director
February 2019

Welcome to 2019! We've been busy in University Crossing and I'd like to update you on our progress.

 Even though it's been a cold and wet winter, we still see many people using the Mockingbird Pedestrian bridge to get out and about in the University Crossing area. From commuters to and from downtown, to SMU students making their way to White Rock Lake, to people using the bridge and trail during the day to get outside and grab some lunch. The Mockingbird Lane ("Bridge") continues to be a tremendous asset for the University Crossing community, and I hope everyone is enjoying it. The University Crossing Public Improvement District ("UCPID") stays in close contacts with the City of Dallas ("City") to ensure the bridge and trail is maintained and safe for your use. To that end, please contact us if you have any suggestions on how to improve the Bridge' experience, particularly as it relates to maintenance and security.

 As noted last year, the UCPID Board of Directors approved funding of a Lighting Design Plan, used to install pedestrian lighting along the portion of the trail that runs through our community. The Design Plan is now largely complete, and the UCPID is working with key community stakeholders to finalize the design. The UCPID will provide updates as this project proceeds.

Speaking of the University Crossing Trail ("UCT"), the UCPID is working on developing new amenities for the UCT, including wayfinding signage. The "way-finders" signs will be installed at strategic locations along the trail. These signs will help pedestrians and cyclists identify their precise location along the trail, as well as, identify other key locations found along the UCT.

Furthermore, the UCPID is a new recipient of a public art sculpture that will be added to the UCT. Donated by a generous UCPID property owner, the piece will definitely be a statement and add visual appeal an culture to the UCT. a property owner in our community has graciously donated a sculpture, for use along the UCT. To help facilitate this donation, the UCPID is working with both the property owner and the City to identify a suitable location for the sculpture. We hope to unveil the location of the public art site this Spring.

Additionally, I encourage you to take part in some of the UCPID's ongoing programs. We would love you to join us for Music on Mockingbird. The UCPID, SMU Meadows School and Mockingbird Station sponsor live music every Saturday evening, at 6pm, at Mockingbird Station near the Angelika Theater. 

We also encourage you to take advantage of our Lunch & Learn program, where a Dallas Police officer will 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 the community. We designed the guide 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. If you would like a copy of the Resource Guide, please let us know.

 Finally, I encourage you to use the bike share program developed by Mockingbird Station and the UCPID. These bikes are free for the first three (3) hours of riding, and if you return the bike to any station in this network, before the three (3) hours is up, the clock will reset. Stations are located near: 1) the Highland Hotel (along the trial); 2) Mockingbird Station; 3) 6060 Building; 4) the Shelby (near Twisted Root); and the Meadows Building. For more information about where the stations are located and how to use these bikes, you can visit our landing page at: http://bike.zagster.com/mockingbirducpid/.

 Thank you for your support, and if you have any suggestions on how to improve our community, I welcome your input.
 

 Patrick Sanders
UCPID Executive Director

patrick@universitycrossing.com

November/December Note from the Executive Director

A note from the Patrick Sanders, University Crossing PID Executive Director:

As the weather cooled down, November and December ramped up! 

Did you know that it's been one year since the Mockingbird Pedestrian Bridge was opened to the public. We love reflecting on how so many people have enjoyed the bridge. We also like to note the improvement in pedestrian safety since the bridge's opening.

To assist our community and ensure maintenance on the bridge remains current, the University Crossing Public Improvement District ("UCPID") maintains close contacts with the City of Dallas ("City"). To that end, please contact us if you have any suggestions on how to improve the Bridge' experience, particularly as it relates to maintenance and security.

As noted last month, the UCPID Board of Directors approved funding of a Design Plan, for installation of pedestrian lighting along the portion of the trail that runs through our community. With the advent of our "Kick-Off" meeting, in September, the Design Plan is now underway, and we hope to have it completed in early 2019. The UCPID will provide updates to the community as this project proceeds.

We have exciting news about the pedestrian and bike trail in University Crossing! The pedestrian trail, running through our community, is now designated the University Crossing Trail ("UCT"). For reference, the UCT runs from Glencoe Park in the south, to SMU Blvd. in the north, and Skillman St. to the east. Also, to reflect the name change, the UCPID has replaced the trail markers along the trail. The trail markers now read "UCT". Furthermore, the UCPID is currently developing additional amenities for the UCT, and we hope to provide you with an update in the near future.

Additionally, I encourage you to take part in some of the UCPID's ongoing programs. We would love you to join us for Music on Mockingbird. The UCPID, SMU Meadows School and Mockingbird Station sponsor live music every Saturday evening, at 6pm, at Mockingbird Station near the Angelika Theater. 

We also encourage you to take advantage of our Lunch & Learn program, where a Dallas Police officer will 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 the community. We designed the guide 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. If you would like a copy of the Resource Guide, please let us know.

Finally, I encourage you to use the bike share program developed by Mockingbird Station and the UCPID. These bikes are free for the first three (3) hours of riding, and if you return the bike to any station in this network, before the three (3) hours is up, the clock will reset. Stations are located near: 1) the Highland Hotel (along the trial); 2) Mockingbird Station; 3) 6060 Building; 4) the Shelby (near Twisted Root); and the Meadows Building. For more information about where the stations are located and how to use these bikes, you can visit our landing page at: http://bike.zagster.com/mockingbirducpid/.

Thank you for your support, and if you have any suggestions on how to improve our community, I welcome your input.
 

Patrick Sanders
UCPID Executive Director

patrick@universitycrossing.com

October Update - Neighborhood News

A Note from Patrick Sanders, UCPID Executive Director
October 2018

It's October and time to make your pumpkin patch, Halloween and festival plans! It's a good thing you can get ALL of this in your University Crossing neighborhood! Stop by Central Market on Lovers Lane or Kroger to pick up your perfect pumpkin, grab a Halloween costume at Uptown Cheapskate and stop by the Mockingbird Music Festival at Mockingbird Station on Friday nights in October.

The pedestrian bridge over Mockingbird Lane ("Bridge") is a tremendous asset for the University Crossing community, and I hope everyone has enjoyed it.  Serving as an advocate for our community, the University Crossing Public Improvement District ("UCPID") maintains close contact with the City of Dallas ("City"). To that end, please contact us if you have any suggestions on how to improve your experience on the Bridge, particularly as it relates to maintenance and security.

As noted last month, the UCPID Board of Directors funded a Design Plan for pedestrian lighting along the portion of the trail that runs through our community. In September, we hosted a "Kick-off" meeting with our engineering consultant, City officials, TXDOT, Oncor and several UCPID Board members to outline any development obstacles. This is an exciting step for pedestrian lighting in our community, and the UCPID will provide updates as the project proceeds.

Welcome to the University Crossing Trail! The UCPID is proud to announce a name change, for the trail in our community!  Last month, Dallas Park and Rec formally changed the name of the trail, from the Ridgewood Trail to the University Crossing Trail.  The name change will only affect the portion of the trail that runs from Glencoe Park in the south, to SMU Blvd. in the north, and Skillman St. to the east.  As part of the name change, the UCPID will replace the trail markers, in the affected area, and we will examine other improvements we can add to the trail. We would like to thank City staff for their assistance with the name change and we are grateful for their partnership.

We continue to provide ongoing maintenance to our neighborhood. To reduce litter in our community, the UCPID installed three (3) new custom trash receptacles, along SMU Blvd. Furthermore, at the UCPID's request, DART installed an additional trash receptacle, along Mockingbird Ln., to help reduce litter along the street. The UCPID appreciates DART's timely response to our request, and we hope these receptacles will help reduce litter in our community.

We encourage you to take part in some of the UCPID's ongoing programs. For example, The UCPID sponsors live music every Saturday evening, at 6pm, at Mockingbird Station near the Angelika Theater with the Music on Mockingbird program.  

The UCPID also offers a Lunch & Learn program, where a Dallas Police officer can visit your residence or 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 & Learnprogram, 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.  If you would like a copy of the Resource Guide, please let us know.

The fall weather is a perfect for you to take advantage of the UCPID bike share program developed by Mockingbird Station and the UCPID. These bikes are free for the first three (3) hours of riding, and if you return the bike to any station in this network, before the three (3) hours is up, the clock will reset. Stations are located near: 

1) the Highland Hotel (along the trial); 

2) Mockingbird Station; 

3) 6060 Building; 

4) the Shelby (near Twisted Root); and 

5) the Meadows Building

For more information about where the stations are located and how to use these bikes, you can visit our landing page at: http://bike.zagster.com/mockingbirducpid/.

Thank you for your support, and if you have any suggestions on how to improve our community, I welcome your input.
 

Patrick Sanders
UCPID Executive Director

SEPTEMBER UPDATE FROM UCPID EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

A Note from Patrick Sanders, UCPID Executive Director

I cannot believe it is fall already! August and September have been very busy, and there are some updates I would like to share.

As the weather cools down, we hope everyone is still enjoying our amazing asset in the the pedestrian bridge over Mockingbird Lane. The University Crossing Public Improvement District maintains close contacts with the City of Dallas to ensure we are up to date on all construction activities. Please contact us if you have any suggestions on how to improve your experience at the Bridge, particularly as it relates to maintenance and security.

Last month, the UCPID Board of Directors approved the funding for a Pedestrian Lighting Design Plan along the trail that runs through our community. This Design Plan is an essential first step for installing lighting along the trail. Once it is completed, the Design Plan should indicate the precise location of the new light fixtures, as well as, the type of fixtures that will need to be used. As the UCPID moves forward with this project, we will keep the community informed of our progress.

Additionally, to reduce litter in our community, the UCPID has purchased three new custom trash receptacles. These receptacles will be installed at strategic locations along SMU Blvd., and we anticipate the installation will be complete by the first of October.

I encourage you to take part in the UCPID's ongoing programs. For example, the Music on Mockingbird program, created and sponsored by the UCPID, Mockingbird Station and the SMU Meadows School of the Arts. Come and listen to live music on Saturday evenings, at 6pm, at Mockingbird Station near the Angelika Theater. 

The UCPID also offers a 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. If you would like a copy of the Resource Guide, please let us know.

We've had great feedback from property owners who have hosted Lunch and Learn programs for their employees. Most recently, a Dallas Police Officer, who works part time for the UCPID, presented safety tips and offered "Best Practices", on a wide range of issues. The property owner was so impressed with the presentation, they requested the officer return and provide a thorough inspection of the property. As a follow up, the police officer conducted a Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) inspection. The CPTED inspection was provided free of charge, and it should help better secure this property and prevent future incidents.

We hope you are using the bike share program developed by Mockingbird Station and the UCPID. The bikes are free for the first three (3) hours of riding, and if you return the bike to any station in this network, before the three (3) hours is up, the clock will reset. Stations are located near: 

1) The Highland Hotel (along the trial); 

2) Mockingbird Station; 

3) 6060 Building; 

4) The Shelby (near Twisted Root); 

5) The Meadows Building


For more information about where the stations are located and how to use these bikes, you can visit our landing page at: http://bike.zagster.com/mockingbirducpid/.

Thank you for your support, and if you have any suggestions on how to improve our community, I welcome your input.
 

Patrick Sanders
UCPID Executive Director

August Update from UCPID Executive Director

 

A Note from Patrick Sanders, UCPID Executive Director

August 2018

August certainly brings the heat and I hope everyone is staying cool out there! July was a busy month for the University Crossing neighborhood, and there are some updates I would like to share.

To begin, the pedestrian bridge over Mockingbird Lane ("Bridge") is continuing to be a tremendous asset for the University Crossing community, and I hope everyone has had an opportunity to enjoy it. The University Crossing Public Improvement District ("UCPID") maintains close contacts with the City of Dallas ("City") to ensure the bridge is being maintained properly. To that end, please contact us if you have any suggestions on how to improve the Bridge experience, particularly as it relates to maintenance and security.

During July, the UCPID has been preparing its annual budget. The new fiscal year, for 2019, begins on October 1st, and the UCPID is required to submit a proposed budget to the City. The new budget helps us allocate our resources for the new year based on the UCPID's priorities, such as: expanded security, utilizing our Expanded Neighborhood Patrol ("ENP") program; capital improvements, with an emphasis on public safety; and cultural programming, such as public art and live music.

The UCPID has also reviewed a proposal for a Design Plan, related to the installation of new pedestrian lighting along the University Crossing trail. To implement this project, the UCPID continues to partner with the City of Dallas, Park & Recreation ("Park & Rec"). During the fall, we hope to implement this Design Plan and consult with Park & Rec. to finalize the details of this project.

I encourage you to take part in some of the UCPID's ongoing programs! 

  • Music on Mockingbird LIVE music program: The UCPID sponsors live music every Friday evening, at 6pm at Mockingbird Station near the Angelika Theater. 
  • Lunch & Learn program: 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. 
  • UCPID 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. If you would like a copy of the Resource Guide, for your home or business, please let us know.

Please get outside and enjoy the UCPID bike share program developed by Mockingbird Station and the UCPID. These bikes are free for the first three (3) hours of riding, and if you return the bike to any station in this network, before the three (3) hours is up, the clock will reset. Stations are located near: 1) the The Highland Dallas (along the trial); 2) Mockingbird Station; 3) 6060 Building; 4) the Shelby (near Twisted Root); and the Meadows Building. For more information about where the stations are located and how to use these bikes, you can visit our landing page at: http://bike.zagster.com/mockingbirducpid/.

Thank you for your support, and if you have any suggestions on how to improve our community, I welcome your input.

Patrick Sanders
UCPID Executive Director

July News from the UCPID

A NOTE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

July 2018

We have kicked off summer! May and June were exciting and busy months. Here 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 ("UCPD"), maintains close contact with the City of Dallas ("City"), regarding Bridge maintenance. To that end, I am excited to report that the City has completed installation of the lit handrails, along the Bridge. These handrails now light up at night, and they not only provide valuable lighting, but they look great! I hope everyone gets a chance to enjoy them!

On June 14, we hosted our Annual Property Owners Meeting at The Highland Hotel Dallas and presented a review of UCPID activity throughout the past year. You can view the presentation here. A very special Thank You to The Highland Dallas for hosting and to Paul Ward, General Counsel of SMU for providing an wonderful talk on SMU's history and growth. 

Additionally, in May, the UCPID completed some important improvement projects in our community. These projects included: 1) replanting portions of SMU Blvd. along the sidewalk and medians. Specifically, "Knockout" Roses were removed, which had become infected, and were replaced by Red Yucca, which is drought resistant; and 2) repaintingthe crosswalks at Lovers Ln. & Greenville Ave., as well as, University & Greenville Ave., as part of our larger commitment to improve pedestrian safety.

Also, the UCPID continues to partner with the City of Dallas, Park & Recreation ("Park & Rec") on installation of pedestrian lighting along the University Crossing Trail, which runs through our community. Recently, the UCPID met with representatives from Park & Rec and TXDOT to discuss a funding program for this project. The UCPID will provide updates as this program progresses.

I encourage you to participate in some of the UCPID's ongoing programs. For example, the UCPID  sponsors the LIVE music Fridays at 6pm at Mockingbird Station with the Music on Mockingbird program. 

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 our community. 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. If you would like a copy of the Resource Guide, for your home or business, please let us know.

Finally, I want to encourage you to use the bike share program developed by Mockingbird Station and the UCPID. These bikes are free for the first THREE hours of riding, and if you return the bike to any station in this network, before the 3 hours is up, the clock will reset. Stations are located near: 1)The Highland Dallas (along the trial); 2) Mockingbird Station; 3) 6060 Building; 4) the Shelby residences (near Twisted Root); and the Meadows Building. For more information about where the stations are located and how to use these bikes, you can visit our landing page at: http://bike.zagster.com/mockingbirducpid/.

Thank you for your support, and if you have any suggestions on how to improve our community, I welcome your input.
 

Patrick Sanders
UCPID Executive Director

May News from the UCPID Executive Director

To the University Crossing community, happy spring! April was a busy month in our neighborhood, 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, the City has begun installing illuminated hand rails along large portions of the Bridge, and the City hopes to have this installation completed by early May. (Note: In previous Director's Notes I indicated that the handrails were LED. While the hand rails will be illumined, they are not LED lights).

Additionally, in April, the UCPID was involved in several new projects. These projects included: 

1) we contracted to replant portions of SMU Blvd., along the sidewalk and medians, to beautify the area; 

2) we executed a maintenance contract to maintain a larger portion of the University Crossing trail, between SMU Blvd. and Twin Sixties St.; 

3) we contracted to install new pedestrian push buttons and countdown timers at the intersection of Mockingbird Ln. and Matilda, in an effort to improve pedestrian safety; and

4) we contracted to repaint the crosswalks at Lovers Ln. & Greenville Ave., as well as, University & Greenville Ave., in an effort to improve pedestrian safety.

Also, the UCPID continues to partner with the City of Dallas, Park & Recreation ("Park & Rec") on installation of pedestrian lighting along the University Crossing Trail, which runs through our community. Recently, the UCPID met with representatives from Park & Rec and TXDOT to discuss a funding program for this project. The UCPID will provide updates as this program progresses.

Regarding current programs, I 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 6pm, at Mockingbird Station near the Angelika Theater. We also encourage you to take advantage of our Lunch & Learnprogram, 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. If you would like a copy of the Resource Guide, for your home or business, please let us know.

Finally, as noted last month, the UCPID completed installation of bike stations, throughout our community. These bikes are free for the first three (3) hours of riding, and if you return the bike to any station in this network before the three (3) hours is up, the clock will reset. For more information about where the stations are located and how to use these bikes, you can visit our landing page at: http://bike.zagster.com/mockingbirducpid/.

Thank you for your support, and if you have any suggestions on how to improve our community, I welcome your input.

Patrick Sanders, Executive Director, UCPID

info@universitycrossing.com
 

Welcome to University Crossing! Brined Southern Kitchen

While we'll miss Mezze Tapas in Mockingbird Station, we are excited a new southern kitchen concept is slated to take its place this summer. 

Transforming the space to evoke an elegant farmhouse feel, Brined Southern Kitchen will serve deviled eggs, chicken and biscuits, chicken and waffles and other comfort food staples. The menu will also nod to Mezze, featuring in-house cured meats and the former tenant's popular seafood bowl. 

You can see more about the exciting new menu here.

April Update from UCPID Executive Directior

To the University Crossing community, happy spring! March 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) in regards to Bridge maintenance. To that end, the City indicates that LED-lit hand rails should be installed along the Bridge sometime in April. Once installed, this railing will be a fantastic addition to the Bridge. This Bridge is not the only important connection in our community. Another important connection is the University Crossing Trail. The UCPID hopes citizens can take advantage of these great connectors.

Additionally, the UCPID completed installation of four (4) bike stations, which have been installed at the following locations: 1) east of the Highland Residences, along the trail; 2) near the entrance of the 6060 Building; 3) near the Shelby Residences along SMU Blvd.; and 4) near the entrance to the Meadows Building next to the Lovers Lane DART stop. The UCPID stations are networked with two (2) stations at Mockingbird Station for a total of six (6) stations in the area. The UCPID is grateful to Mockingbird Station for initiating this program and to the property owners who consented to have stations on their properties. 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 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.

Furthermore, in an ongoing effort to promote the arts in our community, the UCPID was proud to collaborate with 101.1FM, DART, SMU University, Mockingbird Station, and Bridge the Gap Chamber Players to bring "Bach in the Subways" to our community. Musicians performed at Mockingbird Station in tribute to the composer Johann Sebastian Bach. The performances were inspiring, the crowd was enthusiastic, and the UCPID hopes to facilitate similar programs going forward.

I also 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. If you would like a copy of the Resource Guide, for your home or business, please let us know.

Thank you for your support, and I look forward to our continued partnership.

Patrick Sanders
UCPID Executive Director

Community Event! Spring Ride 2018

After months of preparation and consultation with the University Crossing Public Improvement District (UCPID) board of directors, the UCPID has chosen Zagster to install four new bike stations on the University Crossing trail and throughout the neighborhood. The UCPID chose to install the docked bike stations to provide those living, working and visiting the area with a safe and convenient way to ride the trail and securely return the bikes to an appropriate docking station. (Note:  By selecting the Zagster link, you will be directed to a landing page which will provide you with:  a map showing the bike stations, price information, and an instructional video which explains how to use the bikes).

Through a public/private partnership with The Highland, The Shelby, Energy Square and the 6060 Building, the Zagster docking stations will be located on these properties in the University Crossing neighborhood. The UCPID is the first of Dallas' PIDs to invest in this type of alternative transportation. Further, the UCPID has allowed for the first three hours free for bikers using the service.

The bike stations have been installed, and are available to the public for use on Friday, March 23. We are planning a group ride and neighborhood celebration on Friday, March 23 from 4pm – 6pm.

Following the ride, we have partnered with WRR 101.1 to host a special Music on Mockingbird. WRR 101.1 will be presenting Bach in the Subway with the SMU Meadows School of the Arts Bridge the Gap Chamber Players at Mockingbird station beginning at 5:30pm after the Spring Ride on Friday.

The ride and Music on Mockingbird are FREE and open to riders and classical music fans of all ages!

March Update from the UCPID Executive Director

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

February Update from the UCPID Executive Director

To the University Crossing community, I hope everyone is staying warm out there! January was a busy month in University Crossing, 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).  After the opening, the University Crossing Public Improvement District (UCPID), continues to stay in close contact with the City of Dallas (City) regarding Bridge maintenance. To that end, over the last week the City has now turned on the Bridge lighting. There is "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 in the spring. This Bridge is not only an important connection to the Katy Trail, it 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, as noted last month, the UCPID executed a contract with a bike-share company to install bike stations at strategic locations throughout our community. A Site Survey was conducted to ensure these stations are installed in the proper locations with the consent of the relevant property owners. The survey confirms the location of these stations as well as the type of station and the number of bikes available at each station. Unlike "Dockless Bikes," which are prevalent throughout our area, our bikes can only be left at a docking stations 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 this month.

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. 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, the UCPID plans to collaborate with City to identify public spaces for art. We will update you as the program develops.

Thank you for your support, and I look forward to our continued partnership.
Patrick Sanders
UCPID Executive Director