Henderson Avenue Prepares For $1.3 Million In Improvements
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Henderson Avenue has become a victim of its own success. A row of restaurants, bars and businesses is bringing in tons of traffic. Now the Dallas hot spot is getting $1.3 million to update a 1.3-mile stretch of the street.
City leaders are in the first stage of a project to improve the landscape of Henderson, but area residents say the focus shouldn't be on looks alone.
Traffic and parking is a big issue in the Knox/Henderson area -- especially at night and on weekends.
But people who live and work in the area now have a unique opportunity to tell city leaders what they think would make the popular street better.
Consensus seems to be clear among people who love the shops and restaurants on Henderson. One person said, "Crossing the street is getting to be pretty tough." Agreeing, another Dallas resident added, "Man, love this city, but driving here is awful."
In this case, it's the destination, not the journey, that's enjoyed.
Roger Foltz moved into Cochran Heights in 1957. He's seen changes in his charming neighborhood, and the busy street at the end of the block.
"There are valets jumping across the street, people opening car doors into the street in traffic, trying to get out of the car. In my mind it's a very dangerous situation."
The City of Dallas took notice in 2012 and passed a $1.3 million bond program, for improvements on Henderson. The area funded for improvement runs from Central Expressway to Ross Avenue. Those 'in the know' say that's not a ton of money for a mile-long stretch.
According to Cochran Heights resident Meg Moschetto, most of the people who shared ideas at a public meeting earlier this week; think sidewalks, lighting, and traffic management should be the biggest priorities for the city. She says those are areas of concern since the pace of life on the street doesn't appear to be slowing down any time soon.
"We have a nice, unique little neighborhood here -- the jewel of the city. So, we're thrilled to get some attention."
Ultimately, developers want to link the endeavor to a similar project on Knox Street that will run all the way to the Katy Trail.
Construction on Henderson isn't scheduled to begin before next summer. A number of public meetings about the project will be held before then.
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