Officials Unveil Facelift Of Lower Greenville Ave.
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Dallas city officials unveiled a plan Tuesday to change Lower Greenville Ave. from an area known for its nightlife to a family-friendly development district.
District 14 councilwoman Angela Hunt said $1.3 million from a 2006 bond package will be used to widen sidewalks and reduce the number of driving lanes from four to two.
The goal is to alleviate some of the "bad elements," as Hunt says, that force Dallas police to place more than 20 additional officers there on the weekends and lessen general homeowner frustration with the late-night populace.
"We are spending tremendous taxpayer dollars and police resources babysitting the drunks at some of these bad bars," Hunt said. "What we want to do is create a great family-friendly area that'll have a balance of taverns and bars and late night operations that are not causing problems."
New rules governing bars and restaurants will mandate a special use-permit for any business that wishes to stay open past midnight. They'll likely have a six month window to apply for these permits.
"I love the idea of grandmas and strollers on that street, said Patricia Carr, president of the Lower Greenville Neighborhood Association. Carr said nearby residents have pushed for a similar plan for years.
The first phase of the renovation will include the two blocks between Bell and Alta Streets. Hunt said she plans to modify the entire nine-block stretch of Greenville Ave. between Belton Ave. and Bryan Pkwy. over the next five years.
