City of University Park Approves Another Update to Some Brand Spankin’ New Stuff
Reader questions new lettering and lights redo on some still new signage.
In the new fancy median on Hillcrest, right at Northwest Highway is a sign that says “UNIVERSITY PARK” that you would see heading South on Hillcrest into the Park Cities. Several weeks ago they finally put the lettering on it, it was a dark iridescent color. At night you could not see it at all – it just disappeared. I wondered what they would do about it. Now it’s different lettering all together, visable at night. All this about the re-lettering of the fountain has made me wonder – what did that relettering cost? And who’s silly idea were the first letters anyway?
UP’s beloved communications director, Steve Mace, responds.
The recent upgrade is part of an overall plan (Council directed) to switch park signage lighting to LED technology. More efficient and environmentally friendly, the lighting is also better quality as the
reader suggests. Smith Park signage was also recently changed to LED. Other park signage lighting will be changed out in the months to come. Combined cost for the Hillcrest and Smith Park change outs –$2,000.
BUT I think the big question is still, why did we change it instead of just doing the LED thing the first time? This is a recurring theme- fixing new stuff.
16 comments to "City of University Park Approves Another Update to Some Brand Spankin' New Stuff"
He also said he didn’t know why we needed to know. I reminded him that’s just what I do.
Concerning your posting above:
I know what you do. I’m just asking for a little context when you do it.
In that same conversation I said I will provide any resident with the information they want or need concerning City expenditures. I clearly understand that we are working with taxpayer money.
That said, most City projects, as required by law, are done through an open bidding process, in open session. The City operates with a pay-as-you go budget, without debt. That footing is not achieved or maintained without careful deliberation and thought. Renovations involving Goar Park, Coffee Park and City Hall are wonderful examples of this process. Residents continue to praise the outcome on all three.
I also believe most residents will support our move to more efficient lighting fixtures. Among other things, since LED bulbs burn longer they will be replaced less often and costs will be reduced.
Remind Mr Mace that it’s public money and anything done there or any money spent is public information and is subject to open records act. I can’t beleive he told you that!
And to answer Steve’s question about context- readers are asking. Simply put, it would be interesting to know who gets the $2,000 for updating the brand new signage. Probably no one we know. Just interesting.
Able Electric is the firm doing the LED lighting to the signage at Hillcrest & Northwest Highway and at Smith Park . The cost is actually $1,000 for Hillcrest/Northwest Highway and $1,600 at Smith Park . The Smith Park lighting involved more lights and fixtures, hence the reason for the fee difference.
By the way, much of the softer lighting that was removed from those two sites will be reinstalled this summer to accent Elena’s Children窶冱 Park around the shrubs and story pit. For some time, the Park Department has intended to add more ground-level lighting at that park.
Ask yourself, why has the city not streetscaped Preston Road 100% from Northwest Highway all the way South to the border of Highland Park.. And I mean a real streetscape, like the one Highland Park pulled off on Mockingbird which totally shames what Bud Smallwood did to Lovers Lane.. FYI- Bud Smallwood I hear is about to install a TURN LANE the FULL length of Lovers Lane between Hillcrest & Preston Road… Hey, maybe he will add a few hundred more signs while he is at it… why should he care he does not live here.
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