|
|
City of University Park, Texas, 3800 University Blvd. |
|
Rental of residential pools prohibited by City Ordinance |
|
Spurred on by the popularity of “staycations” and the pandemic that forced the closure of public pools, some homeowners across the U.S. are using an online site named Swimply to advertise and rent their swimming pools by the hour to individuals and groups. While this concept may appeal to some, those who live in single-family homes and duplexes, and operate their pool like a commercial service are violating City Ordinance. Texas Administrative Code supports the City’s zoning requirements by defining a residential pool as, "being located on private property under the control of the property owner or the owner's tenant with uses intended for not more than two resident families and their guests."
In recent weeks the City has received several complaints from residents living near a home advertising a rent by the hour pool. The complaints mention concerns about noise, plus ongoing traffic and street congestion. After observing activity at the address and reviewing the property owner's website posting, Code Enforcement officers sent the owner a notice of violation. The owner has since complied with the notice. Had the owner not removed the online advertising, a citation carrying a fine of up to $2,000 a day would have been issued.
To keep this practice in check, the Code Enforcement office will now receive an alert whenever a pool-for-rent advertisement is posted for an address inside the boundaries of our two zip codes. At that point, following confirmation, a violation notice will be sent to the property owner.
|
|
School zone times and travel on Hillcrest |
|
HPISD students return to campus on Wednesday, August 18. With school back in session, the streets around the City’s various campuses will be more congested. UPPD reminds motorists that active school zones are designated by flashing yellow lights.
School zone times in University Park - all campuses
- 7:15 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
- 20 MPH is the speed limit in all active school zones
Parents, please make sure that your children use the sidewalks when walking or riding their bikes to school. Children should follow the directions of the crossing guard, who will make sure they cross safely. Early in the school year, UPPD will have extra officers watching queuing lanes at the elementary and intermediate/middle school campuses.
Reminder about construction on portions of Hillcrest
Work continues on a multi-year project to upgrade the City’s stormwater system and reduce storm runoff in the neighborhoods near Caruth Park. This construction involves the replacement of existing underground stormwater pipes with large concrete boxes underneath Southwestern and Hillcrest, and the removal of a substantial amount of street surface. For approximately the next 12 months, as work progresses north a block at a time between Southwestern and Colgate, portions of Hillcrest will be closed to traffic. Right now, Hillcrest between Bryn Mawr and Greenbrier is shut down.
A few blocks to the south, the replacement of water and sanitary sewer mains adjacent to Snider Plaza continues too. Motorists can expect lane configurations to shift as work is completed and permanent pavement repairs are made. All work on this portion of Hillcrest should be completed by mid-September.
|
|
Hearing dates for proposed 2022 City Budget |
|
On Tuesday, September 7 and Tuesday, September 21, the City Council will hold public hearings so that the public may comment on the City’s FY2022 proposed budget and tax rate. The Council will vote to adopt the FY2022 budget and tax rate during its Tuesday, September 21 meeting. A copy of the draft FY2021 budget will be available on the City’s website by August 13. Both Council Meetings will begin at 5 p.m.
If you have comments about the proposed budget, and you want make them in person on either of these dates, you are welcome to do so. If you would like to register to speak before you arrive at City Hall, here is the online form.
Remote viewing and eComment options
All Council Meetings are livestreamed on the City's website at uptexas.org. If you want to comment remotely or have comments included in the Public Comments portion of a Council Meeting, you can use our website’s eComment feature, or you can contact Christine Green, City Secretary, at cgreen@uptexas.org or 214-987-5302. Please note that the Mayor will acknowledge receipt of written comments, but written comments are not always read aloud.
|
|
Former Mayor's home at 3805 McFarlin receives Preservation Achievement Award |
|
In June as part of the 2021 Preservation Achievement awards, Preservation Dallas presented Park Cities Historic and Preservation Society and Jan and Trevor Rees-Jones the Spirt of Preservation Award for their work to save the Elbert Williams Residence at 3805 McFarlin Boulevard in University Park.
Deemed one of the most significant historic houses in Texas, it was designed by architect David R. Williams in 1932 for University Park Mayor Elbert Williams. David R. Williams is considered the father of the Texas Regionalism style and the Williams house is considered the first and premiere example of that style. The home was Williams’ last residential project and contained all of his hallmarks including impressive hand carved interior woodwork by Lynn Ford (O’Neil Ford’s brother), a mural painted by Jerry Bywaters (since removed), abundant Lone Star ornamentation, passive cooling features for better air flow, covered overhangs to reduce sun and more.
The 6,000 square foot house occupying 1.15 acres of prime property has had only two owners in its lifetime, and the house’s exterior and interiors are remarkably intact with original details and layout. The Williams Residence appears almost exactly as it did when built. The particular plot of land it sits on is exceptionally valuable because it runs along the Turtle Creek shoreline and abuts the Dallas County Club’s golf course.
Allie Beth Allman was brought in by the Locke family, who owned the house since 1955, to try and find a suitable buyer who would respect and cherish the house. In December of 2020 that happened with the sale of the residence to Jan and Trevor Rees-Jones. The Rees-Jones family had recently completed their new home on the property immediately south across Turtle Creek from the house, and shared a passion for the preservation of the historic and the beauty of the creek and views running between the two sites. The Rees-Jones’ have made a commitment to preserve the house keeping it safe from demolition and the Locke family has expressed how grateful they are for this wonderful act of stewardship.
Bob Clark, former City Council member and board member of Park Cities Preservation and Historic Society, was closely involved with the process of saving the Williams residence. A longtime UP resident and architect, Bob has admired and loved the house since he was a child and wanted to do what he could to save and restore the home. After the home’s purchase, Bob began the restoration process and is completing it pro bono.
Bob mentioned, "This home defines Texas architecture. Nearly all Texas architects consider it to be the most important house in the state."
|
|
Pool dates extended for senior swimmers |
|
The City's Parks and Recreation Department is committed to improving our programs and our level of service. After receiving multiple request from senior swim participants, the Holmes Aquatic Center is extending senior swim an additional four weeks this pool season. Offering pool access Monday through Friday from 7:30 to 9 a.m., senior swim will now end on September 30. |
|
New additions to Goar Park for our four-legged friends |
|
If you frequent Goar Park you may have already noticed two recent enhancements aimed at pleasing four-legged visitors. The first is the plaza's new multi-purpose drinking fountain. While you can get quick refreshment with the push of a button or by using the inset platform to fill a water bottle, with the push of another button, your dog can slurp away too, using the fountain's built-in water bowl.
The park's other recent addition is a Dalmatian-themed "fire hydrant." Located on Vassar just before the bridge, the retired and repurposed hydrant is next to an existing doggie waste station, making it a "must-stop" for our furry friends.
|
|
In 2020, City Controller, Civic Yip lost her battle with cancer. Admired for her professionalism, strength of character, love of life and kindness, Civic found joy in dogs of all breeds, shapes and sizes. In her memory, City staff, family and friends covered all costs associated with the purchase and installation of both the fountain and the hydrant.
To celebrate Civic's life, many of those who knew and loved her gathered in Goar Park. Following remarks, members of her family assembled next to the fountain that is inscribed with her name. A similar plaque will be added to the hydrant.
|
|
Divers still at work dredging the ponds in Caruth Park |
|
Divers are continuing to remove silt from the ponds in Caruth Park. Comprised mainly of trash, leaves and grass clippings, silt builds up as debris flows into our waterways. Sediment removal improves both water flow and water capacity. This particular dredging effort is a “wet” process that does not require draining existing water. Instead, divers use a vacuum hose to draw up the sediment and other materials from the bottom of the pond. Because divers are finding more silt than originally anticipated, weather permitting, they will now finish their efforts early this fall. Click the button below to watch a video of the divers in action! |
|
Update on replacement of cast iron gas mains |
|
No doubt you've seen Atmos Energy crews moving throughout University Park replacing decades-old cast iron mains that are underneath many of our alleys and streets. These upgrades are now nearing completion, resulting in the replacement of approximately 265 blocks of cast iron pipes with a more durable polyethylene product. Polyethylene pipes have shown they are more resistant to expansion and contraction forces that occur during changing weather conditions. Weather permitting, Atmos crews hope to complete replacement efforts by the end of September. Atmos says work involving paving repairs including street, sidewalk curbs, landscaping, and sewer main inspections will take several weeks to complete depending on weather and resource scheduling.
If you think you smell natural gas, leave the area immediately and from a safe distance call 911. Atmos also operates an emergency line. That number is 866-322-8667.
|
|
City permit required before fence repairs or construction |
|
If you are considering replacing an old chain-link fence along the alley, repairing a dilapidated section of a wood fence, or building an entirely new fence around your backyard, be sure to contact the City before beginning the project. In keeping with the City’s Zoning Ordinance, residents must obtain a fence permit from the Community Development Department prior to starting work, whether they intend to repair or replace an existing fence or construct a new one. This process ensures that the project will be built in compliance with City regulations.
Please keep these regulations in mind when considering any fence work:
- Most fence work requires a building permit before starting
- Fence heights are limited to a maximum height of 8’
- Fences must be measured vertically from natural grade along the nearest property line adjacent to the fence
- All trash cans must be on private property in an area parallel to the alley and free from all obstructions
- Trash can insets must be a minimum 3' deep by 5' wide, wider if more than two cans are used (30”/can)
If you have questions about these regulations and others associated with fence construction, repairs and maintenance, Community Development Department staff members are happy to speak with you. To contact a department representative regarding fence construction and necessary permits, call 214-987-5411.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
