I read with interest Jeff Siegel’s column (“Retail Redux,” October 2004) regarding the need for urban planning in Dallas. I would concur and have been an advocate for urban planning and design since being elected to the City Council.
This past spring, the city approached the nationally known Portland planning firm of Fregonese/Calthorpe regarding a comprehensive plan for the city of Dallas. Dallas is the largest city in America without a comprehensive plan. While I wish that were not the case, it does provide a great opportunity in that the field of urban planning has advanced a great deal in the last 10 years, and the available technology will enhance our capacity to create a great plan in a reasonable time frame.
The city contracted with John Fregonese in June, and background work for the plan has begun. I have been appointed chair of the City Council’s Comprehensive Plan Committee. A large advisory group composed of leaders from the various areas such as neighborhoods, civic organizations, professional groups and government will all play a role. We will be conducting neighborhood and citywide visioning workshops this fall and winter.
The seven neighborhood-based workshops will cover theme-based topics, including declining retail strip shopping centers. Please see the city’s Web site, dallascityhall.com, for more info. We would definitely appreciate any attention to this process that you may be able to provide. After all, it is one of the most important projects we will do in Dallas.
Thanks for your interest.
— Veletta Forsythe Lill
I just wanted you to know how much I love your magazine. Just recently, I’ve received two other publications, which tout themselves as being “Lakewood” magazines. No way, no how!
I love the Advocate, and it ranks up there with my Southern Living and Better Homes and Gardens in popularity with me. (I’d say People magazine, too, but that puts you in a whole different league!).
I know you work hard and it shows. The Advocate reminds me that I may be a small town girl from Arkansas living in the BIG city, but more importantly, I live in Lakewood! I know the wonderful staff in Top Hat and the UPS Store by name and the manager of Tom Thumb is my friend. We are a small community within the city. I should wear a t-shirt on my walks with my dog that says, “Lakewood Pride”! We’re not “Mayberry” but Lakewood. Anyway, thanks. Keep up the great work.
— Susan C. Minshall
The Advocate welcomes your correspondence. Please try to keep letters to 200 words or less; longer letters may be edited for length and clarity. Please include your name and phone number; phone numbers will not be published with letters, but names will be published. Anonymous letters will not be published. Send your letter to: editor@advocatemag.com; or to Letter to the Editor, 6301 Gaston, Ste. 820, Dallas 75214; or fax to 214-823-8866. Each letter-writer is eligible to receive a free T-shirt; if you would like one, please send us your preferred size.
