Traffic signal at Emerald Isle and Garland Road. Photo by Renee Umsted.
Garland Road Vision Plan is relaunching for the next generation of East Dallasites.
The Garland Road Vision Advisory Committee was formed in 2006 to oversee the urban planning study and focus on the area from the 3G intersection (Garland, Gaston, Grand) to I-635. In 2010, which is when the plan was adopted, we wrote about what neighbors wanted — low-density development, mixed-use but no high-rises around White Rock Lake, wide setbacks from the road, alleviating traffic and more consistent beautification.
Now, the Garland Road Vision Plan, or Garland Road Next Generation Planning, will focus on transportation on that same stretch, looking into an integrated multimodal transportation system and the capacity for improvements to pedestrian and bicycle access from neighborhoods into commercial/nonresidential areas.
“Garland Road is a heavily traveled corridor in East Dallas that borders many residential areas, job centers and recreational spaces,” District 9 Council member Paula Blackmon said in a press release detailing the relaunch. “It makes sense to update this nearly 20-year-old plan. This relaunch is an opportunity to ensure that future development reflects the values and priorities of the neighborhoods and stakeholders who live, work and invest here.”
The advisory committee is newly formed to guide this new process and is made up of local leaders in our neighborhoods and businesses as well as community advocates. They will work with City staff and planning consultants on this process. Town hall and stakeholder meetings and surveys are to come, and our community is encouraged to participate.
The relaunch, according to the press release, will also focus on:
- Land use and mobility updates to reflect current and future development trends.
- Environmental and aesthetic enhancements to preserve the corridor’s natural beauty.
- Economic development strategies to support local businesses and attract investment.
You can find more information and keep up to date with engagement opportunities here.
