City needs your input on mews streets
By Kathy Edwards McFarland
Have you heard of the Mews Streets Improvements Project? It will make the second ring of streets outside the square (Walnut, Austin, Pecan, Cedar) more walkable, livable, and accessible. Denton needs your input into this area’s design and function.
Use this link to participate in a short online survey:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MewsStreetsSurvey
The City of Denton – Bike/Walk Denton is offering this survey on its Facebook page. Opening a dialogue in the manner is daunting, but those of us who helped with events on Walnut Street a few years back can give their practical perspective.
* Fun fact: The mews streets got their name from the British definition for a row of stables usually with carriage houses below and living quarters above that were built along a paved street, yard, or court. It was a 17th-century version of mixed-use development!
One comment on Facebook summed up the many challenges experienced during previous events: Keep in mind how this will negatively affect businesses on those streets. Construction time and lack of access in multiple directions could shutter some businesses. If access to dumpsters is an issue, downtown Denton should remove all dumpsters on those streets and have designated areas for trash. All the dumpsters look and smell terrible to begin with and are an eyesore. Downtown McKinney doesn’t have any dumpsters on the main or side streets and all the merchants have adapted.
This blog editor’s opinion sides with the improvements. Downtown will have opportunities to host more live performances and events. Furthermore, pedestrians will have places to sit, converse and enjoy possibly more green space.
