Number 235, April 2023
City of University Park, Texas, 3800 University Blvd.
Centennial Celebration coming in 2024
University Park is about to turn 100! The City was incorporated on April 12, 1924, so we are now about a year away from events and programs designed to engage residents of all ages. To help commemorate this milestone, the City Council recently appointed two committees to provide City staff with input and assistance in shaping various Centennial Celebration activities. We will provide much more information on all of this later this year in editions of the Arbor, on the City’s website and on our social media accounts. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!  
Snider Plaza zoning process
Having completed the replacement of water and sanitary sewer utilities in and around Snider Plaza, the City is moving forward with construction documents for a second stage of improvements. The streetscape project includes new pavement, stormwater utilities, landscaping, pedestrian amenities, and parking enhancements. To initiate these improvements, the City is requesting an amendment to Planning Development District 1 (PD-1R), which is the current zoning assigned to the retail area. 

During the March 21 meeting, the City Council approved referral of the item to the Planning & Zoning Commission (P&Z) for public hearing. With this action, the zoning request for Snider Plaza will be presented to P&Z on Tuesday, April 11 and includes the following:
  • Approval of a concept plan for the street zone and sidewalk zone within the public domain of Snider Plaza.
  • Expansion of PD-1R to incorporate additional parking on the city-owned lot at Rankin and Hursey. 

Following the April 11 hearing and a recommendation from P&Z, the zoning request will advance to City Council for consideration. For an FAQ on this process and more information about the project, visit the Snider Plaza Zoning Process page on our website.
City and HPISD partner with faith-based leaders on April community mental health message
In the Park Cities, there is a well-known tradition of coming together in unity to celebrate, encourage, and support one another. The strength of this community is critical as we take on the growing need to help our youth and families facing mental health challenges.

That’s why the City is partnering with faith-based leaders across our community and the Highland Park Independent School District to provide support for youth who are struggling with mental health issues. The goal is to highlight community health resources that are available to students and families as they work through the shame and stigma that often keep people from seeking help.

To align our community message, all faith-based organizations in the Park Cities have committed to speaking to their congregations on this topic over the weekend of Sunday, April 16.

This kick-off date not only marks a single event of unity but also the first step in creating an ongoing community dialogue about awareness and support for student and family health and wellness. More information on this will be available in the coming days, so please monitor the City's website and be on the lookout for additional communication from your respective faith-based organization.
Citizen of the Year search underway
The City is accepting applications for the 2023 Citizen of the Year Award. The City Council created the award to boost public awareness and appreciation for the many residents who work, often behind the scenes, to better the city's quality of life. Rather than acting out of a need for recognition, these residents are driven by a desire to contribute to their community. Whether beautifying our neighborhoods, increasing local opportunities for our youth, or raising money for various worthy projects, all demonstrate an exceptional level of citizenship.

To nominate a resident of any age, click on the green button below. Nominations must be received by Thursday, June 1. A panel of residents will select and notify the honoree the week of June 5. After riding in the July 4 parade, the honoree will receive a plaque and a special Citizen of the Year gift from the Mayor.

Nominees for Citizen of the Year must:

  • Be a University Park resident;
  • Have worked to improve the quality of life in University Park.

Current and former Mayors and Councilmembers are not eligible for this award. If you have questions about the nomination process, please call Steve Mace at 214-987-5301 or send him an email.

Recent Citizen of the Year honorees:

2022 - Melissa Rieman
2021 - Dan Branch
2020 - Erin Schreyer
Park Cities Recycling Event scheduled for April 15
The next Park Cities recycling event will take place in the SMU parking lot on the south side of Burleson Park on Saturday, April 15 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Here is another chance to clear out your garage, attic and closets of old financial and medical documents, outdated or unused electronics and even clothing and furniture.
Paper products and documents that can be disposed of include: Tax records, medical records, legal files, financial records, invoices, canceled checks, blueprints, contracts, payroll records, company letterhead, junk mail containing personal information and any information that contains credit card, social security, driver license and account numbers.

Accepted E-waste items include: Computers, computer monitors, computer accessories, TV’s, printers, DVD/CD players, copiers, fax machines, scanners, cell phones and chargers, external hard drives, video and camera equipment, video game systems, cables, power cords, power strips and more.

Participating firms/organizations

  • Pro-Shred will collect and shred all documents on-site.
  • Global Asset collects and disposes of all E-waste items. In addition to working with the City and other municipalities, the company currently supports over 150 clients in the public sector. Global Asset removes data on all collected storage devices using Department of Defense security standards.
  • Salvation Army will also be on-site. Donated items must be in working condition, and contain all parts and accessories. Clothing items must not be torn or stained. The Salvation Army will also take all wood furniture, refrigerators, stoves, washing machines, dryers and any other appliances. All donors will be given a receipt for tax deduction purposes. 
  • Friends of UP Public Library will be on-site collecting new and gently used books for book sales, benefitting the University Park Public Library. We apologize that we can not accept magazines, old encyclopedias or textbooks more than 7 years old.
Help the City fight the bite
Spring is here and summer is just around the corner, so here are simple steps residents can take to control mosquitoes. This month, a local Boy Scout troop will distribute door hangers to households across the Park Cities containing this same information. As always, household efforts should center on eliminating standing water.  
 
To control mosquito breeding:
 
  • Use automatic sprinkler systems wisely
  • Don’t over irrigate
  • Cover trash containers so they don’t collect water
  • Change water in wading pools, pet dishes and birdbaths several times a week
  • Keep backyard pools clean
  • Keep unnecessary plant growth cut back
  • Clean or replace clogged roof gutters and downspouts
 
To protect yourself and family members:
 
  • While outside during dawn and dusk hours wear long sleeve, loose and light-colored clothing
  • Use insect repellents that contain DEET
 
Residents can report standing water locations to City staff. Dial 311, or call the Parks and Recreation Department at 214-987-5488. Residents can also call to arrange for a free property inspection and onsite advice on how to control mosquitoes.
 
During the summer and early fall, when mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus or are especially plentiful, the City will use social media and our website to notify residents in a timely fashion about targeted overnight fogging efforts aimed at controlling the mosquito population.
The City’s twice-a-week water conservation measure is still in effect with outdoor watering days determined by street numbers.
 
Even - Residents with addresses ending in an even number can use automatic sprinkler systems on Sundays and Thursdays.
Odd - Addresses ending in an odd number can use automatic sprinkler systems on Saturdays and Wednesdays.

Buildings or facilities with multiple addresses will water based on their lowest street address number.
Prescription Drug Take Back Day - April 22
Saturday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., University Park residents can dispose of accumulated unwanted, and unused prescription drugs by stopping by the Fire Station side of University Park City Hall at 3800 University Blvd. This effort, hosted by UPPD, is part of a nationwide drug disposal program started by the Drug Enforcement Administration.
  • A reminder - Residents don’t have to wait for a national Drug Take Back Day event to dispose of prescription drugs. The Police Department has a MedReturn box at City Hall. It’s located inside the building’s 24-hour entrance (3800 University Blvd.) next to the City’s 911 call center. Please remove all medications from their containers, and place the pills in the plastic bags that are provided. The MedReturn box will not accept liquid medications, inhalers, needles, syringes or lancets.
Post garage sale details on City’s website
Residents can advertise garage and estate sales on the City’s website. The list shows address, dates and hours of operation for each sale. To post the information, residents should submit a service request using the website’s Resident Online Center, or they can call 311. All requests must be made one week in advance of the sale date. Please note the following when conducting a garage or estate sale:

  • Sales cannot be located in the front yard. Sale hours must be between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m.
  • Each property is limited to a maximum of two sales per year.
  • Only one sign (maximum 2 square feet) can be displayed on a sale site. Additional signs cannot be placed on neighboring properties, utility poles or on the City’s rights-of-way.
Preservation Park Cities Car Show scheduled for April 29
Friends of UP Public Library event