Question: Other cities have successfully transformed urban spaces with bold initiatives like pedestrian-only streets, protected bike lanes, and green corridors. If elected, would you be willing to take ambitious steps to reshape our city’s infrastructure, and what is one transformative idea you would push for?
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Karen DeVINNEY
As a pedestrian who has been able to walk to work my entire career, I appreciate a good sidewalk. But I also understand that there are many citizens who have mobility challenges who can’t walk a half-mile for a coffee. In our enthusiasm for appealing ideas such as mentioned above, we have to keep these citizens in mind. They need nearby parking, for instance, and are unable to take advantage of protected bike lanes. This complicates our desire for bold initiatives, but does not prevent them.
If I had to choose one idea from those above, I would propose pedestrian-only blocks (not entire streets), on weekends, like Walnut Street a decade ago when Sweetwater was still open. It was a fun opportunity for the businesses on the Square that was still accessible for those with mobility issues.
Suzi RuMOHR
I am absolutely willing to take ambitious steps to shift from the expensive and dangerous status quo to data-driven options that save taxpayer dollars, save lives, and improve quality of life.
As with every decision, I would carefully consider the balance of public input, available funds, impact per dollar spent, and the pros and cons of each option.
I am very excited about the ideas from the Downtown Denton Plan, including “cool streets” focused on providing shade and comfortable walking routes to and around downtown.
I am also very interested in the city installing removable bollards around the Square to more easily convert it to a safe, pleasant, pedestrian-only space during events. I have advocated for this since 2019. It is now included as a possibility in the Downtown Denton Plan.
Margie ELLIS
Absolutely! We just recently adopted the Design Downtown Plan. This guiding document for the future of downtown was created with substantial public input. It talks about the concept of pedestrian-only streets, pocket parks, safe bike mobility. I support this Plan, and it will be a great resource for transforming our urban spaces.