The Friday Staff Report to City Council provides weekly updates between staff and Council. This week, updates include the start of a 10-day effort to remove invasive Chinese privet at Bowling Green Park to restore natural habitats, supported by public outreach efforts. A traffic safety study on University Drive is underway, while repairs for the Day Laborer Pavilion roof and a plan to address crossing guard shortages have been developed. Concerns about a monitored shingle dump, road and pavement repairs, and adherence to construction hours were addressed, with ongoing construction in Robinwood expected to conclude by June 2025.
General Information
Privet Removal at Bowling Green Park – Targeted removal of Chinese privet at Bowling Green Park and Spencer Open Space will begin on January 27, aiming to eliminate this invasive species and restore the habitat’s natural characteristics and functions. The process is expected to take about 10 days, with habitat restoration signage placed on-site. A standard operating procedure has been developed to cover inspections, removal strategies, public education, restoration planning, and follow-up activities. Public communication efforts include a dedicated Discuss Denton page on the initiative.
Council Member Requests
Traffic Safety Study of University Drive – A traffic safety study at University Drive and Malone Street, requested by Mayor Pro Tem Meltzer, is underway. The study includes a safety audit of intersections from Bonnie Brae Street to Carroll Boulevard. Observations will focus on peak traffic periods during clear weather. Completion is expected by mid-February.
Day Laborer Pavilion Roof – Mayor Hudspeth inquired about repairs for the Day Laborer Pavilion roof at Fort Worth Drive and Carroll Boulevard. The original contractor has agreed to donate materials and labor for repairs, with scheduling and completion anticipated soon.
Crossing Guard Coverage – Mayor Hudspeth raised concerns about a lack of crossing guard coverage at Malone and Crescent Streets. Staffing shortages caused inconsistent coverage, but a plan to improve staffing at the intersection has been developed.
Shingle Dump Monitoring – Council Members Holland and McGee inquired about a shingle dump monitored by staff since 2019. Quarterly inspections began in December 2024. The site, outside City limits, is being coordinated with other governmental agencies.
Pothole on Hobson Lane – A pothole reported on Hobson Lane has been temporarily patched. The road requires full reconstruction, which will be considered for inclusion in a future bond program.
Broken Pavement on Forrestridge and El Paseo – Broken pavement on Forrestridge Drive and El Paseo Street received a temporary patch and has been scheduled for permanent repair.
Deerwood and Kingsway Construction Hours – Early construction activities raised concerns from residents. Contractors were informed of permitted weekday and weekend hours, and staff will continue to monitor compliance.
Elm Street Pothole Repair – A pothole on Elm Street is set for temporary repair on January 24, with permit arrangements in progress for permanent fixes.
Robinwood Construction – Ongoing construction in the Robinwood neighborhood, which includes multiple roadway and utility improvements, is scheduled for completion by June 2025. This will conclude the area’s enhancement projects.
Upcoming Community Events
Now located at Events.
Upcoming Street Closures
| Street/Intersection | From | To | Closure Start Date | Closure End Date | Description | Closure Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emery St. | Alice St. | Dead End (West of Fulton) | 02/03/25 | 07/01/25 | Utility installations and pavement replacement. | Full Closure |
| Fulton St. | Cordell St. | Emery St. | 02/03/25 | 07/01/25 | Utility installations and pavement replacement. | Full Closure |
| Precision Dr | Airport Rd | UNT Library Annex | 04/01/25 | 07/31/25 | Reconstruction | Full Closure |
| Welch St. | Chestnut | Mulberry | 02/03/25 | 07/01/25 | Utility installations and pavement replacement. | Full Closure |