PUBLIC DRAFT - MAY 2025 Comprehensive Plan

Need to spend less on large vehicles for public safety and more for critical infrastructure and services for people.

In a city where 3 times the population commute in, wouldn’t it help to have 3 times as much Housing within the city to decrease how far people have to travel in?

Seeing “less housing or less apartments” shows how the public comment form of engagement favors wealthy landowners rather than normal people, who live in apartments

It seems that many examples of homelessness and loitering are tolerated in public spaces. Over the years Addison has seemed less safe (more car break-ins, packages stolen, panhandling, etc.). My concern is that all of these walkable spaces the Town is envisioning won't be safe for pedestrians. I foresee myself finding other routes rather than driving places where these features are installed (speed bumps) or removed (parking spaces). Perhaps I am missing something but it seems that restaurants within walking distance don't always survive and would appreciate having patrons who want to drive to the area and park. Daily errands being accomplished on foot depends on many factors (# of items needed), time constraints, if children must be brought on the errand or not, and weather (like tonight the meeting was canceled for weather). Are all of these considerations being factored in when determining how much you'd like to put into walkability? Many people where I live walk to Target or Kroger but it honestly depends on what your grocery order is. If you are buying something heavy, you are most likely driving to the store. How are all of these factors weighing into the the Town's decision making?

I have lived in Oaks North since 1993. It was a beautiful time for Addison, safe, friendly and with ease of travel. Now at the corner of Montfort and Verde valley we have had many serious accidents due to the log jam of traffic and and generally poor judgment of the vast amount of people driving through. We also have constant traffic coming through our neighborhood to cut from Montfort to
BeltLine. Any children and dogs in the area, which are many, are constantly at risk from people coming through the neighborhood at 40 miles an hour.

The most critical issue for a long time Addison residence is to not over build, as it will make traffic increasingly dangerous and seriously frustrating. Over time it will most certainly downgrade the quality of life.

If you're looking at building up the toll road area I have no idea how you intend to direct traffic on Montfort and Beltline and the toll road to not create ridiculous log jams. More apartments build up threatens the quality of life, most of which has to do with being able to move around and some of which reduces the safety of Addison residents. We have quite enough apartments as is.

If the city council is listening to longtime citizens of the town, you will hear the outcry of "no more apartments". I believe ignoring that poses a large threat of losing individual residents who have been the mainstay and support of the town of Addison. Respectfully, Marilyn Petrone

I think the quote on pg.39 about provisioning smaller stalls/spaces for hobbyists and entrepreneurs to rent and practice their crafts in a low stakes environment to the public is a great way to revivify the Addison 'Product'. Lowering the barrier for people to demonstrate their skills is how cultural hubs are born; these could give artists an offline means of showing and selling their crafts without it being their entire livelihood. Someone, for instance, may have a passion for sewing, and knit some 100s of stuffed dolls they'd love to sell to others, but they may not want to or have the time to knit so much every month. A lower cost rentable stall allows this person to take their inventory to a physical market on their own terms, diversifying the Addison 'Product' and enhancing individual freedom.

I would love to see brighter street lights along Belt Line Road. It’s difficult to see pedestrians crossing at times and it discourages individuals to walk at night as well.

I really would love to see a shared Bike and/or Bus Lane as I think this would do two things: (1) encourage cyclists to ride along Belt Line and (2) reduce a lane that would hopefully reduce speeds. The current speed limit on Belt Line is hardly followed (I think we’re all guilty of that so I’m not pointing fingers). I would also love to see the removal of two left turning lanes along some streets that don’t get a lot of traffic. I think it’s better to have one left turning lanes in this case.

I'm glad to see this as a targeted aspiration. However, we have a growing population of unhoused in and around us, and these are our neighbors too. They must be included in our aspirations, lest their crisis be further exacerbated. Existing shelter systems don't give a sense of 'home' to the homeless; how can people feel at home in an environment that they cannot control--an environment that often has curfews, limitations on guests, belongings, pets, children etc.? Without the stable of home, people cannot prosper; they have nowhere to retreat to from their daily woes and are primed to fall into more dangerous modes of escape. I've read about Seattle's Tent City 3, and I find that idea of sanctioned, self-governed encampment a more inspiring solution that actually addresses the chief problem of the unhoused--that is, a lack of 'home', rather than a mere need of a bed under a roof. What I've read about Dallas' Tent City, it seemed to lack much of what made Tent City 3 function in enabling people to reclaim their sense of home through a commons of care.

I'm only one perspective here. We need a community dialogue if we're to truly to address this issue, but I don't imagine it being remedied otherwise, and it would be a misnomer to call this a comprehensive plan if it ignores those on the fringe.

The map is difficult to understand which "group" my own home is in. What is an example of "redevelopment to increase the intensity of uses to align with the area's envisioned place type?" Can you clarify the word "reimagining"? How can a street of private homes be redeveloped?

I would like to know the weight of thumbs up or thumbs down in this feedback compilation. I do not want to be rude to my fellow residents with a thumbs down, as I feel like everyone should have their own opinion and feel safe to post their thoughts. If these thumbs are weighted, then people who know of this could select thumbs down for anything they do not agree with. So if these responses are tallied and results weighted based on this - I would like to know. Thank you. Also - are residents to argue every comment they don't agree with? It not only is rather exhausting, but it is a not towards our goal of a unified community. It adds to the divisiveness in this already politicized time. It makes me very sad when neighbors turn against neighbors because they cannot allow a difference of opinion without everyone agreeing to their agenda. We are not trying a case with endless rebuttals, right? We are asking for honest feedback from all residents that not only are aspirational for the future, but also lived experience insight that may help prevent issues for future generations and represent all demographics, correct?

I like this bullet, and I think the town could hold some engaging events around this premise--- carpentry workshops with a focus on beautifying a space, community fund-raising potlucks to reshape areas, public painting events (I'm thinking wall murals, but could also be chalk art, etc.). There's a lot of potential if some imagination is applied in the ways we work together to revitalize public spaces. I would love to see more public art opportunities, in general.

I strongly disagree with #1 on Aspirations Ranking. My opinion is that this will hurt businesses and residents alike.

In the section about focus groups and community meetings: The sidewalks are great in Addison and I like the pedestrian cross-walks that have been recently installed near the fire department on Beltway. I see bikes using the sidewalks too since they are such generous sidewalks as compared to neighboring towns. However, with increased residents and multi family housing options, we must find a way to create more movement for vehicles, not less. Keeping pedestrians out of the roadways to the extent possible is the safest option. Cars must be able to operate efficiently here in Addison for the safety of all. Our Police force should be armed with the tools needed to keep the streets safe by enforcing the current rules for cars to operate alongside pedestrians. Beautification of the town will be important for business, pedestrians, and drivers, so most of these points all work together. I would strongly prefer that the people be kept on the sidewalks, except when crossing the street, and the cars be kept moving by streamlining and improving our car infrastructure efficiency and targeting problem areas.

I don't believe innovation should be more highly praised than function. I support innovation when it makes sense and improves the lives of residents. I am loathe to support innovation in a walkable development when I can't see the ways that will improve the daily lives of residents here, especially given the climate in Texas. What do the decision makers in Addison say about the extreme temperatures and how pedestrian safety could be impacted by walking in such conditions? I think we have a good balance of walkability and auto friendly spaces and would not like to upset this balance by leaning more heavily toward walkability.

I am content with the current walkability in Addison. Public spaces and walking long distances to public venues including restaurants, shopping, and other business is NOT worth destroying the infrastructure for cars. Cars and other vehicles are the preferred mode of transportation in Texas climate and keeping up the infrastructure for these is more highly valued in my mind as a resident here. Pedestrian safety is valuable; however, for business and residents alike, using cars to function in virtually every daily situation is a necessity and one I would like to keep at the forefront of Addison's mind. When Addison pours money into infrastructure, it should include the use of personal vehicles as a priority.

When I say "People First" I just wanted to clarify what that means to me. People first means NOT people first as a mode of transportation. It does not mean walkability or dependence on transit. People first means decisions made reflect the safety, quality of life, and consideration of the lived experience impacts to residences and businesses - and how Addison can be supportive of those considerations. This is Texas. It is hot. People drive cars.

I appreciate all who gave their time to create this document and those that take the time to read it and give their feedback. I think all residents should respect all opinions and I dislike the thumbs up or down as that gives a social media feel that disregards and can make someone feel bullied by their comment. All should be welcome to give their perspective and ideas without the thumbs up or down. I also know that life can change quickly and suddenly as evidenced by COVID in 2020 - life is what happens when we are making other plans. I hope the Town's leadership will realize that though this is a careful map - that things can come up on the road that requires a pivot. We should not steam ahead on a path that has changed and be flexible to adapt in real time as 25 years from now we cannot imagine the challenges or environment - and should not take for granted the air, water, trees, and safety of Addison.

Strongly agree with #1 Public Safety above all else

Strongly agree with #1 People First and #5 Economics

Redevelopment of the Inwood corridor (see area study) to walkable connect to Addison Circle (and/or status of rail line for trolley was an interesting idea I heard) seems more inviting for a challenged area to incrementally test these concepts of walkability and connectiveness without much "risk" ... imbedded conception in the CopPlan of major reworks of Belt Line or Midway seem better put nearer the end of the to-do list. I'd like to see far more emphasis on carrying that area study forward.

How current is this data. i would guess VOP is increasing in value. The economy (development and decline, return to work, etc.) is changing rapidly. Would like to have current data if more than 18 months old.

Thanks to all the contributors and participants ... I appreciate the time, care and desire of each to have the best Town possible.

Where can the External reference be reviewed? The link leads to a password protected site. I would like to see the survey.

Abandon Net Revenue Cost Allocation IMHO: Entirely flawed and improper analysis and cost assignment schema on multiply dimensions. People use services, not property - making “net revenue” per acre entirely flawed particularly in the context of Addsion. Assigning costs are predominately driven by people. For example, the reason we have far, far higher police officers per resident than any surrounding city is because of our non-resident visitors to businesses and commerce … our resident population (in the absent of the higher proportion of commerce traffic and visitors) would necessitates far, far smaller fire and police departments (please recall police and fire constitutes the larges budget line item). This can be clarified if for example we look at Farmers Branch our neighbor. We have 63ish police, Farmers Branch has 53ish. Addison is effectively 3ish sq. miles (no airport), FB is effectively 13ish sq. miles. Addison has a population of 16,000, Framers Branch has population is 37,000. So our cost allocation profiles are very different. Addison has 3.9 officers for 1000 residents, or 21 per acer!!!! Framers Branch 1.4 officers per 1000 residents, or 4.4 per acer. This is also why there is virtually no assignment of cost to the Airport (becuase of its number of people (very low), not its size - 25% of Town area). This metric would say our primary goal as a Town should be to dismantle the airport (it provides virtually no revenue (small amount for ground lease) and would capture 25% of cost). I could continue this analysis, but I feel I’ve made my point.