Lake Highlands Town Center rendering based on developer Cypress Real Estate Advisors' plans

Lake Highlands Town Center rendering based on developer Cypress Real Estate Advisors’ plans

Results are in from the latest Lake Highlands Town Center (LHTC) survey, and respondents didn’t hold back with their suggestions.

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“Make it a destination, not just a stop,” said one. “Traffic and parking that aren’t a pain,” said another. “Walkability and variety,” “no junk stores and no strip mall feel,” “it must be kept very clean,” and, finally, “just get it done.”

You can read the full survey results here.

Many suggested other centers they frequent to describe what they are looking for.

“My dream would be for it to be like Snider Plaza: Lots of restaurants plus open spaces for kids to play and quiet spaces for adults. Ambiance. Why are we letting our dollars walk to other areas?” “[We need] a good set of stores like Mockingbird Station or West Village or Inwood Village” and “easy parking and upscale stores like Southlake Town Center.”

The greatest number of respondents was from White Rock Valley – no surprise since the questionnaire was designed by WRV Neighborhood Association President Richard Duge – but that was less than 30%. The majority of the 2000 participants came from 30 different sections of LH.

About half (54%) were between 25 and 45 years old, and 37% have children at home under 6. Three-quarters eat out 2-4 days per week, and the same number eat outside LH at least 40% of the time. More than 80% would consider using an urgent care clinic at LHTC.

Of those who don’t still have kids at home, 31% said they’d consider moving into an upscale townhome in the LHTC (about half preferred less than 2,000 square feet, half want more). The majority (53%) would be willing to pay $200 per square foot, with some ready to go higher.

Overall, LHers want less density at LHTC. Most (71%) chose the fewest option, 500 residential units, as the best choice, and 92% supported amending the current plan to add a requirement that 35% of all units be “for sale”.

The overwhelming number of responses seemed to relate to bringing a grocery store to the town center, and Sprouts was the apparent grocer of choice. Two-thirds said they would make Sprouts their primary grocer if it moves in, and 91% said they would go there before Whole Foods or Central Market. A large number of write-in responses mentioned the need for “fresh” or “organic” produce, fish and meats, and bemoaned LH’s lack of options which forces shoppers (and their dollars) to other neighborhoods.

Duge says he plans to share the survey results with LHTC developers Cypress Real Estate Advisors and with Councilman Adam McGough in hopes of molding the direction LHTC development takes in the near future. LH is talking. The question: is anyone listening?