Please sign this petition that requires community engagement and input in determining the need for and the location of an additional or “alternative” entrance for Dallas Love Field.  Over the last year, the Dallas Department of Aviation has repeatedly rejected requests for a special community task force on the proposed entrance.  What is the result? All entrance options are north-bound, directly impacting traffic patterns on Shorecrest and Northwest Highway, safety at Bachman Lake Park, and possibly housing values and availability in the surrounding neighborhoods.  
 
- The City of Dallas should direct the Dallas Department of Aviation to immediately establish a special community Taskforce prior to making recommendations to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee; 

- The Taskforce would be able to review traffic or safety studies that show the need for an alternative entrance into Love Field and should ensure that the current use and safety of Bachman Lake Park users are top of mind.  Limited information about the plans, including impact studies have been provided to the community to ensure user groups, citizens and student safety and well-being are appropriately considered;

- The Taskforce should be able to review all alternatives not just ones that the City of Dallas Aviation Department wants to be considered. 

- The Taskforce would be able to review data related to the dramatic decrease in aviation traffic and projected future aviation trends and understand how these impact vehicular traffic;  

- The Taskforce would be able to review circulation studies to understand the impact on traffic resulting from any of the north entrance options being presented.  Love Field is recommending a north entrance yet at the same time states that the traffic impact on Lemmon/Marsh, Northwest Highway, and Shorecrest is unknown.  

- The Taskforce would be able to review the projected cost of each option.  Several seem very expensive such as building a bridge over Bachman Lake  or purchase of privately owned land in order to access Shorecrest Drive.  This information should include an understanding of the design impact on the adjacent DART System and anticipated ridership - rider safety includes access to and from the rail system, as well;

- The Taskforce would ensure the options selected take into account Vision Zero - a global and City of Dallas adopted initiative to reduce pedestrian deaths to zero – and the City's Smart City Initiative that focuses on improving the quality of life of all citizens by adopting new forms of governance, public participation, process improvements, technology adoption, data-driven decision making and provides sustainable services. 

- The Taskforce would ensure that a unified recommendation can be made to the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and ultimately City Council;

- The Taskforce would ensure that the approach aligns with overarching Mobility plans for the area as well as major multi-million dollar projects planned by Dallas Water Utilities and the Parks and Recreation Department.
 
Background:
Northwest Dallas is a trail and park desert. The Bachman Area is also in one of the worst heat index zones of the city, mainly due to the airport and the industrial uses. Bachman Lake Park represents the largest city park in the area and in many cases, this is the only green space for folks in the neighboring apartments. The Bachman Area has the highest level of pedestrian / cycling accidents and deaths in the City of Dallas.   An introduction of a North Entrance to the airport will only increase vehicular and pedestrian conflicts and fails to take into account City of Dallas investments in Park and regional recreational amenities.

The Bachman Lake area is home to the largest number of children under 5 in the City and attracts students from both public and private schools for recreational activities.  Bachman Lake Park is home to the Dallas Rowing Club and will soon house regional aquatic and skate parks (2017 bond). Bachman Lake Park is already parking constrained and maintains little connectivity or safe passage to the Bachman DART station, which will be directly across the street (Webb Chapel Ext) from the planned regional skate park. The increased number of Park Users stemming from these new developments will increase pedestrian and newly minted driver traffic to the area -  an understanding of Park User safety is critical to affecting the most robust access plan to the airport.

Ultimately, Bachman Lake Park is a community space founded on the City's vision for a comprehensive system of parks, trails, open spaces, and recreation facilities
that sustains, inspires, and invigorates.  A North Entrance should not be considered as a preferred traverse for vehicles without considering the impact it has on the Park, its users and the adjacent communities. Giving voice to the community inspires stewardship, activity and an equitable community for all.  Dallas Love Field is an important part of Dallas' successful economy, creating a community centered alternate entry plan will enhance its impact on social and environmental well-being of the region.