On Thursday, February 4th I had the opportunity to meet with Kristen Gibbins, Executive Director of Marketing and Billy Hines, Mall Manager, in a round table discussion regarding the security of NorthPark Center. I first have to say that they were both very gracious and I truly felt as though they really heard the concerns of the community. The responsibility is on us to move forward the changes that will improve our community. Thank you to everyone that joined me in the effort to make this change. While I am not able to share all the details of their plans due to security reasons, I wanted to share some highlights from the meeting. I was very pleased to hear they have been working on enhanced security initiatives for some time and they were grateful for a forum in which to share them. They have also incorporated some of the suggestions that were made through the Change.org Petition into the Security Plans for 2016. One suggestion in particular being that starting as soon as this weekend they plan to have a courtesy shuttle with a concierge escort at the four main entrances during all mall hours! These representatives will be dressed in black NorthPark sweatshirts and have badges with identification. They will start by walking out visitors on foot but shortly they plan have six passenger golf carts to assist visitors. The concierge escorts will be available at the following entrances: • Kona Gril • PF Changs • Nordstrom’s Parking Garage • Macy’s Parking Garage They also provided the following updates regarding the current state and additions: • 100% of cameras are operational • Security presence and patrols by foot, golf carts and cars have been increased throughout all parking areas • Dallas Police Department patrols in marked vehicles have been increased • Dallas Police Department presence has been increased • New enhanced surveillance system is being added • New Security bike patrols will be added by March 1st with dedicated posts • New signage will be added to the interior and exterior areas with security contact information clearly displayed • Features are being added to the NorthPark mobile app to contact security and report concerns Throughout the meeting both Kristen and Billy were very open and willing to listen to suggestions. I asked if they would evaluate call boxes to be placed throughout the parking lots and they plan to contact companies for a quote. NorthPark Center plans to keep the public informed through their social media pages as these and other enhancements are rolled out. They also have created an email address if you would like to share your feedback or concerns. Lastly, I wanted to thank everyone for being involved in this initiative to better our community. I am proud to be a part of a community that was so willing to step up and support others that were being targeted. While I know that none of these enhancements are foolproof, and that only I am responsible for my safety, it was a pleasant surprise that NorthPark’s administration is so invested in the safety of their visitors and tenants. On your next visit to NorthPark I hope that you notice these additions. Contact Information: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northparkcenter Twitter: @NorthParkCenter Instagram: @northparkcenter Email: customerservice@northparkcntr.com Phone: +1 214-363-7441 Website: http://www.northparkcenter.com/