The following reprint of information from the Denia Area News, the neighborhood newsletter, recounts events up to the monthly neighborhood meeting of the Denia Area Community Group, held January 26, 2003.

Special Meeting on Eagle Point Plan -- About 100 Denia residents met on January 6, [2003] to discuss our response to UNT's proposed plan for a massive building project on Eagle Point Golf Course. Of real concern was the fact that UNT had done no drainage, traffic, or environmental impact studies prior ot presenting these plans. When asked about the potential problems of drainage and traffic on December 10, [2002], UNT spokesman Rafes told residents not to worry because the studies would be done before the ground breaking in March [2003]. Neighbors expressed anger and concern at the secrecy of the project and lack of concern for the neighborhood.

Over 75 neighbors signed up to work on Action Committees. Letters to the Board of Regents, the Coordinating Board, and UNT President and Chancellor brought about a meeting with President Pohl.

Willowwood Included -- Residents of west Willowwood who felt neglected when the athletic dorm was positioned near the [Radisson] hotel may have a dorm in their front yard: the 500 bed College Inn designated on the map as "Future Special Housing."

Greenspace FlimFlam?-- At the December 10, [2002] meeting, Dr. Rafes told us that the plans for Eagle Point included a greenspace which would preserve the duck pond, help with drainage, and serve as a buffer for the neighbors facing the golf course. In a great show of generosity, Rafes invited the neighborhood to help plan this greenspace and a neighborhood committee was formed to work on this.

UNT now says that they may not have money for planning, engineering and maintaining such a space, and suggest that we ask the city to do this. The city [of Denton], likewise has no money for such development and maintenance. Perhaps UNT will issue us all green tinted glasses so we will see "Green" where Eagle Point used to be.

UNT Apologies -- December 10, [2002] Mr. Rafes apologized because the neighbors learned of the project from a newspaper story. UNT planned to tell us "later," he said.

January 15, [2002] President Pohl issued a letter apologizing for not keeping the neighborhood informed about the project.

Laurel Hills "Subjective"? -- UNT shifted into a "damage control" mode on January 13, [2003] neighbors north of Willowwood found letters of apology from Dr. Pohl taped to their mailboxes. When asked why the area south of Willowwood --Laurel Hills (Laurel, Azalea, Camellia, Jasmine), south Highland [Park] Rd. and south Wisteria was excluded, [a]UNT spokeswoman said the concept of the neighborhood was "subjective'" trying to minimize the number of homes to be affected by traffic, noise, and drainage problems. The letters were later mailed to some people on these streets.

Traffic Committee Report -- Neighbors have expressed concern about the way in which the UNT traffic study is being conducted, fearing that it will under estimate the amount of actual traffic, especially at shift changes from Peterbilt and Victor. Representatives from the Traffic Committee have contacted the City of Denton Department of Engineering for traffic count numbers from earlier studies to compare with the UNT study. The UNT study will be reviewed by the city and other agencies. At that point, our committee will be contacted so that we can have some input.

Petition Drive

The committee has produced a well worded petition opposing the Golf Course Project for circulation in the neighborhood. and the community. Volunteers report good response within the neighborhood. It is encouraging that people outside the neighborhood have been willing to express their opposition by signing their names. If you weren't home when the volunteers called or if your street hasn't been covered, petitions will be available at the neighborhood meeting. If [you] want to collect signatures, there will be extra copies there or contact Secretary Gerry Veeder, 382-2040.

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