Sounding Off: Irving-Coppell area readers tell us if their cities should build mix-use projects

Gables Residential's Water Street project in Las Colinas will have more than 300 apartments and 60,000 square feet of retail.  

Coppell and Irving are both eyeing more mixed-use developments within their borders. What do you think?

Jennifer Vizzo, Irving: I'm for anything that raises the tax revenues, but not at the expense of land values or in the increase of crime.

Anthony Bond, Irving: Wonderful! Finally! Irving is so far behind other suburban cities in North Texas in the use of mixed-use projects which is clearly the new wave of the future in economic development in municipalities all across this great country of America. Bravo to the city leaders of Irving for finally getting into the game!

Michael McPhail, Irving: I would love to see Irving’s Plymouth Park redeveloped with some mixed-use development. It would be great to add some buildings with restaurants and shops on the ground floor with living quarters for the owners upstairs. Such establishments have been popular in other parts of the United States for many years. Irving could also benefit from this type of development near the south Irving light rail station.

Wes Pyfer, Irving: I certainly support most private investment and development in Irving, but not so much the public/private partnerships so often supported by our city council. These public/private partnerships in Irving have a record of often leaving the taxpayers holding the bag with little to show for our investment. Furthermore, in my opinion, Irving does not need more apartments in our city.

John Cantwell, Coppell: More mixed-use development will allow greater synergy between where we live, where we work, where we shop, where we go to school and where we eat. The right plan will make neighborhoods stronger and facilitate places to walk and ride bikes. This would be positive for current residents to maintain their existing environment while creating an alternative for those preferring another residential choice.

Sharon Phares, Irving: Mixed-use developments are one of the more responsible ideas being bantered about. They will save tax dollars, construction costs, utilities and conserve energy. Being able to work, shop, play and walk about the area one lives in; as well as get acquainted with neighbors is a concept suburbia has for the most part lost. What’s not to like?

Sharon Baugh, Irving: For the most part I’m in favor of mixed use developments.