The Dallas Public Works Department recently came under fire for its plan to introduce digital kiosks onto the City’s sidewalks without proper input from the community.
The proposal to fast-track the installation of these digital displays has raised eyebrows, especially considering the City’s history with similar projects.
Back in 2006, the Dallas City Council faced backlash for its initial decision to install oversized advertising kiosks without adequate community engagement. The resulting eyesores failed to live up to expectations and became a source of frustration for residents and business owners, as previously reported by The Dallas Morning News.
After receiving public backlash, former Mayor Laura Miller said, “I think we’ve created something we didn’t mean to create … you don’t want a giant spaceship in the middle of your public sidewalk, per DMN.
It seems City Hall did not learn from its past mistakes. The Public Works Department proceeded with plans for new digital kiosks without seeking meaningful input from the community. Only after pressure from some concerned council members did it agree to hold public meetings to gather feedback.
Scheduled for April 22 and 29, these meetings aim to provide residents with an opportunity to weigh in on the proposed digital kiosks.
A City news release touts the advantages of the kiosks, which will provide directions, emergency assistance, Wi-Fi, and information about City attractions and events. While these features may seem beneficial to visitors, some critics have previously argued that they could contribute to sidewalk clutter and pose safety hazards, especially in densely populated areas.
Stakeholders such as the Real Estate Council of Dallas and Uptown Dallas Inc. have voiced their opposition to the plan, citing potential negative impacts on sidewalk safety and the overall urban environment. These representatives are urging City Hall to prioritize community feedback and consider alternative solutions that enhance rather than detract from the pedestrian experience, per DMN.
Those interested in providing input on the digital kiosks can attend a virtual meeting on Monday, April 22, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. by registering online. Attendees can participate in the Q&A session.
Alternatively, an in-person meeting will occur on Monday, April 29, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Dallas City Hall, Room L1 FN Auditorium. Contact [email protected] by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 26, to register to speak.
Regardless of public opinion, per DMN, the City has no choice but to maintain the kiosks until its contract obligation ends in 2026.
