Arlington leaders target area near UTA for redevelopment

Arlington leaders target area near UTA for redevelopment
By SUSAN SCHROCK
sschrock@star-telegram

ARLINGTON — Downtown leaders and the University of Texas at Arlington are hoping to lure new investment to a blighted, high-crime neighborhood along Center Street and turn it into a vibrant area with offices, shops and housing for students and young professionals.

Redevelopment of the Mary Street-Ray Street area just east of the university was identified Wednesday as one of the top priorities for the Downtown Arlington Management Corp. by board members at their annual retreat. The agency, contracted by the city in 2006 to revitalize downtown, aims to attract investors, such as UT-Arlington business alumni, to buy and replace some of the aging rental properties in the so-called May-Ray area.

The downtown group is fast-tracking its efforts to clean up the neighborhood, known for prostitution, drug use and other criminal activity, since the university announced plans to build a $73 million Special Events Center and a $67 million mixed-use development with retail and office space as well as student housing on the east side of campus. .....