The modernization plan entails the installation of interactive digital kiosks in commercial, mixed-use, retail, and entertainment areas of the city, particularly in high pedestrian traffic areas. These kiosks would be enhanced with SmartCity technologies and touchscreen displays, serving as a green and dynamic way to disseminate critical information such as public service announcements, safety alerts, public transit schedules, and job opportunities. The kiosks would also promote local businesses, social services, future cultural events, and community engagement opportunities, and provide free WiFi connectivity to the public.
There has been pushback for the new additions. Stakeholders referenced distraction, safety and the marring of scenic areas as reasons why the kiosks might be wrong for the city. Other cities that launched similar plans encountered questions about camera usage, raising privacy issues. Dallas isn’t the only Texas city to consider this. Houston already has 75 around its city, all with WiFi capability and Austin has had the idea on the table since 2017, but also faces concerns about privacy, aesthetic and cost of maintenance.
City leaders feel this technology is part of modernizing the city, leaving it prime for more large events, like the FIFA World Cup which the city is slated to host in 2026. Leader claim the kiosks would be at no cost to the city and, in fact, help the city make money. Despite excitement, they do realize they need to address concerns and receive more buy-in from the community.
The Department of Public Works will host two community meetings, one virtual and one in-person, to present the full proposal and invite community feedback. The virtual meeting will take place on Monday, April 22, 2024, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. via Webex. Interested participants can register for the virtual meeting through the link: dal.city/Kiosks.
The in-person meeting will be conducted on Monday, April 29, 2024, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Dallas City Hall, Room L1 FN Auditorium, 1500 Marilla St, Dallas, TX 75201. To register to speak at the in-person meeting, please contact [email protected] by 5 p.m. Friday, April 26, 2024.
Participants at both meetings will be given the opportunity to ask questions, but will be asked to limit their time to under one minute.
Parking for the in-person meeting is available behind City Hall in metered spots or in nearby paid parking lots. Attendees are requested to enter through the City Hall Lobby security booth located at the main entrance.
Read More About This
Read More Texas News
This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.
This story was produced in part by AI and edited by the COURIER DFW staff.
