Highland Shores reconstruction draws heavy resident opposition to Hillside roundabout; council authorizes notice to publish intent to issue certificates of obli

Highland Village staff presented a design plan July 8 to reconstruct Highland Shores Boulevard, update sidewalks and bike lanes, and make intersection changes intended to improve mobility and emergency‑response access. The plan includes a proposed roundabout at the Hillside Drive intersection that drew sustained resident opposition during a lengthy public‑comment period.

What staff presented: Scott (city engineer) reviewed the corridor design and explained the Highland Shores project was included in Denton County’s voter‑approved bond program; the county and city would each fund roughly half of construction costs. Scott summarized three design sections and said the current staff design for section 2 includes narrower vehicle lanes, expanded seven‑foot bike lanes and a 10‑foot multi‑use trail in some locations. He said the plan also proposes a median to reduce mid‑block crossings and a dedicated left‑turn lane onto Lakeside to reduce U‑turning movements.

Roundabout at Hillside and the public debate: The design includes a roundabout proposed for the Hillside Drive intersection. Scott pointed to Federal Highway Administration research about roundabouts’ safety benefits at some…