When a group of flashy consultants rolled into town with a flashy plan to tear out the Civic Center pool and replace it with an Amphitheater, it provided a great example of why we shouldn’t entrust the envisioning of our city to outsiders. The plan, seemingly a minor issue from the consultant’s perspective, nearly derailed approval of the entire Downtown Implementation Plan last night at the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Garland’s recent announcement that West coast hamburger sensation IN-N-OUT would soon open it’s first Texas franchise within its city limits is breaking new ground. City planners and developers are lauding the move as an example of the latest theory of suburban development. Named “New Suburbanism,” this theory contends that modern suburban dwellers have the right to enjoy living right next to the best there is to be had in other areas of the country, even the world.

They are a great example of citizens joining forces to make Denton a better place to live – and they are making waves within the city government. Just in this past week, they’ve exploded with good reads on everything from potholes to closed bike lanes to teenage fruit throwers.

Denton’s own darling Midlake continues to spread the love of our little town whenever they can. During a recent interview with Filter Magazine’s Kyle Lemmon, band mate Eric Pulido shared some of his favorite things about Denton.

As we see development increase within our city, some serious reflection on the increasingly elusive topic of beauty is in order.

There is a need to reconsider the virtues of walking – not just for the health of our bodies, but for the health of our own humanity.