Mean Green vs. Golden Arches

[Harry]

"Mean Green vs. Golden Arches" is about a developing land dispute between McDonald's and the University of North Texas. It seems both of them want to own a 1-acre parcel of land at the intersection of North Texas Boulevard and the Interstate 35E service road.

The story provides a classic case for why UNT needs a regent who lives in Denton. More on that later in this editorial.

Old-timers will remember when an Exxon station, a McDonald's and an IHOP were all crowded next to one another. The project to widen the interstate came along and the Texas Department of Transportation aquired a chunk of the property. The Exxon and the McDonald's shut down and were razed. The IHOP is still operating.

UNT owns the surrounding property and wants the parcel in question for an as-yet undisclosed building project. McDonald's, with support from IHOP, is working on a deal to rebuild its restaurant at that location.

UNT is an arm of the state of Texas. As such, it wields the power of eminent domain, meaning it can force condemnation of the IHOP/McDonald's property if the parties cannot reach a negotiated sale.

This newspaper does not like to see UNT throwing its weight around in a way that some observers might see as bullying. With that said, we believe it's important for the university to present a visually striking gateway to its campus that can be seen from the highway.

read more:  http://www.dentonrc.com/opinion/editorial/2017/08/27/unts-land-plan-needs-local-input