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Log entry for June 22, 2008
The Dallas Morning News is making an attempt to write more articles about the neglected areas of Dallas and the people of those places who are trying to change things. This weekend there were at least three notable stories about the changes in the West Dallas area. I have to note them because I do not feel they are entirely accurate but are good enough to make the West Dallas area less mysterious. It seems an attempt to remove some stereotyping.
The first article involves a development company purchasing land and claiming they will change West Dallas forever. I hope this is true and the welcome mat remains open to this group and others wanting to make positive change for a neglected and blighted area. The problem is we have been waiting a long time to see action. A developer or a land owner simply holding property and refusing to join in community efforts to improve an area starts to become part of the problem and not the solution. Waiting for others to create resources and ride on coat tails makes the work twice as hard as necessary. The fight for change has been a long one and a new fight with people simply trying to make a buck does not make sense.
It will be the next generation to take another look at West Dallas unless something happens soon. The article about this developer must have been a paid advertisement because it does not fit the reality of the situation. It appears the credit for the many gains made in West Dallas by several others is suddenly being stolen by this group. The article could be a defense for what may soon become harsh criticism for their lack of effort.
The next article about new housing in West Dallas is another good article and those responsible for the houses need recognition. This has been an almost insurmountable cause and yet it has been accomplished. It is a shame the group of people building these homes have not been able to generate more enthusiasm for their efforts.
The last article to mention is one concerning a situation developing along Fort Worth Ave and Sylvan Ave. A controversy is developing over a proposal to widen Sylvan and allow more traffic to flow along the route verses the goals and aspirations of property owners in the area. The desire to make Fort Worth Ave the place for people to walk and have a nice serene neighborhood are clashing with the city's need to move traffic. The idea of "Reading the New York Times with a Cup of Coffee, " is in jeopardy.
This is a difficult situation since it appears neither side will compromise. Each side is right in their mind and the call for new thinking has been made but who decides the new thinking? It will be interesting to see how this develops since the new Sylvan Ave bridge appears to be a reality and I cannot see how such a large investment will be stifled by the wishes of those on Fort Worth Ave. On the other hand, the city does not want to damage a relationship nurtured over time with those making a real difference in the community. It is a tough choice and I am glad I do not have to make it.
Finally, I have to observe the Dallas Morning News and their apparent shifting of their definition of West Dallas. The map they have drawn for the area appears smaller and more "cramped." It looks like the northern boundary of the area is Singleton Blvd and Pinnacle Park extends north over Interstate 30. These boundaries would be new and unheard of by those of us in the area for 30 years or more.
The attempt to make West Dallas less mysterious by the paper is suddenly overridden by another stereo type we have faced. When something good happens the area is North Oak Cliff or just Oak Cliff but when something bad happens it is West Dallas. The hype is good but the thinking remains behind the times and needs to be updated. The more things change the more they remain the same?