https://www.westdallasneighborhoodcoalition.com/news daily 0.75 2021-12-22 https://www.westdallasneighborhoodcoalition.com/news/west-dallas-concrete-plant-denied-permits monthly 0.5 2021-12-02 https://www.westdallasneighborhoodcoalition.com/news/storybuilt-in-west-dallas monthly 0.5 2021-12-02 https://www.westdallasneighborhoodcoalition.com/news/2021-west-dallas-mural-project monthly 0.5 2021-11-30 https://www.westdallasneighborhoodcoalition.com/news/400-foot-tower-in-west-dallas monthly 0.5 2021-12-21 https://www.westdallasneighborhoodcoalition.com/news/turnpike-north-logistics-center-in-west-dallas monthly 0.5 2021-12-21 https://www.westdallasneighborhoodcoalition.com/news/is-this-the-magical-bear-den monthly 0.5 2021-12-21 https://www.westdallasneighborhoodcoalition.com/news/rv9znkmhxfjbr1ot3ivv9x5mml1rdb monthly 0.5 2021-12-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6198e8986380cf612cad8341/2ecf0b19-cd09-4c47-9813-cd27e9035eee/bridge+bike+lane.jpg News - Dallas Bike Lane Infrastructure Overhaul - Make it stand out An existing bike lane over the Margret Hunt Hill Bridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6198e8986380cf612cad8341/8dafb079-8dbc-4097-84d8-0b8c53226c64/KPF4LYVLIQM2UBPSF3TYEEUAK4.jpg News - Dallas Bike Lane Infrastructure Overhaul - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.westdallasneighborhoodcoalition.com/news/the-infamous-history-of-clyde-barrow-and-bonnie-parker monthly 0.5 2021-12-22 https://www.westdallasneighborhoodcoalition.com/news/dallas-ransomware-attack monthly 0.5 2021-12-23 https://www.westdallasneighborhoodcoalition.com/news/state-5a-football-history monthly 0.5 2021-12-23 https://www.westdallasneighborhoodcoalition.com/news/a-resurgence-of-hate-in-west-dallas monthly 0.5 2021-12-24 https://www.westdallasneighborhoodcoalition.com/news/a-resurgence-of-hate-in-west-dallas-1 monthly 0.5 2021-12-24 https://www.westdallasneighborhoodcoalition.com/news/superfund-smelter-site-smells-of-success monthly 0.5 2021-12-26 https://www.westdallasneighborhoodcoalition.com/home daily 1.0 2022-01-20 https://www.westdallasneighborhoodcoalition.com/protect-pd-714 daily 0.75 2022-01-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6198e8986380cf612cad8341/61b40fdc-90c2-4249-a7a2-d3bedc1f62bc/belmont.jpg Protect PD 714 - The Belmont Hotel PD 714’s Staple Business To many, the Belmont Hotel is the heart of West Dallas. Its reopening brought hip hangouts to an under-developed area of West Dallas. During its renovation in 2005, a Special Purpose Zoning District (PD 714) was created by Dallas City Council to guide the land use and development of the Fort Worth Avenue Corridor. At the West Dallas Neighborhood Coalition, we believe PD 714 is outdated and is no longer sufficient to achieve its original goals. As one of our initiatives, we’re actively pursuing its revision by Dallas City Council. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6198e8986380cf612cad8341/dd151124-d740-42b8-8807-d7f86eafa1f2/IMG_2779+3.jpg Protect PD 714 - Goals of PD 714 Create A Vibrant, Mixed Use Neighborhood As the commercial development of West Dallas became an inevitability, PD 714 was established to strengthen the existing residential neighborhoods and help to create a pedestrian-friendly environment. Its mandate is to preserve downtown views from and be sensitive to the existing single-family neighborhood adjacent to the district, as well as to preserve historic buildings. Commercial real estate developers and agents are flaunting this mandate, proposing the construction of buildings that would be detrimental to historic single family neighborhoods, and threaten access to affordable housing. See this proposed high-rise residential construction at 1007 Folsom Street for an example. At the West Dallas Neighborhood Coalition, we will take an ardent stand against any development or land use that does not respect the spirit of PD 714. It’s time for giant commercial developers to think about the community before they build. We believe our local politicians can do more to engage with the community in the development of our neighborhood. See our local politician’s page for contacts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6198e8986380cf612cad8341/ab06bdee-e574-443d-9597-0d784bb84763/IMG_2793.jpg Protect PD 714 - Vacant Retail PD 714 allows developers to build high-density, luxury apartment complexes as long as a ratio of retail-to-residential space is met. These developers, however, are only concerned with occupying high-priced residential units. As a result, much of the newly developed retail space sits vacant. The commerce street corridor within PD 714 offers a unique opportunity to develop a walkable retail district similar to South Congress in Austin, however, developers and politicians are neglecting the community by allowing it to be empty. At the West Dallas Neighborhood Coalition, we’re working with our local politicians to help increase retail ocupancy. We believe that incentives should be provided to small businesses, with a focus on supporting minority and LGBTQ-owned retail. https://www.westdallasneighborhoodcoalition.com/omar-narvaez daily 0.75 2021-11-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6198e8986380cf612cad8341/25d824c8-eb2e-4c8d-bbac-03e8e3b93e4a/omar+narvaez.jpg Omar Narvaez - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.westdallasneighborhoodcoalition.com/our-vision-1 daily 0.75 2021-11-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6198e8986380cf612cad8341/0133a17f-cd3a-4554-a9ed-fbc3e4acccaa/West+Dallas+Our+Vision.jpg Our Vision - We see a thriving West Dallas As a group of residents, business owners, and residential real-estate developers, we have a vision for West Dallas that exceeds our current trajectory. We’re committed to developing a vibrant, walkable, environmentally conscious community that also offers affordable housing and high-quality education. There’s a lot that needs to be done, but we’re here for the future — West Dallas Neighborhood Coalition https://www.westdallasneighborhoodcoalition.com/1007-folsom-street daily 0.75 2021-11-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6198e8986380cf612cad8341/bc17871d-1715-4166-a638-8a410426742b/1007+folsom+street2.jpg 1007 Folsom Street - 1007 Folsom Street Currently an architecturally significant photography studio and event space, 1007 Folsom Street is a true asset to our community. However, it is the site of a proposed high-density, luxury residential development. Currently listed at $4,000,000 as a lot for redevelopment, 1007 Folsom Street is one of the most expensive parcels of land for sale in Dallas. Its development would dramatically inflate West Dallas real estate prices and reduce access to affordable housing. Agents for the property have proposed that it could be developed into a high-rise apartment building, which is prohibited by the current zoning regulations in PD 714. They also insinuate that zoning could be modified to suit commercial developers better. Simply put, they’re not thinking about the neighborhood. Real estate companies want to fit more people onto this lot than it can support, putting a burden on surrounding infrastructure and residents. This development goes against the spirit of the zoning ordinance set in PD 714. It would set an awful precedent, leading to rapid growth in density and other undesirable changes to the neighborhood. Further, high-rise development would block unique downtown views from the single-family neighborhood, which is explicitly prohibited by zoning ordinances. At the West Dallas Neighborhood Coalition, we will take an ardent stand against any development or land use that does not respect the spirit of PD 714. It’s time for giant commercial developers to think about the community before they build. https://www.westdallasneighborhoodcoalition.com/west-dallas-concrete-plant-denied-permits daily 0.75 2021-11-22 https://www.westdallasneighborhoodcoalition.com/targeted-rehab-program daily 0.75 2022-01-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6198e8986380cf612cad8341/ab06bdee-e574-443d-9597-0d784bb84763/IMG_2793.jpg Targeted Rehab Program - Property Tax Exemptions Currently the TRP program is offered in two neighborhoods—West Dallas and the Tenth Street Historic District. West Dallas is an extremely diverse area, with rapidly rising property prices as well as many residents who live under the poverty line. At the West Dallas Neighborhood Coalition, we believe the combinations of these two factors leads to the absolute worst conditions for our neighborhoods. While Dallas offers property tax exemptions for disabled homesteaders and those over 65, the rapid gentrification of West Dallas has the effect of displacing lower income residents who do not qualify for these exemptions. The West Dallas Neighborhood Coalition firmly believes that a diverse community is a vibrant one, and therefore any neighborhood rehabilitation program should also provide property tax exemptions for lower income residents. To utilize tax payer funds to beautify a neighborhood and then allow costs to displace residents is unconscionable and should be considered a perverse outcome of the TRP program. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6198e8986380cf612cad8341/61b40fdc-90c2-4249-a7a2-d3bedc1f62bc/belmont.jpg Targeted Rehab Program - What is the Targeted Rehab Program? The Targeted Rehab Program is a set of grants offered by the City of Dallas Department of Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization to improve the exterior appearance of homes in specific Dallas neighborhoods. These grants are offered to residents who’s income is 80% or lower than the Area Median Income and have a clear title on their property. The grants also require that the house is a primary residence and that owners are current on their taxes and mortgage. Benefits of the Target Rehab Program The Targeted Rehab Program is ostensibly designed both to improve the livability of existing single family homes as well as improve neighborhood property values by improving the appearance of houses that are behind on repairs. This program may also be used to resolve existing code compliance issues as well as improve accessibility for disabled residents. At the West Dallas Neighborhood Coalition, we are concerned is that these programs will be utilized to increase the drive toward gentrification and high density in our neighborhoods. Even if home improvement funds are distributed to families in need, gentrification can create a circumstance of unaffordability due to increased property taxes and other costs. Its our position that the ultimate goal of any homeowner assistance program should be to keep families in their neighborhoods. On this page will discuss how to apply for TRP funds, as well as issues with the program and proposed solutions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6198e8986380cf612cad8341/dd151124-d740-42b8-8807-d7f86eafa1f2/IMG_2779+3.jpg Targeted Rehab Program - Improving the TRP Program At the West Dallas Neighborhood Coalition we broadly support this program but are pushing for specific changes to increase accessibility. These changes include: Property Tax Exemptions Reduced Paperwork Requirements Specific exemptions for non-current mortgage Improved community outreach for program awareness Increased program size https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6198e8986380cf612cad8341/61b40fdc-90c2-4249-a7a2-d3bedc1f62bc/belmont.jpg Targeted Rehab Program - Specific Exemptions for Non-Current Mortgage The TRP program specifies that a current mortgage status be required to qualify for funds. While this clause is likely included to ‘protect’ the taxpayers investment, it again skews the distribution of assistance away from the residents who would benefit the most. Again, we believe that the primary goal of any neighborhood assistance program should be to keep existing residents in their neighborhood, and therefore should not exclude all residents who are in arrears on their mortgage. We believe that residents with disabilities, who are over 65 or have a household income below 60% of Area Median Income should qualify for funds regardless of mortgage status. Improved Community Outreach for Program Awareness When we discuss this program with residents of our neighborhood, we find that there is essentially no community awareness. Without searching through Dallas City websites, it would be difficult to know this exists. We believe more needs to be done to promote this program, including mailing information to homeowners who may qualify, and promoting the program through other non-digital marketing efforts. Increased Program Size At the West Dallas Neighborhood Coalition, we believe this program can be engineered to effectively distribute funds to provide measurable improvements in our community. However, we believe that $10,000 grants to 200 West Dallas households simply isn’t a large enough program to address the scope of the problem. We believe this program must be expanded to achieve its intended goals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6198e8986380cf612cad8341/dd151124-d740-42b8-8807-d7f86eafa1f2/IMG_2779+3.jpg Targeted Rehab Program - Reduced Paperwork Requirements Currently the TRP requires an extensive amount of paperwork to qualify. This includes: Application Mortgage Statement Homeowners insurance Property deed Paystubs for all residents Bank statements Birth certificate for all residents including children School registration for children Copies of other sources of income At the West Dallas Neighborhood Coalition, we believe these requirements skew the distribution of the funds through this program away from the people who need them the most. In its current state, this application is a barrier to the inclusion of households who may not have the resources to collect such extensive documentation. This application also places a requirement for home owners with clear titles to carry insurance, something that can be unaffordable to many low income home owners. We believe a significantly simplified application with verification of repairs would more effectively achieve the goals of this program. https://www.westdallasneighborhoodcoalition.com/west-dallas-retail daily 0.75 2022-01-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6198e8986380cf612cad8341/61b40fdc-90c2-4249-a7a2-d3bedc1f62bc/belmont.jpg West Dallas Retail Subsidies - Vacant Retail in West Dallas Due to new developments in Trinity Groves and along Commerce Street, West Dallas is one of the fastest growing residential communities in the city. Further, as this neighborhood becomes gentrified, housing prices have skyrocketed making it one of the most expensive neighborhoods as well. When zoning rules were developed to establish West Dallas, they included requirements that developers create retail spaces to compliment the residential units they constructed. This zoning was organized with the intention of creating a walkable retail corridor—something that the entire city of Dallas inexcusably lacks. As residential density in West Dallas continues to increase with no end in site, much of the retail space provided by developers sits vacant. Retail occupancy simply isn’t a priority for developers as profitability from residential rentals continues to skyrocket. At the West Dallas Neighborhood Coalition, we believe that the City of Dallas should team up with developers to provide business subsidies to increase retail occupancy. A walkable retail corridor is essential to the health and culture of West Dallas. https://www.westdallasneighborhoodcoalition.com/west-dallas-retail-1 daily 0.75 2022-01-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6198e8986380cf612cad8341/61b40fdc-90c2-4249-a7a2-d3bedc1f62bc/belmont.jpg West Dallas Retail Subsidies (Copy) - Vacant Retail in West Dallas Due to new developments in Trinity Groves and along Commerce Street, West Dallas is one of the fastest growing residential communities in the city. Further, as this neighborhood becomes gentrified, housing prices have skyrocketed making it one of the most expensive neighborhoods as well. When zoning rules were developed to establish West Dallas, they included requirements that developers create retail spaces to compliment the residential units they constructed. This zoning was organized with the intention of creating a walkable retail corridor—something that the entire city of Dallas inexcusably lacks. As residential density in West Dallas continues to increase with no end in site, much of the retail space provided by developers sits vacant. Retail occupancy simply isn’t a priority for developers as profitability from residential rentals continues to skyrocket. At the West Dallas Neighborhood Coalition, we believe that the City of Dallas should team up with developers to provide business subsidies to increase retail occupancy. A walkable retail corridor is essential to the health and culture of West Dallas.