Local Businesses May Be Forced Out For New Dallas ISD School

Many of the businesses have been in Northeast Dallas for decades, their livelihood they've built from the ground up.

They're now wondering if the eminent domain plan happens where do they go?

For antique dealer Lynda Reed, the last 48 hours have been very stressful.

"They kick you out, but by the way, "we have assistance for you," well how nice," Reed said.

Her sarcasm could not be mistaken as she along with more than 60 other dealers at City View Antique Mall say they'll will most likely lose their livelihoods to an elementary school.

"I just feel like this is not the right location. It's a very busy intersection. There's six lanes of traffic that children would have to cross to come to school," said Barbara Falk, also a dealer at City View Antique Mall.

According to a Dallas Independent School District letter to the businesses, the district intends to acquire these properties, including Jake's Hamburgers.

"It's sad it's very, very sad they're going to take this out of here," said Jake's customer Mark Barnett.

The attorney's office right next door could also go.

"This is where I have been my entire life," said attorney James Lynn.

The rooms of his practice are filled with 40 years of memories, vacations and childhoods.

"When Lauren was first born, we kept her right here in a crib until she was about three or four-years-old," he said of his daughter.

Lynn built his family and practice around the law office and says the acquisition would have great financial consequences, not to mention the sentiment left behind.

Dallas ISD released a statement that read in part:

"As part of the protocol in acquiring properties, a letter is sent to each owner of record that includes a reference to the district's relocation assistance eminent domain plan. Any exercise of eminent domain must be considered and approved by the Dallas ISD Board of Trustees."

Representatives with Dallas ISD will hold a community input meeting at Jill Stone Elementary School at 6 p.m. on Wednesday.

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