Angry words flew at Dallas City Hall Wednesday as Councilwoman Carolyn King Arnold accused other members of disrespecting her district by supporting a proposed Oak Cliff freeway deck park.
"For you to speak on behalf of my constituents is an insult," Arnold said. "It is the greatest form of disrespect that any council member can experience sitting behind the horseshoe."
Arnold opposed the deck park location over Interstate 35E/R.L. Thornton Freeway between Marsalis and Ewing avenues near the Dallas Zoo when other City Council members approved it last year. Again Wednesday, she said money for the park would be better used for street repairs and other needs in her district on the east side of the freeway.
"I have a community I'm going to speak for and I'm going to fight for," she said.
Now, the state wants an initial payment for at least the deck park support structure by July with a massive freeway reconstruction called the Southern Gateway about to begin.
The predicted cost for a park at the City Council's approved location is $135 million. The Regional Transportation Council has offered $40 million, so the remaining share required from city of Dallas sources could be $95 million.
It comes at a time the city can least afford it.
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A proposed May public improvement bond referendum that could have included the deck park has been delayed until at least November over multi-billion dollar city pension problems and other money concerns.
"This is a significant wobble from us. We're not being resolute in the things we have told the voters," Councilman Philip Kingston said. "I, 100 percent, want to see this park go forward as fast as humanly possible."
City Council members could have just suggested the deck park plan be dropped at the briefing Wednesday, but the majority of those speaking still backed the deck park.
"When we do things like delay the bond program, it makes for difficult decisions, but never the less, I remain supportive of this project," said Councilman Lee Kleinman. "I think it's an important pedestrian and community project for this part of Dallas."
Councilman Scott Griggs, who represents the west side of the freeway location, has been seeking private donations to help pay for the park.
"I've talked to people who live on both the east and the west sides and there is a tremendous amount of support for this project," said Griggs. "I'm in favor of moving forward. It's just about finding a way."
It could be possible to satisfy everyone, according to Michael Morris, director of the Regional Transportation Council.
Contractors competing for the freeway reconstruction work are due to present more detailed cost estimates and construction options in April that could reduce the price park price tag. Morris said there could also be other sources of money to comply with the state's request to the city for the park.
"They would like to see the city with some skin in the game. They've suggested $10 million. That may be all that's necessary, depending on which option is picked," Morris said. "We understand the direction we received and we stand ready to deliver by the May time frame."
Morris said he has also been talking with Arnold about other sources of money for improvements in her district.
She promised to remain vigilant.
"This fight is not over," Arnold said.
