Dallas city leaders want to “Grow South” in areas where Dallas has room to grow.
But a new development for affordable homes has drawn passionate opposition from neighbors who want more expensive, new homes.
“We’re asking for quality housing in Southern Dallas, and we don’t believe this is it,” neighbor Raymond Crawford said.
Around 20 new homes are planned for the six acre site at Blue Ridge Boulevard and Rio Grand Avenue in Southwest Dallas.
Community activist Mike Davis, a former Dallas Plan Commission member, is a first-time developer on this project.
“We’re trying to create a product that people can be proud of. It’s a quality development,” Davis said.
Homes of at least 1,800 square feet are planned starting at $180,000 up to $300,000. Davis said his partner is an experienced builder, but Crawford attacked the builder’s record.
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“I think Mike Davis has good intentions. I just don’t think this has been handled properly,” Crawford said. "I don’t believe this is the right builder for this neighborhood.”
Dallas City Council Member Casey Thomas is caught in the middle of the dispute.
Thomas wants affordable housing development in his part of the city, but does not want to hurt existing neighborhoods.
Thomas has been the target of complaints by some neighborhood critics.
“There was lots of misinformation that was floating around,” Thomas said.
In a May 25 city council vote, the development received $1 million in bond money approved by voters for economic development in 2012. The money will help build streets and provide other support for the new development.
But final plans for those streets and lots for the project have not yet been approved.
“There’s plenty of time to make your opinions heard,” Thomas said. “We want to make sure going forward, it’s a product that’s going to be beneficial for the neighborhood, it’s going to be something good for Southern Dallas.”
