Residents of a West Oak Cliff neighborhood in Dallas are on edge as the City Council prepares to vote on a significant rezoning proposal this Wednesday, affecting a 35-acre area known as the Hampton-Clarendon Corridor.
The proposed plan aims to increase walkability, ban new drive-through businesses, promote mixed-use development, and permit small multi-family projects along the corridor.
However, many community members, particularly from the predominantly Hispanic neighborhood, fear that the rezoning will spur gentrification and lead to displacement.
Business owner Gerardo “Jerry” Figueroa, who operates J & E Express, a longstanding auto business on the corridor, voiced his concerns about the repercussions of such developments.
He cited similar past developments in neighborhoods such as West and East Dallas, as well as Bishop Arts, which have historically resulted in the loss of long-standing communities.
Figueroa lamented the fate of Little Mexico, a once-vibrant Hispanic neighborhood in downtown Dallas, which he feels has been “erased” by development efforts.
“They change these places drastically,” he remarked. “I don’t think it’s for the best of our neighbors.”
Another local businesswoman, Vanessa Saldaña, echoed similar sentiments, questioning the motives behind the rezoning proposal.
“I feel like the city sees that it’s just not pretty enough,” she stated, emphasizing that beauty is subjective and may not align with historical or cultural significance.
This rezoning initiative is part of the broader West Oak Cliff Area Plan (WOCAP), which received unanimous approval from the city in 2022.
Chad West, the City Council member for District 1, stated that the plan evolved from extensive input collected through surveys and comments submitted by thousands of residents.
“As Councilmember, my job is to listen to the neighbors who live next to Hampton-Clarendon,” West said, underscoring the rationale behind the proposal.
He acknowledged the concerns regarding displacement but asserted that the corridor needs improvement, including measures for safety and accessibility for pedestrians.
Pastor Ryan Sears, advocating for the community, stressed the importance of ensuring safety for children and residents, although he recognized the opposition.
Despite these voices advocating for the rezoning’s approval, activists remain steadfast in their resistance.
Violeta Gallardo Montejano, a local activist, criticized the city for not providing clear information about potential protections for affected residents and business owners.
“We hear crickets,” she remarked, reflecting the growing frustration among community members seeking clarity on the issues at stake.
Adding to the discontent, residents highlighted communication failures in the city’s outreach regarding the rezoning.
Janet Avila, a business owner in the Hampton-Clarendon area, expressed dismay that many residents, particularly Spanish speakers, were not informed of crucial community meetings.
“I only learned about the meetings through community leaders,” she explained, emphasizing that many local landlords were unaware of the proposed changes.
In response to these concerns, community leaders like Jennifer Rangel, alongside Figueroa, are taking a grassroots approach to educate their neighbors.
They are distributing bilingual flyers and utilizing straightforward language to explain the implications of the rezoning, intent on garnering wider community support against it.
“This isn’t rocket science,” Figueroa asserted. “These places are going to become unattainable.”
With rising housing costs already a challenge in the area, Rangel stressed that the overwhelming sentiment among residents is a resounding “no” to the rezoning.
“We don’t know what else we need to do to convey this message to the city effectively,” she said, determined to continue her fight against the proposed changes.
As the City Council meeting approaches, residents are preparing to voice their concerns once more, hoping to influence the decision that could reshape their community for years to come.
image source from：keranews
