As we move into the new fiscal year, we’ve rounded up the happenings in D13 from passing Forward Dallas to upcoming community meetings.
The Dallas City Council passed a revised version of Forward Dallas last week. Though the plan was highly contended in meetings across the city, the plan passed with additions for historic properties, design standards and Willis’ amendment requiring a review of the plan in five years and a revision of the plan in 10 years.
“Sixty public speakers shared their points-of-view at the Council meeting, and I was pleasantly surprised to hear that while many would like to see further revisions made, they were willing to accept the “September 3rd” (Draft 6) version. This came from residents on “both sides” of the housing issue—and it helped solidify my support,” District 13 Councilmember Gay Donnell Willis said in a newsletter.
Willis also noted Dallas ISD’s recent trustee vote in favor of a sale of 8.2 acres toward the City of Dallas, which Willis said could provide amenities like more shade trees or playground equipment to the adjacent Northaven Trail space.
Once approved, the land between 10343 and 10345 Webb Chapel Road and 10306, 10210 and 10214 Pensive Drive could be purchased by the City of Dallas for $4,210,740, the meeting agenda stated.
Councilmember Willis will also be present at the Youth Commission’s Pizza & Politics event, hosted at the Vickery Park Library. The event encourages high school students to meet Willis and learn more about the City of Dallas. Free pizza and drinks will be available. The event will take place at 8333 Park Lane on October 5 from 12:30 to 2 p.m.
Bikers: The City of Dallas is applying for Bicycle Friendly Community status from the League of American Bicyclists, and wants your input. An online survey will be available until October 15.
City Council will meet next week to discuss adopting the 2025 City Calendar, the City’s State Legislative Program for the 89th Session of the Texas Legislature.
