Councilmember Willis with Bishop Burns and Fire Chief Justin Ball at the Blessing of the Fleet. Photo courtesy of Gay Donnell Willis.

There’s a lot going on at City Hall, and while some D13 decisions have been stalled while council members looked toward appointing or accepting a new city manager, fire chief and police chief, decisions about police and fire happenings and incoming developments are on the horizon.

Willis on Police & Fire

Last Week City Manager Kim Tolbert named Justin Ball as chief of fire and DEA Special Agent in Charge Daniel Comeaux as the new Chief of Police.

“I had the opportunity to visit with Chief-to-be Comeaux a couple of weeks ago and found that his experience, energy and focus would be in alignment with where Dallas is and wants to go,” Willis said of the new appointments. “So, I welcome them to their new roles and will be meeting with each shortly to discuss district-specific issues.”

Speaking of Dallas Police Department, Willis noted that end-of-March numbers indicate that DPD is succeeding in their goal of retaining officers, with 3199 officers total, an increase of 78 from last year and 140 from the year before.

As talks of officer pay issues were postponed due to the appointment of a new chief, the topic is back on the agenda. According to a slide provided by Willis, Dallas’ police officer base pay is higher than all but Fort Worth, but the experience-year-dependent salary top out is lower than Fort Worth and Austin. The slide also notes that the requirements are higher than most Texas cities for officers, with Houston having more higher education requirements but more alternative pathways to entry for officers. Houston, Austin and San Antonio also offer higher levels of pay for those with a doctorate or master’s, while Dallas and Fort Worth only offer increased pay for bachelor’s-level or lower.

“it’s also important to note that DPD officers can increase their base pay with additional peace officer certifications, degrees, speaking additional languages and other options,” Willis says.

Crime on the Trail

While Friends of Northaven Trail had a fundraiser last week at Jonathan’s Forestwood, where guests came together to eat, drink and listen to live music in support of a wildflower fund, a “vandal” continued smashing jars of paint and nails n the trail. Willis noted that if trail-goers find these contents to call 311 for cleanup and report to police if you have any knowledge of who is leaving the items.

Photo courtesy of District 13 Newsletter.

Photo courtesy of District 13 Newsletter.

Coming up at City Hall

  • During the April 23 City Council meeting, council will vote on whether to authorize the Dallas Public Facility Corporation to acquire and develop 5550 LBJ, a mixed-income multifamily development located at 5550 Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway and enter into a 75-year lease with High Street Residential for the development of the project.

The currently vacant office building would turn into mixed-income multi-family units  ($966-$2,875) with amenities like a clubhouse, dog park, green space, a pool and fitness center.

“Reserving units for individuals and families earning between 60% and 80% AMI provides affordable housing for the “missing middle” of the housing market: residents that earn above low-income housing tax credit income restrictions of 60% AMI but would be cost burdened by market rents. Household incomes between 60 and 80% AMI range from approximately $54,560.00 to $77,900.00 in the City, based on family size, and reflect average incomes for a variety of employment sectors, such as teachers, first responders, government employees, and health care providers. The rents for individuals and families earning at or below 60% AMI are included to provide deeper affordability at this property with incomes ranging from $40,920.00 to $58,440.00, depending on family size.”

The building is already zoned to allow for multi-family housing.

  • City Council will also hold a public hearing for the application of a Specific Use permit for an alcoholic beverage establishment on the west line of Inwood Road north of Lovers Lane.

The case has been held under advisement with the City Plan Commission since February, when developers proposed a plan to convert an existing medical clinic (formerly Advance ER) into a bar. At a CPC meeting on March 20 the City recommended approval with the condition that outside speakers not be allowed and the hours of operation be limited to 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. The CPC voted to approve with an amendment that the establishment be closed on Monday or Tuesday. The private-membership-oriented establishment will be primarily inside, the commissioner noted.