Multimedia: Ferguson Road Initiative celebrates ten years of changing neighborhoods for the better

by Mike Orren

WHITE ROCK HILLS — For me, the history of Pegasus News will always be intertwined with the Ferguson Road Initiative (FRI). While I was already noodling over the idea of a new-model local news site in late 2004, it was my attendance at one of their meetings -- and my subsequent dismay that I had lived in the prime area of their work for two years without any knowledge of their efforts -- that solidified our neighborhood coverage model.

When I saw how little press they and groups like them got in this town, it convinced me that the need I had intuited was real. It was among the final nudges over the cliff to quitting my safe traditional media job in favor of launching an underfunded start-up.

So I was pleased and honored to be asked to join in the bus tour that was part of FRI's tenth anniversary celebration last Friday. On that tour, FRI founder and pro bono executive director Vikki Martin showed a busload of local politicians and dignitaries the work that FRI has done and continues to do to improve my Far East Dallas neighborhood.

The following video, in four parts, is an eye-opening tour of the area bordered by Ferguson, Buckner and I-30. Note that I mixed video from on the bus with video that I shot of the places discussed later in the day. There are a few instances where the later video was shot from a different direction than the bus was going, but the places (mostly) synch up. Also note that thanks to technology from our friends at Mixpo, almost all the overlays in the video are clickable and will take you to additional information.

Part 1 covers:

• The history of FRI
• The role of Bishop Lynch in working with the community.

Part 2 covers:

• Truett Elementary, which is overcrowded and under-resourced beyond belief. Seriously -- you'll be appalled.
• The scourge of poverty, crime and drugs in the "Two Points" area, which is what backs up to my house-- and through which the Truett students walk daily.
• Why the neighborhood has no grocery stores.
• Light Point Place, an amazing lower-income single-family development that is helping keep continuity in the neighborhood as people dig their way out of poverty
• Gang prevention efforts, as middle schools and YouTube become infiltrated as recruiting grounds
• A murder at S.S. Conner, which is the elementary school by my house.

Part 3 covers:

• Positive programs at the new Lang Middle School, despite its proximity to high crime, a strip club and a hot-sheet motel on Dilido road.
• Improvements on Highland Road that have made it safer for kids to walk to school.
• The massive improvements that community involvement have made at Bayles Elementary.

Part 4 covers:

• The role of the Credit Unions on Ferguson
• Lakehill Prep's role in working with Bayles.
• The plan for the gateway at I-30 and Ferguson
• How a dilapidated apartment complex was turned around and is donating space for FRI HQ.
• Site and plans for a new Rec Center and Library
• Successful higher-end developments that will hopefully attract more retail.

There was a reception at the end of the bus tour, featuring remarks from Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert, US Attorney Richard Roper, and FRI President Bill Coleman. Leppert also presented a special award from the City to Vikki Martin, in recognition of her work with FRI. Also in attendance were folks like Councilman Sheffie Kadane, Police Chief Kunkle, State Representative Terri Hodge and NFL/Cowboys Hall-of-Famer Mel Renfro.

(My apologies to the epileptic and any cineasts-- We will be buying a new tripod.)

Mike lives in the Two-Points neighborhood and is an active member of FRI.

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