Revitalization in Dallas requires input from all sectors

by Michael Davis of Dallas Progress

Anything written by Rev. Gerald Britt will command my attention. He has been in the trenches, working on behalf of the community for decades. With that in mind, make sure you read his post on his Change the Wind blog.

Rev. Britt is right; a lot of people are working countless hours to improve the community in Dallas. In some areas, assistance is given by the city but we always need residents and interested citizens to fill the gap. We also need media to report the good and bad that is going on.

With respect to District Four, the philosophy is to "make it safe," and then businesses will return. I still remember three years ago when people were telling Dwaine Caraway that his campaign would go nowhere if he made public safety his number one issue. Well, as we continue to find innovative ways to reduce crime the investment is coming back slowly but surely.

Even within the City, we are not waiting for the Task Force to do the work for us. Crest Shopping Center in Oak Cliff is being revitalized, the 8th & Corinth/Fiji mixed-use transit-oriented development project will break ground shortly, and zoning is being reviewed on the eastern side of our district to ensure better uses for that area.

The convenience store initiative is now law, and the goal is for it to be expanded to car washes. The store ordinance requires videotaping of all areas of the premises, as well as all being part of DPD's criminal trespass program which allows police to effectively address loitering issues which foster drug dealing and other crimes.

The city has a role, the newspaper has a role, and the community has a role. Everyone has a part in the success.