Dallas City Hall
District 12
Enews
August 15, 2022
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Connecting You With City Information, News, and Resources |
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Budget Season, DART, and Back to School!
Happy back to school season and city budget season! The city manager's proposed budget has a big tax rate reduction. Will it equate to a property tax reduction for you? That depends on how much your home value increased. For renters, this means a slow down to the big rental rate increases we've been seeing across the city. There will be 3 town halls specifically for District 12 residents, one virtual and two in person, and I hope you'll take some time to attend at least one of them (details below). The goal is to get your input as the budget is considered and approved at the end of September. Between now and then, there are opportunities to make amendments to the budget. Here is a news article from our first city council budget briefing that kicked off our budget season. https://www.fox4news.com/video/1103179
There is a big write up below about DART's Cotton Belt/Silver Line,
the upcoming lane closures on Hillcrest, and a deadline for giving input - this FRIDAY. If you are unconcerned about this project, please skip to the next section.
Information about Dallas Animal Services (DAS) is often included in this enews, but as an urgent note, please know the shelter situation is dire because more dogs per day are coming in than being adopted out. This means DAS is euthanizing healthy dogs so they have enough space. If you're thinking of adopting or interested in fostering a dog, there is no better time to act. The Everyday Adoption Center, a satellite of the main shelter on I-30, is located inside Petsmart at Coit and Campbell. All available dogs (approximately 300) can be viewed on the www.bedallas90.org website.
See you soon, Cara
Council Liaison: Madison.Johnson@dallas.gov
Council Assistant: Luis.Delgado@dallas.gov
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DART Cotton Belt/Silver Line |
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Thank you to the 300+ residents who attended the 8/4 DART meeting in the hot gym at Campbell Green to learn more about what is happening with building the railroad. Lots of new information was shared during a long meeting. If you missed it and want to watch it, here's the link:
There was a lot of information given, but here are the highlights that need your immediate attention and action:
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DART will remove the median on Hillcrest this week so they can begin moving underground utilities in preparation for construction. This means only one lane in each direction will be available for vehicles. The lane closures will start near Dye Drive (north of Campbell, south of McKamy) and go to Starbuck (first street north of McCallum). It is likely Hillcrest will remain at one lane each direction for the duration of this project (2024), except for the 26 weeks that DART will totally close Hillcrest to all vehicles (between Wester Way and McCallum). This will cause great disruption in typical traffic patterns and delays for all commutes. Please start thinking about the additional time you will need to get to your destination and the route you may take to do so. If you live anywhere from the turnpike to La Manga, from University Place to Preston, you should expect to be impacted by this project. Additional street work on Campbell, Dickerson, and Coit are being planned and will be occurring while the Hillcrest work is happening. Frankford reconstruction from Coit to Preston begins in 2023.
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You have an opportunity to give input on the Hillcrest pump. This may not sound very exciting, but it was left out of the documents DART submitted to the federal government and you have a right to give input. Except, you never got that chance. YOU MUST GIVE INPUT TO DART BY FRIDAY AFTERNOON if you want it to be considered by the Federal Transportation Administration. If you previously wrote to the FTA and City of Dallas to ask for a supplemental EIS (environmental impact statement), this is the next step. The process is called "Memo to File" and the 23 page document is here: https://www.dart.org/shareroot/about/expansion/cottonbelt/memotofile/SilverLineMemotofilePhaseE.pdf
Many residents have asked me to publish a quick and easy step-by-step guide on how to give input for the Memo to File.
Here are details:
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Send an email to DART, FTA, and City of Dallas explaining that the pump was not included in the FEIS and you wish to give input on the impact it will have on your life.
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Share the impact you are concerned about. Concerns I have heard from residents include: how much noise will come from the pumps, the large trucks rumbling through the neighborhood to service the pumps at all hours of the day/night, the reliability of the pumps and what happens if one or more breaks, concerns about flooding on the roadway and in the neighborhood, smells, danger to curious teens who may breach the pump station, the visual impact the structure will have (proposed to be surrounded by 6' walls instead of a pump house as many communities have) on the community versus a pump house that would blend in, the lack of trees and landscape plan committed to the area to replace the trees removed by DART (did they pay into the tree ordinance per city policy as required by federal mitigation?) and to shield the community, concerns about the large parking area and what could be stored in the area (chemicals?), the type of gate used to secure the pump station, what data is available about the volume of water expected, the redundancy of the pumps, the ability of the pumps to grind debris in the water or will it get stuck, etc...
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If any of these 3 issues below concern you, you can add these three additional reasons that a supplemental EIS is needed: 1) that there is still uncertainty about where the sound walls will be placed because of non-specific language used in the FEIS (final environmental impact statement), 2) that data collected about sound mitigation in the FEIS appears to address only the single track options and not double track (which is what is being built) and additional sound mitigation may be necessary or is DART's plan to buy all the homes that are next to at-grade crossings?, and 3) the Coit Road waste water pump station entrance change wasn't considered in the FEIS and should consider the Highland Springs guard station access delay and situations where emergency service vehicles may block access to the pump driveway at Highland Springs, which could lead to a wastewater breakage onto the property and impact nearby residents and 55,000 vehicles on Coit Road.
Send emails to these addresses: silverline@dart.org; robert.perez@dallas.gov; tc.broadnax@dallas.gov; cara.mendelsohn@dallas.gov; gail.lyssy@dot.gov
- Subject Line: Memo to File
- One or two sentences on specifically why the pump station is of concern to you and how it negatively impacts you, another one or two sentences on why you are concerned about the other items and their negative impact (if you are/if it will negatively impact you)
- Your ask: Opportunity to get more data and give input through a supplemental EIS process, as outlined in Chapter 23 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
As promised, I have included my husband, Barry Mendelsohn's input on the Memo to File at the bottom of this section. He says you are welcome to copy any parts of his letter if you wish.
I have asked DART to host more frequent, large-format community meetings as a preferred method for sharing information and to stop hosting the small breakfasts that provide information to only a few residents, who sometimes get incorrect or incomplete information. Unfortunately, those residents don't have a recording or other neighbors to hear the same message and there have been many miscommunications, which seems to be escalating the tensions in our area. There are plans for a dedicated construction inspector and a static drop in site where residents can ask questions of the construction crew as the construction is happening on specific days/times. More info will be coming about those efforts.
As lane closures begin and construction that intrudes into the roadways, many people are frustrated with a project they don't want in the area. I encourage you to do what you can (send email above) and figure out a new normal. There will be lots of construction in the area and two years of mobility challenges. I will do my best to keep you in the loop. If you see something that seems like a danger or problem, please contact me or someone in the D12 office asap, so we can help get it addressed asap.
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From: Barry Mendelsohn, D12 Resident
To: silverline@dart.org; robert.perez@dallas.gov; tc.broadnax@dallas.gov; cara.mendelsohn@dallas.gov; gail.lyssy@dot.gov
Subject: Memo to File
Dear FTA, DART and City of Dallas,
After reading your "memo to file" regarding the Silver Line at Hillcrest, I want to express my dissatisfaction with your proposed plans.
First, everything about a pump station at Hillcrest should have been included in the FEIS. It was known that a pump station would be needed by DART staff, but it was purposely left out of the FEIS and not discussed with Far North Dallas residents. There is inadequate data to allow for objective feedback. There should be a supplemental EIS that requires published studies about the sound, smell, and all risks associated with the pump station. Second, there has been no community input on the pump station design, structure or landscaping. After ten years of Cotton Belt meetings, I saw a drawing of the pump station for the first time on 8/4 at the DART meeting and had no information on it to ask appropriate questions. There was a long line of people who had questions and comments, but DART didn't have enough time to answer questions. I request a supplemental EIS to better understand all aspects of this pump station so I can give more informed input.
Second, from what I have read about DART plans on the website, they will substantially and negatively impact the quality of our human environment in several ways.
1. Social - The proposed pump station will be an eyesore for the community. Our community will already be splintered by 15' mitigation and betterment walls at a time our country has called for reducing walls and "reconnecting communities" separated by highways and other barriers. There are 6 at grade crossings plus 2 grade separated crossing within just 2.2 miles, all with 15' walls plus retaining walls adding at least 3', for a total of at least 18 foot high walls throughout our community, often times breaking up an HOA or school attendance boundary. Walls have been shown to harm communities and while Dallas is actively talking about how to restitch and reconnect communities, we are literally allowing the opposite to happen in Far North Dallas. The proposed pump station will sit high above the depressed Hillcrest, adding additional walls, giving a prison-like appearance. The community was told the walls would be 6-9' sound walls, but the memo to file says 6' masonry walls. This is unacceptable. Pump stations can be very dangerous and need a bigger barrier than 6' masonry walls. The walls should be made of the same soundwall material as other mitigation walls. I fail to understand why a house to encase the pump entrance isn't being erected, like other utilities in the area. The community has not had an opportunity to give input on the pump design, which was shown for the first time on August 4th at the DART community meeting, with no data associated and limited time for input or questions and answers. The pump station is immediately next door to IVY Montessori Preschool, a gem of the community and treasured community resource. Interestingly, DART left off the playground to the school in the graphic shown, because it backs up to the DART pump station property. The community requests a supplemental EIS to address the Hillcrest pump station.
Environmental - DART has shown a drawing that includes trees but characterizes the landscaping as "general landscaping" and includes a rock bed the length of Hillcrest abutting the proposed wall surround. Trees that once were on that property have been taken down. Any agreement on landscaping should include specific numbers, locations, and size of trees and a commitment to maintaining their health or replacement, grass, and no rocks. Rocks could easily be picked up by kids and thrown at the cars below, creating a dangerous situation. DART has removed so many trees from this area, the need to replant is great and should be an opportunity for both shielding the pump station, creating a better aesthetic, and commitment to help repair some of the environmental damage this project has inflicted as DART has clear-cut their right of way for the entire 2.2. miles in Far North Dallas, removing thousands of trees, displacing wildlife, accidental releases of boring solutions, accidental cement in the storm water drain, and general impacts of building in the creeks. There has been no sound study presented to the community, nor any analysis of odors or pollution that may come from the pump station, including the vehicles servicing the pumps and generators. Hazards of other materials that may be stored onsite have not been considered or communicated. The gate for the pump station hasn't been considered from a safety, security, or aesthetic perspective. There was no mention of lighting, or how the lighting would address security aspects, or intrusion of light into the community. There was no information presented on how many hours per day the pump is expected to run, how many days per year the pump is expected to run, what happens when the pump breaks down, etc... The community would like to know about pumps that can crush/mulch debris that enters the pump station. The community requests a supplemental EIS to provide environmental impact.
Economic - DART's proposed pump station is an eye-sore and will further decrease home values in the area. Home values in the area for track adjacent or nearby homes have already suffered, but will be further harmed by an ugly pump station. At a minimum, the pump station should be built to look like a home in the area with landscape that is inviting or appropriate for the trail users, pedestrians, and vehicles passing by and trees and landscaping as a screening and environmental asset. There was no information presented that shared the expected lifespan of the pumps, who would be responsible for replacing the pumps (Dallas taxpayers?), and what happens when the pumps are out of service.
Transportation - The impact of construction on two years of reduced lanes, from 6 lanes to one lane each way for 18 months plus 6 months of a total shut down of Hillcrest with approximately 18,000 vehicles per day is outrageous, especially when considered with the concurrent construction on Coit with approximately 55,000 vehicles per day (6 lanes reduced to 4 lanes) and possible concurrent construction on Campbell with approximately 25,000 vehicles per day (possibly reduced to one lane each direction). DART should not be allowed to reduce the lane availability concurrently on these streets.
Public Input - I am struck by DART's characterization of their coordination and input from the community. As the husband of the City Councilmember in the area, I assure you there hasn't been any opportunity to give input and even my wife was only asked for input 2 hours before the 8/4 meeting. The community has gone over and above (as I believe even DART would agree) to try to learn more about this project and give input. DART meetings generally consist of presentations of their plans, residents saying they would like a different plan or option, and DART ignoring residents. The evidence of community reaction to DART's suggestion that they have collaborated with the community was the spontaneous roar of laughter in the crowd when the statement was made by DART at the 8/4 meeting. Springing this design on the community without any warning, information, or even a fact sheet, posting a link to the memo to file in a difficult to find location on the website without any deadline to the community, although an artificial one has been established, is just par for the course with DART. It is clear a supplemental EIS, governed by federal regulations and standards, is needed to address the Hillcrest pump station and fulfill the obligation for public input and transparency.
Thank you, Barry Mendelsohn
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If you're 50 or older, you can go for the gold at the 2022 Dallas Golden Games! This Olympics-styled competition lets senior adults vie for medals in 11 sporting events including cycling, swimming, golf, bowling, basketball, tennis, track and the popular pickleball! Dallas Park and Recreation is hosting this multi-sport event September 10-18 at various Dallas venues and athletic complexes.
The cost to participate is $25 plus an additional $6 per event. Registration continues through August 26. Dallas Golden Games general information is available at https://www.dallasparks.org/483/Golden-Games. For assistance with registration, call the senior program division at (214) 671-1602.
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The Dallas Morning News wrote an op-ed yesterday (Monday) about the new office of the inspector general and our new ethics ordinance. Passing the ordinance was probably the most important thing city council has done to secure Dallas' future and now we need to properly fund and staff this department. Here's a link to the article:
Dallas Morning News - Don’t Balk at Ethics Watchdog
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Big cities in Texas are required to provide a school crossing guard if it is warranted, so next time you drive by your friendly crossing guard, you can feel good that your tax dollars are keeping students safe (about $5 million/year). If you think a crossing guard is needed at your school, here is how to get the process started:
- Call 311 to request a crossing guard at a specific intersection or area.
- The request will be routed to the Courts and Detention area to Transportation to perform filed observations and counts
- A warrant study is done
- If warranted, the request is rerouted back to Courts and Detention for processing
Remember to observe the school zone signs, reduce your speed, and be on the lookout for children.
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FREE DRUM & DANCE CLASSES |
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Super cool arts program FREE to all participants sponsored by the City of Dallas. Ages 8 to adult. Spaces limited, first come, first served.
North Dallas - Thursdays, Aug 11 -Sep 29, Timberglen Rec Center
Registration Link:
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BACK TO SCHOOL FOR HOMELESS STUDENTS |
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It was an honor to speak at the Rainbow Days back to school event! This terrific organization provides the backbone of services for homeless children across the city and training for case managers across the country. This event was organized and funded by many donors and philanthropic and volunteer groups. Special thanks to the Dallas Monarchs, YMSL, NCL, Dallas Police Association, WINGS, Josh Howard Foundation, Scott Murray, and so many others for helping take care of our Dallas kids. |
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YOUR HOA OR NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION |
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We're updating our HOA list, as many have new officers. Please email your preferred contact information to Luis.Delgado@dallas.gov. If you'd like to have Councilmember Mendelsohn speak to your neighborhood or interest group, please schedule your event with Madison.Johnson@dallas.gov.
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BEST NEIGHBORHOOD IN DALLAS? |
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If you think you live in the best neighborhood in Dallas, you're probably right! This article lists the top 10 based on their rating system, and 3 are in District 12!
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WOMEN IN MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT |
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Last week I traveled to Sacramento, CA to attend the National League of Cities' Women in Municipal Government board meeting and conference. Representing the City of Dallas as a board member for the last 2 years has been beneficial to Dallas' efforts in developing better policies and meaningful to learn from the successes of other cities and councilwomen.
The conference hosted industry and policy experts on many topics, most notably aging in place, leveraging infrastructure dollars, early childhood initiatives, and women's leadership and recruitment. Visits to a homeless shelter for families called Saint John's Program for Real Change, a Pallet community for homeless residents, a visit to the California museum with a women's leadership exhibit, and a special tour from the Sacramento code compliance department explaining ways they handle code compliance challenges and support economic development, plus a lesson in "what not to do" in addressing homeless encampments.
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Update on shelter clients and needs at Family Gateway: https://t.co/xilsUMe9co. If you are looking for a way to give back, host a collection drive, or are planning a Thanksgiving event that includes donations, Family Gateway is in need of sheets and pillows, and it's a great way to help. |
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The City of Dallas wants you to Say No To Panhandling. But why? Most panhandlers are not homeless—they often have some form of housing. Giving out money, food and clothing trains panhandlers to stay right where they are versus seeking any help they need from trained professionals at Dallas’ many reputable nonprofits. Please don’t incentivize these folks to stay on street corners with “street charity” when more meaningful help is available.
What is the City doing to combat panhandling? Below is a short FAQ responding to some of the most common questions and concerns when it comes to panhandling.
Q: What should I do when I see a panhandler?
A: It is your/their First Amendment right to stand on the sidewalk and ask for money (free speech). It is NOT permissible to step into traffic to ask for/receive money, food, water, etc. Submit a panhandling service request to 311 by either filing online, calling 311, or using the mobile app. IMPORTANT: If the panhandler is violent, overly aggressive, or a danger to themselves or others, call 911.
Q: Should I offer money to the panhandler?
A: No, you should not. Giving money to panhandlers anchors them to that location. In fact, some corners are described as "lucrative" - where panhandlers know they can make good money! Instead, give to local charities that provide sustainable alternatives to panhandling. In District 12, Family Gateway homeless shelter has needs for bedding and pillows and ways to get involved as a volunteer.
Q: What is the City of Dallas doing to combat panhandling?
A: The city has several panhandling diversion initiatives, and City Council is considering an ordinance that would not allow people to stand on a median of less than 6 feet in width. Those needing to cross the street can still do so, but you can’t just “park it” on a median to panhandle, etc.
The diversion initiatives include community court programs for panhandlers who are issued citations, which provide alternatives to jail time through neighborhood restitution projects, rehabilitative programs, and educational programs. Other initiatives include signs (pictured above) being placed at intersections where panhandling is common. Feel free to copy this sign into your neighborhood emails or social media.
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REGISTER TO VOTE BY OCTOBER 11 |
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If you're eligible to vote, make sure you're registered by October 11th to participate in the upcoming November 8 General Election. Texas law requires eligible voters to be registered 30 days before Election Day, and since the 30th day before November 8th, 2022 falls on the Sunday before Columbus Day, eligible Texas voters effectively have two extra days to register this year (Texas Election Code Sec. 13.143(e)). You can find accurate and comprehensive voting information at VoteTexas.gov.
You are eligible to register to vote in Texas if:
You are a United States citizen;
You are a resident of the county where you submit the application;
You are at least 17 years and 10 months old on the date your voter registration application is submitted, and you are 18 years of age on Election Day.
You are not a convicted felon (you may be eligible to vote if you have completed your sentence, probation, and parole); and
You have not been declared by a court exercising probate jurisdiction to be either totally mentally incapacitated or partially mentally incapacitated without the right to vote.
If you are a first-time Texas voter, make sure to complete your voter registration application and make sure it is postmarked to your county's voter registrar by Tuesday, October 11th. To obtain and complete your application, you have several different options:
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BACK TO SCHOOL BACKPACK EVENT |
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Special thanks to Heart Church for their generous support of hundreds of students in Carrollton Farmers Branch ISD. Their give-away event and carnival was full of fun and support for the families at McWhorter Elementary and neighboring schools within the City of Dallas, CFBISD school attendance boundary. Generous sponsors like Gideon math and reading center joined with the congregation to pull off a big event that included backpacks and school supplies, hair cuts, Dallas Police neighborhood patrol officers, music and snacks! |
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HELPFUL RESOURCES & REMINDERS |
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- When will your trash get picked up? Get notified! Download the Dallas Sanitation App and it will text you when it is time to put your items outside. Did you trash/recycling get missed? Call 311 asap and they'll come get it within 24 hours.
- Reports to Dallas Police Department can be made online or by phone for non-emergency situations. https://dallaspolice.net/reports/Pages/coplogic.aspx or download the app iWatchDallas
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Dallas Animal Services reports the shelter is full! If you are interested in fostering or adopting a dog or cat, please contact them. We have the Everyday Adoption Center inside the Petsmart at Coit and Campbell, usually open 4 days a week. Check out the website www.BeDallas90.org to see the pets currently available.
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Sidewalk maintenance in front of your home is your responsibility. The City of Dallas has a sidewalk replacement program, where the city will pay half the cost and the resident pays half the cost. Learn more here: https://dallascityhall.com/departments/public-works/DCH%20Documents/Public%20Works/pdf/SidewalkReplacementProgram-brochure%20091021.pdf
- To report panhandling or homeless encampments, call 311 or report on the OurDallas app. If you see something dangerous, please call 911.
- Learn more about the latest happenings at our Family Gateway North family homeless shelter. http://familygateway.org/north/
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Councilmember Mendelsohn's Appointments by Mayor Johnson:
*Government Performance and Financial Management Committee (Chairman)
*Ad Hoc Committee on General Investigations and Ethics (Chairman)
*Public Safety Committee (Vice Chairman)
*Housing and Homeless Solutions Committee
*Transportation Committee
*Ad Hoc Committee on Legislative Affairs
*Regional Transportation Council Member (Primary Member)
*North Central Texas Council of Governments Executive Committee
Other appointments/elected positions:
*National League of Cities Youth, Education, and Families Council
*Board of Directors, National League of Cities Women in Municipal Government
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Need help, got a question, or want to give input?
Email: Cara.Mendelsohn@DallasCityHall.com
Office phone: (214) 670-4067
Text phone: (214) 490-1036
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