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Connecting You With City Information, News, and Resources
The HEAT is ON!

We've quickly gone from fun, warm summer nights with friends and BBQ to dangerous heat conditions. While Texas faces record levels of electricity usage (and the electric bills to prove it), I hope you'll take care of yourself and take a few minutes to check in on any neighbors that may be struggling.

The city is using libraries and rec centers as cooling stations and you're welcome to come hang out at any of them to enjoy air conditioning during their hours of operation (pro tip: call to verify they are open before you go- each location has unique hours). After the power failure last February, the city purchased special generators for rec centers around town to provide a cool (or warm) location for residents. The District 12 rec center that has been prepared to host a generator is Timberglen. I sincerely hope it won't be needed this summer, but wanted you to know the planning and resources put in place by the Dallas Emergency Operations Center and funded by the city council, just in case.

Each July, the city council is on recess, meaning there are no scheduled city council meetings. Staff members in every office have been available and councilmembers generally take some time off and prepare for the August release of the draft city budget. I've enjoyed some vacation time, but I'm still checking email and taking time-sensitive meetings. If you have something urgent, please make sure to copy Luis and Madison, who are making sure resident requests and issues are addressed.

Keep cool, Cara

Council Liaison: Madison.Johnson@dallas.gov
Council Assistant: Luis.Delgado@dallas.gov
DART is holding their twice a year meeting to give an update on the Cotton Belt/Silver Line. You can attend any of the meetings, but the one that will focus on our area will be at the Campbell Green Rec Center, August 4th, 6:30-7:30 pm. They have a very full agenda for a one hour meeting.

NOTE to D12 residents: Great job - hundreds of residents have sent emails to the Federal Transit Administration asking for a supplemental EIS to allow for public input on items not considered in the FEIS. Every person should attend this meeting to make your voice heard. The FTA responded to me saying they will be looking for more resident input - this is your chance. (A copy of their response to me is below)

I don't know what they will cover at the meeting, so here are some updates:
  1. Coit - single lanes continue to be closed randomly as DART continues with utility work. As one resident said, consider it a small preview of what is to come. In addition to the new, permanent traffic signal that will be installed at Sugar Cane and Coit, a new, permanent traffic signal will be installed at Alacasia and Coit. During construction, the Sugar Cane/Coit access will be reduced 50%, shifting access from one side or the other as work is done, and allowing one lane each direction. DART says they were able to reduce the time Sugar Cane will be completely closed from several months to 10 days. Temporary access for University Place neighbors is being pursued through Texas AgriLife center, but it is not confirmed. The NCTCOG has agreed to pay for the sound wall behind the Plano ISD land, which will greatly help reduce sound and vibration. DART has not submitted the traffic control plan for Coit, but the original plan called for two lanes in each direction to remain open throughout construction.
  2. Meandering Way - there is a proposal to add a hike/bike bridge on the Preston Ridge Trail. The bridge would be very large, spanning from a point adjacent to Wester Way, over McCallum, and over the tracks, and over the driveway to Preston Green condos, and descending in time to meet up with the existing bridge over the creek. It is a very large, expensive bridge that would cause many residents to doubleback and restrict foot traffic on Meandering Way. When I have more details to share on the proposal (which so far I am NOT in favor of), it will be included in the enews.
  3. McCallum & Hillcrest - you probably noticed the demolition of the commercial property behind Ivy Montessori and across the street from the police station. This is the location that DART plans to put the pump station. If you were unaware of that, it is because it wasn't included in the FEIS (and should have been). It is unknown what the sound or safety implications of the pump station are because those factors haven't been evaluated with results published and public comment as required by federal regulation. It is also unknown if DART will build a "pump house" to contain the noise, add walls (what type/what height?), add trees and landscaping, etc.. No public feedback has been sought. I have seen a drawing, but no data or discussion on specifics. Random closures of a single lane on Hillcrest continue as utility relocation work continues. DART has not submitted their traffic control plan, but the original plan was to have one lane open in each direction for most of the construction. They are limited to 26 weeks of full Hillcrest closure by the ILA (interlocal agreement).
  4. DART purchased three homes on Wester Way Court as they will be boring a new, larger drainage pipe near and under parts of the property. Utility relocation work continues in this area.
  5. Preston Green Park - we are still waiting on confirmation of a continuous sound wall along the park. This is the number one safety concern of nearby residents. Some residents have plans from DART that show a sound wall, but DART has not confirmed this is part of their current plan. DART has shown the parks department an alignment of the trail that enters the park in a different location than previously communicated. I was told and shown plans for the trail to enter the park at the natural clearing, minimizing tree loss. The new plan will result in the removal of 20 trees. The NCTCOG has committed to tree mitigation. The city has hired a landscape architect to assist with renovations to the park (same one who helped design it originally). We have had one community meeting and our next meeting will be scheduled after more details are confirmed by DART and a full inventory of trees by the Dallas arborist.
  6. Davenport N-S, Campbell, Davenport E-W - a lot of work has been done to prepare for the rail by building pillars in the creek, preparing the ground for tracks to be laid, and adjusting the location of the pressurized fuel line. Campbell will have some construction as new entrances for the condos on the north/west side and apartments on the south/east side get turn lanes.
  7. I was joined by several residents as DART, AWH, City of Dallas, DOT, TXDOT, FRA, FTA, and others walked each at-grade crossing in North Dallas to evaluate the safety from a pedestrian and cyclist perspective. There has not been confirmation of DART's willingness to implement the safety enhancements listed on the field report or the City of Dallas' requirement of those items. DART would prefer to have no additional safety measurements and only implement the federally required items.
  8. There are outstanding issues about the location of sound walls as they approach at-grade intersections, which DART remains unwilling to verify.
  9. DART will not be allowed to work on Dickerson, Meandering Way, McCallum, Davenport N-S, Campbell, or Davenport E-W, while Coit and Hillcrest are under construction.

The Cotton Belt was approved by the Dallas City Council in 2018. I was elected in May 2019. There is no way to stop the Cotton Belt/Silver Line from being built and activated. The construction will be much worse than most people realize. It will take much longer to get anywhere in our area by car, bike or walking while construction is occurring. You will need to rethink how long it takes to travel anywhere, including to schools, work, or daily activities. Please talk to your children about train and construction safety.

Since 2019, we've secured additional safety and quality of life features, but the limits of what I can do, as your Councilmember, are changing and pivoting to a focus of holding DART accountable to the agreed foundational documents. Your work to speak up continues and if you live in an area impacted by the Cotton Belt/Silver Line, I urge you to join the Facebook group Neighbors Sharing Cotton Belt Information, which is run by volunteers, not the D12 office.
Mark Your Calendar - Upcoming District Meetings
If you missed our last D12 town hall (virtual), you can watch a recording of it with this link. Thank you to the Code Compliance Department for being my special guest, Luis for his technical assistance, and the D12 residents for the great questions! https://youtu.be/afTKYkijlaY

There are LOTS of meetings scheduled in August and we hope you'll find a way to participate and make your voice heard.
Mayor's Back To School Fair
Students must register by July 29 to participate in the Mayor's 2022 Back to School Fair. Go to: https://www.mayorsbacktoschoolfair.com/ for more details and the registration form.

If you'd like to volunteer to help with this event, please click here! Know of an organization who would like to sponsor a vendor booth? Apply via this link.

Please email mayorsfair@mcintoshcompany.com with any questions.
Collaborating with Carrollton on Crime
The Denton county portion of the City of Dallas shares a big border with the City of Carrollton. Carrollton Mayor Steve Babick and I have been working together with Carrollton police department, DPD, and CFBISD to share data, information, and resources with residents so we can all work together to improve safety in the area. We had a great turnout at our most recent town hall and are committed to continuing the effort.
Empty the Shelters - Adopt or Foster a Dog
As our nation’s shelters face unprecedented overcrowding, BISSELL Pet Foundation is doing its part taking homeless pets from kennels to couches by sponsoring free adoptions now through July 31. The longest-ever Summer National “Empty the Shelters” event will be hosted in more than 250 shelters in 42 states, including Dallas Animal Services (DAS).

“DAS continues to see 40 – 60 dogs coming into our building every day and we desperately need the help of our community to get these deserving dogs into loving homes,” said MeLissa Webber, Director of DAS. “We are thrilled to work with BISSELL Pet Foundation to help increase adoptions and save more lives.”

DAS will participate through July 31, 2022 at the main shelter, located at 1818 North Westmoreland Road, and at the Everyday Adoption Center inside the PetSmart located at 16821 North Coit Road. All adoption fees will be waived during this event. Interested adopters can find more details online at www.BeDallas90.org.

“Shelters are calling me daily and BISSELL Pet Foundation is feeling the burden of overcrowding. With the euthanasia of homeless dogs up 22% across the country in just the first quarter of 2022 alone, we knew we had to act quickly to help at-risk pets,” said Cathy Bissell, Founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation.

Prior to adoption, all dogs and cats are spayed or neutered, microchipped and given age-appropriate vaccinations. Adoptions come with vouchers for a free vet exam with VCA Animal Hospitals as well as a free week of virtual dog training through the GoodPup app. For more information, please visit www.BeDallas90.org.
Active Shooter Class
It seems there is a mass shooting somewhere, nearly every day. Dallas Police Department is providing a course to Dallas residents to learn what to do in an active shooter situation. I pray you never need to know this information, but I am very happy that DPD is willing to share and train our community. If you are interested in the class, learn more here:

There are 3 days available, each with limited spots available. Classes are on Sundays and held at the North Central Police Station community room. RSVP needed.
Coyotes in Far North Dallas
Coyotes have been in our area before any neighborhoods were built and we've coexisted quite easily. Lately, their den has been disturbed by DART's Cotton Belt/Silver Line construction. This has led to coyote interactions with people and your help is needed.

Dallas Animal Services hosted a great neighborhood meeting right near Frankford Middle School, where there have been several coyote interactions. They gave great information, advice, and tips:
  • Coyotes are smart and just need to be reminded to stay away from people. The community is asked to help haze them by scaring them! How? When you go out for a walk, bring along an empty soda can with rocks or pennies in it that you can shake if you see one. Bring an air horn or other loud noise maker and startle them with the noise. Raise your hands up and yell at the coyote, taking one step closer as it backs away. Throw your house keys toward them (and pick it up when they are gone).
  • Please make sure your dogs are on leashes. Two dogs have been attacked while they were with people (one big & one small), neither fatally, but it indicates the coyotes are both hungry and not as scared of people as they had been previously.
  • Also, the coyotes are coming closer to children, and adults should keep an extra eye out (and hazing items available) to help train them to focus on the rats, snakes and other wildlife in our area that we are happy to have them help control.
  • Please report both typical and atypical coyote sightings to 311 so Dallas Animal Services can be aware of their movements and any interventions needed.
  • Dallas Animal Services has been out hazing the coyotes and they say the coyotes have already made some changes, are learning quickly, and ask your help with hazing coyotes if you see them!
The City of Dallas Redistricting is Complete

The new map has been adopted, but won't go into effect for a while. There are some D12 residents who will move to D11 and a few D11 residents who will move to D12. D12 had too many people, and since D11 is our only neighbor, they had to absorb some D12 residents to help better balance population around the city. The ideal population for each district is 93,000, and D12 had 97,000.

With redistricting, D12 remains the second smallest district in geography and compactness, and still has a greater population than ideal, but not by as many people. Councilwoman Schultz and I will be working together to introduce folks to each other before the new map goes into effect. The boundaries were required to keep each census tracts intact, and that created some strange lines. Both of us accepted the boundaries determined by the redistricting commission. In the meantime, nothing has changed and we look forward to a special D12 & D11 get together in the coming months for those impacted by redistricting.

The adopted redistricting map can be found here: https://dallasredistricting.com/
Dallas Sanitation Department
The City of Dallas Sanitation Department is now live on social media. Follow them at @dtxsanitation on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for recycle and garbage service updates, communications, outreach programs, education initiatives, and more.

If you would like to get notified when it is time to put your trash out and when it is your bulk trash week, download the Dallas Sanitation app. They send handy text messages to remind you and keep you in the loop.

As a reminder, there is a limit on the amount of bulk trash you can set out each month. If you exceed the limit, you will be billed extra. If you want to have an oversized bulk trash pick up, call the department to arrange a special pick up and the costs associated with it.
Crime Stats
The City of Dallas Office of Data Analytics and Business Intelligence in partnership with the Dallas Police Department (DPD) launched a new interactive Crime Analytics Dashboard giving the public a closer look at DPD crime-related data. In addition to listing the date, time and the frequency of a given crime, users can also see information on victim demographics, dispatched calls for service and response time. Data from the past two years is provided by city level, council district, ZIP code, division, sector, beat, and reporting area and will refresh daily. This important tool increases transparency and enables the public and city leaders to explore crime data they are personally interested in across the City of Dallas. For a quick lesson on how to use it, go to www.bit.ly/crimedashboard.
 
The Dallas Fire-Rescue dashboard is available here.
Dallas Public Library Update & T-Shirts
District 12 Library Commissioner Jandis Price reminds us that there are some amazing summer programs happening with strong attendance both online and in-person. Check out the online calendar and drop in for some fun at the library! https://dallaslibrary.librarymarket.com/

If you'd like to support the Friends of Dallas Public Libraries, 100% of the t-shirts below will be donated to organization. you can order a t-shirt from Bullzerk at https://www.bullzerk.com/. Sales for the first week have garnered about $4,500! DPL would love to hit the $10k mark this week so please get a t-shirt for yourself, your family and your friends!
North Texas Crime Commission Meeting
First meeting in person since Covid-19! Public Safety Chairman Adam McGough and I represented the City of Dallas at this coalition of law enforcement professionals, businesses, and elected officials collaborating on best practices and learning from each other. Matt DeSarno, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Dallas Field Office was our guest speaker.
QUICK UPDATES

  • Sprouts on the Tollway at Briargrove has received their building permit and will be "going vertical" very soon.
  • Scam alert! There are scam calls and texts being made and the user ID says Dallas Water Utility. Beware - Dallas Water Utility does not call to notify you of a disconnect or late payments, they send letters. Dallas Water Utility also does not take payment over the phone by a person, only an automated system.
  • Please make sure you are watering your lawn on the correct day/time. Code compliance officers will give tickets for this, as well as runoff in the street/alley, parking your car in the wrong direction on a street, not having moved a car parked on the street for more than 24 hours, and parking a commercial vehicle on a residential street.
  • The City of Dallas has been working to transition from a web domain of dallascityhall.com to dallas.gov. You may have noticed, the city council and city manager staff's emails have converted to dallas.gov, but the old dallascityhall.com will work for a year.
  • The bulk of crime in D12 is at apartment complexes. To make sure apartment owners and managers are doing everything required of them and available to them to reduce crime, Chief Garcia has joined with the North Dallas Councilwomen and the Apartment Association of Greater Dallas for a multifamily housing summit, joined by code compliance, office of integrated public safety, and the community prosecution section of the City Attorney's office. The summit will be held in August and is for apartment managers and owners exclusively.
  • The petition drive to name the Preston Ridge Trail Extension after Marni Kaner is coming to a close. If you have any petitions in your possession that you haven't turned in yet, please send them to Luis.Delgado@dallas.gov by 8/1 to be included. Our goal was 2,000 signatures and we have it, but want to be sure we exceed it (in case any are incomplete) and we want your name to be a part of the effort! The petition will be given to the parks department the first week of August.
  • Two persistent D12 homeless encampment sites - Rosemeade Park (Denton County) and wooded area behind fire station #10 on Frankford (Collin County) are both on the radar for the parks department. Lane Conner, Parks Board Rep for D12 and I have asked the parks department to come up with a plan to activate these areas and make them less desirable for homeless encampments. If you have suggestions, please email us: Lane.Conner@dallascityhall.com & Cara.Mendelsohn@dallas.gov.
  • AT&T is adding fiber to many D12 neighborhoods. This has been long-awaited by some residents, since it means very fast speeds for digital connections, but is causing some issues with the installation. AT&T requests permits for installation from the city, sometimes in the alleys and sometimes in front yards. AT&T hires contractors to complete the work and occasionally utilities have been damaged (gas lines, other broadband lines, etc...) and this is difficult for all. Please call the impacted utility to report any issues if you notice a problem. Also, if there are utility marking flags on your property for more than a week, you can remove them and place them in your trash can.
  • Thank you to the community that has worked on Bentwood traffic calming. After several meetings and a neighborhood petition, plans are moving forward.
  • In District 11, the Preston Del Norte development on Preston @ Beltline is being considered for a major change. Because it is close to D12, we will be asking D11 to include our area in community conversations about it. Here's the DMN article: https://www.dallasnews.com/business/real-estate/2022/07/19/canadian-property-firm-wants-to-redevelop-far-north-dallas-apartment-site/
  • Neighbors in the Preston Villa neighborhood please join us for a virtual meeting on 8/2 to talk about street lights.
  • Park Hill dog park is almost done... we're just waiting on the water fountain for people and pets. Once installed, we'll have a howling fun ribbon cutting! If you'd like to be part of the plans, let Luis.Delgado@dallas.gov know.
  • Do you have a service request? Here are 3 ways you can submit: Online directly at: https://dallascrm.force.com/public/servicetypes, calling 311, or downloading the OurDallas app on your Android or iPhone.
  • Continue to call 311 or report on the OurDallas app for panhandling and homeless encampments - this is how the city is tracking the issues and responding. If you see anything dangerous, please include that in the report, as those situations are prioritized.
  • Read the Ash Tree information below if you have any Ash trees. The beetle can make the tree unstable and at risk for falling. This is an urgent issue in Dallas, Collin, and Denton counties.
7/7, A Day to Remember our Law Enforcement Heroes
July 7th is a day felt throughout Dallas. The memory of the tragedy in downtown Dallas as we lost 4 DPD officers and a DART officer, including North Central's Sgt. Mike Smith still looms heavy in DPD and in the hearts of Dallas residents. This year, a remembrance event was held at the South Central police station. Some of the surviving family members and many of our DPD officers who were on duty and worked with those who were killed joined together for a causal bbq with support, fellowship, and the sharing of memories. This meaningful event lifted everyone's spirits on a tough day.
HELPFUL REMINDERS
  • The Development Services department is excited to share a newly designed website! The new webpages have been streamlined for easier use.https://dallascityhall.com/departments/sustainabledevelopment/Pages/default.aspx
  • Learn more about the latest happenings at our Family Gateway North family homeless shelter. http://familygateway.org/north/
  • 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.
  • 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
  • Dallas Animal Services reports the shelter is full! If you are interested in fostering or adopting a dog or cat, please contact them. Dogs are free to adopt and 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.
  • Sidewalk maintenance in front of your home is your responsibility. If you live in an HOA, please encourage your newsletter chairman to put in an article about the City of Dallas 50-50 sidewalk replacement program. You apply, the city sends out a contractor to give a bid, the city pays half and you pay half, the needed repairs or replacement occur.
  • If you are using your sprinkler, take a walk in the alley and make sure you don't have runoff. We get many complaints as residents combat mosquitos. It is a code compliance violation to have water runoff.
  • Call 311 to report panhandling or homeless encampments. If you see something dangerous, please call 911.
City Council 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
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