The antiquated ordinance that allowed the demolition of homes smaller than 3,000 square feet within a Landmark District needed to be repealed to preserve what was left of Dallas’ Black history. That’s especially true in the Tenth Street Historic District. But at Wednesday’s Dallas City Council meeting, activists argued that abolishing the troublesome 2010 ordinance isn’t just about historic preservation — it’s about racial equity.
Dallas policymakers heard constituents loud and clear and unanimously repealed the ordinance that disproportionately impacted predominantly Black neighborhoods in Southern Dallas. Councilwoman Jaynie Schultz and others thanked Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Carolyn King Arnold, who represents District 4, for her effort to change the development code.
“This is a victory over something that was so wrong for way too long,” Schultz said. “Thank you for leading this charge to get this demolition ended, not just for the sake of historic Tenth Street, which has been abused for too long by too many people, but also for all the historic structures that are small in our city that deserve to be protected.”
Read the case report here.
Public Comments on Tenth Street Historic District
Over the past decade, the “3,000-square-foot rule” has led to the demolition of dozens of the Tenth Street neighborhood’s 260 homes, according to a Dallas Morning News report. At least 30 homes were demolished under the old code.
Five speakers addressed the council in support of the development code amendment, noting that it’s been a long time coming.
Tameshia Rudd Ridge encouraged the council to “be on the right side of history.”
“Tenth Street … is a symbol of resilience and vision built by dreamers and freedom-seekers,” Ridge said. “It’s a place where people thrived against all odds.”
Preservation Dallas Executive Director Carolyn Howard, Evelyn Mayo, Jennifer Rangel, and Shaun Montgomery also asked for the development code to be amended.
Mayo referenced a 2019 lawsuit that the Tenth Street Residential Association filed against the City of Dallas for “the disproportionate demolition of their homes compared to predominantly white historic districts.”
“The homes on Tenth Street need to be repaired,” Mayo said. “The city-owned land bank lots should be dedicated for the construction of new historically-compatible and affordable housing in collaboration with the community. There’s a huge need for infrastructure improvements in the neighborhood. I hope this is just one of many steps the city will take to undo the harm done to this neighborhood.”
Protecting a Community From Gentrification
Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Arnold made the motion to amend the development code.
“I want to make sure I thank, first of all, this council for supporting us when we ask for your support on initiatives that impact Tenth Street,” Arnold said. “We continue to need you as we continue to protect — as much as we can — that community from rapid gentrification.”
Mayor Pro Tem Tennell Atkins commended City Manager T.C. Broadnax for his vision to continue racial equity and historic preservation in Dallas. Broadnax submitted his resignation last week, effective June 3.
“You cannot grow without history,” Atkins said.
