Tag: community
Park South YMCA: Why it was torn down, when it will reopen, and where to find programs in the meantime
For more than 50 years, the Park South YMCA has served South Dallas neighbors of all ages through exercise classes, childcare and community events. As part of YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas’ efforts to improve facilities, the Park South building is undergoing a major $15 million renovation, expected to be completed in early 2025.
Housing Forward sees more than 2,000 residents in homeless system at end of 2023
Data presented at this month’s Dallas Area Partnership to End and Prevent Homelessness meeting led to more questions from partnership members. Members seemed especially surprised that two-thirds of unhoused residents surveyed in 2022 self-reported that they were experiencing homelessness for the first time, according to Housing Forward’s Homeless Management Information System. The partnership is a […]
Park South Family YMCA renovation delays blamed on city’s permitting process
The community is excited about the new amenities and upgrades to their Park South YMCA, but permit delays leave them without their Y until the end of 2024 or early 2025.
New cloud kitchen is a solution for South Dallas culinary entrepreneurs
The new cloud kitchen at 2839 S. Ervay is the final piece in Cornerstone Baptist Church’s development project at The Crossing. Pastor Chris Simmons says this space gives local entrepreneurs the opportunity to expand their business and create affordable and livable wages in the neighborhood.
La Bajada residents seek legal help after City of Dallas decision eclipses zoning ordinance
La Bajada Neighborhood Community Association and neighbors are trying to appeal the quasi-judicial board's decision at the county or district court level, and have until Monday, Aug. 28, according to West Dallas City Councilmember Omar Narvaez’ office.
West Dallas remembers Isabel “Chavela” Lozada Tavera
Chavela, a lifelong resident of West Dallas, left a lasting legacy of selfless service to her neighborhood.
Meet our new principals: Pinkston’s Tameca Ward and West Dallas Middle School’s Laura Guzman
Dr. L.G. Pinkston High School and West Dallas Middle School welcome new principals, Tameca Ward and Laura Guzman. Dallas Free Press sat down for conversations with Ward and Guzman to learn more about their vision for the 2023-24 school year.
City of Dallas fails to protect character of La Bajada neighborhood
La Bajada residents have expressed frustration that the height and size of several new homes in their neighborhood are incompatible, but the La Bajada NSO is not being honored by the city and outside developers.
Demand for protesting property values goes up as families fight to stay in their homes
Property tax consultant Toby Toler worked with more than 100 people over DCAD’s four-week protest period in April and May. He feels like the majority of the people he helped in Southern Dallas were able to successfully challenge their property values and lower their taxes.
Back-to-school events with school supply giveaways near you
Here is a list of Back to School events happening in your community that will have backpack and school supplies giveaways, health and family resources and other services for students.
Dallas ISD parents unclear on why clear backpacks are needed for pre-K and elementary students
Dallas ISD is requiring all students, including preschoolers as young as 3-year-olds, to carry a clear backpack as part of the district’s “ongoing effort to ensure safer schools.”
H-E-B’s Joe V’s is coming to Dallas. We went to Houston to see what all the fuss is about.
H-E-B’s press release announced the new stores would be Joe V’s Smart Shop, which offers “a price-conscious shopping experience.” Both will be located in southern Dallas; the first store opening next summer at the corner of West Wheatland Road and Highway 67, and a second store opening in 2025 at the corner of Buckner and Samuell boulevards.
Mural reveals Fair Park’s role in Juneteenth’s history
“Fair Park has a lot of historical significance,” Moore says as he describes the panoramic painting in the courtyard of the South Dallas Cultural Center. He chose to paint a chronological display of Fair Park’s role in promoting the understanding and awareness of Juneteenth.
Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Museum reopens, honoring Dallas’ first Black woman elected to school board
The Kathlyn Joy Gilliam Museum recently reopened on Wendelkin Street in South Dallas. Honoring the legacy of Mrs. Kathlyn Joy Gilliam, the museum showcases the civil rights leader’s life story featuring original furnishings, photos, and artifacts in the home she lived in for 35 years.
West Dallas’ oldest Black-owned grocery store thrives while others fizzle out in food desert
Gipson Grocery store converted into a one-stop shop with many services aimed to strengthen its community members.
South Dallas real estate company works to keep the community in community development
Ferrell Fellows' business model is simple: She buys off-market properties in South Dallas in need of serious repairs then renovates these homes, preserving character and history. They become residences for first-time homebuyers, long-term rentals for people not ready to take that leap, and shared housing for people she comes across in her community work, everyone from single parents to immigrants to prostitutes. Fellows believes everyone deserves a dignified way to live.
Singleton United/Unidos: The new neighborhood on the block
Janie Cisneros credits her neighborhood-based activism to serendipity. She is the leader of Singleton United/Unidos, a newly established neighborhood association in West Dallas, fighting for clean air and the removal of the long-standing roofing shingles plant, GAF, from her residential neighborhood.
Is the City of Dallas going to save the Save-U-More grocery store in southern Dallas?
Highland Hills fresh foods grocery store, Save-U-More, struggles to stay open and widen the food desert gaps happening in South Dallas.
Changes are coming to Hattie Rankin Moore Park in Los Altos. The City wants West Dallas’ input.
After listening to residents in early 2020, the City of Dallas planned to add colorful murals, artificial turf, family grills, playground equipment and more athletic fields to the park in the Los Altos neighborhood, located just south of Anita Martinez Recreation Center and Lorenzo de Zavala Elementary School.
Goal of neighborhood-led West Dallas plan is ‘teeth,’ accountability
A neighborhood-led plan "will be used to shape the future of West Dallas for the next 10 to 20 years,” and act to "slow down the fast-paced gentrification that is running a risk of literally changing the thread of our community and wiping away the history," says James Armstrong III.