Dallas City Council Approves Purchase of Property for “Central Park” in North Dallas
The Dallas City Council approved the purchase of a property near the former Valley View Center for about $11 million, in hopes of turning it into a “Central Park” in the International District in North Dallas.
Council members discussed the purchase of the vacant lot during Wednesday’s meeting after council member Paul Ridley moved to pull the item from the consent agenda, saying he was concerned about a “premature acquisition.”
Background and Plans for the Property
The purchase of the 79,916-square-foot parcel near the intersection of Montfort and James Temple drives in North Dallas is part of the city’s plan, approved in 2013, to create a 20-acre park that would be a signature park amenity.
The council approved buying the lot across the road from the 110-acre property where Valley View once stood. Developers bought the Valley View Mall site in 2012 with plans to demolish the structure and turn the property into a mix of retail, apartments, office space, and a park, but the process dragged on for over a decade.
The mall closed in 2015, and most of it was torn down by 2019. In 2023, the site caught fire, and the final remains were torn down.
Importance of the Purchase
Council member Jaynie Schultz, who represents the area, said this purchase was essential to move forward with the vision the city has been working for so long to achieve to develop the area.
To buy the land, about $9.48 million will come from the $20 million in 2024 parks bond money voters approved to put toward land acquisition in the International District. The rest will come from the Mall Area Redevelopment TIF District fund, according to city documents.
Concerns and Debates
Ridley, who voted against purchasing the parcel, was concerned about the future owners and if their plans for the 110-acre property would not align with the city’s plan.
Council member Cara Mendelsohn echoed Ridley’s concerns, asking what would happen if the Mavericks decided to buy the land and build their arena there, as The Dallas Morning News reported.
Ryan O’Connor, assistant director of Parks and Recreation, said he would still recommend buying the property because the park and arena could coexist, and bring more development and economic opportunities to the area.
Need for Parks in North Dallas
“We need parks, especially in North Dallas, where there is a huge park desert. That’s an inequity that North Dallas has,” said council member Omar Narvaez, who supports the measure.
Related News and Developments
The city will continue to pay nearly $500,000 for a tunnel under Thanks-Giving Square, and the council has also approved the rezoning of Pepper Square despite neighborhood outcry.
Conclusion
The purchase of the property near the former Valley View Center is a significant step towards creating a “Central Park” in the International District of North Dallas. While there are concerns about the future plans for the adjacent 110-acre property, the city believes that the park and any potential developments can coexist and bring benefits to the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the property purchase?
A: The purpose of the property purchase is to create a 20-acre park that would be a signature park amenity in the International District of North Dallas.
Q: How much did the city pay for the property?
A: The city paid approximately $11 million for the 79,916-square-foot parcel.
Q: What are the plans for the adjacent 110-acre property?
A: The plans for the adjacent 110-acre property are currently unclear, but there have been reports that the Mavericks may be interested in building an arena there.
Q: Why is the park necessary?
A: The park is necessary because North Dallas has a “park desert” and needs more green spaces for residents to enjoy.
