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"Dense Thinking," by Sam Merten, March 6

Tear It Up

I anxiously await the demolition of this eyesore. It's nice to finally know what is planned for this area. However, there are several apartment complexes near The Village area now under demolition. Does anyone know what is planned for these (Village View and the brown icky ones across from Medallion)? Also, the rumor in The Village area is Lincoln Properties is planning an early 2009 demolition of The Corners apartments to rebuild. Like it or not, the area is growing. Let's just hope it's for the better.

GreenEyedLady, via dallasobserver.com

This area and certain blocks south of Mockingbird Lane near Greenville need the upgrades and changes. How can [Angela Hunt] stand against this? If we cannot upgrade our neighborhoods and accept a small change, the values of the properties will stay stale and go nowhere. Does she not realize this? When the families living in these areas try to sell their homes, the comps next door or down the street will ruin these values. Yes, it is a historical area. But not all homes are English Tudor homes. And last but not least, if the homes are up against a wall on the widened Central Expressway, lost half of their backyards because of this widening, and are all leased properties, why not allow a small change by replacing them with Tudor townhouses? Highland Park, University Park, Preston Hollow, Vickery Place and Turtle Creek have all done this. It has paid off for them. This would bring up the value and appeal. The only thing stopping us from this at present is this sore-thumb rep on the council. Neighbors in the area, building inspectors for the city of Dallas and just plain logical individuals are all ready for an upgrade of these small areas, each less than a 10th of a mile in length. They know what it will do for us. And last but not least, subdividing these lots would bring in more money for the city, more value and equity for the owners, a safer neighborhood and more appeal to the individuals already in or those wanting to move to the area. This is because of the value, stability and consistency we would have with these upgrades.

Neighborhood resident wanting upgrade, via dallasobserver.com

As a resident of the adjacent Village apartments, I oppose the rezoning. There are more than 9,600 people who live in The Village, and not one building is four stories tall.

I get a chuckle from your article when you say that Ed Oakley was good at expediting zoning changes, but you neglect to mention he was a frickin' developer himself!

The Lovers Amesbury Neighborhood Coalition deserves credit for fighting this from the grassroots, especially when they're up against paid shills supplied by the developer. Kudos also go to Angela Hunt for stopping this behemoth.

Dee Ess, via dallasobserver.com

"My Obama Drama," by Todd Spivak, February 28

Nothing But the Facts

I really enjoyed reading Todd Spivak's article on Obama. Todd allowed the facts to speak for themselves, which is what all good journalists should do.

Obama and Bush have much in common. They both expect a free ride.

Obama is definitely smart and articulate, but he seems to think that the American people should elect him president on a "Trust me that I can and will do what I say or what is in the best interest of ordinary Americans."

What this article illustrates is that Obama has never had any real competition in any of his previous campaigns. He is just "shocked and amazed" that anyone would ask about his track record or his political accomplishments. When these questions are asked, not only does he not answer them, but he labels the questions as negative attacks.

Obama is not ready to assume the responsibilities of the presidency. In fact, I'm not sure that he is ready to be a U.S. senator given his performance for the past four years.

Linda Hewitt, Dallas

I have learned more about Senator Obama's political life and him as a politician in your one article than all the TV news coverage combined.

I loved your story style and how you followed the history as a personal travel in time.

Roger Ryan, Hawkinsville, Georgia

Write Your Comment show comments (1)

  1. The Vickery Place 1911 district/suburb. Right next to the M Street suburb. Look at it now as it grows and reforms. Anyone standing against it? No. And why not? Because the owners/residents and potential buyers are using their heads. And unlike our M Streets, there is not a representative who stands against or in the way of these improvements to the neighborhood. Look at the newly constructed, good looking, as well as large old english/european/tudor homes that have been built or are presently under construction. We are talking all brick, all stone, nice looking and well built new homes. Compared to the M Streets, these changes that are taking place are improving the value and demand for these homes quickly. Many of which are selling and appraising for much more than our suburb. Why once again? Because nobody is standing against it wanting to keep the neighborhood the same as it has been since 1911. They are getting reform, improvements, and nice homes that are already having a very positive effect (and more to come)on the value of these lots and homes compared with and adjacent to the M Streets. It is becoming more of a closer knit neighborhood with good looking new classical homes. It has new families with children moving in. It is simple to say that because of this it is becoming a more appealing neighborhood. This is because of the acceptance of upgrades and change. It also becoming a neighborhood that does not have any adjacent blocks with a row of leased homes on smaller lots. Smaller lots with their backs against a physical wall because the widening of Central Expressway. Smaller lots, leased homes, one under foreclosure, with very low appraisals on a small tenth of a mile stretch on Homer. Change the zoning on this one small block of land and upgrade with some old english tudor townhouses on subdivided lots. Nobody is going to buy these smaller lots to build a home backed up against Central that would sell for the same prices as the homes on the M Streets. It is a small block that runs north/south unlike the others, and is perfect to change to improve and update our neighborhood. Homes on the M Streets used to be under much more demand by buyers. However, this seems to all be changing now. Once again, look at the Vickery Place 1911 suburb with its acceptance and changes.

    Comment by Neighborhood resident wanting upgrade — March 15, 2008 @ 05:02AM

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