For the past several weeks, many of Dallas’ citizens have voiced their opinions, and rightfully so, about the demolition and/or relocation of Dallas’ City Hall. The “pros” and “cons” have been passionately debated, and there’s a legitimate perspective from both sides. One side argues primarily that it’s one of Dallas’ historic landmarks, designed by famed architectural designer I.M. Pei. It was in 1964 when planning for a Dallas Municipal Center was discussed by many prominent city leaders from both the public and private sectors. Forward thinking about the city’s progression to do city business to benefit all Dallas citizens, the Dallas City Council appointed a Citizen’s City Hall Site Committee to select an appropriate location for new municipal administration offices. The idea was to relocate from the then-current Dallas Municipal Building to a grand Beaux-Arts complex of city and federal offices, a convention center, and cultural facilities. Two sites downtown were possible contenders: one north centered on Federal Street and Akard, and one south centered on Young Street. This history is well documented, and thus it is nothing new for citizens and leaders to have spirited debates about a city as large and progressive as Dallas continues to become.
Another side argues that City Hall is indeed a historic landmark, but previous councils have been derelict in their responsibilities to maintain and preserve a building that was constructed as a proud architectural symbol representing the spirit of the city and its citizens. Because of years of deferred maintenance on this and numerous other city buildings, the current council and management now find themselves at a crossroads, presented with a potentially significant business opportunity to benefit the city and its residents in both the short and long term.
All of us can point fingers because we all bear some responsibility—past leaders and current ones alike. It is not a lofty fantasy or business fairytale to reflect on the painful loss, in retrospect, when we see the level of business, national attention, and international recognition the “Dallas” Cowboys have generated for the City of Arlington. Why? Because perhaps we were not as forward-thinking in making the necessary business investments to keep the “Dallas” Cowboys in Dallas.
One must ask: are we going down this same path again?
Building a stronger and more competitive tax base is essential if we want to remain a leading city of the future. Are we satisfied watching neighboring cities reap the financial rewards of opportunities rooted in Dallas? And why do we continue to place blame solely on city managers for the long-standing neglect of municipal buildings, when it has always been the responsibility of the City Council to provide the vision and business acumen to lead us forward?
While there may be differences in leadership styles and opinions within the current council and with City Manager Kim Tolbert, it is our belief that we have the right mix of leadership to do what is necessary to move Dallas forward. At the very least, there is the courage to confront this issue head-on.
The choice is clear: address it now, or continue the cycle of temporary fixes and pass the burden on to future generations.
And we must ask—are we prepared to risk forcing the “Dallas” Mavericks to consider alternatives outside city limits, as the Cowboys once did, and once again face the consequences of a declining tax base?
Respectfully,
Rev. Virzola Law
S. Michael Greene
Dr. Clarence Preston
Stephen Brown
Pastor Edward Broadway
Rev. Dr. Lucretia Facen
Richie Butler
C. Dennis Williams
Rev. Ronald D. Henderson
Dr. Delvin Atchison
Rev. Kantrice Robinson
Rev. Denny Davis
Rev. Chris Wesley
Rev. Dameon Madison
Rev. T. L. Brown
Rev. David Wilson
Rev. David Henderson III
Rev. Bryan Carter
Rev. Rickie Rush
Rev. Dr. Freddie Haynes
