Mechanic-shop operators within the West Oak Cliff Area Plan sent a message to City Hall that their livelihood shouldn’t be sacrificed in the name of walkability.
That came via the Dallas Morning News, which reports that Oak Cliff-based Somos Tejas has collected more than 100 signatures from residents and businesses in opposition to the plan.
Prohibiting automotive-related businesses, as well as drive-thru service and car washes, is part of the plan for some places in Oak Cliff, including Clarendon Drive.
Those types of businesses also were zoned out of West Davis more than a decade ago.
Activists have rallied against the plan because they say it doesn’t represent the people who live in the neighborhoods.
“One of [Somos Tejas member Albert] Mata’s concerns is that the task force in charge of the projects is not representative of the Latino community in Oak Cliff,” the newspaper’s Arely Contreras writes. “The plan reported that 86% of Oak Cliff residents identify as Latino. Less than half of task force members are of Hispanic origin.”
The West Oak Cliff Area Plan is headed to the Dallas City Plan Commission, and if approved, will receive a City Council hearing.
