Bryan Place area

[Krabbit]

Hello all,
I am about to move to Bryan Place and was wondering if anyone had the scoop on new developments there. I know about City Lights (I won't hold my breath until I see cement) and about the some of the new developments on Ross. I heard all the car related places are supposed to be gone this year. Does anyone know if that is true? Also if any of you live there, do you have any recommended local pubs or restaurants. I heard Tuckers is nice. I see Dallasite moved. I saw Sunset Lounge. Are there anymore within walk distance that I missed? I guess I am just wondering what the place will look like in a year but it is hard to guess with the way the market is turning. I assume some of the residential builders will stop building if they housing market does slow a lot.
K

[lpepping]

Yes it is true about the auto related businesses. There was a zoning change several years back that requires this. There is some talk of some businesses challenging this but I do not know what they can really do about it.

[Krabbit]

Thanks for the response. I guess that would mean the smart builder/developer would buy up this land (or already has). I am not sure how this works but is there something in place to regulate what type of businesses do go in there? Not Auto obviously.

[urbanite07]

The area is desperately missing restaurants / pubs - with so many young professionals living in the surrounding area, anything put near by will make a killing.

I'd stay away from SunSet lounge, the owner is dead set on playing thug hard-core RAP music... If you're into gangster rap, then Sunset is your place. I went there and left within 5 minutes when I saw the crowd and heard the noise.

It's a huge sham because the sunset lounge has a prime location.

best of luck.

[Krabbit]

Thanks for the advice. In my old age (ripe age of 35) I like a place where I can park it and actually talk to the people I came with. ; ) Sounds like Sunset might not be the place for me.

[urbanite07]

Thanks for the advice. In my old age (ripe age of 35) I like a place where I can park it and actually talk to the people I came with. ; ) Sounds like Sunset might not be the place for me.

I think you'll enjoy the area - City Lights seems to be a GO, and with the Arts district coming into play so close to Bryan place, Ross changing, and Dart changes - I seriously doubt this area will look the same in 12 to 18 months.

I for one am very excited to see all the changes happen - No other area, except Victory, has a nicer DT view.. Uptown area is nice, but totally void of DT views.. Byran Place will have it all - just give it a little time.

Are you moving into a house or a townhome / Condo ?

[noelamador]

The area is desperately missing restaurants / pubs - with so many young professionals living in the surrounding area, anything put near by will make a killing.

I'd stay away from SunSet lounge, the owner is dead set on playing thug hard-core RAP music... If you're into gangster rap, then Sunset is your place. I went there and left within 5 minutes when I saw the crowd and heard the noise.

It's a huge sham because the sunset lounge has a prime location.

best of luck.


that's to bad. it looked like a hip little place driving by it. :confused:

[DalMac]

The area is desperately missing restaurants / pubs - with so many young professionals living in the surrounding area, anything put near by will make a killing.

I'd stay away from SunSet lounge, the owner is dead set on playing thug hard-core RAP music... If you're into gangster rap, then Sunset is your place. I went there and left within 5 minutes when I saw the crowd and heard the noise.

It's a huge sham because the sunset lounge has a prime location.

best of luck.

it ain't that bad. I'm not a huge fan of Sunset, but the music is a mix of rap, dance music of the 70s/80s/90s, and some current "hits". Lots o' lovely ladies are usually a part of the crowd. There are dozens of places I would recommend over Sunset, but your are making it sound like Club Europa.

[Krabbit]

I have heard mixed reviews on Sunset. It definitely sounds like it is place to hit for a bachelorette party or big girls night out but I think I am more of the Pub type these days. I will be moving into Bryan Square Townhomes, IF the inspections goes well. I am hoping to be there in March. I have always loved downtown so I am very excited about this move. I live in north dallas right since that was all I could afford until my career took off. I am no where rich but that is what I love about this area. It is affordable and you can get a good size place. I am so excited! If anyone knows anyone that wants a condo in north dallas/addison area, mine will be on the market next week. ;)

[urbanite07]

it ain't that bad. I'm not a huge fan of Sunset, but the music is a mix of rap, dance music of the 70s/80s/90s, and some current "hits". Lots o' lovely ladies are usually a part of the crowd. There are dozens of places I would recommend over Sunset, but your are making it sound like Club Europa.

Really? No Rap? When I went last time they were handing out these flyers..

[JasonDallas]

Really? No Rap? When I went last time they were handing out these flyers..

You might want to try reading the text you quote.

Jason

[urbanite07]

You might want to try reading the text you quote.

Jason

Not really friend, It was my first and definitely LAST time .. I walked to the bar and showed the bartender the flyer and asked her nicely if that was the norm, she said yes... so I thanked her for her time and I left.

[DalMac]

Really? No Rap? When I went last time they were handing out these flyers..

scary, I'm never going south of Knox-Henderson again.

[JasonDallas]

Not really friend, It was my first and definitely LAST time

The text in the post you responded to. Read it. Nowhere did it say no rap.

jason

[UrbanBiker]

Drop into the Elbow Room over on Gaston, just west of Baylor Hospital (take Hall off or Live Oak and hang a right on Gaston). They have a good local crowd, great Pizza, and other bar food. Lot's of TV's to catch the game etc., One of the best Juke Boxes in Dallas, try it out.

[BGM]

Sunset does play some hip-hop etc but like someone said they play 70, 80s--everything. It's a fun lounge. If you want to have a one on one conversation it's not the place. Elbow Room is pretty good and low key. There's not a lot going on in that area right now but I bet in a year or 2 there will be a ton of options. Of course if you wanted to drive a little north there is Knox/Henderson.

[urbanite07]

Sunset does play some hip-hop etc but like someone said they play 70, 80s--everything. It's a fun lounge. If you want to have a one on one conversation it's not the place. Elbow Room is pretty good and low key. There's not a lot going on in that area right now but I bet in a year or 2 there will be a ton of options. Of course if you wanted to drive a little north there is Knox/Henderson.

OK - I think we went off on a tangent, my bad. Bottom line is, the Bryan Place area has a lot of potential - just hope developers see the value in investing there... Like I've always said, dining / bar / retail near Bryan Place will be a big money making business.. I'm surprised nobody has jumped on this yet ..??

Hell, at this point I'd settle for a neighborhood applebee's ;->

[tamtagon]

OK - I think we went off on a tangent, my bad. Bottom line is, the Bryan Place area has a lot of potential - just hope developers see the value in investing there... Like I've always said, dining / bar / retail near Bryan Place will be a big money making business.. I'm surprised nobody has jumped on this yet ..??

Hell, at this point I'd settle for a neighborhood applebee's ;->

Considering how ridiculously difficult it has become to open a bar in Deep Ellum, maybe the party will take a step to the West; if that happened, though, I wouldnt be too surprised if homeowners associations started to freak out on the city council.

Sunset sounds like occasional fun.

[Otis]

.

I for one am very excited to see all the changes happen - No other area, except Victory, has a nicer DT view.. Uptown area is nice, but totally void of DT views.. Byran Place will have it all - just give it a little time.




This is just really funny coming from you considering the City Lights thread...where you basically stated that:

A) Bryan Place had no views

and

B) The BPNA are jerks for trying to protect thier views

Not trying to start anything...just found the change of perspective interesting....

[urbanite07]

This is just really funny coming from you considering the City Lights thread...where you basically stated that:

A) Bryan Place had no views

and

B) The BPNA are jerks for trying to protect thier views

Not trying to start anything...just found the change of perspective interesting....

To rebuttle:

A.) Bryan Place 1 story 1200 sqft homes - Yes , they have little or no views for DT

B.) BPHOA who rather keep a joke of a view than let City Lights be built are jerks because they are NOT the only people who live in the area and to escalate to Angela Hunt is in my opinion, 'acting like cry-babies'


So Otis, it is obvious you are one of the BP people who rather protect your view than let progress happen. Please keep your thoughts to yourself unless you have something constructive to offer this thread - read the title, it has nothing to do with your post.

[Otis]

To rebuttle:

A.) Bryan Place 1 story 1200 sqft homes - Yes , they have little or no views for DT

B.) BPHOA who rather keep a joke of a view than let City Lights be built are jerks because they are NOT the only people who live in the area and to escalate to Angela Hunt is in my opinion, 'acting like cry-babies'


So Otis, it is obvious you are one of the BP people who rather protect your view than let progress happen. Please keep your thoughts to yourself unless you have something constructive to offer this thread - read the title, it has nothing to do with your post.


Title of thread...Bryan Place area....

I wrote about the views in the Bryan Place area

30 years and being the original gentrification pioneers (as well as being tax paying Americans) give us every right to go to our elected representative to voice our opinion on what is turning into a fleecing of taxpayers.

I believe I have been in every model in Bryan Place. Not one of them has been one story. They are mostly two...some with only a second floor loft. Even the 1200 sq ft ones (which are the smallest and probably only 25% of the neighborhood)

Angry and misguided is no way to go through life. I wish you the best.

Krabbit- Sorry to hijack the thread. You are moving to a great area. However, I personally think that we are 3-5 years away from major change. A couple of the auto places are fighting to stay open (which the, apparently anti-development, BPNA are fighting hard to ensure that they close), which will add some time to the redevelopment.

Hope you enjoy the neighborhood.

[Krabbit]

Well I have read other posts/threads on this and I have to say you guys are a passionate bunch to say the least ; ). views, no views, stores, no stores. Personally I don't see why this Silverman character doesn't just compromise, build the shops keeping the views and move his project for housing elsewhere.There will be plenty of places freed up on Ross after the car place move out. I am no developer though so I have no idea how much money is in building housing. Must be something good or he wouldn't be fighting it so hard or waited so long with an empty property lot while trying to fight this fight.

Thanks for the reminder of Elbow room. I went there late one night and sort "forgot" where it was. Good to know it is that close. I liked that place.

On another note, does anyone belong or know anything about the near by fitness centers, like Tom Laundry's? Just wondering about the cost.

[berryhill]

I'm curious about the Bryan Place area as well. Is there a map out there of the area? Or can someone give the locations of the main areas?

[Krabbit]

I am not sure exactly what the bordering streets are but I think it is considered the neighborhood between ross and live oak and hall and downtown

[Otis]

Loosely- It is South of Ross, East of Texas St., North of Live Oak and West of Washington. The original Fox and Jacobs development (represented by the BPNA) is the single family homes in that area....with the western boundary being Liberty St. and an eastern boundary of Pecos.

[vman]

Loosely- It is South of Ross, East of Texas St., North of Live Oak and West of Washington. The original Fox and Jacobs development (represented by the BPNA) is the single family homes in that area....with the western boundary being Liberty St. and an eastern boundary of Pecos.
Never new Fox and Jacobs was the developer behind the original Bryan Place development. That development was way ahead of its time. Kind of suprising that such a surburban style homebuilder was behind it. Thanks for the info.

[BryanSmyth]

Krabbit,

I would highly recommend you go over to Bryan and Peak - over by the big, ugly AT&T switching building. There are two outstanding Asian restaurants over there -- VietNam Restaurant and Bangkok City (??). IMO, two of the best in the city. Try any of the vermicelli bowls at VietNam and the Pad Sen Woon at Bangkok. Enjoy! Oh yeah, and keep an eye out for the annual cultural festival in that area...it's worth going.

[auburndan]

I've lived off Ross Ave. for the past 6 years and go out regularly so I have the spots for you Krabbit. Bryan Place is one mile from lower greenville, so I suggest you check it out. You said you were 30+, so I suggest you check out Gezillig on lower greenville. They have a 30+ crowd, best food, really good bands, and the coldest beer(frozen taps no less) you'll find in the area. Just walk up and down the block and you'll find a dozen different places to go. On Henderson and Monarch you'll find the Slip Inn next to a liquor store. Go here if you want to shake your ass on a Friday or Saturday night. It's got the best DJs around(the kind that mix NWA with Journey and actually make it sound good) and the crowd is very eclectic. You'll find uptown girls, south dallas thugs, 30k millionairs, and regular joes on any given night. Go just for the music if nothing else. Across the street from Slipp Inn is Sandy's which is a Slipp Inn knock off, and further down Henderson at Capital you'll find the Capital Pub, and excellent place to kick back and have a few beers. It's brand new and very hip at the moment. Of course you can wander further down henderson towards 75 and find the Old Monk, Candle Room, etc.
I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the corner of Live Oak and Skillman, about 2 miles from where you are. Cosmo's is a classic bar. It's got a 70's theme and just cozy as hell. Its very cool but not cheezy 70s, and I love the place. Also on this corner is the Lakewood Landing, which is a very hole in the wall type place, and it looks like someone's basement bar. Very laid back and friendly. Across the street from this is the Tippary Inn, one of the few real deal Irish bars in Dallas. Make sure you check this place out on St. Patty's day this year.

On a side note, you mentioned the auto lots being forced to move. In 2005 the city council passed an ordinance that decreed all automotive type businesses on Ross from Fitzhugh down to Routh must be gone by April of 2010. Some have already left, some are trying to fight it, but they will be gone in 2 years. With the arts district coming online next year, the land those lots are on will go way up in taxable value, so I doubt they'll actually last till 2010.

[OrangeMike]

Krabbit,

I would highly recommend you go over to Bryan and Peak - over by the big, ugly AT&T switching building. There are two outstanding Asian restaurants over there -- VietNam Restaurant and Bangkok City (??). IMO, two of the best in the city. Try any of the vermicelli bowls at VietNam and the Pad Sen Woon at Bangkok. Enjoy! Oh yeah, and keep an eye out for the annual cultural festival in that area...it's worth going.

Excellent suggestions! I would add Mai's, a little farther east on Bryan, to the list. The clay pots, imperial rolls and coffee are my must-haves. It's a perennial favorite on many best-of lists, and I once saw Stephan Pyles dining there at the table next to mine.

[urbanite07]

Excellent suggestions! I would add Mai's, a little farther east on Bryan, to the list. The clay pots, imperial rolls and coffee are my must-haves. It's a perennial favorite on many best-of lists, and I once saw Stephan Pyles dining there at the table next to mine.

There's that Italian shop, Jimmy's (not sure the name) a bit further up on Bryan, its in a tougher neighborhood but the import products and food is great.. Odd to see BMW's, Mercedes, etc. pulling up the the parking lot only 10 feet away from a homeless man on the street drinking out of a bag....

[trolleygirl]

http://www.dallasarena.com/m020804.htm

02/04/08 Why is City Hall so against long-time Dallas businesses?

[Otis]

Apparently Mr. Woodard knows a little more about city business than the article implies. His tax value is about 1/10 to 1/15 of those around him.

I am guessing this built in tax advantage is a very big driver of his consultants recent public appeal.

[auburndan]

There's that Italian shop, Jimmy's (not sure the name) a bit further up on Bryan, its in a tougher neighborhood but the import products and food is great.. Odd to see BMW's, Mercedes, etc. pulling up the the parking lot only 10 feet away from a homeless man on the street drinking out of a bag....

That what makes east Dallas so great. You never know what you're going to get. One or two blocks away from Jimmy's is the best fried chicken in Dallas, Brothers Fried Chicken on Fitzhugh and Gaston. Got 4 starts from D magazine once.

[trolleygirl]

Apparently Mr. Woodard knows a little more about city business than the article implies. His tax value is about 1/10 to 1/15 of those around him.

I am guessing this built in tax advantage is a very big driver of his consultants recent public appeal.

So is that a good reason to move his legitimate and long-standing business out? Why on earth would he want to go to a crummy neighborhood where he can afford it, when he has endured a crummy neighborhood for over a half a century? If he's a good a businessman then why should he be punished for it?

I like the urban fabric of places like Ross Avenue because it is still very urban, it still has some grit, some uniqueness left. There are cool places, funky places, parks, homes, dives, some great holes-in-walls for greasy Mexican after a hangover at 2am....

Someone mentioned on the Dallas Culture thread something about gentrifying Dallas into one, big, giant West Village. Well, I don;t want to live in that town.

It's like some people's arguments for building the Trinity tollroad along industrial- because there's nothing bu bail bonds and liquor stores there. Those stores are still legitimate businesses and so is Woodard's.

[Otis]

I think protecting his business is wrong on a lot of levels.

First- Veletta told him (wink, wink) he would be ok. What?!?. I am not really comfortable with our politicians making behind the scenes deals and I do not believe that "Velvetta" (love responsible journalism) would have done that. Additionally, with a guy this savvy...don't you think he would have pushed for something in writing..especially since it has such a dramatic impact on his business? He knew she was terming out before this would go into effect. That is his fault.

Second-Who else do we protect?- Please tell me how we can go about deciding who can stay and who can go? If you have been here more than what 10, 15, 30 years...you're cool. Or, if your business caters to nice cars instead of crappy ones? If you know Veletta and you think she told you you were 'ok'...then you can stay

Third-This is a redevelopment effort We're trying to make the city nicer and more livable. With that comes some sacrifices. People want to walk from their places to shops, restaurants, the arts and coffee houses. Nowhere have I read that anyone wants to walk to a body shop or to a "No credit, Don't sweat it!" used car lot.

As an aside...as a Bryan Place resident, I love how our board is getting vilified on all angles. They're apparently anti-development by trying to get more retail and less tall buildings at City Lights. They apparently are jerks (with crappy houses) for trying to close down eyesore businesses to bring in more retail on Ross.

[trolleygirl]

I think protecting his business is wrong on a lot of levels.

First- Veletta told him (wink, wink) he would be ok. What?!?. I am not really comfortable with our politicians making behind the scenes deals and I do not believe that "Velvetta" (love responsible journalism) would have done that. Additionally, with a guy this savvy...don't you think he would have pushed for something in writing..especially since it has such a dramatic impact on his business? He knew she was terming out before this would go into effect. That is his fault.

Second-Who else do we protect?- Please tell me how we can go about deciding who can stay and who can go? If you have been here more than what 10, 15, 30 years...you're cool. Or, if your business caters to nice cars instead of crappy ones? If you know Veletta and you think she told you you were 'ok'...then you can stay

Third-This is a redevelopment effort We're trying to make the city nicer and more livable. With that comes some sacrifices. People want to walk from their places to shops, restaurants, the arts and coffee houses. Nowhere have I read that anyone wants to walk to a body shop or to a "No credit, Don't sweat it!" used car lot.

As an aside...as a Bryan Place resident, I love how our board is getting vilified on all angles. They're apparently anti-development by trying to get more retail and less tall buildings at City Lights. They apparently are jerks (with crappy houses) for trying to close down eyesore businesses to bring in more retail on Ross.

It is wrong to blame taxpaying members of the public for trusting in their elected representatives. It is ridiculous to assume that because the guy is savvy about keeping his property taxes low and can run a business well, then he must also be savvy in politics. Sorry but most folks in tis town just can't keep up with our brand of politics in Dallas.

I too ask the question of "who do we protect?" And from what or whom? Sharon has some good points in her article (btw, she has never, ever claimed to be a journalist, and so "responsible journalism" is something that doesn't really apply to her- she speaks her mind and it either makes sense of it doesn't). This is a business that is not promoting "No credit, don't sweat it"... It's not a place that has lax security and thus attracts all manner of crime...it's not a business that illegally stores its cars outside or on someone else's property or on city property (as many on Ross Ave and elsewhere do)... Basically, it's a legitimate business who has done more than what is required (beautifying outside area is not a requirement- anything beyond protecting the exterior of the business is not a requirement.) So many businesses do exactly what is required and nothing more. I live near one- it's always getting tagged and every time I complain, he goes out and paints in white over the exactly spot the tag is in. It's ugly, but it's legal. Many businesses would look better and do more to help bring better economic value to areas (curbside appeal) if they just did a little to make their businesses look nicer and more appealing. It's not a requirement but goes a long way.

How about we reward businesses that go above and beyond what is legally required? How about we reward people for being extra god neighbors?

Again, Sharon makes good points.. People like al the pretty shiny things, like West Village. But we still have to get our clothes dry-cleaned, we still have to get our toilets fixed, we still need our cars repaired. So in the name of "redevelopment" are we talking about really limiting our choices of businesses to bars, restaurants and condos? Is that all Dallas is? Will we soon have to drive all the way over the industrial zones or the suburbs just to get a used door or a lawnmower?

[urbanite07]

It is wrong to blame taxpaying members of the public for trusting in their elected representatives. It is ridiculous to assume that because the guy is savvy about keeping his property taxes zones or the suburbs just to get a used door or a lawnmower?


If we let 1 car shop stay, then the rest will follow suit by complaining that an exception was made... Sorry, all car shops should be GONE from Ross.

[Otis]

It is ridiculous to assume that because the guy is savvy about keeping his property taxes low and can run a business well, then he must also be savvy in politics.

I don't think it is too ridiculous of an assumption to believe that someone smart enough to sustain a business for decades would ask for something that important in writing


I too ask the question of "who do we protect?" And from what or whom?

I think we agree here. I think Woodard's runs a good shop and has not had a negative impact on the neighborhood. However, I do not believe that all of these people will be jobless if he shuts down. I think his interst in this location is neither strategic nor sentimental....I think he has an unfair advantage due to his tax value (which is 1/6 of my zero lot line house for his several acres of property) and he wants to protect it. If he moves outside the PD (all of three blocks), is he really going to lose all of his customers? If it stays, how do you tell other businesses that they have to go, but he can stay? Again, there is no good way to decide who stays and who goes. So the stakeholders in the area said that all must go.




Will we soon have to drive all the way over the industrial zones or the suburbs just to get a used door or a lawnmower?

Would you rather buy these things there or 100 yards from the Arts District? I am guessing our opinions differ on this.

[clipper]

Everybody is getting their knickers in a knot for no reason with this Bryan Place business. In all likelihood the entire development will be gone in another decade or two. Some developer will come along and buy out the homeowners and tear the whole place down for higher density. That's the way things work on the edge of a central business district. 30 years ago everything north of Ross Avenue INSIDE the CBD was old single-family homes, car lots, etc. That all got knocked down in the '80s boom. Same thing will happen on the near east side over the next boom or two.

[Krabbit]

Thanks for the tips everyone. I am regular on the greenville scene but the rest of the more "local" places you guys suggest are great! I love being able to just walk down the street and eat at some little mom and pop shop. Sounds like you guys should write a tour book of Dallas or at least organize a pub crawl. ; )
Thanks again.

[Lakewooder]

I am for property rights but I am also for the common good.

Some longtimers consider this Ross Ave. situation a corrective measure on bad zoning that was imposed 60 years ago.

Imagine East Dallas with rows of mansions and a canopy of trees up Ross, Gaston and Live Oak - that's the way it was, once.

[tamtagon]

Everybody is getting their knickers in a knot for no reason with this Bryan Place business. In all likelihood the entire development will be gone in another decade or two. Some developer will come along and buy out the homeowners and tear the whole place down for higher density. That's the way things work on the edge of a central business district. 30 years ago everything north of Ross Avenue INSIDE the CBD was old single-family homes, car lots, etc. That all got knocked down in the '80s boom. Same thing will happen on the near east side over the next boom or two.

Word

[trolleygirl]

I think we agree here. I think Woodard's runs a good shop and has not had a negative impact on the neighborhood.

And ]that[/I], my friend, is exactly the threshold required for continuing to uphold an SUP.

Negative Impact.

That's what the Plan Commission listens to and evaluates.

It's why so many people came down to speak in favor of keeping the SUP's of so many businesses in Deep Ellum, because they believed there was not a negative impact on the surrounding community from these businesses.

The Council was able to weigh in and make their decisions and, in the end I think those decisions were fair and just. They heard from the community and evaluated their statements, and in the end, some businesses did not get their SUP's (after their dance club permits forced them to obtain a specific use permits, because the City zoned the area to a new zoning that would have rendered businesses with DANCE hall permits incompatible with current zoning) yet most did get to keep theirs.

Those Deep Ellum businesses that did not get their SUP's renewed saw a lot of opposition from the community. Because those business created what the community valued to be a NEGATIVE impact.

This is the great thing about living in this country. You get a chance to have your business and a choice to be a good neighbor or a shitty one. You have the same opportunities as everyone else does. When some entity threatens your business, your home or your property, you get the chance to defend it.

So who you are you, or me, or anyone else to tell a private business entity that he can't play in your sandbox anymore because Mom and Dad are fighting? All because you're sandcastle (house) is better than his (auto-repair shop)?

Further, why would a municipality try to play business? This is what stinks at it's core: that the City of Dallas (council, PLAN Commission, I don't care) is heralding the message that in Dallas, we will pick and choose what, when and where the businesses you may or may not operate in this town are located after we decide what's best after all because we don't have a clue in the first place and because we never went to school to learn anything anyway.

We pick the kinds of development that we want to see happen, where we'd like to see them, and populate with with the kinds of people that we want to see in Dallas.

And anything else is non-conforming", even business who- as neighbors have said- "has not had negative impact on the neighborhood".

It's all very, I dunno, just not very free-marketish,if that's a word...

I want to ask, "Who asked your opinion anyway, City Council? And why is it valid??"

I also want to ask you, Otis, why are you better suited to figure out what's best for your community than what's already and already not a negative impact on your quality of li8fe?

Urban planning is not as simple nor a cavalier as remodeling a bathroom.

And it shouldn't be treated as such!

[UrbanBiker]

The Tom Landry Center has a great facility. It's not the least expensive fitness center in town, but they do offer quite a few corporate discounts. My wife likes the various cardio and strength classes and thinks they are much better than say the Y. They will give you a quick walk through and also let you work out free for a week to give you an idea as to if you like them or not.

[berryhill]

So if we zone out all of the car repair shops from our most desirable areas we want developed, where will people get them repaired? South Dallas? That contradicts their long term interests. We don't have the public transit infrastructure to expect people to give up cars just yet.

[Krabbit]

cool thanks for the info on the fitness center. I will check it out.

[Hannibal Lecter]

The Tom Landry Center has a great facility. It's not the least expensive fitness center in town, but they do offer quite a few corporate discounts. My wife likes the various cardio and strength classes and thinks they are much better than say the Y. They will give you a quick walk through and also let you work out free for a week to give you an idea as to if you like them or not.I'll second the recommendation. The only other place I've worked out in Dallas that's in the same league is Cooper. The pool's the nicest in town, there's a outside half-mile track that meanders through a private park, the equipment's top-of-the-line, the staff's friendly and it's never very crowded. If only they would bring back the triathlon...

[Otis]

I also want to ask you, Otis, why are you better suited to figure out what's best for your community than what's already and already not a negative impact on your quality of li8fe?

Urban planning is not as simple nor a cavalier as remodeling a bathroom.

And it shouldn't be treated as such!


There were multiple sessions held three years ago with all of the stakeholders in the area. The people in the community decided to have these businesses removed. It is not me, rather the community and business owners that live and work here. I never heard Mr. Woodard speak up at those meetings, nor make any kind of appeal when this was happening.

As far as his assurances from Veletta. If you were incarcerated and George Bush said that he'd make sure you get a pardon in 2012 (three years after he termed out)...would you try to get something a little more concrete?

[trolleygirl]

There were multiple sessions held three years ago with all of the stakeholders in the area. The people in the community decided to have these businesses removed. It is not me, rather the community and business owners that live and work here. I never heard Mr. Woodard speak up at those meetings, nor make any kind of appeal when this was happening.

As far as his assurances from Veletta. If you were incarcerated and George Bush said that he'd make sure you get a pardon in 2012 (three years after he termed out)...would you try to get something a little more concrete?

Not being very well connected, politically, I would probably not know how to go about seeking greater assurances. And maybe he did try to get something "in writing" (as if that really matters), we don't know that.

Community meetings are required by the city to inform citizens of various requests for changes, etc. If I owned a business and the zoning for my business was being discussed by the city, I personally would go to a community meeting, just to listen in. But that would most certainly not be the only or last meeting that I ever have with city officials. As a business owner, I would not let a community meeting three years ago determine the outcome of my business's fate. I have no doubt that Mr. Woodard has visited the 6th Floor of 1500 Marilla more than once.

I just find it ironic that some people will trumpet the greatness of capitalism and letting the free market prevail, and then turn around and say that some businesses just need to go, for the "greater good". Not saying you're one of those people, but there's no shortage of them on this forum, or in your HOA. Or in East Dallas.

[KittyPie]

anyone know who is going to develop apartments/condos in BP area? I need some contacts in land real estate developer area who need infrastructure for triple play.