Obed Manuel
On Tuesday, Dallas Voters Will Decide On More Than $1 Billion In Proposed Projects — From Street Repairs And Homeless Aid To $50 Million For Fair Park.
Dallas’ registered voters — and any new ones who sign up before the October 10 deadline — will be deciding the fate of more than $1 billion in city bonds for various projects around the city when they head to the ballot box on Tuesday, November 7.
On the ballot at this special election are 10 propositions that focus on everything from funding for general infrastructure upgrades around the city to the building of a new library and — perhaps most contentious of all — $50 million for the crumbling infrastructure at Fair Park.
Upon reading the propositions, you might think they mean absolutely nada — but the city does provide a thorough, easily navigable map here that shows every single physical project that is included in each of these propositions.
Still, we figured it prudent to provide any readers who are voting — which should be all of you! — a little further understanding about what they’ll be voting on come Tuesday’s citywide election. So, without further ado, here’s a quick cheat sheet for you to peruse before jumping into the ballot box.
Proposition A.
If it passes, Prop A would allocate about $534 million to the improvement of roads, sidewalks, street signs and general infrastructure. It’s no secret that Dallas needs some major upkeep in this respect. See if your street or area would benefit from the upkeep here.
Proposition B.
With this proposition’s passing, almost $262 million dollars would go to some major park projects — like the expansion of Klyde Warren Park, the addition of new downtown parks, the connecting of the city’s bike trails and the construction of a new, concrete skate park (more on that in the coming days). Head here to see if the rec centers and parks in your neighborhood would benefit from this approval.
Proposition C.
This one is probably the most controversial/pressing of the propositions on the ballot this special election. It would approve $50 million in renovations to Fair Park, the home of the State Fair of Texas. As you know, we aren’t the biggest fans of the State Fair, but that doesn’t necessarily mean Fair Park should suffer. The real question is whether city leaders choose the right private organization to take over Fair Park and its programming, and this prop has nothing to do with that.
Proposition D.
Through this prop, a number of planned upgrades to flooding protection, storm drainage and erosion control projects around the city would be infused with $50 million in bonds. Of that, $5 million would go to improving the Vinemont Channel near White Rock Lake in East Dallas.
Proposition E.
If approved, almost $16 million would go to the construction of the Vickery Meadow Branch Library and the relocation of the Forest Green Library to a new location less than a mile away on Greenville Avenue. The J. Erik Johnson Central Library downtown would receive almost $100,000 for roof and plumbing upgrades.
Proposition F.
Through this one, cultural hubs around the city including the Dallas Museum of Art, Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Oak Cliff Cultural Center, South Dallas Cultural Center and the Kalita Humphrey Theater, Bath House Cultural Center and Sammons Center would receive a little more than $14 million for renovations and upgrades.
Proposition G.
Here, about $32 million would go to renovations at Dallas Police Headquarters and seven police substations. Two fire stations would be replaced, and one new one would be built. Various station around the city would also receive some upkeep.
Proposition H.
If passed, Prop H would provide $18 million to the maintenance and rehabilitation of Dallas City Hall and various other city facilities around town. The West Dallas Multipurpose Center would receive $2.5 million for an expansion and electrical upgrades.
Proposition I.
If this one passes, the city’s general obligation funds dedicated to Dallas’ Economic Development would receive $55 million. This is basically money that the city uses to lure new businesses and developments to the city.
Proposition J.
Homeless assistance facilities around the city would receive $20 million to aid in dealing with chronic homelessness among the elderly, young adults and children. If you’ve been anywhere that isn’t all that posh around Dallas, you’ve likely seen Dallas’ homeless problem in person; the city’s homeless population grew by 21 percent in 2016, for those of you keeping score.