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Dallas, TX
Dallas considers combining bigger, regional libraries with housing, retail projects
Dallas leaders are exploring ways to combine new regional libraries with affordable housing and community spaces.
City staff presented the Quality of Life, Arts and Culture Committee on Monday with early concepts for two library projects. The North Oak Cliff library, in District 1 in southern Dallas, and the Park Forest library, in the north side’s District 13, could serve as a mixed-use developments with housing, public amenities and updated library facilities.
The new libraries will be open longer hours and have expanded services, city officials said.
City Library Director Manya Shorr said the North Oak Cliff project will replace an existing library on the same site, while Park Forest will relocate to a new parcel. Both projects are still in early design and financial testing phases, and staff plan to return with more detailed recommendations, including development structures and revenue-sharing options.
The city closed the Skillman Southwestern Library weeks ago and plans to shut down four more in its move to a regional model.
Consultants from CBRE, a commercial real estate services and investment firm, and city staff presented findings and potential models based on case studies from other cities across the country where libraries have been combined with housing or retail.
Each of the reference projects included affordable housing, with some also offering senior or market-rate units and shared amenities, such as youth spaces, job training centers or creative studios.
According to consultants, the next phase of planning will focus on testing design options against financial feasibility.
Park Forest Branch
At the Park Forest site, the team is considering whether the project could include senior housing, an option they noted may be more readily accepted by surrounding neighborhoods. They also cited the need for additional zoning consultation as the concept moves forward.
Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Gay Donnell Willis, who represents the district where the library is located, expressed enthusiasm for combining libraries with housing, calling it “a way to adapt what might be right for the neighborhood and the city overall.”

Preliminary plans for the Park Forest Branch Library in Dallas presented during the Quality of Life, Arts and Culture committee on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025.
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She emphasized that the project should remain centered on the library’s mission while exploring how a residential component might help generate revenue for ongoing operations.
Committee members discussed potential funding models, including partnerships through the city’s Housing Finance Corporation or the Public Facility Corporation, which could help leverage affordable housing incentives. They also raised questions about Senate Bill 840, a new state law affecting development height and proximity standards, noting that staff will need to assess its implications for both sites.
North Oak Cliff Branch
Council member Chad West, who represents North Oak Cliff, underscored the importance of community design, including access to green space and outdoor gathering areas. He noted that the surrounding area is considered a park desert and one of the city’s heat islands.
“There needs to be, even if it’s small, some type of incorporated green space,” West said.
Council members voiced broad support for continuing the work, while emphasizing transparency with residents, maintaining the character of the neighborhoods and a clear focus on the libraries themselves.
Preliminary plans for the North Oak Cliff Branch Library in Dallas presented during the Quality of Life, Arts and Culture committee on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025.
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The next Quality of Life, Arts and Culture committee will be on Nov. 17 at 9 a.m.
Dallas, TX
Abbott is ramping up protection across Texas after Iran airstrikes
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has directed the Department of Public Safety and the Texas National Guard to increase protection at key state sites following U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran.
Abbott issued a statement Saturday supporting the military action, writing “Texas stands with President Trump in sending a clear message to Iran: its aggression toward American and the West will no longer be tolerated.”
The governor said he directed DPS and the Texas National Guard to ramp up surveillance and patrols at energy facilities, ports and southern border.
“Texas is working closely with our federal partners to protect Texans and our critical assets from potential threats of retaliation,” Abbott said.
In a post on X, the Texas National Guard announced its activation of service members.
Iran has retaliated by firing attacks toward Israel and U.S. military bases in the Middle East.
Across the U.S., law enforcement has stepped up patrols at sensitive areas, including houses of worship and diplomatic sites.
Security expert Eric Jackson, who retired as Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas FBI field office, said law enforcement would be analyzing intelligence closely for potential threats at home.
“These types of matters bring out the best in the [FBI],” said Jackson. “Everybody’s working hard and everybody’s focused on protecting the homeland.”
Dallas, TX
Insider Reveals Dallas Cowboys’ Upcoming Plans With Anthony Hill Jr.
The Dallas Cowboys may not have met formally with Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. at the NFL Combine, but their interest in the Longhorns’ defender is still worth watching.
Earlier this week, it was revealed by Dallas Cowboys’ beat writer Clarence Hill Jr. that Dallas has intentions to schedule a private dinner with Hill Jr. ahead of Texas’ pro day.
Currently, the Texas linebacker is rated the No. 5 linebacker and the No. 34 prospect in this year’s draft class.
Texas LB Anthony Hills Jr did not have a formal meeting with the Cowboys at the combine but a private dinner is planned before the Texas pro day, per source
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) February 25, 2026
The Cowboys have made it abundantly clear that they are keeping their eyes on the elite prospects coming from the state of Texas.
Not only did the organization meet with Longhorns’ linebacker Trey Moore earlier this week, but it has also spent time with multiple Texas A&M prospects during the pre-draft process.
Why Anthony Hill Jr. Makes Sense for Dallas
Hill Jr. makes plenty of sense for Dallas because of the kind of speed, range, and physicality he brings to the second level of a defense. Across three years at Texas, the linebacker totaled just under 250 tackles, 31.5 tackles for a loss, and 17.0 sacks. He also forced eight fumbles, deflected seven passes, and caught three interceptions during his time in Austin as well.
With that kind of résumé at the collegiate level, it’s no wonder why the Cowboys have shown great interest in Hill Jr. While they may not have formally met with him before the NFL Combine, the organization’s willingness to schedule a dinner the Texas linebacker says plenty about the level of respect it has for his game.
There are many mock drafts that have Hill Jr. going in the first round of this year’s draft. He’s projected an early second-round pick, but his versatility and well-rounded physical traits set him apart from most defensive prospects.
He also set himself apart from the other linebackers in this draft cycle by running a 4.51-second 40-time at the NFL Combine earlier this week. Ohio State’s Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles both ran a 4.46-second 40-yard dash, while TCU’s Kaleb Elarms-Orr recorded an impressive time of 4.47 seconds.
The private dinner gives the Cowboys a chance to learn more about Hill Jr. away from the football field. While the Texas linebacker has the tangibles to be an instant playmaker for any NFL franchise, it seems that Dallas is looking to learn more about his personality before the Texas Longhorns’ pro day.
Last year, Texas’ Pro Day took place on March 25, giving NFL teams one final chance to watch the Longhorns’ draft prospects go through drills and interviews in Austin.
Dallas, TX
Letters to the Editor – Three Cheers for a Plano fire station, Dallas Parks & Rec, voting
1 Plano No. 5 fire station paramedics — I thank God for the paramedics at Plano No. 5 fire station. On Sunday after services, my wife of 46 years had a severe heart attack. The 911 call brought six great men who quickly got my wife to the excellent Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital and saved her life.
I am so grateful to not only live here in Plano, but that the Lord is not done with Donna yet.
Anton Skell, Plano
2 Dallas Park and Recreation teams — On behalf of all the bikers, joggers and walkers along the White Rock Creek trail, a special thanks to the Dallas Park and Recreation teams that clean all the goo and muck off the trail after a heavy rain.
This is particularly an issue at the White Rock Creek and Cottonwood Creek low water crossing as mud several inches thick accumulates along about a foot-long swath of the trial, making it incredibly slippery and unsafe.
However, like clockwork, we can count on a team from Park and Rec with their front-end loader, shovels and squeegees to clear the path within 24 hours or so. Appreciate all the work!
Ron Carey, North Dallas
3 DMN voting recommendations — Thank you for the time and energy that you spend vetting the candidates and making your recommendations. I take your thoughts seriously and am grateful for the information you provide.
I hope you continue to provide this valuable service. It’s needed and appreciated.
Alice Gant Coder, Dallas
We welcome your thoughts in a letter to the editor. See the guidelines and submit your letter here.
If you have problems with the form, you can submit via email at letters@dallasnews.com
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