Dallas, TX
Dallas’ unrealized potential
The great thing about a large city is that it has so much to offer and so much potential. It is capable of overcoming obstacles and challenges.
Sometimes it happens from inspired leadership, like Ron Kirk working with Ross Perot Jr. to turn a brownfield into, dare I say it, Victory.
Other times it occurs from the workings of wizened veterans deep in the bowels of City Hall, like former City Manager George Schrader.
I believe it can also occur from the public. A more demanding and voting public might spark and demand results, insisting on a brighter future.
A recent CommercialCafe report concluded that the city of Dallas has the most undeveloped land of any American city. Dallas boasts more than 33,000 parcels comprising 90,739 acres. The average parcel size is nearly 3 acres, making development possible.
The great majority of these tracts are south of Interstate 30. Industrial and distribution uses are most interested in these sites because of their access to the Inland Port. Political leadership at the city, however, has turned its back on such projects.
Even more problematic, these 3-acre sites do not lend themselves to the single-family, large lot preferences of appointed and elected officials and homeowners. These are urban infill projects that require specialized zoning that makes something out of nothing. Importantly, these have to be projects desired by the market — not something popular with neighbors.
Fort Worth finished second in the CommercialCafe study, with 74,835 acres of vacant land with an average size of 2.6 acres. I suspect Fort Worth, like plucky TCU, will get more out of less acreage than does Dallas.
Fort Worth’s can-do attitude, brisk process at the city, and pro-business mindset is attractive to infill projects.
The future is so bright for the metroplex we all may need to wear Deion Sanders-inspired shades. The two cities have more undeveloped land than do the rest of the top 20 American cities combined. For those who think the pace of growth in the metroplex has been fast, brace yourself because there is potential for much more.
Amazingly, in the recent citizen satisfaction study, Dallas citizens thought the pace of development was too brisk — despite losing significant population in the last census period. Dallas residents largely do not support change, but that’s what’s necessary to increase the tax base.
I was recently in a meeting with a legendary Dallas developer who actually lives in the city of Dallas. “It’s sad,” he commented about the state of affairs in Dallas, “because the city has so much potential.”
A lot of other real estate professionals are thinking the same thing.
When people travel, they may say, “I am from Dallas.” Once they get home, most of them scurry home to suburban places of greater opportunity and safety. Too few Dallas police or firefighters live in the city. Same with many other city employees I deal with. They live in suburban communities with smooth streets, safe neighborhoods and good services to go with lower taxes.
City employees not living where they work is like a restaurant the workers will not eat in, and that is a big problem. There’s a lot less skin in the game.
People do not want to live somewhere that will be nice in 20 years. The city of Dallas, big on potential, is not achieving now.
Texas will be the most populous state in the union by 2050. The next two decades seem destined to have various bursts of “Gone to Texas” from around the country. The cities that manage their land and get it into play will increase in population and prosperity. The region’s largest cities have a greater advantage of any American cities. Let’s insist that they fulfill this potential.
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
Dallas, TX
$1 million scratch off ticket sold in Dallas
Another North Texan has won $1 million in a Texas Lottery scratch-off game.
The Texas Lottery said Monday that a Dallas resident claimed the third of six million-dollar prizes in the $1,000,000 Crossword scratch-off game.
The ticket was purchased at Buckner Shell, located at 2438 S. Buckner Boulevard, in Dallas.
The winner, who asked to remain anonymous, now falls into the highest federal tax bracket of 37%. After paying $370,000 in federal taxes, they’ll take home $630,000. Texas does not have a state tax on lottery winnings.
The previous two winners in this game came from tickets bought in Wylie on Aug. 19, 2024, and in El Paso on July 15, 2024.
The biggest scratch-off game offered by the Texas Lottery is the $20 Million Supreme, with four grand prizes of $20 million each. Three of those tickets have been claimed, including one in February 2023 in Fort Worth. The other two winners are from Boerne and La Feria. One grand prize ticket remains unclaimed.
Dallas, TX
Dallas Cowboys Stock Watch: Week 18 risers & fallers
The Dallas Cowboys rolled out a roster more reminiscent of a preseason game than a Week 18 lineup, yet they still put up a good fight against the high-powered Washington Commanders.
Multiple players received opportunities they hadn’t gotten earlier in the season and thrived. In what could be the last game with the Cowboys for many players and coaches, there were still several positives to take away from an otherwise disappointing season.
In the Cowboys last game of the season here are the players or coaches who saw their stock rise or fall in week 18.
Dallas Cowboys’ top plays & highlights vs. Commanders Week 18
This is the first time a coach has made this list; however, it took the final game of the season to roll out a playbook that actually played to the strengths of the team. Where was this all season?
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results. It wasn’t until the last game that McCarthy finally stopped calling plays out of fear of the results.
The Cowboys offense struggled all season calling simple plays to avoid mistakes and ultimately found very little success. Simply not a good look for McCarthy as he heads into free agency.
Mike McCarthy opens up on future as fate uncertain following Cowboys’ season finale
After many hopeful Cowboys fans anticipated Jake Ferguson would produce another Pro Bowl-caliber season and establish himself as one of the league’s best tight ends, it has become unclear whether he is even the best tight end on the Cowboys.
Ferguson has shown little, if any, improvement over fellow Cowboys tight end Luke Schoonmaker. In the final game, Ferguson managed just two catches for 12 yards on four targets, while Schoonmaker recorded two catches for 16 yards on two targets.
Many fans expected Ferguson to earn a contract extension this offseason, but it’s looking increasingly likely that he may find himself in a new uniform in 2026.
DaRon Bland has not been the All-Pro player he was last year after suffering an injury and missing half the season. Today was perhaps his worst game, as he was frequently targeted and struggled to disrupt the Commanders’ passing attack.
His most glaring mistake came when he gave up the game-winning touchdown to Pro Bowler Terry McLaurin. Ironically, the play may benefit the team in the long run by helping them secure a higher draft pick. Nevertheless, it was a disappointing performance for the 2023 All-Pro.
After the Cowboys’ 2024 season became one to forget midway through, fans begged and pleaded for the team to give former first-round draft pick Trey Lance a chance to showcase his talent.
Their wish was granted in the final game of the season, and Lance did not disappoint. He completed 20 of 34 passes for 244 yards and added six carries for 26 yards.
Lance’s performance was a nostalgic reminder of Dak Prescott’s early years, when the Cowboys’ offensive game plan benefited from having an athletic quarterback. Unfortunately for the Cowboys, this will likely be the last time they play with an athletic quarterback for at least the next two seasons.
Similarly to Trey Lance, Cowboys fans have been eagerly waiting for the team to integrate Deuce Vaughn into the offensive game plan. Vaughn did not disappoint, racking up six carries for 37 yards at an impressive 6.2 yards per carry.
He showcased the explosiveness and versatility that made him one of the most dynamic college football players in recent memory. It was a breath of fresh air to see Vaughn receive meaningful touches in a competitive game, rather than in the context of a blowout loss or win.
Cowboys fans have become accustomed to otherworldly performances from Micah Parsons, to the point where they feel spoiled if he doesn’t put up significant numbers on a game-by-game basis.
However, in a season where the Cowboys often looked uninspired and lacked effort, no one has questioned Parsons’ dedication on the football field. In a game with no real impact on the Cowboys’ 2024 season, Parsons gave it his all, recording two and a half sacks and four total tackles.
— Enjoy free coverage of the Cowboys from Dallas Cowboys on SI —
4 takeaways from Cowboys’ embarrassing loss vs. Eagles
2 winners, 4 losers from Cowboys inexcusable loss to Eagles in Week 17
Cowboys projected to land enormous WR with ‘matchup-wrecking potential’
Latest news on Dallas Cowboys, Mike McCarthy contract extension talks
Former Dallas Cowboys superstar named Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist
Meet Reece Allman: Star of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Netflix doc
Dallas, TX
Dallas opens temporary inclement weather shelter in Fair Park
DALLAS — As the coldest air of the season moves into North Texas the city of Dallas has activated its temporary inclement weather shelter in Fair Park Sunday night to ensure hundreds of homeless Dallas residents can stay safe and warm.
More than 900 cots were set up inside the Grand Place building in Fair Park Sunday ahead of the arctic blast.
“Every year we see people that have had frostbite, we’ve had several people that we’ve known have passed away due to freezing temperatures it’s really lifesaving and critically important that we make this happen,” said Daniel Roby of the Austin Street Center.
The city of Dallas, the Austin Street Center, Our Calling, and countless other organizations partnered to open this shelter for the city’s most vulnerable. Volunteers will distribute blankets coats and three meals—and pets are welcome too. The SPCA and Dallas Animal Services have provided kennels and pet supplies.
“If you think your animal is a barrier to coming, please don’t. We will take care of you both but please please, please, come inside,” said Christine Crossley, the director of the Office of Homeless Solutions for the City of Dallas.
To make sure homeless residents come in from the cold, the Austin Street Center is operating the connector bus which will provide free transportation to the shelter from designated pick-up points around the city. While Dallas has reported a 19% decrease in homelessness since 2021 the city said there’s more to be done.
“Even though we are one of a handful I think about three municipalities in the nation that is actually decreasing homelessness in a time of national increase, you still don’t ever pat yourself on the back there’s always more work to do there’s always more people to help,” said Crossley.
If you see someone in Dallas in need of shelter, call 311 to get them help or direct them to the shelter located at the Grand Place in Fair Park.
For more information on the Dallas Fair Park shelter click here.
-
Health1 week ago
New Year life lessons from country star: 'Never forget where you came from'
-
Technology1 week ago
Meta’s ‘software update issue’ has been breaking Quest headsets for weeks
-
Business6 days ago
These are the top 7 issues facing the struggling restaurant industry in 2025
-
Culture6 days ago
The 25 worst losses in college football history, including Baylor’s 2024 entry at Colorado
-
Sports5 days ago
The top out-of-contract players available as free transfers: Kimmich, De Bruyne, Van Dijk…
-
Politics4 days ago
New Orleans attacker had 'remote detonator' for explosives in French Quarter, Biden says
-
Politics4 days ago
Carter's judicial picks reshaped the federal bench across the country
-
Politics2 days ago
Who Are the Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom?