Dr. Myrna Dartson
Special Contributor
“The secret to success is constancy of purpose.”
Benjamin Disraeli
More than a year has passed since I last contributed a column to Daltxrealestate.com, detailing the crucial efforts my neighbors and I have undertaken to safeguard the rich history and preserve the unique character of the Elm Thicket/Northpark (ETNP) neighborhood. ETNP stands as a testament to resilience and heritage, being one of several historic Freedmen’s communities scattered across Dallas. These neighborhoods represent vital chapters in the city’s narrative, born from the aspirations of formerly enslaved individuals seeking to build new lives and communities.
As a proud legacy resident, my roots run deep in ETNP. This neighborhood is not just a place I reside; it’s the only home I’ve ever truly known, where I was raised and where I continue to live. My father, like countless other legacy families in ETNP, exemplified incredible dedication, often working two demanding jobs to afford the very home where my mother still lives today. It was a common story within our community for both spouses to work tirelessly, often holding multiple positions, simply to provide a stable foundation for their families. For generations, ETNP has proudly served as an accessible and affordable neighborhood, offering essential workforce housing that has allowed countless families to thrive and contribute to the fabric of Dallas.
Preserving the Soul of Elm Thicket/Northpark: A Call to Action
Over the past 12 months, the collective voice of my neighbors and I has grown louder and clearer: Elm Thicket/Northpark is a community profoundly worth saving. This concerted effort culminates in a critical vote before the Dallas City Council on October 12th, where proposed zoning changes are set to be reviewed. These changes are meticulously crafted to introduce sensible limitations on lot coverage and structure height, and to mandate the incorporation of traditional hip-and-gable roofing styles on a minimum of 90 percent of the roof area for all new constructions within ETNP. These aren’t arbitrary rules; they are deliberate measures designed to protect the very essence of our traditional neighborhood against unchecked development.
Consider the stark contrast: currently, on a standard 50-by-150-foot lot, developers possess the leeway to erect an immense, two-story structure spanning up to 6,750 square feet, towering 36 feet high, and often topped with a stark, flat roof. This architectural style, characterized by its monolithic presence and often minimalist design, fundamentally clashes with the charming, human-scale aesthetic that defines our historic neighborhood. The influx of such imposing structures has begun to erode the visual harmony and sense of place that residents have treasured for decades.
Upon the approval and implementation of the proposed zoning changes, builders will still be able to construct substantial homes; on that same 50-by-150-foot lot, a two-story home of up to 5,250 square feet will be permitted. While still a generous size, this reduction is significant, offering a more balanced approach to development. It is crucial to dispel any misconceptions: the ETNP neighbors who champion these zoning adjustments are not attempting to dictate personal taste or halt progress entirely. Our intent is neither to micro-manage architectural aesthetics nor to stifle all new construction. Instead, our unwavering message is that these excessively massive, often “futuristic” or starkly modern homes simply do not align with, and actively detract from, the established character and community feel of Elm Thicket/Northpark. We seek harmony, not homogeneity; preservation, not prohibition.
Six years prior, our then-councilman, Adam Medrano, with commendable foresight, acknowledged the profound importance of ETNP – not only as a historically significant Black neighborhood but also as a vital anchor for maintaining affordable workforce housing across the city. This recognition spurred the City of Dallas to engage directly with our community, guiding us through the comprehensive Neighborhood Plus Target Area initiative. This was a pivotal moment, as for what felt like the very first time, the city actively sought out the perspectives of people of color, asking us what we envisioned for the future of our cherished neighborhood.
During a series of productive meetings and workshops, the homeowners of ETNP spoke with a unified voice. Our primary desire was clear: any new construction within the neighborhood should respectfully conform to the traditional architectural styles and scale already prevalent. To translate these voiced aspirations into actionable policy, the city wisely recommended initiating an authorized hearing process, a formal mechanism to explore and implement necessary zoning modifications.
Our commitment to this cause has been unwavering and consistent. We diligently followed every recommendation put forth by the city, demonstrating remarkable patience as we waited four long years for official action on our case. In the fall of 2020, the ETNP Authorized Hearing Steering Committee was formally established. This dedicated committee comprised eight committed ETNP homeowners, two local commercial business owners, and a former city plan commissioner who had previously served ETNP during the Neighborhood Plus program. The committee convened an impressive 13 times, meticulously reviewing community input and formulating comprehensive recommendations, which were then submitted to the city’s Planning and Urban Design department for expert consideration.
The seasoned professionals within the department thoroughly reviewed our recommendations, making thoughtful adjustments where appropriate, and subsequently presented their own refined proposals. Crucially, the senior planner assigned to our case demonstrated an exceptional level of dedication, spending three full days in ETNP conducting extensive listening sessions, ensuring every voice was heard and understood. It is undeniable that the City of Dallas and its representatives have gone above and beyond to support and advocate for ETNP. This collaborative effort culminated in a significant victory when the City Plan Commission unanimously approved the proposed changes in August, a testament to the compelling case presented and the consistent advocacy of the community.
Despite facing considerable adversity, including unwarranted racial and personal attacks from those who oppose these necessary changes, the legacy neighbors of ETNP have remained steadfast in their purpose and resolute in their commitment. Their resilience in the face of such challenges only underscores the profound importance of this fight for their community’s future.
A Question of Harmony: When New Doesn’t Fit Old
My journey over these past 12 months has illuminated a crucial truth: ETNP is not an isolated case in its struggle against the encroachment of enormous, non-traditional homes that irrevocably alter and often ruin the character of established neighborhoods. The widespread sentiment is palpable across various digital forums, including the Nextdoor app, where both newer ETNP residents and neighbors in adjacent communities like Devonshire frequently voice their deep concern and dismay. They lament how this particular brand of massive, out-of-scale construction severely detracts from the cherished aesthetic and visual cohesion of their traditional neighborhoods. It’s a recurring narrative of rapid development clashing with enduring community identity, creating visual disharmony that impacts daily life.
Our ongoing zoning case has been colloquially dubbed the “biggest downzoning case in the city,” a label that, while perhaps catchy, barely scratches the surface of its true significance. For the legacy residents of ETNP, the last three years have been nothing short of a profound “downzoning of our quality of life.” The impacts are tangible and deeply personal: neighbors residing in modest cottages now find their privacy severely compromised by towering new constructions. Windows that once offered expansive views of the open sky now stare directly into imposing, 36-foot walls. Furthermore, the disregard for proper construction practices by some builders has led to critical issues like inadequate drainage, resulting in damaging runoff into our backyards. These are not minor inconveniences; they are daily infringements on the peace, comfort, and fundamental well-being of long-term residents.
Yet, through every challenge, every setback, and every moment of frustration, the legacy residents of ETNP have maintained an unwavering consistency. We responded diligently when the City of Dallas first reached out, asking what we envisioned for our future. The City of Dallas not only heard our concerns but actively engaged with us, guiding and assisting us every step of the way to reach this pivotal juncture. The time has now come for the Dallas City Council to honor its implicit promise and formally approve these crucial proposed zoning changes. We have demonstrated immense patience, diligently followed all prescribed processes, and waited with steadfast hope for this moment. Our future, and the preservation of our cherished community, rests in their hands.
The profound wisdom of Benjamin Disraeli’s full quote resonates deeply with our journey and determination:
“The happiness you are searching for comes through reflecting on the worthy aims you are dedicated to achieving and then taking action daily to advance them.”
For the past year, guided by this very principle, the neighbors of ETNP – those who profoundly love our community for its indelible history and its vibrant people – have been tirelessly taking action, each and every day, to ensure these proposed zoning changes are finally approved. Our dedication stems from a collective belief in a “worthy aim”: the preservation of a unique heritage and a vibrant future for Elm Thicket/Northpark.
I have never felt a stronger bond with my neighbors. We have fostered an incredible network of communication, keeping each other meticulously informed of every development and challenge. We have watched out for one another, offering practical support and emotional solace. We have extended comfort and encouragement to our beloved elderly legacy residents, whose spirits are as strong as ever, though their bodies may no longer permit them to join us door-knocking or attending long meetings. Their wisdom and stories are our bedrock, and their desire to see ETNP preserved fuels our resolve.
The mantle of responsibility now rests firmly with the Dallas City Council. It is their moment to fulfill the promise of equitable development, to respect the democratic process, and to recognize the profound and consistent efforts of a community fighting for its very soul. By approving these vital zoning changes, they will empower us to truly Save Elm Thicket/Northpark, securing its legacy for generations to come and demonstrating a commitment to preserving the diverse tapestry of Dallas’s neighborhoods.
Dr. Myrna Dartson is a distinguished legacy resident whose family has been an integral part of the Elm Thicket/Northpark community for nearly six decades. She is a highly respected licensed psychologist who shares a thriving private practice in Dallas with her identical twin sister, serving the community with dedication and expertise.