July 11, 2022—Repair and auto shop owners in Dallas, Texas, are reacting to a proposed city plan that would change the Oak Cliff neighborhood that they run their businesses in.
According to The Dallas Morning News, the city wants to establish Oak Cliff as a pedestrian-friendly zone. The draft plan was developed in March and mentioned that the city was considering banning automotive businesses, gas stations and drive-through restaurants and banks from the area.
However, a new draft from July 1 discusses considerations for instead limiting future businesses only. Businesses currently within the proposed planning area would be protected with this modification.
But shop owners are still concerned for the future. There is a fear that developments to come in the neighborhood would eventually force some businesses out that have been there for a long time, regardless of what the proposed plan suggests.
Gerardo “Jerry” Figueroa, owner of J & E Express Auto Service, previously ran petitions to garner support for the automotive businesses in the neighborhood. He has partnered with activist Albert Mata to raise more awareness about the plan. Both say that they don't believe there was enough community outreach done in the neighborhood, which is home to predominantly Latino families and businesses.
“I’m for things that make this side of Oak Cliff better for the people that live here and don’t try to cater to people they want to come in,” Mata said in the article.
Next steps for the plan involve it moving to the city's planning commission followed by review by city council for a final vote.
