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Oct 1, 2007 7:43 pm US/Central
Indictments Raise Concern For South Dallas' Future
by Clif Caldwell
DALLAS (CBS 11 News) ―
In terms of development, people generally accept that the southern sector of Dallas has generally lagged behind its northern counterparts.
But after the FBI probe on Dallas City Hall, people are now questioning how much former Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Don Hill and former Councilman James Fantroy actually accomplished.
Both councilmen were in office for some time and worked on a number of projects.
The old Red Bird terminal has a new terminal and is now called the Dallas Executive Airport.
A 'Don Hill for Mayor' website touts an increased tax base, including several shopping areas.
The University of North Texas built its first Dallas campus. Officials say Fantroy pushed to improve Houston School Road, which leads to it.
"You don't' find many public universities on meandering country roads," said UNT spokesperson Gregg Tomlin. "What's necessary for a large public university to thrive is sufficient infrastructure."
But many people who spoke to CBS 11 said the inequities between north and south Dallas are still obvious, and they are concerned for the future of their neighborhood.
Retail services are sketchy, and basic city services are still below standards.
However, some south Dallas residents say they don't lay all the blame on Hill or Fantroy.
"We need to be more involved and find out exactly what these people are doing," said voter Latonia Allen.
Monday, city leaders assembled for a news conference to address concerns.
Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert said the new council is working for a better tomorrow. "We're going to have to put this behind us," he said. "All of us are focused on the future."
(CBS 11 News)
