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Aug 12, 2009 9:45 pm US/Central
Ray Road Rebel Fights Dallas City Hall
DALLAS (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
On the outskirts of South Dallas, where horses roam the range, there's a tiny road that time forgot that leads to a man who hopes the city won't forget him.
"Our road is planned to be abandoned by the city," explained Jim Dodd.
Dodd lives on Ray Road, which was built in 1848. Dodd's house was built in 1905. He lives there with his wife, their son and his grandchildren; not to mention a goose, a donkey and a few dogs.
The Dodd's and their unique collection of pets are the last living souls on Ray Road. "At this point, I really have nothing to lose. I may gain something, but it's my last shot," he said.
That 'last shot' will be fired Thursday at a public hearing before the Dallas Plan Commission. The commission has all but cleared the way to build a massive warehouse district in Dodd's peaceful surroundings.
"We're going to have 650 trucks per day coming down the road. One hundred twenty during the morning rush. One hundred twenty during the afternoon rush," claimed the retired roofer.
Dodd says eliminating Ray Road will leave his family no way in or out.
The city plans to build a bigger and better street in place of Ray Road. But there's one problem according to Dodd - the new road will sit just 60 yards from his house. "At least move it far enough west; about 130 feet to give us some sense of privacy and save our trees along the property line."
There is also a bit of history to consider. The family says their ancestors donated land to build an all-black school in 1891. The school is long gone, but the well that provided water to the students remains to this day.
The Dodd's fear the well will also be lost to developers that he says are far too eager to forget the past. "Basically, when you're on your own, you do what you can. That's what I'm going to try to do; the best I possibly can."
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