Lobbyist and Cedar Springs PID proponent Michael Hendrix, center,
with state Rep. Rafael Anchia, left, and the Rev. Dennis Ward, Irving mayor pro tem
LANDRY RHODES | Contributing Writer
larhodes1999@gmail.com
A new bill introduced in the Texas House aims to revitalize one of Dallas’ most iconic neighborhoods by designating part of the Oak Lawn area as a public improvement district.
This bill, if passed, would bring parts of Cedar Springs Road, Maple Avenue, and Lemmon Avenue under a newly proposed Public Improvement District. It would allow for local business and property owners in the district’s jurisdiction to provide dedicated funding for neighborhood improvements including safety patrols, infrastructure improvements and promotional materials.
Lobbyist Mike Hendrix, who led efforts to introduce the bill after a heavy public safety campaign, said the measure represents a long-overdue investment in the neighborhood’s well-being.
“I am honored to help bring such an important piece of legislation to fruition,” Hendrix said.
“The Cedar Springs Improvement District will help bring vital funding to our community, and we will ensure that business leaders and residents alike will have a strong voice in how their community revenue is spent.”
Hendrix began work on creating the improvement district after Nazi protesters showed up at his church, the Cathedral of Hope, and it took an hour before police arrived. After sharing his story, he found that several other business owners had faced similar situations, and he decided that something needed to be done.A group of business owners came together with Hendrix to fight SB 12 in the Senate in the last session, and, with the work of Capitol Voice Consulting and the Cedar Springs Merchants Association, the group has been hard at work at the Capitol meeting with legislators to promote bills, such as this improvement district, to support the arts and commerce of queer communities.
Community members have since voiced strong support for the proposal, describing it as a critical step toward solving persistent problems in the neighborhood including homelessness and public safety concerns.
State Rep. Rafael Anchia said, “Residents, business owners and opinion leaders have come together to advocate for improved public safety, and infrastructure in Oak Lawn/ Cedar Springs, [and] the Cedar Springs improvement district will allow the community to invest locally and exercise more control over its destiny.”
Mikey Nguyen, owner of multiple business ventures including the Caven portfolio, has said he supports the bill as a means for providing residents in the Oak Lawn community an avenue to more adequately address important issues such as safety, the unhoused and beautification.
“It’s truly encouraging to see our community come together to address the issues that matter most to us here in Oak Lawn — things like feeling safe, caring for our neighbors experiencing homelessness, and making our neighborhood even more beautiful,” Nguyen said.
“As someone who grew up in the area and is deeply invested in this community, I truly believe this bill offers a real opportunity for those of us who live and work here to have a greater say in shaping our future,” he added.
An improvement district is not a new idea in the Oak Lawn area. The Oak Lawn Hi Line PID, centered in the design district of Dallas, was created by the city in 2009, with graffiti and litter cleanup designated as one of the district’s highest concerns. But, advocates note, the improvement district would allow for funds to go to services that meet the specific needs of the community beyond just cleanup and safety.
Other improvement districts created through similar legislative procedures have used their funds to improve local area parks and road maintenance, making areas more walkable and accessible by transportation other than cars. “Enhancing Oak Lawn’s beauty and culture, as well as adding to its safety, is something we can all get behind,” said Wesley Smoot, founder of the Unleashed LGBTQ Festival.
Local resident Susan Parker said she feels that the neighborhood has been neglected by city leaders in the past, and she is excited for this new improvement district to help showcase the neighborhood.
“I’ve seen how all of the unhoused and crime in my area have been ignored for years,” Parker said. “I think this bill will give us the access to funding we need to really show the world the beauty Cedar Springs has to offer.”
The bill has not yet been heard in committee, but residents and business owners remain hopeful it will pass in this session.
“Dallas is a city people love to visit, and it’s so important that everyone who comes to Oak Lawn feels safe and truly welcome.” Nguyen said. “What I love about the spirit of this bill is that it empowers us, the people who are here day in and day out, to have a genuine voice in the direction our community takes and how it grows.
“It’s about all of us working together to make Oak Lawn the best it can be.”