[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6557204,"mediaKeyId","3310291-359faba0da240df5fbe0c54dbae8966b","parentId",3310291,"title","Walnut Hill residents urge city to close Merriman Parkway after years of gunfire; request sent to city manager's office","audioSeconds",154,"startMs",2324000,"endMs",2478000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3310291-359faba0da240df5fbe0c54dbae8966b&start=2324&end=2478","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3310291-359faba0da240df5fbe0c54dbae8966b/thumbnail_2324000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6557204/Dallas/Dallas-County/Texas/Walnut-Hill-residents-urge-city-to-close-Merriman-Parkway-after-years-of-gunfire-request-sent-to-city-managers-office","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6557204-b2781997890ed9a035e14b97fa7a55eb/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169457&Signature=e~PVMf0wkEEuUQ~DTMAEuoo8uE9dwSCnvQNZfve268fEjXwEZfhfuFpIFyfDP4b~imV6JO03av~YNSvYHj0genNuXIzXDssFyjm0hsOHs2DyPoLMCNYzMNvRujKsW3vz9NPSOPmqkM7yXSN4m-8bjADlCxK1THD5iZ~eqUBNnbYypNNeSEe-uIvvfxlPI4VxaCOs6Cd8WvSyKQfvjenCQ7WKzCTGr7zA7skJOst4mVHX4stPjceiS-ImR7ffyp2wPlbwsOjPmzYj7qHl3m349S7IjaugDgw9OdDPUFMvKxIYDGKhQbzPRHnT1z6IAAzfrytCS~vgegqyW8fiyDXKKg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Dallas","date","2025-05-14T00:00:00Z","article","(Truncated for brevity in summary) Residents from Merriman Park, speaking during open microphone at the May 14 Dallas City Council meeting, asked the council and city staff to close a segment of Merriman Parkway past the tennis courts and install a gated entrance to limit through‑traffic that they say has enabled repeated shootings behind homes.

A resident reported that, since 2020, the neighborhood has recorded nearly 900 gunshots and that bullets have struck houses and passed over backyards while children were playing. The neighborhood asked the city to install a gate that would allow emergency vehicle access while blocking regular through‑traffic.

Parks Department staff present said the Parks Department had approved installation of a gate and that Council District 10 had already allocated funds, but residents said they had not received timely responses from the city manager’s office or transportation staff and asked the mayor and council to help get a firm schedule.

City follow‑up: A staff member acknowledged the request and asked the resident to meet with staff; the council did not vote on an item related to the closure during the meeting. Residents said they would return to council if they could not get prompt follow‑up.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Dallas - City Council Agenda Meetings - May 14, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Residents told the Dallas City Council on May 14 that nearly 900 gunshots had been recorded near Merriman Parkway in the last two years and asked the city to close a stretch of roadway and install a gate to protect children playing nearby.","taxTitle","Dallas, Dallas County, Texas","taxId",2781,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6557209,"Residents urge Dallas City Council to stop water fluoridation; council does not take formal action",686,565000,1251000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3310291-359faba0da240df5fbe0c54dbae8966b&start=565&end=1251","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3310291-359faba0da240df5fbe0c54dbae8966b/thumbnail_565000.jpg","/articles/6557209/Dallas/Dallas-County/Texas/Residents-urge-Dallas-City-Council-to-stop-water-fluoridation-council-does-not-take-formal-action","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6557209-7b01b64ba64393ff4fccd6d5e4607267/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169457&Signature=XnH5fcYuba91m9aJRMpSKjyTW3LjuZ2JhbLDCjrhvG6NpVl-JfMqHTeUGsQcYcvrEvIB8AwfwV4kUarN8NwMKKPuBkF9krKiKg7F7uqLwNjAcFRnvW72P~y1RtPDZD~6j5odzMzNIv3JsaAcbuLZdLVMwUjSpfXA1UkdQlqnJqgHcvpZDIaZ4bvD-P5J6TCFxI~gbIY5YtHZ5o9EBCn8lznMhyy47rw2cDj9SRkvUP9Kds2llSO~Au3Rf4JHXBmSpMET64G~Dw2dD6SGyB-cJFGa8yt0ak0eR90sD0BajzvacF7knyP6f4b4tWMi8rP0j450~29X5ICrilcLDdPJAA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","During the public‑comment portion of the Dallas City Council meeting on May 14, multiple residents urged the council to stop adding fluoride to the city water supply. Speakers cited recent national news and local litigation in other cities and said the city should act promptly to remove the chemical from drinking water.

What speakers said: Joe Stokes and several others asked the council to oppose fluoridation, said state lawmakers had introduced related bills, and referenced an April resolution by the Dallas County Republican Party opposing fluoridation. Regina Imburgia and other regular public‑commenters cited media coverage and an Abilene judge’s decision and urged a council pause or reversal.

Council response: Council did not take up a motion or vote on fluoridation at the May 14 meeting. Staff and council members did not present a formal agenda item on the topic during the session; open‑mic comments were recorded for the public record and for staff follow‑up where appropriate.

Context: Commenters referenced an FDA announcement about ingestible fluoride prescription products for children; they also referenced legal actions in other Texas municipalities. Those are matters of state and federal regulation and court records; the council did not discuss any binding action in the meeting’s formal agenda.

Ending: Residents who oppose fluoridation may seek to return with additional petitions, or ask staff to place a formal item on a future agenda; no formal directive or hearing date on fluoridation was set at the May 14 meeting.","Multiple citizens used the open‑mic period to urge the Dallas City Council to halt fluoridation of the municipal water supply, citing recent FDA action and court rulings elsewhere. Council members listened but no ordinance, vote, or directive resulted during the meeting.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6557214,"Council approves lower price weighting for complex procurements to prioritize experience and reduce change orders",1060,3430000,4490000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3310291-359faba0da240df5fbe0c54dbae8966b&start=3430&end=4490","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3310291-359faba0da240df5fbe0c54dbae8966b/thumbnail_3430000.jpg","/articles/6557214/Dallas/Dallas-County/Texas/Council-approves-lower-price-weighting-for-complex-procurements-to-prioritize-experience-and-reduce-change-orders","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6557214-df41ece1f22f1304360f175fcd9a421f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169457&Signature=Xqvg8y00QLjjzBHgkLejdXUDkhj1qzZhpIuBqvfUfIy3VS2qiq0WcyO6YTcGhtZTacTGv2c7DbPvvBmR2FV4ORhdNLix-7tWtGQxSYNv3gx7i3Hky~IvbO29MPq7c6COrG5cRxbO9GuPAAETnSQ8OHqO~P7ryY6QRduCEF50ZuR8qcxO~h0F-s8YwqMZx~z37rzldr-vt78QK8KuYpgySdgdU3nR228rATVb3kOcExDrrkQQavRXs0F57eUg6pc9OEgMySBR2cyIGGyNGJJDmPu0u9sSY2uWE8AadrGEmZlhWzFYaH7bFHi-GprjlhO5iRW8N~hRaHivFFf9FkTqyA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Dallas City Council voted to allow department directors to use a lower price weight (as little as 36.9%) when using the Request for Competitive Sealed Proposals (RFCSP) procurement method for complex civil works projects. The change, prompted by Dallas Water Utilities and other infrastructure departments, is intended to emphasize contractor experience and technical approach in awards for specialized projects.

Why the change: Staff said lowering price weighting for RFCSPs can attract more experienced contractors, reduce large change orders, improve schedule adherence and reduce overall cost risk on complex projects. Council members and department leaders cited regional precedents (San Antonio Water Systems, Tarrant Regional Water District and El Paso Water) and described 40% as the practical “sweet spot” staff expects to use in many procurements.

Opposition and concerns: Some members, including Council Member Mendelson, raised fiscal concerns and asked how lowering the explicit weight on price would affect competitiveness and minority‑owned businesses. They urged safeguards to preserve transparency and to track results.

Data and oversight: City Manager Kimberly Tolbert and staff said the administration would return with metrics — including bid prices, number and size of change orders, and comparisons with private‑sector pricing — and would report these to council committees after a suitable trial period.

Council action: Council voted to adopt the new authority; the measure passed after discussion. Supporters said the policy will streamline procurement timelines and align with industry practices; opponents sought assurances and monitoring commitments.

Ending: The city will implement the change with an initial 40% preference target for certain utilities procurements and track performance metrics over time to decide whether further adjustments are warranted.","The Dallas City Council on May 14 approved a code change authorizing department directors to set price weight as low as 36.9% on requests for competitive sealed proposals for complex civil works, enabling more emphasis on qualifications, approach and experience.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6557219,"Council approves major parking‑code reforms aimed at easing development costs and encouraging walkable places",11020,0,11020000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3310291-359faba0da240df5fbe0c54dbae8966b&start=0&end=11020","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3310291-359faba0da240df5fbe0c54dbae8966b/thumbnail_0.jpg","/articles/6557219/Dallas/Dallas-County/Texas/Council-approves-major-parkingcode-reforms-aimed-at-easing-development-costs-and-encouraging-walkable-places","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6557219-f452d3cc71f3e2e138140a59e97e525b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169457&Signature=RrE09Ap1y4nuUm9GP-Jc3~mO1NcEk4R~fMQnkWEDZMxspjWQSSVdVhRHqBDPGlZryC6Ctq~vjDbHxKCx2Iw0SZtDofcx0bVaLagbelWKKYExu~rfama1k3sekTRVKeWR34-J5hNWp~SidQcrbitg9YuPO2RjWz-P1S7dtMsOQGPwhoDuaFCJCpTXWZVeJcNshqVxMWCymVHClwLb18isgHrM8SV6NKeIKx7OrcaVVy7uczLFVSRvkKMLDlWS-5QirSs43uzKmF1ewOJ2jGvr33GPVpjUZF6V3EeeyxQyt6Ijq7ENX66tPFgupfMzqFdUylisjwbOdmcLv1y9NkwrMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Dallas City Council voted 14–1 on May 14 to adopt a set of revisions to the city’s off‑street parking and loading rules, a package staff and advocates described as a phased, measured reform intended to lower development costs, support housing supply, and promote walkable, transit‑oriented development.

The ordinance updates Chapter 51A of the city code and relaxes minimum parking mandates for many uses across the city while retaining protections for single‑family neighborhoods and adding new bicycle parking standards. The council required the city manager to brief the council on implementation outcomes beginning in January 2027 and then every two years.

Key points: Supporters said the changes will reduce construction costs (parking structures can add tens of thousands of dollars per stall), free land for housing and small retail uses, and better align development rules with transit and walkability goals. Opponents — largely residents of low‑density neighborhoods — said the change risks pushing parking demand onto neighborhood streets where curb space and sidewalks are narrow.

Council action: The council approved the ordinance after a lengthy public hearing and a roll call recorded at 14 yes, 1 no. Council Member Tara Mendelson cast the lone no vote.

Major provisions (high level):
- Reduced or removed minimum parking requirements for many smaller commercial uses, small bars/restaurants and some multifamily types, in targeted zones; variances and special protections kept for certain areas.
- New bicycle parking standards and special parking regulations for transit corridors; DART requested a half‑mile station radius for removal of minimums and the council’s action aligned closely with staff recommendations and the economic development committee compromise.
- A required implementation review starting January 2027 and every two years thereafter so staff can report data on parking impacts, spillover, and housing outcomes.

Public testimony: Dozens of speakers — including neighborhood residents, developers, public‑interest organizations, health advocates and transit officials — presented testimony for and against the proposal. Supporters pointed to examples in other U.S. cities and cited data showing oversupply of parking around many commercial sites. DART urged the council to adopt a half‑mile radius around rail stations for reduced minimums to support transit‑oriented development.

What happens next: The city will publish implementation details, update permitting processes and monitor effects as required by the new ordinance. Council members asked staff specifically to track spillover parking, transit ridership connections, and housing affordability metrics and to report back on the issued schedule.

Ending: Supporters called the ordinance a pragmatic step toward more walkable, affordable neighborhoods; opponents urged caution and close monitoring to protect residential streets and customers who still rely on cars.","After years of study, the Dallas City Council on May 14 approved a compromise package that reduces or removes minimum off‑street parking requirements in many contexts, adds bicycle parking rules and a repeating review cycle for outcomes.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6557224,"Dallas council defers decision on concrete batch plant next to MoneyGram Park after hours of testimony",4622,7378000,12000000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3310291-359faba0da240df5fbe0c54dbae8966b&start=7378&end=12000","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3310291-359faba0da240df5fbe0c54dbae8966b/thumbnail_7378000.jpg","/articles/6557224/Dallas/Dallas-County/Texas/Dallas-council-defers-decision-on-concrete-batch-plant-next-to-MoneyGram-Park-after-hours-of-testimony","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6557224-d6ad8a8ba7262afc77b0c0eaa28e858d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771169457&Signature=O0y8Fr-SP6CCmRco4CEnBGvwaVFDogUgHZNuUStoZUeyKv8n2ZL7jZEAV-ByhtLYW1dJhbkvH00tHH9xj3lhbZ5xIdu8PHs-xRPJUgv~vz80lV0OZ0RismtauP-TAP4cTYjV0OWFVicH6q9aYE8UvBVhKRMELpSQQjpmzPS2vR5dQ0AH8F1OkDNhQiU5bOdZyEXBt74xBul6os1tiQZMMj1~pcyAWBmUJFD06x~9EaNi1satoGflHuBFFJZE9XMnyB4Y-ygtkUQfG8PVFAmBU8hn1G9PzztMML2J17opYPMQkIqm20-kjcWwdMzExiaVk-OCmz4FtDBbzTdGiyO1Sw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Dallas City Council on Wednesday deferred for two weeks a contentious zoning decision that would allow a concrete batch plant to locate within a concentrated cluster of industrial facilities near MoneyGram Soccer Park in northwest Dallas.

Supporters of the proposed site, including the applicant and several small‑business advocates, called the location part of an established industrial hub and argued the plant is needed to serve construction demand. Opponents — including parents, pediatricians, environmental advocates and park users — told the council the area already has dozens of permitted aggregate and batching facilities and said adding another plant could worsen air quality for children who use the nearby sports complex.

The council’s action halted an immediate vote after nearly three hours of formal public remarks and staff presentations. Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Adam Bazeldua moved to defer action to the council meeting on May 28 and to close the public hearing pending staff work; the motion passed.

Why it matters: Residents and health experts warned that fine particulate matter from batching and aggregate facilities can affect respiratory and cardiovascular health, and said children who exercise intensely at the soccer complex are especially vulnerable. Applicants and some council members said Dallas must balance environmental concerns with the need for local materials, which reduces trucking and supports construction schedules.

What speakers said: Catherine Guerra, chair of the city’s Environmental Commission, summarized a review of local permits and enforcement records and told council members the area already had “18 already permitted aggregate facilities within a one‑mile radius” and that “there is simply no margin for error” given the proximity to the park.

Multiple pediatricians and public‑health advocates told the council that particulate pollution can trigger asthma attacks and reduce lung development in children.

By contrast, small‑business supporters noted the applicant is a locally owned company and said the industry cluster is longstanding; several speakers argued zoning should follow the city’s industrial‑hub mapping in ForwardDallas.

What the council asked staff to do: Several council members said they wanted staff to return in two weeks with options that address the practical realities in the area — including how multiple existing permitted facilities are managed and whether additional mitigation, monitoring, or redevelopment measures could reduce risk. Councilmembers cited the need for a cross‑departmental plan involving Parks, the Office of Environmental Quality & Sustainability, Code Compliance, and Economic Development to outline enforceable mitigation measures and timing.

Status and next steps: The council deferred final action to May 28 to give staff time to prepare additional analysis and proposals. The applicant remains permitted to pursue other approvals required by city code but will not receive a zoning decision until the council reconvenes the matter.

Ending: The deferral leaves the issue unresolved but signals the council wants a clearer, multi‑department response that reconciles ForwardDallas industrial policy with the city’s investments in the MoneyGram athletic complex.","The City Council on May 14 deferred a zoning decision on a proposed concrete batch plant near MoneyGram Soccer Park after hours of public testimony from residents, medical experts and business owners. Council members asked staff for a two‑week period to produce a plan for how industrial uses and the park could coexist.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Walnut Hill residents urge city to close Merriman Parkway after years of gunfire; request sent to city manager's office

Residents urge Dallas City Council to stop water fluoridation; council does not take formal action

Council approves lower price weighting for complex procurements to prioritize experience and reduce change orders

Council approves major parking‑code reforms aimed at easing development costs and encouraging walkable places

Dallas council defers decision on concrete batch plant next to MoneyGram Park after hours of testimony