Planning commission unanimously backs Mill Site concept plan, urges council to adopt by resolution

The City of Dallas Planning Commission on Thursday, June 12, unanimously voted to recommend that the City Council adopt the Mill Site Area Redevelopment Plan (MSARP) as a concept plan by resolution, advancing a proposal that centers on relocating and daylighting Ash Creek, creating a new east–west street, and preserving large industrial parcels while adding commercial frontage and limited residential uses.

The recommendation matters because the proposed creek relocation and street connection are designed to reduce chronic flooding on the mill site, unlock buildable parcels, and create new public open space and multiuse trail connections that proponents say would support economic development and tax revenue.

Consultant Jim Henke, who led the presentation for the consultant team, summarized the plan’s five objectives as land-use and transportation guidance, a balanced transportation system, housing and employment support, enhanced community character and natural features, and honoring the mill site’s historical context. Henke said the project team recommends “go big with the Ash Creek relocation. Don’t think small,” arguing the creek realignment is central to unlocking the site’s redevelopment potential.

The plan preserves a significant area of industrial zoning along the Birch Street rail corridor on the north side of the property while introducing a new east–west street paralleling the relocated creek and fronted by commercial uses.…