Half-built duplexes in Dallas’ historic Elm Thicket neighborhood could be demolished

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DALLAS – A historic district in Dallas is expected to soon find out whether half-built duplexes built in violation of the city’s zoning law will be allowed to remain or will be demolished.

The Dallas Board of Adjustment is forced to decide which state of affairs it is: the law that was actually in effect or the building permits that were issued in error.

It would be costly for developers to enforce the law. However, it would not go down well with the residents of the Elm Thicket, who fought for the zoning law in the first place.

Last month, the board told developers and the city to work out a compromise solution.

Neither side could reach an agreement.

Residents of Elm Thicket, also known as Ellum Thicket, have been working hard to implement zoning changes in 2022 after their neighborhood became overrun with large developments, leaving little green space, flat roofs and duplexes.

The case was widely publicized and many developers participated in the trial.

Then the city failed to update the map it used to issue permits, leading to dozens of permits being issued incorrectly.

The error was discovered in May, prompting the city to issue work bans.

There are still 19 structures in violation.

“This is one of the few remaining Freedman communities in Dallas. Ellum Thicket fought for the changes in PD67 to preserve the character and history of our neighborhood. In this whole mess, the neighborhood is the only one that has done everything right,” says Amelia Mimi. Perez, who lives nearby.

The developers say if they had to make the changes to their homes, they would be forced to demolish the buildings.

They claim the financial loss would put them out of business.

The Board of Adjustments has not yet begun discussing the two cases scheduled for Tuesday.

Another 17 cases will follow in the coming weeks.