Our district councilman Jerry Allen is at the center of a dispute over the use of federal grants that assist Dallas’ poorer neighborhoods, according to this report by the News‘ Rudolph Bush. Most of the city’s $20 million a year in CDBC (Community Development Block Grant) funds go to south Dallas, and a little to west Dallas, but none goes to the Northeast area of Dallas, or any other area for that matter.
The CDBG funding supports a variety of programs such as after-school care and beautification projects. Allen recently has been looking for all the help he can get making these types of improvements in Lake Highlands, which contains outstanding pockets of crime- and poverty ridden apartment communities — in fact I wrote a story touching on the topic for our March issue, which goes to press tomorrow. Allen has had success rallying community leaders, police and apartment owners for support. Responsible landlords have stepped up and expressed a desire to be a part of the move toward area improvement. I have no doubt that, if funds are available, Allen is willing to fight for them.
