Hal Barker and other neighborhood activists protested last year’s plans for temporary parking on the grasslands at Winfrey Point. They want to be in the know about other possible parking solutions at the Dallas Arboretum.
The Dallas Arboretum will discuss early schematic designs of a proposed parking garage on the east side of Garland at 6 p.m. Tuesday in Rosine Hall, but only three nearby homeowners’ associations are invited.
We received a forwarded email from White Rock Lake activist Ted Barker, alerting us to the issue. This is the first public design presentation on the potential project – a possible solution to last year’s controversy over the Arboretum’s parking overflow – and folks like Barker want to be in on it.
“As a voting member of the Arboretum and a longtime member of the community, I take umbrage with your denial of access,” his brother, Hal Barker, wrote in an email to John Armstrong, vice president of property development for the Dallas Arboretum. “Since I am a paying Arboretum patron, the parking garage directly affects me.”
Armstrong responded, reiterating that the meeting is not open to the public — it’s only a courtesy to the residents of Little Forest Hills, Forest Hills and Emerald Isle, which lie closest to the proposed project. City Plan Commissioner Gloria Tarpley also will be at the meeting to answer questions.
As we’ve reported, the Arboretum expects a huge surge in visitors and has considered options for expanded parking, with a stretch of Garland Road across from the main entrance, being the prime spot.
We will attend the Tuesday meeting and report back with more news next week.
Editor’s note: As promised, here’s that report.
