The lowdown on what’s up with neighborhood businesses

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Debate on boathouse

Dallas United Crew received approval from the City Council to proceed with its $4 million White Rock Lake boathouse project., despite objections from The Peninsula Neighborhood Association, which encompasses a group of homes near the east shore of the lake. Those residents recently came out unanimously against the project, citing, in a letter to the council, increased traffic and parking near the lake, as well as the possibility that approving this construction opens the door for “future commercialization” of the lake. To hear the Advocate’s podcast with those spearheading the project, search “Podcast boathouse”.

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Skillman-Church land redevelopment

Lake Highlands resident Stephen Davis of MasterPlan Development has won the city plan commission approval to re-plat nearly 10 acres of land at Skillman-Church and turn it into single-family homes. Prescott Realty Group, developer of the Lake Highlands Town Center, and Forest Meadow Baptist Church, which is selling a portion of its acreage, owns the land now. Bill Blaydes, who is representing Davis in the purchase, says if the sale goes through, the land would become 37 single-family detached homes. Davis is a 14-year Lake Highlands resident, and his company has developed a number of residential communities in the Dallas suburbs, ranging in size from 10 acres to 870 acres.

Gina’s Organic Kitchen

Gina Paterno Villalobos plans to open Gina’s Organic Kitchen soon in the former Zac’s Café (and before that John’s Café) spot. Villalobos turned to wholistic nutrition after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Now she is a Kushi Institute-trained chef and a healthy living coach. The menu at Organic Kitchen will feature superfoods — the nutrient-rich foods touted by Oprah and Dr. Oz for their healing properties. Examples include quinoa salad, soups, shrimp pesto, free-range proteins, salmon, quiche, wraps, desserts, muffins, cookies and the list goes on. The food here will be slow-cooked, from scratch, but the owner says ordering will be easy as pie. Delivery, take out and dine in options will be available.

Gina’s Organic Kitchen, 10870 Plano, 214.702.5685, ginasok.com

 

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Laura Walters Abrams' sculpture

Laura Walters Abrams’ sculpture is on display at Lake Highlands Town Center.

The Lake Highlands Town Center installed sculptures by artists Laura Walters Abrams and James LaPaso. The installation was made possible by a joint effort by the Prescott Realty Group, the City of Dallas’ Department of Economic Development and the Office of Cultural Affairs Public Art Program.

Lake Highlands Town Center, 7160 Skillman, lakehighlandstowncenter.com

 

Dance and More has moved to the Plaza Bank Center on Skillman. The owner, Lake Highlands resident Gina Baker, will offer ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, modern, creative movement, mom and tot, adult ballet, Zumba and birthday parties at the new location. Dance and More will also hold summer dance camps.

Dance and More, 9090 Skillman, suite 299A, 214.221.1467, danceandmoredallas.com

 

Goodfriend Beer Garden and Burger Bar has now been serving up beer and burgers for one year.

Goodfriend Beer Garden and Burger House, 1154 Peavy, 214.324.3335, goodfrienddallas.com

 

Lake Highlands garden shop Brumley Gardens opened its second store in Oak Cliff’s Bishop Arts in October.

Brumley Gardens, 10540 Church, 214.343.4900, brumleygardens.com