The Dallas City Council has taken the next step in its goal to bring a park to North Dallas near the former site of Valley View Center.
On Wednesday, the council voted to approve the purchase of a 1.84-acre property adjacent to the old Valley View Center for $11.3 million. The property at 13305 Montfort Drive currently houses a strip mall.
“The acquisition of this parcel will enable us to really begin to do some placemaking with the park, so it’s on its way,” said Council Member Jaynie Schultz, per NBC 5.
The entire 110-acre site for the rundown Valley View complex was only recently listed for sale after over a decade of setbacks. The Valley View Center has caused frustration for residents and officials, from issues of homelessness to concerns over the site’s environmental impact.
The motion to purchase the 1.84-acre property easily passed with 12 votes supporting the proposal and just two against it. Dallas Park and Recreation representatives also supported the city council’s decision to pursue the land purchase.
Council members Paul Ridley and Cara Mendelsohn cast the two opposing votes. Ridley said he opposed the purchase because it is too early for the city to proceed without first assessing what the overall Valley View site would eventually look like.
If all goes according to plan, the new park will anchor the 450-acre Dallas International District at Preston Road and Interstate 635. In an interview with NBC 5, Dallas Park and Recreation Assistant Director Ryan O’Connor said that with the vote passing, the city is one step closer to adding much-needed green space in this part of North Dallas.
“We don’t have any existing park land in this area. … The closest parks are not that close at all,” said O’Connor.