$4 Million for this Shopping Center? Why?

(editors note: more comments on this subject (link and link)

(is this pork-fest tied into the shady zoning deal mentioned here? (link))

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I was reading the Dallas Morning News Article on the items that City Councilpeople want to add to the bond package.

I checked out the programs in the Southern Sector; one struck me in particular.

District 4: Marsalis Ann Arbor Shopping Center development, $3.7 million

In District 4, Maxine Thornton-Reese wants $3.7 million for the Marsalis Ann Arbor Shopping Center. This is not the most pressing need in Oak Cliff. There are other shopping centers that are much more important to District 4.

In a debate last year, Reese pledged to address the Lancaster-Kiest Shopping Center. This is the most pressing need. It is adjacent to DART 's Kiest station (map). That would line up with the comprehensive plan that was approved earlier this month.

It is across the street from the Fiesta Supermarket and is a focal point for the entire Oak Cliff area. What happened to that pledge? Was it just for votes?

I also read the City of Dallas Program Project Suggestion Forms. These are the ideas from the bond meetings as well as any e-mailed suggestions. No where was the Marsalis-Ann Arbor Center mentioned. The Lancaster Kiest shopping center was mentioned.

How was the conclusion reached to earmark nearly $4 million to this shopping center?

I doubt our questions will be answered.