We don't like your business -- you're outta' here!

The Dallas City Council has run amok! Woodard Paint & Body Shop, a family-owned business, has been on Ross Avenue since 1920. The Dallas City Council has decided they want to gussy up Ross, and the body shop no longer fits in with what they want to do. The family must close the shop within the next two years.

City Council Member Angela Hunt led the charge to close the shop. She said, "We are trying to change and transform this area." (Aside from being heartless, she's a bit redundant, too). Several council members were hesitant about the action. Sheffie Kadane said, "These folks are pioneers in our city. They are the folks who started our city. I think we need to give them the opportunity to see this area develop." Steve Salazar expressed concern about the city imposing a sort of eminent domain. But when the vote came, it was unanimous, following the council's "tradition of deferring to the wishes of the member whose district the business sits in." Why have a vote at all if you're going to do what one person wants? That's a sham and a shame! What happened to doing what's right?

Several citizens showed up to speak on the issue. Melanie Webster said, "The Woodards have known since 2005 that this day was going to come. They could move their business to a place that is legal, and the customers would follow." Why should they have the expense of moving their business to "a place that is legal" when they're already in a place that's been legal for the last 88 years? Think Melanie would feel the same if it was her business? Some said the Woodards have not maintained the property, allowing weeds to grow high in the lot and the paint to peel from the building. Then cite them for code violations and make them clean the place up! Sharon Smith said, "Ross Avenue east of Central is on the way to becoming a gateway to the new arts district." Well, lah-ti-dah! That doesn't give the city the right to change the rules on a business that's been there for 88 years!

I can fully understand denying zoning for a new business. I can fully understand requiring the Woodard's to comply with ordinances on weeds, clutter, and building maintenance. I can fully understand changing the zoning once the Woodard's decide it's time to close or move their business. What I don't understand is violating the Woodard's property rights because a bunch of do-gooders want to change Ross Avenue. The Woodard's today -- somebody else (maybe you) tomorrow!

"Ross Avenue body shope is denied special-use permit." The Dallas Morning News; August 14, 2008; p. 1B.