Vacant lots in south Dallas are giving way to affordable housing

A faith-based nonprofit in Dallas is working to build affordable housing on vacant lots in the southern part of the city, report Alison Saldanha and Aria Jones in The Dallas Morning News. The Cornerstone Community Development Corporation is developing an eight-unit townhome project on a vacant lot in south Dallas. 

According to J.H. Cullum Clark, director of the Bush Institute-Southern Methodist University Economic Growth Initiative, Dallas is a "clear underperformer" in building subsidized housing. "In six years, from 2017 to 2023, the construction of income-restricted apartments dropped more than 80% compared to the six-year period from 2010 to 2016, according to a report he published this January with Ashley Flores of Child Poverty Action Lab."

An analysis from Verdunity found that outdated zoning codes are blocking new housing development on vacant Dallas lots. "Prioritizing larger lot sizes and parking minimums had discouraged 'more buildable lots' and smaller and more affordable 'missing middle' housing options," the report adds. "In June, the city rezoned more than 3,300 acres in South Dallas based on a newly approved, localized land-use plan. Advocates believe this will bring in much-needed growth, protect neighborhood character and offer opportunities for missing middle housing."