Externally Focused at Watermark

ACT (Advocates for Community Transformation) from Reid Porter on Vimeo.

The boarded up structure at 4020 Esmalda embodied the challenge facing many West Dallas neighborhoods: a forgotten home, neglected to the point of ruin that had become a safe harbor for drug dealers.

Living in the same block were three families with young children. The Arredondos worried that their children would be injured by the rotting, failing structure. The Ibarras and the Gonzalezes would not let their children walk alone past 4020 Esmalda for fear of the strangers and perceived illegal activities.

Sensitive to the situation, ACT stepped forward to provide a voice for these families. Partnering with legal counsel from the law firm, Baker Botts, ACT assisted these three families to locate and negotiate with the property owner, Gloria Mabry, and take necessary steps to improve the situation and the safety of the neighborhood. After several unanswered attempts to engage the property owner, a lawsuit was filed. This lawsuit prompted Ms. Mabry to discuss the condition of her property with her neighbors and ACT. What an encouragement to all when Ms. Mabry expressed the same concerns as her neighbors; she worried for the safety of those living around her abandoned house. Ms. Mabry was not a recalcitrant, unconcerned owner but in fact a long-time former resident of West Dallas who wanted to participate in the community’s revitalization and move back into the community!

The case against Ms. Mabry quickly shifted from litigation mode to community collaboration for a just result. ACT and the neighboring families agreed to dismiss the lawsuit against Ms. Mabry if Ms. Mabry would agree to the demolition of the abandoned home. Grateful for their help, Ms. Mabry agreed to assist in the demolition of the house, and then safely maintain her land.

What an incredible picture for all on May 8, 2010 when, working side by side, over 50 people came together to clear the property. Ms. Mabry and her family helped alongside the Arredondo, the Ibarra, and the Gonzalez families. Other residents of the Westmoreland Park and Ledbetter Garden Neighborhood Associations joined, too, as well as volunteers from ACT and West Dallas ministry Builders of Hope. The local community victory was celebrated with music, barbeque and a tremendous sense of cooperative success!

The progress continues: ACT has referred Ms. Mabry to Builders of Hope for homebuyer counseling to move forward with her plans to rebuild on the lot and rejoin the neighborhood.

-Reid Porter