The old LTV Tower on Pacific Avenue is now being redeveloped under different owners. (David Woo/The Dallas Morning News)
Elected Dallas leaders responded with concern and frustration to HUD’s findings that officials promote discrimination against minorities and the disabled through affordable-housing practices that violate federal civil rights laws.
But the reaction from the city officials who run day-to-day City Hall operations took on a notably different tone. City spokesman Frank Librio issued this written statement Monday evening signalling the city will be challenging the HUD findings:
The City complies with HUD guidelines and regulations in its work with affordable housing projects. It is important to note that HUD has given final approval of all projects assisted by federal housing funds, either on the local level and/or from the Washington D.C. office. Any proposed projects assisted by federal housing funds must be approved by HUD before they may be implemented.
Now the Fort Worth Office of HUD has issued a letter where it contends that the City has violated HUD guidelines and regulations. City staff believes that the letter leaves out key facts presented by the City, did not fully evaluate arguments made by city staff, and reaches unfounded legal conclusions. City staff looks forward to working with HUD to resolve this matter in the best interests of the public.
As for the 1600 Pacific project referenced in the HUD letter, Curtis Lockey and Craig MacKenzie were the former developers. They sued the City in federal district court when they did not receive their requested large subsidy for their proposed project. Their case was dismissed and Mr. Lockey and MacKenzie have appealed the ruling of the district court. Since that case is currently in litigation, it would not be appropriate for the City to comment further at this time.