Soccer field owner battles Dallas plan for horse park
“Activists are fighting efforts by the City of Dallas to seize a private soccer complex to make room for a golf course and equestrian center.
“They’ve just told me they need the land, and they’re going to get it,” said Rhadames Solano.
In December, the City Council approved the use of eminent domain to seize Solano’s 23-acre soccer complex on Elam Road near Interstate 45 and Loop 12.
The city says it needs his property to make room for its sweeping Trinity River Corridor Project, which includes an equestrian center that will accompany an 18-hole golf course planned nearby on a former landfill.
“They just want to take it,” Solano said. “You’re going to destroy a park to build another park.”
Indeed, Solano does have supporters from critics at City Hall who question whether Dallas can afford an equestrian center.
“I think my overarching concern is, will this park be successful?” asked Council member Angela Hunt. “I am concerned that we’re taking soccer fields being used by kids, but my overall concern is about its ultimate success, and will we as taxpayers have to bear the burden if it’s not successful?”
The city will pay for the $12 million construction costs of the Texas Horse Park, but non-profits would be responsible for running the facility. The center is planned to offer trail rides and camps to serve low-income neighbors.”
Betz, Jonathan. WFAA.com 17 February 2013.