The Morning News reports that the Texas Department of Criminal Justice has decided to close Dawson State Jail on August 31. The legislature had earlier voted to shut down the place, but TDCJ made the final call. Now, what to do with the sweet available land near the Trinity…
And for years, the city of Dallas has been trying to get its hands on that property for a Trinity River development. When contacted by The Dallas Morning News this morning, Dallas City Manager Mary Suhm had no idea TDCJ would be closing the jail. But she was certainly pleased.
“It’s a nice opportunity, and we’ll go work on it right away,” said Suhm, “You’re bringing me some very good news.”
Suhm said the city has been told in the past “we will have first dibs” on the property if and when it goes on the market. But even before then, she said Tuesday morning, “We’ll talk to folks, and especially folks who own land around the jail, and see what their interest is.”
The presence of Lew Sterrett Justice Center across the street would seem to limit the possibilities, for now. A hike-and-bike oval? A natural gas well?
