Letters — Jericho Village, Preston/Royal, Katy Trail, the Bible

Re: “Redefining affordable housing — Project setting replicable model to bring families out of instability,” Sunday Metro story. 

Jericho Village is not only a blueprint for affordable housing in Dallas, but for other cities around the world, too. It is well-evidenced that access to stable housing is the most effective route out of homelessness. This is an intervention known as “housing first,” which combines unconditional accommodation with wrap-around support services to ensure people can thrive. 

In recent years and as rates of homelessness have climbed in some areas, this policy has come under scrutiny with some believing it should be abandoned in favor of a treatment-first approach or even more robust criminalization of those experiencing unsheltered homelessness. 

Against the backdrop of this fervent debate, projects like this one in Wylie illustrate that extending a lifeline in the form of affordable housing to those who need it most does work.

Whatever the ultimate solution to the homelessness crisis is, what is clear is that we need more affordable housing projects like this one. 

 Ryan McKiernan, London, U.K. 

Managing director, Fat Macy’s Foundation 

Re: “We need more projects like this to grow the tax base and improve affordability,” by Dallas Cothrum, Sunday Opinion. 

Seeing the ‘No-No’ signs in the neighborhood, I wondered what was up. And like Cothrum says, the lack of notification is not an issue. Considering it on my own, I felt the development made sense. Regarding transportation — the Dallas North Tollway is just a short ride away. 

I live in an area across the tollway from the Lincoln Hotel. We probably have more prying eyes than would be available in the high-rise development at Preston Royal, but window shades have been adequate. 

We over here in Schreiber are in a mixed-use area that helps the Dallas tax base. Be nice to see the people around Preston Royal do so as well. 

Michael H. Brophy, Dallas 

Re: “A More Walkable Dallas — Important addition to the Katy Trail almost done,” Friday editorial. 

I appreciate this editorial praising the Katy Trail and exercise in general. Dr. Ted Mitchell, our recent chancellor at Texas Tech University, who came from the Cooper Clinic, has shown in numerous studies that regular exercise optimizes senior mental and physical activity.  

Entering the trail from Turtle Creek (formerly Lee) Park along Hall Street begins a southwest walk on forgiving turf that passes the Katy Trail Ice House and other family-friendly libation locations, Reverchon Park with its stone ramparts, several city vistas and can end at the Dirk Nowitzki statue at American Airlines Center that offers, along with Klyde Warren and Halperin parks, a reminder of urban (downtown Dallas) virtues.  

Older folks like me whose joints no longer tolerate jogging can log a pleasant hour round trip, comparable to other routes like the recently renovated circle around Bachman Lake.  

I note a lot of open land around City Hall and wonder if its renovation might include parkland that could model European cities with a pedestrian zone extending from there through the Arts District to Klyde Warren and the iconic Sixth Floor Museum? 

Golder N. Wilson, Dallas 

Re: “School reading list heavy on Bible OK’d — Supporters cite historical value; critics say it crosses church-state separation,” Wednesday news story. 

My experience growing up was in a Christian school, and I heard plenty of Bible stories. These did not build an enduring faith nor a dedication to my country or community. It was the principled example of people, many not Christian in their faith, that inspired me to strive for humility and service to others.  

This, along with the ability to question and learn broadly, solidified my faith, community mindset and patriotism.  

Singular perspectives, as this appears to be, will not achieve positive outcomes. Leaving out so many other perspectives only builds division and develops a brittle way of thinking in those who choose to embrace it.  

We are better than that and should pursue teaching that inspires, unifies and teaches principled thinking without highlighting one group over another. 

Erik Simonsen, McKinney 

The state school board has passed rules requiring students to study the Holy Bible. I am a Christian, but this is not at all within constitutional boundaries.  

The First Amendment to the constitution states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”  

With the state adopting the Christian Bible as the basis for required theological education in the state, it has become exceedingly clear that the Christian nationalist movement believes that the Supreme Court of the United States is corrupt enough to allow such a trampling of the constitution.  

When the next vote comes around, do not say that your vote doesn’t count. Amy Coney Barrett, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh are on that court because millions did not vote. 

Jeff Cunningham, Kyle