Arlington and Its Future Part 3

Arlington has been discussing downtown revitalization for years and years. And yet, nothing has ever happened. However, it seems that recently more and more groups are showing a real interest in Arlington, specifically the downtown, entertainment, and UTA areas.

The construction of the Cowboys stadium near the Ballpark is perhaps the catalyst behind the recent excitement, making the half cent tax increase well worth it. The development of Glorypark near the two playing fields will be a wonderful addition to the entertainment district, hopefully providing a unique atmosphere for people to spend their evenings in Arlington, rather than Fort Worth or Dallas.

UTA plans to attract investors to develop a stretch of area near the campus and downtown to create a college atmosphere, with restaurants, shops, etc. While UTA is traditionally seen as a commuter school, the drive to bring more of a residential campus benefits the downtown area greatly. I have always referred to UTA as the concrete campus - hopefully a little beauty and uniqueness, along with cool restaurants and shops will change my opinion of the university's appearance.

Finally, plans for the dreaded Division street are in the works. Division street - used car lots, shady motels, ugly sidewalks, and prostitutes help define this street. It is difficult for businesses to want to locate in this area; however, apparently the ball is rolling with advice coming from the person who helped shape Sundance Square in Fort Worth. These three projects will add a little spice to Arlington, and provide better alternatives for eating and shopping than Arlington currently has to offer.

One obstacle cited by OK Carter and others - Mission Arlington. Mission Arlington is an amazing ministry - reaching thousands of residents in poverty by providing hope through the meeting of physical and spiritual needs. I have seen firsthand the power of Christ moving through this organization all around the city. While governor, George W. Bush came to Arlington, calling Tillie the Mother Teresa of Texas and promoting Mission Arlington as a role model for others to follow. I am glad Mission Arlington is here and hope it continues to reach those in need while spreading the Gospel.

For downtown investors though, Mission Arlington is a problem. Many of the buildings in or near downtown are owned by Mission Arlington, and the traffic in and out of Mission Arlington scares many prospective business owners. One can walk out of UTA bookstore and see the whole operation in progress, with donations piling on the sidewalk, people milling about, and constant activity taking place on the premises. The question presented is: what to do with Mission Arlington?

A couple of suggestions: 1. The city and redevelopers should embrace the presence of Mission Arlington as a necessary and unique partner to downtown revitalization. Oftentimes, cities hide their homeless and poor populations from tourists. With Mission Arlington in the heart of the city, this will be difficult to do. But we don't need to hide the problem of poverty, but instead seek ways to include Mission Arlington in the process. As the businesses open, jobs will be available. Perhaps encouraging businesses to hire some referrals from Mission Arlington will be a good start. And it makes us an honest city. By not hiding our population that is in need, Arlington can become a beacon for other cities seeking how best to revitalize a downtown area without kicking the homeless to the outskirts.

2. Mission Arlington should invest in its infrastructure to make it aesthetically pleasing. Although Mission Arlington has renovated many of its buildings over the last 20 years, let's face it - many of the Mission Arlington buildings are plain, boring, or even ugly. If Mission Arlington would invest in creating eye appealing landscaping, building structures, and organization to its many properties, it would put investors more at ease. There is no reason why Mission Arlington should not invest in its infrastructure to make it "fit in" with the plan for downtown. After all, I believe it is part of showing gratitude to the community that helps support it. OK Carter somewhat criticized FBC and Mission Arlington for engulfing so much property downtown. FBC is doing much to enhance its structural appearance. Mission Arlington should do the same, while continuing to meet the needs of those in the community.

These are not easy problems to solve, and there will always be those who are prejudiced toward the poor; but Arlington should strive, with cooperation of businesses and ministries, to make downtown a destination place for more than just those going to pay a ticket at the courthouse, or seek help at a mission. At the same time, Arlington must continue to assist those in need, by providing for their physical needs, increasing educational and job skill programs, and reducing the number of families in poverty.