It hasn’t been two weeks since the Dallas Housing Authority announced plans for permanent supportive housing in Lake Highlands.

In that time residents of the LH community issued nothing short of a call to arms, and their message has been heard loud and clear at City Hall.

Based on the outcry, District 10 City Councilman Jerry Allen and Mayor Tom Leppert made a joint announcement this afternoon, stating their official request to DHA and the Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance to put plans on hold for a month.

In part, the message from Councilman Allen, which was delivered this afternoon, said:

"I have received many emails regarding the Dallas Housing Authority plan to put two permanent supportive housing communities in our neighborhoods. Many question whether Forest Lane is the right place for these communities. Some express concern that crime could go up.

Please know -your voices are being heard.

Permanent supportive housing is a very complex issue that requires thorough and thoughtful discussion. The Mayor and I have had conversations regarding this issue and as a result of these conversations the Mayor and I are asking the Dallas Housing Authority along with the Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance to set aside the month of July for an open, frank and thoughtful discussion with neighborhoods being affected.

If DHA and MDHA agree, then I will ask the Board of the Lake Highlands Area Improvement Association to put together a Blue Ribbon committee made up of the leadership of the affected neighborhoods to open up the communication process."

Expressing confidence in his Lake Highlands constituents, Councilman Allen mentions the calling of a Town Hall Meeting once a "timely, constructive communication process between all stakeholders resulting in a Good Neighbor Agreement" is adopted by the parties involved.

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LH Today reached out to Councilman Allen late this afternoon, who offered a few additional comments on the matter.

"This is consistent with the goals from day one," said Allen.

"We want an opportunity to be in the discussions, to sit down and work through issues. We must make sure we work diligently to figure out what’s best for everyone involved."

"Bottom line is that the concerns of the community have been heard, and taking the month of July to work through some of the challenges of the program is a great thing."

"This will give us time to zero in on the critical questions and work to find solutions. Hopefully DHA and MDHA see it that way, as well."

Jack White, president of the Lake Highlands Area Improvement Association also offered comments relative to LHAIA’s support of the process.

"The LHAIA’s mission is to help develop and implement action plans to protect and enhance the quality of life in our community," said White.

"As such, the entire board of the LHAIA is honored to have been asked to be involved in this process."

"As soon as we get word that DHA and MDHA have agreed to this process, we will immediately begin working on the selection of a committee and get a meeting schedule in place for July."

It has been suggested that the committee will likely consist of apartment managers, representatives from MDHA, DHA and all its vendors, in addition to the all important community representatives who will likely come from the areas most affected by DHA plans – the Woodbridge subdivision and its contiguous neighborhoods.

Stay tuned to LH Today for additional developments.