Earlier this year, The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) informed the city that the Jules E. Muchert Army Reserve Center would be turned over to the city.

LH Today first reported on it here.

Many in Lake Highlands will recall the issues that arose when the facility was identified for closure in 2005.

As part of the Army’s Base Realignment and Closure Act, decommissioned bases are subject to federal laws requiring initial consideration for reuse of federal facilities be given to homeless service providers.

Many locals opposed using the base to house the homeless, while others supported the idea.

Following a HUD ruling, and approval by the Department of Defense, the decision was made to return the Muchert facility and land back over to the City of Dallas.

Recently received news from the office of U.S. Congressman Jeb Hensarling confirms that progress of this transfer remains on track.

According to Brian Chase, Deputy Chief of Staff for Congressman Hensarling, plans are calling for the Muchert facility to be vacated by the summer of 2011.

"I called the Army for an update and learned that the new facility, which will house Muchert's unit, will be completed around May of 2011," says Chase.

The Army expects to vacate the Muchert facility, located at 10031 E. Northwest Highway, by the summer of that year.

"Based on the Army's current estimates, the environmental clearances should take another 90-120 days to be completed," explains Chase.

"So assuming no major hitches, the property should be ready to transfer to the City of Dallas in November or December 2011."