District 3 Candidate Q&A With Zarin Gracey And Denise Benavides

Editor’s Note: This is the second in a series of responses to CandysDirt.com questionnaires issued to all candidates running for office in the May 6 Dallas City Council election. We’ll be revealing their responses over the next several days. Early voting begins April 24.

Candidate: Zarin Gracey

Opponents: Denise Benavides, Joe Tave (did not respond), August Doyle (did not respond), John Sims (did not respond)

Incumbent: Casey Thomas (not seeking re-election due to term limits)

Why do you think Dallas continues to attract corporate relocations and new residents at a greater frequency than the rest of the nation?

When I managed the bond program, I remember listening to Ryan Evans, former City of Dallas Assistant City Manager, brag to the rating agencies that “no matter what happened to the economy, Dallas always had cranes up.” He was right, companies are relocating here because the Dallas economy remains strong. Unfortunately, we will continue to lose to other cities if we don’t get our permitting process together.  

What areas in your district could see a housing boom in the next few years?

I live in Capella Park and we spent the last three years fighting to keep warehouses from moving on to land where our phase II is supposed to be. The Mountain Creek area of District 3 has tremendous opportunities to create various housing options. I will work to keep warehouses from moving on to land where we could have housing options.  

What is occurring in your area that could poise your district for growth, and how can you support that?

District 3 has the potential to be the greatest outdoor tourist attraction in the region. With our parkland and nature reserves, we can design hiking, biking, and motor powered vehicles. I am excited to see the public private partnership between the City and Texas Land Institute. This is just one example of the possibilities in District 3.  

How can the City of Dallas improve the redistricting process, and how would that positively impact your district?

I am not familiar enough with the process to answer this question. 

How would you vote on the matter of allowing or restricting short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods?  

As the District 3 Planning Commissioner, I voted to restrict short-term rentals in residential areas, because the City unfortunately had no way of properly managing the regulation of short-term rentals. 

How do you feel about the Public Facility Corporation financing structure for multifamily development? 

I was the former (and first) President of the Dallas Public Facilities Corporation. I was excited to be a part of a tool that created another housing option for the City. I want to make District 3 a place where everyone can experience their “first”; first apartment, first home, or first dream home and the PFC is just another option that gets that much closer. 

How do you plan to engage with the public and local media?

I plan to be open and transparent. I will work with all publications who are open, honest, and transparent and hold educating their readers to the highest standard. 

How do you feel about using historic and conservation districts to preserve a neighborhood’s character?

Dallas is rich with history and the beauty of the homes and communities must be kept. Even as we develop new communities, it only benefits the character of the community to design homes with the community’s history in mind. 

What is the role of a developer in providing affordable housing? What is the role of the city in providing affordable housing?

It is the role of the developer to provide quality housing for all residents. It is the role of the City to encourage and incentivize (where it is feasible and equitable) developers to provide affordable housing of all types utilizing all tools the City and State have to offer. 

What projects/needs in your district should be given priority in the 2024 bond? 

I am eager to continue listening to the needs of the community. So far, I am hearing, streets, alleys, and parks must be a priority and I agree.  

Candidate: Denise Benavides

Opponents: Zarin Gracey, Joe Tave (did not respond), August Doyle (did not respond), John Sims (did not respond)

Incumbent: Casey Thomas (not seeking re-election due to term limits)

Why do you think Dallas continues to attract corporate relocations and new residents at a greater frequency than the rest of the nation?

Generally, the Dallas economy is very strong which in turn attracts new residents. Being situated in the middle of the country with a warm climate and with lower cost of living compared to the East and West coasts. Also with much land available, a good economy, and a good labor force, it will always be an attraction for corporations.

What areas in your district could see a housing boom in the next few years?

Right now we need to help homeowners with resources before we see a housing boom in District 3. 

What is occurring in your area that could poise your district for growth, and how can you support that?

I would like to create programs for small business owners to bring in more small businesses. Better food establishments and more women and minority owned businesses.

How can the City of Dallas improve the redistricting process, and how would that positively impact your district?

The redistricting process could have had more Hispanic people on the ground helping with the process in Spanish. That would have been a positive impact to District 3 to show the growing Hispanic population.

How would you vote on the matter of allowing or restricting short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods?  

I will NOT allow STR’s in our neighborhoods. We need to protect families and children and STR’s are not safe. I will make sure our neighborhoods are owned by homeowners NOT Corporations 

How do you feel about the Public Facility Corporation financing structure for multifamily development? 

I would have to look at the plan and see what is written. 

How do you plan to engage with the public and local media?

My social media is full of ways that I engage the public and media. I am always available to talk to anyone. Just ask.

How do you feel about using historic and conservation districts to preserve a neighborhood’s character?

I do think we need to preserve our neighborhoods character and history. 

What is the role of a developer in providing affordable housing? What is the role of the city in providing affordable housing?

We need to help people become homeowners. I will create programs for first time homeowners and help them invest in our neighborhoods. 

What projects/needs in your district should be given priority in the 2024 bond? 

District 3 needs our bond projects done faster rather than later. We need better roads, better lighting in our streets. We need to invest in our neighborhoods. We need to renovate rec centers and invest in our parks. We need to make sure green spaces are protected.