Task force is stuck on Stockyards rules

Fort Worth’s 16-member Historic Stockyards Design District Task Force looks like it’s in danger of not meeting its goal of setting redevelopment guidelines in the landmark Stockyards.

Task force members can’t seem to make real headway without their discussions devolving into sometimes heated arguments. Despite clear instructions and a professional consultant hired to help, some have said they’re not sure what it is they are supposed to do.

Lack of progress is a big problem. Fort Worth’s Hickman family and California-based Majestic Realty Group have proposed a $175 million, 70-acre redevelopment project in the Stockyards, but it can’t move forward without the design guidelines.

The City Council appointed the task force in November and charged it with developing standards for such things as building design and materials, architectural style, parking and walkway design, signage, landscaping and lighting.

“We want the Stockyards to maintain the character it has now,” consultant Randy Gideon said at a public meeting in May. “This is not a historic preservation ordinance or an economic development ordinance.”

A week later, Stockyards property owner Don Jury accused City Council members of abandoning historic preservation concerns.

Councilman Sal Espino, whose district includes the Stockyards, insisted that the area “is not in danger of anything.”

Majestic’s executive vice president, Craig Cavileer, has said the redevelopment does not include tearing down buildings.

Still, task force arguments keep coming back to preservation issues. The group originally faced a June deadline, but that has been moved to the end of August.

It’s crucial that the task force refocus and complete its work. The Stockyards area is a Fort Worth treasure, all seem to agree.

There is a fundamental lack of trust among some task force members. It’s a huge leadership challenge to bring the factions together.

Gideon and task force chairman Eric Hahnfeld may need help in the form of shuttle diplomacy by council members or Mayor Betsy Price. It’s time to get this work done.

This story was originally published July 30, 2015 at 5:26 PM with the headline "Task force is stuck on Stockyards rules."