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On Monday, July 1st, Majed Al-Ghafry officially began his role as the new City Manager of DeSoto.

 The city announced the appointment with enthusiasm as anticipation and optimism surrounded Al-Ghafry’s arrival.

The announcement was made by the city via social media, and expressed a warm welcome to Al-Ghafry, wishing him success as he embarks on this new chapter in his career.

“Team DeSoto would like to extend a warm welcome to Majed and wish him all the best as we work with him to move DeSoto forward!” the post read.

Al-Ghafry brings a wealth of experience to the position, having previously held significant roles in municipal management.

His background and expertise are expected to be instrumental in addressing the city’s challenges and leveraging opportunities for progress.

The new City Manager’s arrival comes at a pivotal time for DeSoto, a city that continues to grow and evolve.

Al-Ghafry’s leadership is anticipated to bring fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to the city’s administration.

Residents shared their thoughts on the new city manager in social media posts on the city’s Facebook page.

“The citizens of Desoto welcomes you City Manager Majed. Please know that you have the full support of the community as we are looking forward to your arrival,” said Mary Morris Bonaparte.

Another user named Sumbel Zeb wrote “Wonderful addition to the City of DeSoto! Congratulations!”

As Al-Ghafry steps into his new role, the DeSoto community extends its best wishes for his success and looks forward to a productive partnership aimed at enhancing the quality of life for all residents.

The post DeSoto Welcomes New City Manager Majed Al-Ghafry appeared first on DeSoto Tribune.

Shavondra Smith, now 36 years old, spoke at the emergency press conference called by the Black Dallas Clergy and provided details of her stint at the center.

From 13 to 17 years old, Smith was in and out of the justice center and recalled her experience at the facility.

“We were locked in our cells multiple times. Five of us, I know, tried to commit suicide at the same time because we were put on lock down,” said Smith.

She along with many others and the Dallas Black Clergy are calling for changes to be made at the detention center after damming reports have shed light on unsavory conditions.  

The post Shavondra Smith Details Her Experience at HWJDC appeared first on DeSoto Tribune.

Sunday the Dallas Black Clergy held an emergency press conference after damming reports from a whistleblower revealed horrid conditions in the Henry Wade Juvenile Detention Center.

The group met in front of the facility Sunday to discuss conditions that the group calls “inhumane and harsh.”

Reverend Dr. Frederick Douglass Haynes, III: founding Member of the Dallas Black Clergy and Senior Pastor at Friendship-West Baptist Church lambasted local officials and facility leadership.  

“Seriously, Dallas County seriously, Henry Wade Juvenile Justice Center, seriously,” remarked Haynes.

“Have you declared war on our children and we don’t know about it because the inhumane and evil conditions that we are hearing about and that has been reported on is reminiscent not of a juvenile justice center but of a POW camp. It sounds like they are prisoners of war who are being tortured and traumatized,” said Haynes.

Members of the Dallas Black Clergy want to meet with the entire Dallas County Juvenile Board and discuss with the conditions at the Henry Wade Justice Center.

At Sunday’s press conference, the group said that they hope to meet with members of the juvenile board in July ahead of the Board’s scheduled meeting in August.

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CITY OF DESOTO
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Case Number B24-01
The City of DeSoto Zoning Board of Adjustment will conduct a Public Hearing to consider variance requests from Section 38.6.7 Parking Requirement Based on Use to allow for fewer parking spaces and Section 39.7.B Minimum Landscaping Requirements for Nonresidential and Multifamily to allow for a reduced landscape buffer along S. Hampton Road. The property is located on the northwest corner of S. Hampton Road and Ace Drive, addressed as 1239 S. Hampton Road. The applicant and property owner is Adieb Isa. The public hearing before the Zoning Board of Adjustment will be conducted on Thursday, July 18, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.

Número de caso B24-01
La Junta de Ajuste de Zonificación de la Ciudad de DeSoto llevará a cabo una Audiencia Pública para considerar las solicitudes de variación de la Sección 38.6.7 Requisito de estacionamiento basado en el uso para permitir menos espacios de estacionamiento y la Sección 39.7.B Requisitos mínimos de paisajismo para no residenciales y multifamiliares para permitir una zona de amortiguación de paisaje reducida a lo largo de S. Hampton Road. La propiedad está ubicada en la esquina noroeste de S. Hampton Road y Ace Drive, con dirección como 1239 S. Hampton Road. El solicitante y propietario de la propiedad es Adieb Isa. La audiencia pública ante la Junta de Ajuste de Zonificación se llevará a cabo el jueves 18 de julio de 2024 a las 7:00 p.m.

For meeting information go to the City website (http://www.desototexas.gov/1515/Agendas-and-Minutes) to view the agenda. If you have any questions regarding this case, contact the Planning and Zoning Department at (972) 230-9624. This hearing will be held in the Council Chambers at Town Center, Suite A, 211 East Pleasant Run Road, DeSoto, Texas. The building in which the above meeting will be conducted is wheelchair accessible; spaces for the mobility impaired are available. Any request for sign interpretative services must be made forty-eight hours prior to the time of the meeting. Arrangements for sign interpretative services may be made by calling the City Secretary at 972/230- 9646 or by calling TDD-1-800-RELAYTX (1-800-735-2989).

To be a valid written protest the protest or petition in opposition must be filed with the Planning Department before 4:00 p.m. of the working day prior to the Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting where they will hear this case.

The post CITY OF DESOTO NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Case Number B24-01 appeared first on Focus Daily News.

CITY OF DESOTO
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Case Number B24-02
The City of DeSoto Zoning Board of Adjustment will conduct a Public Hearing to consider variance requests from Section 13.4. A3 Area Regulations; Minimum Lot Depth to allow for a reduced lot depth. The property is located on the west side of S. Westmoreland Road and is addressed as 1405 S. Westmoreland. The applicant and property owner is Robert Elizondo. The public hearing before the Zoning Board of Adjustment will be conducted on Thursday, July 18, 2024 at 7:00 p.m

Número de caso B24-02
La Junta de Ajuste de Zonificación de la Ciudad de DeSoto llevará a cabo una Audiencia Pública para considerar las solicitudes de variación de la Sección 13.4. Reglamento de Área A3; Profundidad mínima del lote para permitir una profundidad de lote reducida. La propiedad está ubicada en el lado oeste de S. Westmoreland Road y está dirigida como 1405 S. Westmoreland. El solicitante y propietario de la propiedad es Robert Elizondo. La audiencia pública ante la Junta de Ajuste de Zonificación se llevará a cabo el jueves 18 de julio de 2024 a las 7:00 p.m

For meeting information go to the City website (http://www.desototexas.gov/1515/Agendas-andMinutes) to view the agenda. If you have any questions regarding this case, contact the Planning
and Zoning Department at (972) 230-9622. This hearing will be held in the Council Chambers at Town Center, Suite A, 211 East Pleasant Run Road, DeSoto, Texas. The building in which the above meeting will be conducted is wheelchair accessible; spaces for the mobility impaired are available. Any request for sign interpretative services must be made forty-eight hours prior to the time of the meeting. Arrangements for sign interpretative services may be made by calling the City Secretary at 972/230- 9646 or by calling TDD-1-800-RELAYTX (1-800-735-2989).

The post CITY OF DESOTO NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Case Number B24-02 appeared first on Focus Daily News.