DALLAS, TX – Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas County is engaged in a legal battle to halt the construction of a 200,000-square-foot warehouse planned by Stonelake Capital Partners. The proposed warehouse would be located near the church property between I-20 and Wheatland Road. The City of Dallas initially rejected the building permit due to concerns over truck routes, but the permit was later granted by a city appeals board. In response, the church filed a lawsuit in December, seeking an injunction to stop the construction temporarily.
The dispute between Friendship-West Baptist Church and Stonelake Capital Partners centers around the community’s concerns regarding truck traffic, environmental impacts, and safety risks associated with the warehouse. The Texas Department of Transportation has declined direct access to the I-20 feeder road from the warehouse property, leading the developer to propose routing trucks through Polk Street and Wheatland Road.
Supporters of the church argue that the community’s voice has been ignored and are adamant about protecting Wheatland Road from further damages caused by heavy truck traffic. Meanwhile, representatives of the developer maintain that there are no legal grounds to halt the warehouse construction. They argue that the site’s zoning permit, issued 20 years ago, allows for commercial land use.
Friendship-West Pastor Frederick Haynes led prayers with church supporters before the court hearing, emphasizing the need for the community’s concerns to be heard. The church plans to use its adjacent vacant land for housing development, complementing the warehouse site. However, their primary focus remains on addressing the potential negative impacts of the warehouse, such as increased truck traffic and environmental hazards.
Former Dallas City Councilman Lee Kleinman, working as a consultant for the developer, testified in court and expressed his belief that property rights should outweigh community concerns. Church attorney Paul Stafford countered, suggesting that the developer would not propose a warehouse close to the homes of business people in North Dallas.
Texas State Senator Royce West attended the courtroom hearing to demonstrate his support for Friendship-West Baptist Church but did not speak. West later highlighted the importance of the community’s voice and the need to protect their interests.
The judge presiding over the case, Aiesha Redmond, said she would carefully consider the arguments presented before issuing a ruling. While no estimate was provided for when the ruling might be handed down, the outcome will profoundly impact both Friendship-West Baptist Church and Stonelake Capital Partners.