DeSoto, the 56,000-person city south of Dallas, is going through a transformational period that includes ambitious economic development projects and that will require a city council with the know-how and vision to shepherd change.
In the race for DeSoto City Council, Place 6, we recommend incumbent Crystal Chism, who not only understands this vision but knows what these projects can bring to DeSoto’s future. At the same time, she understands these changes make some residents uncomfortable, and she is willing to listen and adjust as necessary.
The Hampton Road Redevelopment project, a mile-long stretch from Pleasant Run Road to Belt Line Road, will create a downtown with more walkable space and mixed-use projects to bring retail and restaurants. Chism, 40, told us there is also an opportunity to revive some of the aging shopping malls in the area.
This decades-old plan is getting closer to an execution phase but has met some resistance. DeSoto is known for being a bedroom community, but Chism understands these projects are needed to make the city more attractive to younger residents. At the same time, she is also listening to those who have been living there for decades and like the suburban feel their town has.
But change is coming. DeSoto is about to break ground in May for the McCowan Recreation and Indoor Aquatic Center, a $56 million facility named after the late Mayor Curtistene McCowan, who died in 2020. The center will include an indoor competition pool and baseball, soccer and football fields — an important addition for a sports-driven city, Chism said.
Like other North Texas cities, DeSoto has a growing population with limited housing options. There is a big market for single-family housing, Chism told us, but to attract young professionals they need more diverse housing, such as townhomes and duplexes. DeSoto only has 15% available land before it is built out.
Growth also means traffic issues. Chism wants to address speeding in DeSoto and believes extra stop signs, roundabouts and speed buttons can do the trick.
“The city can do more in controlling the behaviors of drivers versus handing down a ticket,” she said.
DeSoto is not supposed to have bars, but Chism is worried some restaurants are selling more alcohol than they are allowed, which may lead to some property and violent crimes. She is proposing a partnership with the business community to invest in cameras that the police can access with a warrant.
Running against the incumbent is Shirley M. Robinson, a DeSoto ISD school counselor, who wants to be a voice for students and youth in the community. She feels the City Council takes too long to address citizens’ concerns. Robinson, 56, told us she is approachable and relatable, but was vague in her knowledge of city policies. If elected, she will face a steep learning curve. Voters should back Chism.
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