Photo courtesy of the Office of Kathy Stewart.
District 10 is in a period of change.
From new parks and public safety initiatives to the proposed Forest Lane Public Improvement District and the redevelopment of aging apartment communities, Council member Kathy Stewart says the district has several unique opportunities ahead. At the same time, residents continue to raise concerns over excessive speeding, poor street conditions and heavy traffic congesting their neighborhoods.
As the second half of 2026 gets underway, the Lake Highlands Advocate spoke with Stewart about her priorities for District 10, the areas she believes need continued support, public safety, Stonethrow and what she says remains her focus as she looks toward the future.
As we are halfway through 2026, what would you say has been your biggest accomplishment for D10?
In April, we proudly renamed Lake Highlands North Park to Walne Park in recognition of the Walne family’s extraordinary contributions to both the park and the Lake Highlands community. Their years of dedication, leadership and unwavering commitment have left a lasting impact.
We’ve also made significant progress in bringing additional resources to the northwest part of the district. The Dallas Police Department (DPD) has established a presence on the Texas Instruments (TI) campus. The Northeast Neighborhood Police Officers (NPOs) are now based out of a TI building on TI Blvd., providing a consistent DPD presence in this part of the district.
We also made progress in revitalizing the Forest Lane Corridor. Two major property owners express their support for the creation of a Forest Lane Public Improvement District (PID). The boundaries of this PID would encompass Forest Lane from Abrams Road to Central Expressway.
What are the top three priorities you’re focused on between now and the end of the year?
Continue pursuing the redevelopment of aging multifamily properties, work with Northeast Division Major Yancy Nelson to reduce crime in the district and focus on moving forward with the Forest Lane PID.
What neighborhoods in D10 deserve more attention from the city?
I focus very consistently on the Forest Lane and Audelia Road intersection and surrounding area. In April, we opened a new one-acre park on the northwest corner. This park provides green space, a splash pad and playground within a 10-minute walk for approximately 8,000 people. We are also transforming a portion of the former shopping center into a community center, which is expected to open during the first quarter of 2027.
Where do you think residents are feeling the biggest frustrations right now?
In District 10, I hear a lot about several concerns.
Parking in cul-de-sacs is one. Residents are frustrated by the current ordinance which prohibits vehicles from pulling straight into a cul-de-sac to park. We are working to better understand why the ordinance requiring vehicles to park along the right-hand curb also applies to cul-de-sacs and whether changes should be considered.
Speeding, excessive speeding, particularly along Skillman Street, Abrams Road and Royal Lane continue to be one of the most common concerns I hear from residents.
Street conditions are another issue. Residents continue to report deteriorating pavement on portions of Walnut Hill Lane and Royal Lane, as well as smaller neighborhood streets.
I also hear strong opinions from residents on both sides of the discussion regarding traffic cushions on our neighborhood streets. Those living on streets with traffic cushions often appreciate the reduction in speeding, while residents on nearby streets sometimes express concerns about traffic being diverted into their neighborhoods. Our goal is to find balanced solutions that improve safety while minimizing unintended impacts.
When you look at growth and development in District 10, where do you see the biggest opportunity for smart growth?
I believe the greatest opportunity is the redevelopment of aging apartment communities built in the 1970s and 1980s.
Thoughtful development into “missing middle” housing — such as townhomes, patio homes and other ownership opportunities would provide more housing choices.
Are there major developments or projects residents should know about that haven’t received much attention yet?
We are beginning to see interest from property owners and developers in reinvesting in parts of District 10. These conversations are still in the early stages, and I am not able to share details at this time, but it is encouraging to see the interest.
Residents frequently mention concerns about traffic, speeding and crime. What are you doing to address this?
Public safety has always been a high priority. My experience working for public improvement districts has reinforced my belief that strengthening partnerships in the district reduces crime. District 10 benefits from a public safety network that includes the leadership of Major Yancy Nelson, the Project Safe Neighborhood teams, regular DPD patrols, and the NPOs and their community engagement.
We are also fortunate to have the Lake Highlands PID and the North Lake Highlands PID, led by Vicky Taylor and her team, working closely with DPD, the Marshalls, the Parks department, DART security and the U.S. Attorney’s Office through regular meetings and coordinated neighborhood initiatives.
This collaborative approach continues to make meaningful progress in public safety. As a member of the City Council’s Public Safety Committee, I review our public safety metrics every month. We are making measurable progress by hiring more Dallas police officers and increasing the total number of officers on the force.
Residents have also been concerned about the recent events at the Cambridge Park condominiums. What can you tell us about the situation or possible next steps?
It’s too early to comment on the recent events at the Cambridge condominiums. As more information becomes available, I will be in a better position to discuss any next steps.
Parks have been an increasingly important topic in District 10. Which park improvements are you most excited about?
I am truly excited about the investment we’re making in District 10 parks.
Forest-Audelia park opened this spring, and this new neighborhood park represents more than just green space. It is a visible commitment to continued investment in the Forest Lane and Audelia Road area and a sign that additional resources are on the way.
We recently completed the Orbiter Park Master Plan. Located north of Royal Lane and west of Greenville Avenue, the project is now moving into its first phase of design. Phase one includes a new playground, as well as relocating the parking lot away from the neighborhood and closer to Royal Lane, with an entrance from Royal Lane.
Timberleaf Park has also been through a community engagement process. Located east of Abrams Road and south of Interstate 635, design work is underway. The park will feature a new playground, a multi-use field for soccer or cricket and a loop trail for walking and recreation.
At McCree Park, we are adding a new loop trail. Thanks to a generous donation from Shoreline City Church, residents are already enjoying a new all-abilities playground that makes the park more accessible and welcoming for children of all abilities.
Stonethrow has become a major point of interest in the district. What do you believe the project could bring to the area?
I believe the Stonethrow project will be a catalyst for revitalizing this part of District 10. I have supported this project from the beginning because it creates a destination where families can gather, play and spend time together. I’m especially happy that the project preserves the building and brings it to life with a new use.
As you look toward the future, what does a potential re-election campaign look like for you?
My priorities have remained consistent since the day I first ran for City Council: improving the quality of life for all District 10 residents. I have consistently focused on reducing crime, investing in our parks, improving our streets and listening to the residents I serve. One of the most valuable parts of my job is hearing directly from D10 residents.
I regularly spend time at White Rock Coffee listening to your ideas, concerns and hopes for our community. These conversations shape my priorities and guide my decisions.
Please do not hesitate to reach out. You can email me at katherine.stewart@dallas.gov with concerns or if you want to schedule a coffee.
