By Michael Hubbard – Dallas South News Contributor

Cowboys Stadium opened recently in Arlington amidst hoopla like we’ve never seen in North Texas.  Mr. Jones’ stadium is truly a magnificent structure.  Some go as far as to classify it as a modern day “Wonder of The World.”

Many Dallas residents, however, view the stadium’s opening through the eyes of an envious child who covets the shiny new bike, or these days the latest gaming system, that one of their friends just received.  “Why couldn’t we get one!” they squeal.

Former Mayor Laura Miller is still viewed as the culprit behind the Cowboys stadium being  blocked from coming to Dallas, preferably Fair Park.  The blame is misplaced because many of our local African-American elected officials and community leaders were also against bringing the stadium to Dallas if it meant taxpayers footing the bill.

Those that favored “Jerry World” being built in Dallas/Fair Park shared the belief that the winds of economic development would blow across Southern Dallas as a result, bringing with it the transformation of a community whose only signs of economic development are fast food restaurants, automotive parts stores and an outdated Minyard’s.

According to economist Robert Baade, of the Chicago based Heartland Institute, nothing could be further from the truth.  Mr. Baade analyzed the effect of sports teams and stadiums on a metropolitan area’s economy, examining economic development trends in 48 cities over a 30 year period.  His results indicated that professional sports stadiums and teams are not statistically significant in determining economic growth rates.

I agree with Mr. Baade’s findings, as there are no examples nationally to dispute his analysis. I believe that the more time tested traditional methods for stimulating economic development should be pursued in Southern Dallas.  What’s missing in Southern Dallas is the African-American Middle Class.  Top notch schools and   housing developments similar to Capella Park, (a mixed use community in Southwest Dallas) could begin to attract the African-American middle class back to the city.  Most thriving communities share one thing in common……excellent schools (not big fancy sports stadiums).

In South Dallas good schools are already in place.   St. Philip’s School and Community Center and the Irma Lerma Rangel Young Womens Leadership School are both top notch, high performing schools.  St. Philip’s recently broke ground on an expansion project and would be the perfect centerpiece for new residential development.

Attract the African-American middle class and their dollars and votes will follow.  The political, social and economic landscapes of the city would change dramatically.  This is the most reliable way to finally bring the development to South Dallas that has been talked about for years.

Michael Hubbard is a freelance writer from South Dallas, TX.  You can contact him at Mhubbard23@aol.com or visit www.blog.mikeondallas.com.

Edited by Shawn Williams