The city of Dallas says there are no plans to change the Pioneer Park Cemetery despite a legal notice alleging surveyors were spotted on the property.
The Save Dallas City Hall Coalition filed a 60-day notice of claim against the city of Dallas that warns any use of Pioneer Cemetery for a sports arena or for expansion of the convention center would violate state law, local ordinances, and the Texas Penal code.
鈥淧ioneer Cemetery is hallowed ground, not a real estate opportunity,鈥� the Coalition said in its notice. 鈥淭he law is crystal clear: you cannot simply pave over the founders of this city to build a basketball arena or a convention center hall. Any attempt to disturb these remains without strict adherence to state statutes is not just a civil violation 鈥� it is a jailable felony.鈥�
But a spokesperson with the city said that Pioneer Park is currently under a plan to refurbish the steers and rider, fix the drainage, and replant in the area. No changes are being made to the cemetery.
Mike Northrup with the Save Dallas City Hall Coalition told 四虎影院 in an email that the cemetery had been on the group鈥檚 radar for some time because of potentially needed acreage required for a future Dallas Mavericks arena.
Some residents have speculated that discussions around City Hall were prompted by the Mavericks need for a new arena.
Northrup added that reports of surveyors could be related to the nearby park redo, but the group was not certain.
鈥淏ut last week when Mark Cuban file[d] his lawsuit, that filing confirmed that the Valley View site is not a done deal,鈥� he said. 鈥淭hat prompted us to go ahead with the notice we sent today.鈥�
Northrup referenced alleging he was kept out of discussions over plans to move the Mavericks to the Valley View area.
Pioneer Cemetery was established in 1849 and is Dallas鈥� first cemetery. It has protected land status, is a designated landmark under city ordinance, and has a state historical marker.
It is a jailable felony to intentionally disturb, damage, or treat a human corpse in an offensive manner, .
Pioneer Cemetery is positioned between City Hall and the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, which is currently undergoing an expansion.
The notice comes ahead of a potential vote on whether the city will stay at its current City Hall building or relocate elsewhere.
The Save Dallas City Hall Coalition has pushed for the city to stay at the I.M. Pei designed building.
Attorneys with the coalition have previously filed notices warning of legal action if City Hall Plaza is sold for commercial use. They have also issued notices demanding the city begin repair of the building to avoid violating other ordinances against demolition by neglect, abuse of city property, and breaches of fiduciary duties.
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