DALLAS — Less than a week after a Dallas judge ruled in favor of a prominent Oak Cliff megachurch that wanted to stop a warehouse from being built in their neighborhood, the developers withdrew their plans.
In a joint statement with Friendship West Baptist Church, Stonelake Capital Partners, the developer, says that although it acquired the property in 2021 and had the rights to build a warehouse in accordance with zoning, it doesn’t want to go against the community’s desires for the land.
“Ultimately, a warehouse is not what the community wants, and Stonelake does not desire to be in conflict with the community,” the joint statement reads.
Stonelake Capital Partners, a real estate investment firm, planned to build a warehouse on Wheatland Road across the street from Carter High School and between Friendship West Baptist Church and government offices.
Friendship West Baptist Church Senior Pastor Dr. Frederick Haynes and Stonelake Capital Partners co-founder Kenneth Aboussie Jr. said in the joint statement that they share “a common Christian faith” and decided they could “accomplish more by working together than by working in conflict with each other.”
“In scripture, it is written in Matthew 5 ‘blessed are the peacemakers’ and we have both decided to pursue peace rather than pursue further litigation,” the joint statement continued.
Stonelake’s decision to withdraw their plans ends months of litigation in which the church sought to stop construction of the warehouse, calling the issue a matter of “environmental racism” and raising concerns about pollution and traffic. For their part, Stonelake said they complied with the law and were within their rights to build the warehouse on the tract of land zoned for commercial use.
Last week, a judge granted an injunction that stopped construction of the warehouse while the appeals process continued and set a hearing in the case for March, but that won’t continue now that there’s an agreement between the parties.
“I am thrilled by Stonelake Partners' decision to withdraw their building permit and dismiss their lawsuit against the city. Growing up in this community and being part of the church has deeply connected me to this cause. This victory is a testament to our collective strength and commitment to environmental justice and equity,” Justin Moore of Friendship West said in a statement to WFAA. “We are optimistic about Stonelake Partners' intention to collaborate with Friendship West on future projects. This development promises a new chapter of partnership and progress, aligning with our community's values and aspirations.”
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