Tensions are rising in South Dallas over plans to redesign the S.M. Wright Freeway, a sprawling concrete eyesore that has contributed mightily to the area's four-decade decline. Residents suspect the redesign will follow a historical pattern in which high-impact decisions are imposed on their community from outside – with no regard for their concerns.

Several loudly confronted Texas Department of Transportation officials at a public meeting Tuesday, demanding to know what else is planned for South Dallas. Nowhere amid the commotion did a community leader step forth to calmly mediate and reassure residents that they do, in fact, have a say.

Many in the audience seemed not to hear TxDOT officials when they insisted that multiple design options exist for S.M. Wright once the Trinity Corridor project gets under way. Officials repeatedly said they were soliciting residents' suggestions before any plan proceeds. Community consultations, including at least six public meetings, began more than a year ago. Tuesday's was just the latest; another is set for tomorrow.

TxDOT's presentation was impressive, and had tensions not been so high, many audience members might actually have liked it – in spite of the fact that any progress is tied to the fate of the overall Trinity project.

Residents justifiably want to head off the same kind of urban-planning disaster that accompanied S.M. Wright's construction in the 1960s. The highway sliced through the heart of South Dallas, plopping ramps and concrete pillars amid the stately homes on South Boulevard and Park Row and breaking apart cohesive neighborhoods.

All agree that the freeway should be replaced by a tree-lined, slow-moving boulevard with pedestrian-friendly crosswalks. And that's what TxDOT officials presented Tuesday: a freeway that now accommodates 100,000 vehicles a day will be reduced to a meandering street handling 40,000, with a 35 mph speed limit.

But residents are seeking broader redevelopment plans for surrounding neighborhoods. They don't just want a new road but better mixed-income housing, and they want heavy industries relocated, says the Rev. Gerald Britt of the

Those objectives, of course, go way beyond TxDOT's job. Finding city leadership lacking on this, Britt's group hired its own consultant to develop a comprehensive development plan. But he fears it won't go anywhere unless someone champions it at City Hall.

That should be Carolyn Davis, the District 7 council representative for South Dallas who is seeking re-election this Saturday. She showed up late for Tuesday's meeting and left before hearing audience members' concerns. She didn't return our calls seeking comment.

Davis should be stepping forward as a conciliator and facilitator. Her failure to lead on S.M. Wright and to be a strong voice for her community on the City Council reinforces this newspaper's belief that she does not deserve re-election. Among her six opponents, the Rev. Donald Parish's leadership credentials and track record show he'd be the champion South Dallas needs.

S.M. Wright is the most important redevelopment issue to face South Dallas in decades. If residents feel as if their voices aren't being heard, Saturday's election offers the best opportunity to install the new leadership they deserve.