On Thursday, a gathering of local, county, and federal elected officials convened in Fort Worth’s Stop Six neighborhood to celebrate a significant achievement.
Congressman Marc Veasey (D-Fort Worth) presented a check exceeding $4 million for Hughes House II, a 237-unit mixed-income apartment complex. The development will feature new tree-lined streets, sidewalks, lighting, and upgraded water, sewer, and stormwater systems.
Veasey, who grew up in the same area, reflected on the changes: “In my lifetime, much hadn’t changed. But witnessing major transformations now is truly amazing.”
The project honors Robert Hughes, a revered Stop Six resident and high school basketball coach who passed away recently.
City Council member and Mayor Pro Tem Gyna Bivens, representing the neighborhood, announced further housing initiatives: “We anticipate unprecedented housing developments in Stop Six. I look forward to seeing Babers Manor and housing along Ramey, and developers showing interest in our community.”
However, Teena James, a lifelong resident and activist, emphasized the need for essential amenities beyond housing: “We still lack sit-down restaurants, grocery stores, and recreational facilities for our children in the summer. Investments in schools and infrastructure are long overdue.”
James, running for city council herself, urged community members to contribute: “Homeowners, residents, and alumni need to reinvest in our community.”
Bivens echoed the call for more businesses and services in Stop Six and East Fort Worth, areas she feels are often neglected: “East Fort Worth deserves equitable attention from City Hall.”
She emphasized proactive engagement with developers and constituents to attract businesses: “We need creative strategies and sustained efforts to bring in more businesses. More housing should attract them, but we need to keep pushing.”
While Bivens has had discussions about potential projects coming to Stop Six, she remains cautious: “Until we see actual progress with groundbreaking, I maintain a pragmatic approach. We must keep advocating loudly and setting high expectations.”
