DALLAS (AP) – A natural spring near downtown Dallas is closer to attaining rare historic status in a move usually limited to old buildings. The Dallas City Plan Commission on Thursday approved a proposal for historical protection of the so-called “Big Spring.” The final decision rests with the Dallas City Council. The Dallas Landmark Commission on Feb. 1 voted to preserve the artesian spring. The designation would ban new construction nearby, plus restrict fences, signs and trails in the area settled more than 150 years ago. Dallas in 2004 bought the land. Neighbors Billy Ray Pemberton and his wife, Zada, have been the unofficial caretakers. Pemberton welcomed Thursday’s vote and said he hopes public education about protecting the environment will follow.
