Institute for Justice Will Defend Beloved Mechanic Shop and Fight State-sponsored Gentrification

Dallas Files “Land Grab” Lawsuit Against Hinga Automotive, Pursues Retroactive Rezoning Process Known as “Amortization” Hinga’s Automotive—a trusted and beloved auto mechanic shop located on Ross Ave.—is at risk of being forced off the land it has called home for thirty years. Last week, the city of Dallas filed a petition in Dallas County District Court seeking an injunction to force Hinga Mbogo to stop fixing cars on the land he owns or pay up to $1,000 per day in fines. The lawsuit follows an April city council meeting where the members voted to deny Hinga Automotive a Specific Use Permit, hoping that, with him gone, the city would attract retail establishments “like Starbucks, Macaroni Grill or nice sit-down restaurants” as one city councilmember explained during the meeting (even though neither Starbucks or Macaroni Grill has expressed any desire to take advantage of Dallas’ land grab).