News 8
Dallas homeowner questions 'field of screams' 
11:26 AM CST on Wednesday, November 11, 2009
DALLAS — A patch of artificial turf lined with a white baseball diamond is causing controversy in Preston Hollow, one of the area's wealthiest communities.
Charlie Marshall's house backs up to the turf. He sent out a letter to neighbors demanding action.
"Since clearly the 'field of dreams' was inapplicable for us and lots of neighbors, the 'field of screams' is applicable," he said.
The landowner, Mike Salim, purchased the property two doors down from his residence as an investment — and to give his triplets room to play.
"We are very sorry that a controversy has developed recently, and we are working with the city to try to correct it," Salim said in a written statement.
The city issued a stop order on the property for drainage and electrical issues, but Marshall says there's more to it than that.
"When the city came over, we learned it was wired like a casino for lighting," Marshall said.
Salim said the property in question is simply a vacant lot with artificial turf — nothing more.
Some neighbors, like Sheryl Maas, support that view. "I'm pleased it's a beautification in the neighborhood; it's not just to make money," she said.
But Marshall says property values, peace of mind, and privacy are all major concerns.
"If he can put in an AstroTurf baseball field here, then why not a basketball field there, a soccer field around the corner?" he asked. "Soon this neighborhood will need to make its own application to host the Olympic games."
City Council member Anne Margolin says there is no ordinance against artificial turf, but she says the baseball diamond stripes are something she will fight.
E-mail sslater@wfaa.com
