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Written by Kevin LeMar Cole Sr. "It’s hard to fight a fire in the city with no water. They used to have an area like this in the Houston area near N McCarty and 610. Sand Branch has been without water for forever.Sand Branch is the only unincorporated settlement left in Dallas County.The Sand Branch Community is the poorest area in Dallas County. Unless, an area has been incorporated by usually a nearby or adjacent city. It will remain to be an area that’s not free. Not free because, in addition to being the last unincorporated community in Dallas county. Sand Branch is surrounded by incorporated areas. This is the last area in Dallas county that has “no water infrastructure” and the wells in the community are non-potable due to decades of contamination. That really means that community has no running water. No water that is safe for human consumption, suitable for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene without health risks in 2026. Ouch!!!"The community was formed for freed slaves." Only a few original families still own their land. The problem probably won’t be solved until gentrification kicks in. If it kicks in!What is gentrification?Gentrification is the process where a low-income urban neighborhood undergoes a influx of higher-income residents, increased investment, and development, leading to rising property values and cultural shifts.​While this reinvestment often improves local infrastructure, lowers crime rates, and boosts economic activity, it also creates significant trade-offs for the existing community.​Economic Displacement: Rising rents, home prices, and property taxes frequently force long-term residents and lower-income tenants to relocate because they can no longer afford to live in the area.​Commercial Shifts: Legacy local businesses often close due to higher commercial rents, replaced by upscale retail stores, trendy restaurants, and services tailored to the incoming demographic.​Cultural and Demographic Change: The arrival of wealthier, often younger, and demographically distinct residents alters the social fabric, community identity, and historical character of the neighborhood.​Infrastructure Investment: Public and private funding tends to flow into gentrifying areas, leading to upgraded parks, better-maintained roads, improved public transit facilities, and renovated housing stock.https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1985eynrLN/