I intended to post about this yesterday, but had some technical difficulties that always seem to go hand-in-hand with starting a new job!
Yesterday, LH neighbors came out to the Dallas Plan Commission hearing in large numbers — about 80 according to Dist. 10 Commissioner Tom Leuder (he knows because the chairman at the meeting asked the commissioners to stand and observe the amount of opponents compared to 20 or so supporters). They were there to speak out against rezoning to allow development of a senior living community at the corner of Skillman and Church.
Download pd_proposed_ordinance_1208.pdf
Leuder recommended rezoning approval despite strong opposition from his district. The rest of the commission, barring Michael Davis (Dist. 4 – Oak Cliff), voted to deny the proposal. Leuder says his affirmative recommendation came only after making several changes to the rezoning proposal, filed by developer Jonathan Pearlman (or a related entity) who has the property under contract to purchase from Prescott Realty (developers of the beloved LH Town Center). Leuder says he recommended several adjustments based on residents’ concerns and city staff suggestions. Still, LH residents and at least one of Leuder’s co-commissioners (Ann Bagley Dist. 7) frowned upon Leuder’s willingness to “overlook the wishes of his constituency.”
Opponents are also criticizing Councilman Jerry Allen, who drew “groans” during Tuesday’s LHAIA-sponsored forum featuring a Q&A with Pearlman. Here’s what opponent Bill Barstow wrote me in an e-mail (sure, it’s hearsay but of course we welcome comments supporting or denying any claims made here):
“The Tuesday meeting at the LH North Rec Center was packed. I had to be out of town, but my wife’s impression was that Councilman Jerry Allen, although professing to be on the fence, gave a very wishy-washy response when it was stated that in all previous meeting with homeowners, he only touted how the project would be ‘good for Lake Highlands.’”
I talked to Jerry Allen who seems to accept that this sort of friction, while disheartening, is expected when it comes to change (development). He says he would never interfere with the zoning process by voicing an opinion on the project either way prior to a Plan Commission hearing. He says some of the opponents simply feel if he’s not for them, he’s against them. He says the accusation that he at one time spoke out in favor of Pearlman’s development is simply false. He says he just wants to help both sides communicate. From what I know, Allen makes himself available to anyone who wants to talk — either way — and hasn’t ever shied from criticism or confrontation.
Merriman Park North, Highlands West, and Lake Highlands North homeowners associations have organized opposition to the project. They fear that allowing the development on the property, designated for single-family houses only, could open the door to unwanted land use down the road (i.e. apartments). MPN has summarized the opposition: Download mpnha_resolution_churchskillman.pdf
Oh, and not all neighbors hated the idea, they just don’t seem to talk about it so much — supporters feel free to chime in.
The commission’s denial can be (and likely will be) appealed to City Council — Allen said he’ll call a Town Hall meeting before any council hearing.
