PSW Real Estate is one step closer to constructing single-family homes on White Rock Trail. The City Plan Commission made a recommendation in support of the development during its Thursday meeting.
The developer plans to construct 38 houses on the about 4.6-acre property, which was obtained under contract from Richardson ISD. The contract price is $5.7 million.
Designed with young and middle-age families in mind, the homes will be about 2,600 square feet and cost about $625,000. The development includes guest parking, a shared-access drive and a .4-acre common area, where a swimming pool may be built.
Originally the site was home to two commercial buildings. The district bought the property at Walnut Hill and White Rock Trail for the potential construction of an elementary school, although there were no immediate plans made.
When White Rock Elementary’s overcrowding came to the forefront of RISD’s attention, the district considered constructing an elementary school at the property. White Rock Valley’s intense opposition to the plan forced RISD to cave. A “for sale” sign went up in May 2017. RISD approved the sale of the property the following November.
PSW Real Estate has held several community meetings soliciting neighbors’ approval of the project — something that even the plan commission noticed.
“The last time this site was before the City Plan Commission, it was featured on television news, lots of Facebook posting, and there was a lot of people in this room,” District 13 plan commissioner Margot Murphy said. “I think it’s a testament to your hard work. Congratulations, Commissioner Housewright. No one is here today.”
Neighbors, though, did attend Monday’s community meeting at Lake Highlands North Recreation Center. The neighborhood expressed support for the development, although a few were concerned about the development’s aesthetic, as well as how it would impact White Rock Elementary’s already skyrocketing enrollment.
You can watch the meeting, which City Councilman Adam McGough live streamed, here. Dallas City Council will vote to approve the development at its Oct. 24 meeting.