Far North Dallas Pepper Square development approved by city plan commission
Pepper Square development moves toward final vote
Despite fierce opposition from neighbors, the proposed development is only one final vote away from becoming a reality.
DALLAS - Plans for a high-rise apartment complex in Far North Dallas got the green light from the Dallas City Plan Commission.
The Pepper Square Development has been at the center of ongoing disputes.
Thursday’s unanimous vote in favor of the zoning change came despite fierce opposition from nearly two dozen homeowners associations.
What's next:
Sean Jensen, an HOA president, urged the City Plan Commission on Thursday to vote yes on a 1,000-unit, 12-story apartment complex at Preston and Beltline Road.
"There is an impasse on the latest number of units and building height. Some folks are very activated about that. They have a right to be. We're talking about their home, but it's our home, too," said the land use consultant. "We’re all tired about the status quo. Some of our neighbors are very excited about what Pepper Square can become.
However, the neighbors who went to Dallas City Hall on Thursday are not.
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A group of Far North Dallas residents fighting a proposed high-rise mixed-use development took their case against Dallas to court on Friday. They argue the developer did not put up proper notice about the proposed zoning change.
What they're saying:
"The neighborhood is not opposed to redevelopment," said Matt Bach, president of the Pepper Square Neighborhood Coalition. "Our vision is a vibrant thriving mixed-use development, restaurants, retail and owner-occupied housing that fills the missing middle gap."
The Pepper Square Neighborhood Coalition represents 23 homeowners associations in the area.
"I believe a compromise is achievable but requires both sides," said Bach. "So far, communication has been in a ‘take-it-or-leave-it’ fashion."
City Plan Commissioner Melissa Kingston argued the development, which she considers a mid-rise, does fit with the character of the area.
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Dallas homeowners win another delay for proposed high-rise development
The City Plan Commission was set to vote on the proposed Pepper Square development in Far North Dallas. However, it was delayed after homeowners complained that the city did not follow its own rules in posting the date of the public hearing.
"I think this site would support more housing," she said. "I drive by weekly. I am not convinced the traffic is the issue the community makes it out to be."
The apartments are slated to be luxury-style.
Bach says the community would support a development with four stories with 300-400 apartments that included a mix of townhomes that could be owner-occupied.
"With owner-occupied, there is buy-in to the community," he said.
What's next:
Thursday’s vote came after a series of delays, including a court case over whether zoning signs were properly posted. The developer has been keeping meticulous documentation of the signs since.
The proposed development is set to go before the full city council on Feb. 26.
The Source: Information in this article comes from Thursday's Dallas City Plan Commission meeting, interviews with developers and homeowners and previous FOX 4 reports.