Light Upzoning in North Dallas Spurs Backlash

The City Council's decision to allow increased density for a development of single-family homes has received strong opposition from neighbors.

2 minute read

September 20, 2021, 8:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Texas

SignMedia / Shutterstock

A rezoning approval in Dallas is spurring backlash from the community, reports Matt Goodman. The City Council voted to upzone the 3.5-acre lot owned by the city to allow for the construction of 26 single-family homes in an area that would have previously only allowed for nine on a lot of that size. Money from the purchase would fund the refurbishment of a local library, per the bond covenant created in 2006 when the city bought the parcel. As Goodman writes, this is a only small increase in density. "This is not an affordable housing story. It’s not market rate apartments." The homes, if built, will sell for over $1 million each. 

The majority of the city council supported the proposal. "The city will never build its way out of its housing shortage if it allows neighborhoods to remain in stasis, particularly with a plot of land that has sat unused for more than a decade."

But neighbors want to see fewer homes, despite assurances from city engineers that the development would not have a negative impact on traffic and concessions from the developer that include "larger setbacks, no second-story windows on homes facing the neighborhood, moving the power lines, planting more trees and replacing any that die or are damaged, installing 6-foot-wide sidewalks." 

The council's decision to move forward with the rezoning could impact future developments in other parts of the city.

Monday, September 13, 2021 in D Magazine

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

High-rise apartment buildings in Waikiki, Hawaii with steep green mountains in background.

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss

The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

April 6, 2025 - Honolulu Civil Beat

Two yellow and white Dallas Area Rapid Transit light rail streetcars at station in Dallas, Texas.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region

At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

April 3, 2025 - KERA News

Rusty abandoned oil well and equipment with prickly pear cactus next to it in West Texas.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage

Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

March 31, 2025 - Pennsylvania State University

Aerial view of Spanish revival style buildings with red tile roofs in downtown Santa Barbara, California.

Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land

County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.

6 hours ago - The Santa Barbara Independent

Green and white interstate freeway signs pointing to Hayward and San Mateo and Half Moon Bay exits in Northern California.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project

The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

7 hours ago - Streetsblog San Francisco

Kingsbridge Armory, large hangar-like brick building in the Bronx, New York City with brick lower floors and glass/metal curved roof..

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard

After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.

April 9 - Shelterforce Magazine