Sunday, December 27, 2009

Conservation Districts vs. McMansions: Which is Better?



These two homes are located on Richard Ave. in Vickery Place. There are many more homes that looks just like these scattered throughout Vickery Place yet the Conservation District doesn't seem to do anything about it.

In the never ending debate over which is better, bulldozing old homes to make way for McMansions or encouraging renovation of older homes with "character", there never seems to be hard data to clearly support either side. What I will say - bluntly, cuz that's how I roll - is that Vickery Place should have NEVER been allowed to be a Conservation District.

You tell me, are these homes increasing Vickery Place's property values more than if a $500K+ McMansion were to be built on the very same lots? (Yes, I know a builder can still build in Vickery Place, but not without a bunch a red tape and getting approval from a biased Board.)

If you think McMansions ruin property I suggest you talk to residents of Preston Hollow, Park Cities, Lakewood and Lakewood Heights. They don't seem to be complaining too much about their property values.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Gambler Loses $127M Then Blames Casino...Seriously


This isn't exactly related to Dallas real estate but I couldn't resist posting it since you know how I love me some stupidity. This is just another example of how our society continues to avoid taking responsibility for our own actions. Remember the McDonald's coffee lawsuit? Lord and Baby Jesus help us if this man wins this lawsuit.

(Thanks, Mark, for the link!)