This has to be my favorite blog picture. And so very apropos for this article in DMN which just adds to the tension being built up in parts of East Dallas. (Is East Dallas really this bitchy?) It's no secret the residents here - yes, I live in Lakewood - have been dividing neighborhoods for years regarding tear downs and McMansions. But guess who's been doing the dividing? It's not the people tearing down homes and bringing higher income families to East Dallas schools. Have you ever seen or heard someone saying, "Screw you and your old home! I'm going to tear this bitch down and build the biggest and gaudiest house I possibly can just to piss you off. And I'm going to spend $700K doing it! So there!". I didn't think so.
If your 2 bedroom, 1 bath home is really that cute then someone will buy it and live in it. So until then, East Dallas, the Park Cities and Preston Hollow will continue to "one up" you when it comes to real estate values, Whole Foods, retail, restaurants, schools...get the picture?
Wikipedia says, "Cutting off the nose to spite the face is an expression used to describe a needlessly self-destructive overreaction to a problem." It's called change. Deal with it.
Jeff,
ReplyDeleteJust an FYI, I live in the Forestcrest Estates area (Inwood/Forest/Jesuit), and we are getting ready to go through the overlay process. We've got 1 resident who feels that we're losing the charm of the neighborhood by tearing down older, unkempt homes. Thankfully we have lots of owners who feel that the redevelopment of the neighborhood is a good thing and are ready to fight this absurdity.
That's great news. I know a few people that have fought against this overlay in their neighborhoods and have won so your efforts can succeed.
ReplyDeletePlease keep me updated!
Jeff,
ReplyDeleteAre there templates or resources that residents seeking to battle proposed NSO's in their own neighborhoods? Many in our little neighborhood were misinformed/scared into signing a petition to put a council vote together. It's early enough that I can get a group to vote/appear before the planning commission, but the Pro-NSO's have little signs and momentum on their side?
Thanks!
My initial thought would be to contact the city planning commission and/or your city council representative and tell them about your concerns. They should be able to guide you in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteI'm curious as to which neighborhood you're referring to? I haven't heard about overlays in East Dallas in a while and things seemed to calm down a little.
Dallas already has deed and height restrictions so I'm still not sure what an overlay is supposed to accomplish.
Good luck and please keep me posted as to what you find out!