400 Foot Tower In West Dallas
What are the ramifications of a 400 foot high-rise complex being constructed just North of Singleton in Trinity Groves? A company by the name of West Dallas Investments has been actively purchasing land in West Dallas for development. The residents of the West Dallas area need to be aware of the full consequences of this development before it can commence, and the City Council seems to agree, as do we.
The West Dallas Neighborhood Commission is once again calling on the residents of West Dallas to ensure the continuation of our community. While we wholly recognize the need for a certain level of growth and expansion, and the introduction of new developments, there is also a need to preserve the rich cultural and historical nature of the West Dallas community.
There are two important aspects of retaining our unique community history. One is the preservation of affordable housing for the many residents whose families have been living in West Dallas for multiple generations. The other is allowing these people to enjoy the same quality of life as new residents to the West Dallas area will enjoy.
Many members of the West Dallas Neighborhood Commission are developers who understand the need for growth and development. We also understand how it would feel to not only to endure the constant disruption of nearby construction, but waking up one day to notice that you no longer had that scenic view, or even direct sunlight able to come through your windows anymore.
The highlight of the proposed construction on the 3.76 acre lot is scheduled to be a 400 foot high-rise building, that West Dallas Investments believes will attract “Fortune 500” companies, or even some of the “Silicon Valley transplants” fleeing the higher tax rates in California. What they seem to be dismissing is the fact that their plans are in contradistinction to the current Zoning Laws in the area.
The first area of concern is with zoning regulations regarding Proximity Slope, based on existing property lines designed to protect existing homes. Ideally, these laws would protect existing homes and ensure their ability to enjoy direct sunlight continuing to pour into their houses. In the case of this particular lot, existing housing places the proximity slope at approximately 140 feet, meaning the maximum height of construction is limited to 140 feet or roughly fourteen floors.
West Dallas Investments has not been at all shy about courting the local community, though it is uncertain that the full extent of their construction is understood in terms of the local community environment. The case was originally heard by the City Council on the eighth of December where they voted to send the zoning proposal back to the City Plan commission.
With the ownership of 127 pieces of property in the West Dallas area, it would seem that West Dallas Investments has the opportunity to greatly strengthen local growth. West Dallas Neighborhood Commission however, is seeking concerned residents in the local area, and encouraging them to unite and assist in the preservation of our collective homeland.
With a more unified community voice, West Dallas Investments can be assured that they have the voice and full support of the local community. However, it is equally important to remind them that the community will unify against any efforts that put the affordable housing and local residents at potential risk.
Yes, growth is absolutely essential to the prosperity of the West Dallas community, but it must not be allowed to force out those who have called this area home across multiple generations. The growth and expansion of the West Dallas area must continue to be a coordinated effort with the full support of the local residents in cooperation with the developers, and growth that benefits the people here as much as it does the investors.