Photo by Hilary Schleier
City Council approved the ForwardDallas 2.0 land use plan earlier this week on Sept. 25. Shortly after, Councilmembers Paula Blackmon (District 9) and Paul Ridley (District 14) released statements addressing the plan and its approval.
Blackmon’s statement highlights
Blackmon’s statement acknowledges that this plan — referred to as version 6 — was a “compromise,” and stated that this new plan was “long overdue.”
Blackmon stated that the plan is not a zoning document and that it will protect single-family neighborhoods. Additionally, she stated that the plan “promotes a more inclusive, forward-thinking approach to transportation and land use.” The statement also addressed her choice to vote in favor of the plan, stating that it was representative of a “vision for thoughtful, community-driven growth,” that supports Dallas’ growing population.
Ridley’s statement highlights
Ridley’s statement takes a different approach, as he was responsible for the majority of the section revisions submitted for review. He addressed the motion to move “Single-Family Attached” to a “secondary use,” in the Community Residential Placetype that he introduced during the meeting, stating that he did so in an effort to clarify the language.
Ridley defended his choice to vote in favor of the plan — despite the motion not being passed.
Ridley lists several reasons for his choice to vote in favor, among them was the protections for single-family neighborhoods, preservation of home ownership opportunities, the location strategy for housing options and the support for neighborhoods provided by the plan.
