A rumor has been circulating in East Dallas that the City is considering closing numerous alleys in older neighborhoods, resulting in trash collections moving from the alleys to front lawns.
Those who have heard about this plan strenuously object, reasoning that the results would be unsightly and possibly unsafe if fire trucks were unable to utilize the closed alleys.
As one Council candidate recently stated during a candidates’ forum in East Dallas: “We already have enough junk sofas on the parkway. We don’t need chicken bones scattered out there, as well.”
If this idea surfaces for serious consideration, we’ll update you as information becomes available.
CAR WASH CLEANUP: The recent controversial zoning case involving the car wash at Reiger and Collet avenues was heard by the Council March 10.
Acting on a motion by Councilman Lori Palmer, in whose the district the car wash is located, the Council voted 11-3 to deny the zoning change sought by the property’s owners to the Munger Place Historic District Planned Development District.
The issue now returns to the Board of Adjustment to establish a termination date (perhaps six months). It also was subsequently determined that the car wash had been paid off for about one-and-one-half years, a fact not known by the Plan Commission during its deliberations.
From an economic standpoint, one can presume that the owners’ investment has, for the most part, been amortized.
It’s still possible the owners may appeal the Board of Adjustment’s decision to state district court, involving the neighborhood in litigation for a longer period of time even though the Board’s ruling almost certainly would be upheld.
If further developments occur, we’ll let you know.
MUNGER PLACE TERMINATION: Also in the Munger Place Historic District, a termination case has been filed with the Board of Adjustment concerning Bonnie’s Grocery, 229 N. Collett. The “Bonnie’s” site has a single-family-use designation.
The case was filed by an individual, absentee property owner within the District’s boundaries.
The Plan Commission voted unanimously to hold the case under advisement until early June, backing a suggestion from the Historic District Association.
The delay is expected to provide the neighborhood, area merchants and the Councilman and plan commissioner for the area with an opportunity to work out the problems created by the nonconformity of the grocery store, as well as other businesses in the area.
Further details will be provided in future columns.
DRY OVERLAY VOTE: The East Dallas D-1 District, or “dry overlay”, will be voted upon at the Council’s April 14 meeting. The vote was moved up from April 28 at the request of one or more Councilmen.
Because the D-1 received a strong favorable recommendation from the Plan Commission, it’s considered likely that it also will be approved by the Council.
HERRIN HOUSE REQUEST: Also on April 14, the Council will be reviewing Herrin’s House request for a five-year renewal of its Specific Use Permit in the Gaston Avenue Planned Development District.
The “group residential facility” renewal request was approved unanimously by the Plan Commission, which reacted to the group’s strong neighborhood support.
Herrin House has received favorable publicity for its psychiatric rehabilitation work, and it has been located in East Dallas for quite some time.
Swift Council approval of the request is expected.
PAWN SHOP REGULATIONS: The Zoning Ordinance Advisory Committee recently considered whether more stringent regulations should be applied to pawn shops located in the City.
The question is complicated by overlying state law requirements that pre-empt certain City regulation.
In many neighborhoods, pawn shops are perceived as undesirable neighbors. But the pawn shop industry contends that the image is unfair.
In any event, the committee recommended only one change to existing City regulation – that outside sales and storage be prohibited at pawn shops.
A staff recommendation to prohibit pawn shop uses within 500 feet of a residential district wasn’t supported by the committee, although it is likely to be considered by the Plan Commission.
We’ll keep you informed about this issue.
DEMOLISHING THE BUDGET: It has been reported that the City’s program to demolish problem structures made considerable progress during the past fiscal year.
According to City records, 521 structures had been “cleared” for demolition by Oct. 1, 1992. Of these, 505 were demolished, and 16 were repaired and brought up to code standards. Also, 157 of the structures were on the “current” demolition list, while 364 were back-logged structures from previous lists.
The demolitions were accomplished at a cost of $7.7 million – less than the originally budgeted $13.5 million.
