Dead malls, NIMBYs, and political prostitutes. ...oh my.
Earlier this week we wrote about how NIMBYism is a uniquely bipartisan American issue. Both sides of the aisle seem to hate new development.
Right on queue, the Plano community (an affluent, suburban Dallas area that has been a primary beneficiary of the region's growth) served up dozens of examples of NIMBYism at work in a P&Z meeting Tuesday.
---- Background on The Shops at Willow Bend ----
-- Deteriorating 1 MSF mall in a great location
-- Cannibalized by two other regional malls within a five-minute drive.
-- Vacancy approached 65% in recent years
-- Foreclosed on by the lender after Starwood defaulted
-- Property taxes have fallen from $4M to $1M
A new ownership group bought it out of receivership and approached Plano with a plan to demolish some of the retail to make room for office, multifamily, a hotel, and open space.
---- Resident feedback ----
Some residents were thrilled with the area's revitalization. But here's a sample of what the NIMBYs had to say...
"...stop being political prostitutes to the big money developers and start doing the right thing for Plano."
"Apartments attract crime and transient residents who have no ownership interest in the property or neighborhood."
"This would just destroy Plano!!!"
"Crime is already going crazy here since all of the new apartments!!!"
"HELL NO. I live near here. I don't want an 18-story building here. I also don't want any more apartments."
"While I welcome change and innovative solutions to the Willowbend area, as a resident in the closest neighborhood I am concerned about the proposed amount of office space to be added, the size of the hotel and the amount of living spaces to be added."
"I am totally opposed to having any more apartments in this area."
"This will create too much traffic and stress on our school systems. There is a small aircraft field across the street, the planes could be put in danger."
"I am opposed to any sort of residential development on this location, especially of the mid-rise type."
"This zoning change wlll further damage the already irreparable harm the city council has already done to the safety, quality of life, and property values of West Plano homeowners."
"Plano is being clogged at every juncture. We are increasing the drain on utilities, roads, parking, and schools. Single family dwellings are being eliminated one development at a time. Herding people into overcrowded non family friendly communities is not the answer."
"Overbuilding apartments overstresses our school & other city systems. Am not for more high density housing in Plano."
You couldn't make it up if you tried. This is a dying mall in one of the densest parts of Dallas suburbia. The plan's approval is contingent upon infrastructure investments. Yet, dozens of people aggressively spoke out about the project.
What's the right solution?
COMMENTS