A group of community members is appealing a ruling that could give a developer the go-ahead to change the look and feel of Snider Plaza, University Park’s landmark shopping center, forever.
Last November, Dallas County District Court Judge Sheryl McFarlin dismissed a lawsuit that was seeking to block a commercial development planned for the southeast corner of Snider Plaza, the area once home to Peggy Sue BBQ, Lane Florist, Logos Bookstore, and Arman Jewelry. That gave the developer, Jim Strode, the green light to move ahead with the project.
Strode plans to build a new three-story building with retail, restaurant, and office space. The plan also calls for a two-level, 48-space underground parking garage with egress from Daniel Avenue. The site plan was approved by the University Park City Council in September of 2021
The Snider Plaza Alliance, a neighborhood group that has been fighting the development for a little over a year, claims Strode’s plans for the site violate city parking requirements. They also claim the building is out of character for Snider Plaza, a spread-out collection of older but charming two-story structures holding small independent stores and restaurants. The group sought and received a temporary restraining order blocking the development and keeping the City of University Park from moving forward.
But Judge McFarlin’s ruling put a major blockade in their battle to keep University Park’s best-known shopping center from looking like any other suburban strip center.
“Don’t Plano University Park,” said Snider Plaza Alliance founding member Matt Dixon, who owns nearby apartments but actually lives in Plano.
Friday, the alliance announced they are appealing Judge McFarlin’s decision:
“Snider Plaza Alliance (SPA) wants you to understand what the City of University Park is allowing to happen in Snider Plaza and why we are pursuing legal action.
In concealing a radical departure from 2008 Snider Plaza zoning, the City of UP used deceptive means to rezone 6600 Snider Plaza allowing the developer to proceed with a project that will aggravate parking shortages without meaningful neighborhood or shop owner engagement.
This sets a precedent for all of Snider Plaza to be redeveloped without regard for zoning already in place which will adversely affect the whole of Snider Plaza and the surrounding residential neighborhood.
Our lawsuit was dismissed on procedural grounds and we are appealing this case.
Attached is further information regarding status of the court case against the City of University Park and James Strode.”
*** SPA is a non-profit association dedicated to preserving Snider Plaza and its surrounding neighborhood. Its members include property owners, Snider Plaza tenants, and University Park residents supporting rational civil debate on planning issues. ***
The SPA claims University Park passed a zoning change on false pretenses and without proper notice, allowing the developer to avoid having to comply with zoning that would require dozens of additional parking spaces for a development of this size. The group claims parking is already a disaster in the area.
