Every year — many times a year — we find ourselves at a commission meeting reviewing a rezoning request. And oftentimes at those meetings, there are loads of neighbors who are upset about the projects presented. The most frequent complaint?
“No one told us about this! There was no notice!”
Well, the fact is that you have to make time to learn about the process in order to remain informed about potential zoning changes. One sure-fire way to stay ahead of the curve is to get to know the Dallas Planning and Urban Design department, which just happens to be hosting a summit this weekend.
Officially, the Aug. 28 event is a kick-off to the ForwardDallas Comprehensive Land Use Update, and the city bills the virtual event as an opportunity for neighborhood leaders and residents to understand the planning process and how to get involved.
There are sessions meant to educate and inform viewers about land use as well as discussions related to public transportation and environmental impacts. This is just the beginning, too, as the city launches the year-long process to update the ForwardDallas Comprehensive Land Use Plan, so stay dialed in if you want to make sure there are no more mid-rise apartments near White Rock Lake, or some other zoning issue that warrants a yard sign campaign (of which some are still planted in East Dallas yards to this day).
The ForwardDallas plan was adopted by the Dallas City Council in 2006, so it’s due for an update. If you want to be a part of the process, register for the summit here. You must be registered to attend in the breakout session. You can see the full agenda below.
ForwardDallas Neighborhood Summit
9:30 Understanding the Comp Land Use Plan: Let’s Plan Together!
10:10 Panel Discussion: Citywide Plans … Connecting the Dots
10:55 Breakout Sessions
– Connecting Transportation Plans (with Transportation)
– Land Use Basics/How Zoning Works (with Development Services)
– Understanding Environmental Impacts
11:25 Closing Remarks
Session Details:
General Session:
Let’s Plan Together | Presented by PUD
General Session:
Citywide Plans…Connecting the Dots | Moderated by Dr. Eric Anthony Johnson
Breakout Sessions:
Land Use & Zoning Basics | Presented by Dallas PUD and Development Services
Connecting Transportation Plans | Presented by PUD and Transportation Dept
Understanding Environmental Impacts | Presented by PUD and Dallas OEQS
