During the June 9 meeting, council voted 4-3 in favor but because more than 20% of stakeholders within 200 feet of the proposed change sent written opposition to council, a supermajority, meaning six of the seven council members would have to vote in favor, was needed to approve the change.
The details
The request was for a lot located at 1250 W. Spring Valley Road. The current zoning requires all new buildings in the area to be at least two stories. The site plan for La Salsa Verde was only one story, but it would have been constructed at the height of a two-story building with a mezzanine instead of a second floor, Senior City Planner Derica Peters said.
Additionally, a plan for the site was previously approved. Commercial Architect Edwin Brantley Smith, who represented the restaurant owner Andres Calvo during the meeting, said that, with the exception of the mezzanine, the site plan is the same as the previously approved plan.
Smith said building a second story is economically viable, which is why the plan was changed.
Public input
Property owners in the area cited traffic concerns and a lack of parking as a reason they were against the change. Other reasons included trash and alcohol sales.
Richardson resident Scott Ricamore spoke against the change, saying the site plan did not align with the vision for the corridor.
15 years ago, we came together around a bold vision to transform a declining area into a vibrant, walkable, mixed-use district, Ricamore said. “This zoning request isn't really part of that vision. It's a workaround."
Justino Rodriguez, who works for La Salsa Verde, said a second floor with office space would worsen the parking situation because more spaces would be needed for staff.
The action taken
Council members Jennifer Justice, Dan Barrios, Joe Corcoran and Arefin Shamsul all voted in favor of the change.
Mayor Amir Omar, Mayor pro tem Ken Hutchenrider and Council Member Curtis Dorian opposed the change.
