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Residents flex muscle, Remington Estates zoning change denied
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Residents voiced their concern, and Southlake City Council listened March 4.
Remington Estates wanted to change a plot designation from low to medium density in order to develop 22 new lots and with them a new access road.
But dozens of residents along Shady Lane, which is near the 13.4-acre plot, spoke against the proposed changes at the council meeting.
In the end their voices were heard, and the three related rezoning ordinances were unanimously denied.
Prior to the decision residents spoke at the podium, each detailing why they were against the proposed designation change.
"We would love this development, but not at this density," resident Elizabeth Johnson said.
Low density is defined as a detached single-family development with a "net density of one or fewer dwelling units per acre," according to the city's comprehensive plan. Medium density is defined as any detached single-family home.
Many of the more than 40 residents who attended the meeting saw this change in designation as a threat to the way of living they bought into when they moved into the neighborhood.
Calling the neighborhood along Shady Lane "very unique," Marlene Spady said it is like residents "live in the country."
The development would bring a new access road, which Southlake Fire Chief Michael Starr would welcome, he said.
"The only access is basically a dirt road," he said. "It's a win-win for us," he said of the potential new road.
While the ordinances were eventually denied after a meeting that lasted late into the night, it may not be the end for a development on Shady Lane.
The ordinances were denied "without prejudice," which means the developer could tweak the plan and resubmit it without having to wait one year.
Resident David Stanhope saw the proposed change as threatening an already established community.
"You're diminishing the value of the remaining lots in this neighborhood that are not a part of this development in order to provide a windfall for a few."
