The Pepper Square Development is moving closer to reality with the latest zoning change greenlit by the Dallas City Plan Commission.
The commission unanimously approved the zoning change that would allow for the 12-story, roughly 1,000-unit apartment complex to be built. The Pepper Square Neighborhood Coalition opposes the plan but says it would support a smaller, four-story building with between 300 and 400 units.
“There is an impasse on the latest number of units and building height. Some folks are very activated about that. They have a right to be. We’re talking about their home, but it’s our home, too,” said Sean Jensen, an HOA president, per Fox.
“We’re all tired about the status quo. Some of our neighbors are very excited about what Pepper Square can become,” he said.
The Pepper Square project has shifted since it was first proposed. At one point, 2,300 units were expected. That number was later dropped to 1,550 and then further cut to around 1,000.
“The neighborhood is not opposed to redevelopment. Our vision is a vibrant thriving mixed-use development, restaurants, retail and owner-occupied housing that fills the missing middle gap,” said Matt Bach, president of the Pepper Square Neighborhood Coalition.
The Pepper Square Neighborhood Coalition represents nearly two dozen homeowners associations in the area. Bach says he believes a compromise is possible, but work still needs to be done.
City Plan Commissioner Melissa Kingston says she considers the proposed 12-story building a mid-rise consistent with the neighborhood character.
“I think this site would support more housing. I drive by weekly. I am not convinced the traffic is the issue the community makes it out to be,” said Kingston.
The vote follows multiple delays in the project, such as the court case over whether appropriate zoning signs were posted at the site. The proposed development is expected to go before the city council on February 26.