Another Resident's Opinion on McMansions

The lettter below is from a neighbor in support of McMansions.
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The initial reaction of many people to tear-downs/rebuilds in our L-Streets neighborhood is negative. Fears of declining home values and increase property taxes seem to be the most common negative concerns. However, not all residents of our area feel this way. I for one feel that this negative reaction is shortsighted and selfish. Yes, we all love our neighborhood for its quaintness and charm. However, change is inevitable and things do get old. The fact is, there are many homes in the L-Streets that have fallen into disrepair, are vacant, or are not maintained by their owners. That may be hard for some people to accept, but it is a fact. I wish all of the residents in the L-Streets took pride in their homes, but unfortunately many do not. These homes hurt the aesthetic value of the neighborhood – they make the area look run-down and attract a certain element that none of us want. As a result, values of homes in our area have not kept up with the overall housing market in Dallas. I would much rather have these unkempt homes torn down and replaced by a new home as opposed to allowing these trends to continue.

New home construction stimulates economic development. Increasing home values attract higher incomes and more retail expansion. This means more stores, more restaurants, and more amenities that will improve the quality of life for our area. It’s very simple – just follow the money. It’s called progress.

As for property taxes, I would prefer to pay my taxes in a growing, thriving, improving neighborhood versus one that is declining in value. Local governments will continue to raise property taxes as much as allowed by law whether rebuilds occur or not.

In closing, I love the L-Streets for its location, its people, and its charm. However, I also believe it can be made even better by replacing certain homes with newer ones and attracting new business to the area. In the end, it will increase the value of properly maintained, updated homes and make the neighborhood a nicer, safer place to live.

Bill Blaydes Town Hall Meeting

Tuesday, March 20, 2007
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
at

Lake Highlands Freshman Center Auditorium
10200 White Rock Trail

Agenda includes:

Introduce the developer of the Lake Highlands Town Center (Skillman & Walnut Hill)
· View Renderings of the Center
· Q & A Session

City Council Office: 214-670-4068
Report Code Violations: 311

Local Redevelopment Authority - Deciding on Armory

The Local Redevelopment Authority will be making it's recommendation to the city council soon. They will recommend what will be done with the Army Reserve Center on NW Highway.

Two homeless shelters and the Parks Department are in the running for taking over this facility.

The L Streets supports the Parks Department proposal.

Contact information for the Local Redevelopment Authority chair is below if you would like to write a letter.

Robert Wright, Real Estate Manager
Development Services Department
Office of Real Estate Management
320 E. Jefferson Blvd. Room 203
Dallas, TX 75203

Calloway's Garden Tip

Timely Tip for March Gardeners:

Enjoy a Weed-Free Lawn

What do you do when the only green going on in your lawn is of the weedy version? First, prevention is the best policy. Apply a preemergent now to prevent the summer broadleaf and grassy weeds. Green Light Crabgrass Preventer can be applied using your fertilizer spreader. Its purpose is to prevent grassy weeds from appearing during the summer months. Green Light Portrait can also be applied the same way and will prevent broadleaf weeds from sprouting. Follow these products up with Calloway’s Premium Lawn Food to add that extra punch to green up and enrich the existing turf. Water these products in well. You will need to apply the preemergents again in September to prevent the winter grassy and broadleaf weeds.

Now to take care of the existing problem, spray with a broadleaf weed killer to eliminate those pesky weeds which made it through the winter. A product such as Wipe-Out can be applied with a hose-end sprayer. Follow directions carefully for the best results.

The best method for a lush, green lawn is to develop a routine fertilization and watering program. A thick lawn will squeeze out and prevent weeds from growing. A little discipline now will reap the rewards later!
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Calloway's Nursery provides L Streets Neighborhood Association members with a discount. See www.lstreets.org/sponsors

McMansions

The March issue of D Magazine reviews some positive effects of McMansions. Also, pick up a copy to see the next hot properties in Dallas.

D Magazine