Dallas planning staff recommends walkable mixed use districts near UNT Dallas

In a recent meeting of the Dallas City Planning Commission, significant discussions centered around a proposed development on a 20.5-acre site located on the west side of South Lancaster Road. The application seeks to rezone the area from a single-family district to a multi-family district and a clustered housing district, with plans for a multi-family complex and townhouses.

City staff expressed support for the proposed land use but recommended a shift towards a more integrated approach. They suggested adopting a Walkable Urban Mixed Use (WMU) district, which emphasizes community interaction and accessibility to essential services. This recommendation aligns with the city’s broader goals of creating vibrant neighborhoods that prioritize walkability and mixed-use developments.

The proposed site is strategically located near the University of North Texas (UNT) Dallas campus and a DART light rail station, making it an ideal candidate for a mixed-use development that combines housing, retail, and office spaces. The staff highlighted that the area is part of the UNT Dallas area plan, which envisions urban mixed-use developments along key transit corridors.

The commission's discussions also touched on the importance of building heights, suggesting that structures should range from two to five stories, with taller buildings positioned at major intersections to enhance visibility and accessibility.

As the planning process continues, the commission will consider the implications of this development on local residents and the surrounding community. The proposed changes aim to foster a more inclusive and connected environment, reflecting the city’s commitment to sustainable urban growth.