Does anyone find it interesting that those opposed to the overlay have never sought out or referenced an expert, unbiased opinion on the matter? Not once. Sure, neighbors with ancillary knowledge of Dallas residential properties who own a home here have chimed in, but all of them have “a dog in the hunt”, so to speak. So the Overlay Supporters thought it would be appropriate to share some input from some individuals who deal with residential properties and overlay issues daily as their main occupation:
“I got into homebuilding because I saw what was being done to my neighborhood (Llano St.) by builders with no conscience. The Maplewood Overlay parameters in no way diminish my ability to build a quality home for a profit that fits into the neighborhood. Anyone that says otherwise is either mistaken or has ulterior motives. All that is required is a thoughtful architect and builder.”
Phillip Mason, President of the Kirk Bond Construction Inc.
“The Maplewood Overlay Opposition Committee needs to get me on their Board, because they don’t know anything about architecture. Building a significant new house under (the Maplewood Overlay) can be done if you know what you’re doing and keep it within the scale of the neighborhood. I know because I’ve done it.”
Michael Lyons, Thomas & Bonneau Custom Homebuilders, AIA Architect, architect of 7214 Brennans.
“What opponents to the Maplewood Overlay seem to continue to overlook is the incredibly high value of the location of their neighborhood. To think that such a benign overlay would in any way restrict the value of their homes is preposterous.”
Susan Nelson, Realtor for Ellen Terry
“The basic real estate principle that any restriction limits property value is a tenet of commercial real estate, not residential real estate. Look no further than Swiss Avenue, which has some of the most restrictive zoning parameters in the city, and yet it has flourished since those parameters were put into place.”
Michael Finley, Chief Planner - City of Dallas
The Maplewood Overlay was developed out of the neighborhood's majority voice on a neighborhood survey - a survey in which the opposition helped to create. Our overlay does not have flaws in conformity, measuring, or process. It aims to ensure that new construction does not overwhelm existing homes, and the new house is designed with thought.
Unlike some builders who arrogantly tell neighbors "It's about dealing with it," (Cresswell as quoted in the Lakewood People) there are builders who try to fit within the neighborhood. The builder Thomas and Bonneau tore down a home in our neighborhood at 7214 Brennans and built a home with architectural interest that EASILY FITS within the proposed overlay, has nearly 5,000 sq. feet and, and has a price tag of $1.2 Million. They built the home within the parameters of the overlay without even trying and even BEFORE knowledge of the proposed Maplewood Overlay. They did this because they wanted the house to fit into the neighborhood. How has the Maplewood Overlay restricted Thomas & Bonneau from maximizing the value of Maplewood’s location? You can reach Mr. Thomas on his cell phone at 214-202-0787 if you have any questions. The AIA Architect for this home is Michael Lyons - 214-256-9600 - and he is more than willing to share his opinion on the absence of thoughtful construction from mass builders.
Phillip Mason, a builder for Kirk Bond Construction, actually became a builder because of his disgust with lack of architectural style flooding new home construction. Phillip's insight played a role in the development of the Maplewood Overlay. On a drive through the surrounding areas, one home was decidedly different and unique. It was Philip Mason's house. 6159 Vanderbilt Philip has also won Quality Design awards. You can reach him at 469.576.6055
The Maplewood Overlay makes minimal changes of 3 components:
Height: 22-foot Increasing Median Height Plane (current zoning is a flat median 30’)
Garage: Rear Entry – Attached (current zoning allows for any location and access point)
Corner Side Setback: 20 feet (current zoning is 10’)
All other setbacks are same as zoning or as platted on our neighborhood's Master Plat.
There was 68% support of our overlay based on 61 petitions turned into the City of Dallas.
Not all builders shy away from neighborhoods with an overlay. The "Big Box" McMansion is an insult to architects and quality builders who put thought into their homebuilding. The Maplewood neighborhood is set to meet with the City of Dallas planning commission on December 13th and its proposed overlay hopes to achieve just that- respectful and thoughtful home construction.
Any individual claiming to have been “tricked” into supporting the overlay because they were only presented with one side of the story. Other responsible neighbors actually read the distributed material from both sides and even made their own independent inquiries to builders and realtors. Those that did their own independent research have come to the unanimous conclusion that the opposition had zero empirical evidence to support any of their claims, as evidenced by their complete lack of substantive proof. They were left to fall back on pedestrian, unfounded fear tactics designed to create discord in the community by creating suspicion of your own, well-intentioned neighbors. Overlay supporters have FACTS. The opposition has FEAR.
The Overlay Supporters continue to ask the Opposition to provide any empirical evidence to support any of their “claims” that the Maplewood overlay will be harmful to our community. In 8 long months they have yet to produce a single one.
Support the overlay. Check the “SUPPORT” box on your City of Dallas Ballot.
Opposition Material Found "INCORRECT"
Important Accurate Information for THE FINAL VOTE!
Neighbors:
You should have received the blue ballot from the City of Dallas in your mail. This ballot represents the FINAL vote in the overlay process and will be crucial to the City Council’s decision on January 23rd.
As a follow-up to the Neighborhood Meeting Q&A with the Expert Panel, it was confirmed that the opposition’s diagram of home measurement was “INCORRECT.” The City of Dallas measures homes as if that home existed on a flat plane. Whether a home is slightly above or below grade DOES NOT MATTER and there are no advantages or disadvantages. Source: Theresa O’Donnell – City of Dallas Director of Development Services and Michael Finley – City of Dallas Chief Planner.
Thank you for your support of the Maplewood Overlay based on the facts and accurate information and not fear-based unknowns.
Sincerely,
The Maplewood Overlay Supporters
www.overlaytruth.com
Neighbors:
You should have received the blue ballot from the City of Dallas in your mail. This ballot represents the FINAL vote in the overlay process and will be crucial to the City Council’s decision on January 23rd.
As a follow-up to the Neighborhood Meeting Q&A with the Expert Panel, it was confirmed that the opposition’s diagram of home measurement was “INCORRECT.” The City of Dallas measures homes as if that home existed on a flat plane. Whether a home is slightly above or below grade DOES NOT MATTER and there are no advantages or disadvantages. Source: Theresa O’Donnell – City of Dallas Director of Development Services and Michael Finley – City of Dallas Chief Planner.
Thank you for your support of the Maplewood Overlay based on the facts and accurate information and not fear-based unknowns.
Sincerely,
The Maplewood Overlay Supporters
www.overlaytruth.com
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