Summary: "Current ordinances for businesses do not protect residents who are located in close proximity to these types of operations. The local citizens are 100% in agreement that the City Council must deny this proposed change until all the citizens’ objections are [addressed]..." Important issue for ALL Willow Park residential owners. Decisive Council Meeting Tue. 23 January. Speak now or forever hold your peace.
Latest Update: posted 22 January, 2024
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Message from home owners on rezoning WP Church of Christ from residential to commercial at 23 January 2024 Council Meeting.
Submitted by Willow Park resident, Dave Laurenzo, representing neighborhoods around Willow Park Church of Christ.
"Current ordinances for businesses do not protect residents who are located in close proximity to these types of operations. The local citizens are 100% in agreement that the City Council must deny this proposed change until all the citizens’ objections are incorporated in either changes to the overall zoning code or prohibitions are levied on this specific property for the duration of it’s use in the Class II “O” Office Zone.
"Specifically, the proposed zoning does not prohibit business vehicle and service trucks from operating or being parked on this property overnight or on weekends. Businesses that have vehicles, or even trailers, would be permitted to park in the direct line of sight of local property owners.
"Secondly, the current allowable businesses under the new zoning permit include a wedding venue with probable noise, traffic and lighting issues. Although there would be no food preparation on site, it does not prohibit catered events.
"Another concerning issue for the residents is the probable light pollution of entry, parking lot, security lighting and electronic signage. Current ordinances permit very high temperature (i.e. very bright) lighting and this would be a continuous issue for residents living next to and near the property. Electronic signage in a local neighborhood must be prohibited. A great example of the obtrusive lighting is located on the North side of the Texaco station on Ranch House Road. The lights are blinding, including to those driving on the road, and are not limited to the parking areas next to the building. Local residents insist on controlled, low intensity and warm (neighborhood friendly) lighting.
"Finally, the City Council must deny this zoning change until the developers show their fully developed construction and renovation plan to the city and the citizens. This city and the residents must know what they are approving. Currently, there is no developed design nor is there any specific plan for how many offices there will be or how many people and vehicles there might be.
"The City of Willow Park cannot permit a change to Zoning when there are inadequate safeguards in place to prevent damage to the surrounding properties and resident’s quality of life."