Residents urge traffic, parking and multifamily protections during Balch Springs rezoning hearing

During the public hearing on the Elam Road rezoning, several residents and property owners voiced concerns about traffic congestion, parking spillover into neighborhoods and protections for existing multifamily properties.

Ted Plummer, a resident who said his subdivision sits just off the corridor, said heavy traffic near a Starbucks and other businesses worried neighbors about delays and parking impacts. “My biggest concern is…how is it gonna be if the traffic flow on a heavy day…me getting home in 2 seconds versus me getting home in 5 minutes because traffic is so congested?” Plummer said, adding that his area has roughly 200 homes that could be affected.

Brian Wagam, owner of a 32-unit apartment community at 12904 Elam Road, said he supports walkable redevelopment but asked the commission to confirm that multifamily would remain permitted by right under the M district and that nonconforming properties could be rebuilt to their prior density after a casualty. Staff replied that existing active uses would be deemed legal nonconforming and allowed to remain, but cautioned that loss of occupancy could change that status.

Ellen, a long-standing local business owner on Shepherd Lane, asked whether upgrades would jeopardize her business; staff said restaurants are permitted uses in the proposed district and offered information about façade and property-improvement grants through the EDC. Staff also noted forthcoming transportation studies and Shepherd Lane expansion that are intended to address safety and access concerns.