Letters to the Editor

March 17, 2008 09:53 am

— Proposed housing project’s impacts a concern
Dear Editor,
I would like to echo the concerns of Mrs. Crippen and Mrs. Blackerby over the proposed housing project in the northeast part of town. As both of these women expressed, the process seems to be getting pushed through a little too quickly and without enough serious consideration. It seems that not all of the facts are being revealed to the public, nor are we being informed of hearings on the matter.
Although I am still collecting information and have not yet formed my final opinion, at this time I am against the housing development, for several reasons.
First, being the owner of a commercial property (the old Shotgun’s) next to the proposed site, I am quite sure that my property taxes will go up due to the sale of the land and new construction, while the marketability of my property will go down, due to the fact it is located next to an income controlled housing addition.
Secondly, I am almost positive that Mr. Jooma, the developer from Carrollton, has no interest in seeing Mineral Wells become a better community, even if he did name his company Mineral Wells Pioneer Crossing. I think he is simply taking advantage of a government-subsidized program and looking after his own financial interests.
Finally, I think if Mineral Wells wants to move forward, we need to do so by providing housing and jobs that will attract middle and upper income earners, not with low-income housing projects and jobs, like those at the proposed prison, that barely pay above minimum wage.
In response to your comments about the neighborhood organization Mrs. Blackerby, it seems a group of homeowners living in the neighborhood was handpicked by those in city government in favor of this project. I do not know how informed the members of the “neighborhood organization” were about the project or their role in the process, but I think it is safe to say that because of how they were chosen, there was a high likelihood they would give the necessary approval.
Tactics such as this make me question the legitimacy of this project. Luckily, this approval only gave the developer the ability to move on with the process of applying for tax credits. It does not seem to have any bearing on getting the zoning changed for the property.
The rezoning of the proposed property, from commercial to residential, is considered by a planning and zoning board, comprised of citizens appointed by the city council. The board makes a recommendation to the city council and the council votes on the proposed change. If the board recommends that the change not be allowed, the city council can still change the zoning, assuming they get six out of seven votes.
The property owners in close proximity to the proposed site also have a say in the matter. If you own property, commercial or residential, within 200 feet of the site, you have a “vote” in the rezoning request. If 20 percent of those property owners oppose the rezoning, then the city council must get six out of seven votes for the request to pass. All members of the community, regardless of where you own property, have the right to register their approval or disapproval of the rezoning, although only those within 200 feet have a “vote.”
I urge all members of the community, especially those living or owning businesses next to the proposed site, to ask questions, do research, and form an opinion on this matter, as opposed to sitting by idly and letting others make decisions that could have a major impact on your home or business.
I will be attending the meeting in Dallas on April 7, so please send questions or comments to me at rhettwarren@hotmail.com if you would like for me to represent your interest at the hearing. Even if you do not have anything for the hearing, I would still be interested in hearing your opinion on the matter, as it might help me reach my own final decision.
Rhett Warren
Irving, Texas