HPPC HAS WITHDRAWN ITS RECENT PLAN TO RE-ZONE ITS BLOCK OF SINGLE FAMILY HOMES TO A PLANNED DEVELOPMENT. THE RE-ZONING REQUEST WAS TO BE THE SUBJECT OF THE NEXT P&Z HEARING ON OCTOBER 12, BUT IT IS NO LONGER ON THE AGENDA.
When we received word that HPPC had withdrawn its Planned Development (PD) application, we were hopeful that the issue would be put to rest, and the neighbors and other community supporters could take down their yard signs and work with HPPC to restore the cooperative and harmonious relationship we once enjoyed. That is the neighbors’ most sincere hope and prayer.
However, we have been told that HPPC has a new parking plan in the works.
This new plan -as posted on the HPPC website – shows parking spaces on either side of the alley, partially paving the backyards of all the homes. We believe that the use of those parking spaces for churchgoers is in violation of City Code, as parking spaces behind Single Family homes are an accessory to that home and are not allowed for third party use, as would be the case in this plan. We further hold that such a plan would set an undesirable, if not dangerous precedent in University Park. For example, one could conclude that if HPPC is allowed to pour parking spaces behind residential homes and allow anyone other than the residents to park there, then other homeowners (especially those near schools, shopping centers and SMU) could similarly construct parking spaces and make them available for others to use. Again, a dangerous precedent for University Park.
Another objection it that a plan of this nature alters the established block of Single Family homes in a manner inconsistent with the surrounding residential neighborhood. We have asserted since the beginning that a parking lot – of any shape or configuration – has no place in the heart of a residential neighborhood.
In addition, we have been told that HPPC leaders are asking for permission to continue to use Single Family homes for purposes not allowed under City Code (i.e. church offices, counseling center and offices for a separate 501c3 organization).
OUR POSITION REMAINS SIMPLE AND CLEAR
1) We support HPPC in any efforts to build a code compliant underground parking on its PD-36 (current campus bordered by University/McFarlin/ Shannon/Park). An underground garage provides a long-term solution to HPPC parking and resolves concerns about convenience and safety for families with small children and the elderly who would not have to cross through a surface parking lot or cross Shannon (a public street) to reach the church. An underground garage also eliminates concerns over light and noise pollution and eliminates the ongoing cost of landscape maintenance.
2) We will continue to work for more neighbor-friendly alternatives to a parking lot including shuttling, valet parking for seniors, use of UP Employee parking lot for church employees on Sundays, and we will work with HPPC to ask city officials to allow Sunday-only parking in areas around HPPC that are currently designated as No Parking. Our research has shown that there is a potential of over 900 parking spaces available within a 5 minute walk of HPPC if all spaces are able to be utilized.
3) We support a 100% compliance with City Code by HPPC on all the property it owns.
4) We do not support the re-zoning (or any commercial use) of any or all of the block of Single Family homes either in the 3900 block of University and McFarlin or the 3800 block of McFarlin.
5) We do not support parking of any configuration that is not compliant with Single Family zoning and residential use.
Until we receive word that HPPC has totally abandoned efforts to use the 3900 Single Family Block for any purpose other than residential, we will remain united and steadfast in our objections. We are motivated by a desire to protect our home values, our neighborhood and our quality of life and we appreciate the hundreds of UP residents who stand with us.
If you have questions or would like to sign our petition, please email nohppcparkinglot@gmail.com.
It seems the leadership of HPPC has missed the ageless French wisdom that bad cheese smells even worse when broken into many pieces.
Trading one large, unsightly, unwanted, and inappropriate parking lot for several smaller, unsightly, unwanted, and inappropriate parking lots is not an “alternative”; it is merely a more widespread intrusion with more instances of offense.
One would think an iconic church with such nice people with good educations could find more congregants in stewardship positions who could understand the simple message in the phrase, “No parking lots!”.