Neighborhood opposition has led developer DHI Communities to revise its plan for Ascend at Longbow Highpoint, a planned multifamily community at Recker and McDowell roads.
DHI had requested a rezoning for the site from light industrial to develop a 359-unit apartment complex comprised of two- and three-story buildings and featuring 38KSF of retail.
Nearby residents inhabiting single-family homes in the area vigorously opposed the proposal before the Planning and Zoning Board in February. The opposition centered around the standard concerns over potentially increased crime, traffic and impacts to neighborhood character, along with the other points of contention concerning height and density.
The Board recommended approval for the project, calling the proposal a sound design and noting its likely benefits to the community, particularly in terms of diversified housing inventories.
Residents continued pressing for revisions, however, and several meetings were held between residents, the developer and planning staff.
As a result, two blocks of apartments have had their proposed heights reduced from three stories to two, and the unit count has been decreased from 359 to 339. The use of satellite dishes on balconies and the use of balconies for storage will also be prohibited under a “good neighbor” policy.
Possible drive-thru uses in the retail portion remain a point of contention and discussion. (Source)
