The plan seeks to expand the city's mixed use development and improve transit options. An alternative version of the plan, recommended by the City Plan Commission, was voted down as the city council opted for the original, slightly amended plan.
The comprehensive plan known as ForwardDallas! was approved by the Dallas City Council last week, with only two dissenting votes. Urban planner John Fregonese's plan had been in the works for more than 18 months, and while many in the city's government see it as a positive step, some feel there hasn't been enough public input.
" 'Dallas is the ninth-largest city in the nation, and we've only developed half of it,' council member Bill Blaydes said. The plan as passed, especially given its language on mass transit and southern-sector development, 'is a map by which the city can move forward.' "
"During a public hearing Wednesday prior to the vote, dozens of Dallas residents argued for and against the city staff's recommendation to the council."
"Cay Kolb, who supported the plan commission's amended version, wrote the council that the Forward Dallas planning process was 'fraudulent' and 'underhanded,' as 'public input has been suppressed; the staff has funneled a foregone conclusion upon which they are asking you to vote today.' "
FULL STORY: Forward Dallas proposal approved: Council backs city staff's land-use plan, rejects panel's version

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