Fear of Density Faulted for Lack of Open Spaces in Dallas

According to an article by Melissa Repko, planners and city officials in Dallas say the city "must strike a better balance between buildings and open space." In Dallas, explains Repko, "the idea of impact fees and dedication ordinances hasn’t gained traction."

"Dallas caps the maximum lot coverage of a building, but the remaining land can be paved for parking. Many new buildings offer just a thin frame of shrubs and maybe a pool deck. And city parks officials say they don’t have money to buy public land, especially in pricey neighborhoods."

The article takes a turn into a discussion about density, including a quote from City Plan Commissioner Bobby Abtahi (after employing the American Planning Association's definition of "excessive" density), who claims that public fear of density is one of the big causes of the lack of green space.