Published:
Fourth Rezoning Attempt — A Clear Pattern is Emerging
Former District 1 City Plan Commissioner Christian Chernock has filed a fourth attempt to rezone the lots at the end of North Boulevard Terrace. The request would change the area from single-family (R-7.5(A)) to multifamily (MF-2(A)). This change could allow about 80 apartment units on a short, dead-end street with limited access.
At the same time, the City has planned a $6.7 million connector bridge from Plymouth Road across Coombs Creek. That bridge would lead directly into this development site.
The previous rezoning cases were withdrawn in October 2024. No formal reason was given. At that time, Chernock was still serving on the City Plan Commission, which raised understandable concerns about a potential conflict of interest. The timing also aligned with the District 1 Council election, where neighborhood character and development influence were major issues.
Chernock resigned from the Plan Commission earlier this year. Shortly after, he filed this new rezoning application.
Timeline
- October 2024 – Prior zoning cases withdrawn.
- May – Councilmember Chad West wins re-election by a narrow margin.
- June 11 – Chernock resigns from the City Plan Commission.
- June 28 – A new rezoning application is filed.
- August 13 – Chernock notifies neighborhood of rezoning application
This sequence raises fair questions:
“Why did this rezoning not move forward until after the election and after his resignation?”
“Why did the developer wait until 2 weeks before the CPC hearing to notify the neighborhood?”
No accusations — just the facts and the optics.
Notice That Was Hard to See
The required zoning notice sign was placed at the very end of North Boulevard Terrace, on the developer’s vacant lots. Very few people walk or drive to that location.
Yes, this placement meets the basic legal requirement. But it does not support transparency or genuine public awareness.
If the true goal was to inform neighbors, the sign would have been placed in a visible location or nearby neighborhood groups would have been notified.
The Confusing “Community Meeting” Flyer
On August 13th, nearly two months after filing, Chernock distributed flyers announcing a “community meeting” at Pollo Regio. The flyer listed the date as:
“Tuesday, August 20.”
However:
- Tuesday was the 19th
- The 20th was Wednesday
Many neighbors were left unsure of when the meeting was actually happening. Was this a careless error or an intentional attempt to minimize attendance? Accidental or not, the end result was confusion.
In every past zoning attempt for these parcels, neighbors have:
- Organized
- Attended meetings
- Asked questions
- Shared concerns through the correct process
So when notice comes late and visibility is low, it does not feel accidental. It feels like a pattern: minimal notice, minimal engagement, minimal accountability.
What the Zoning Change Would Allow
This request would change the zoning from R-7.5(A) (single-family) to MF-2(A) (multifamily).
This type of request does not require any development plans or site details.
If approved, the property could be developed to the maximum density allowed — potentially up to 100 units.
View the case record here (official City planning portal):
Case: Z-25-000069
City Plan Commission Hearing
Wednesday, September 4
12:30 PM
Dallas City Hall — Council Chambers
Residents may:
- Attend the hearing
- Speak in person (3-minute comments)
- Submit written comments in advance
Direct your comments to:
- Councilmember Chad West
- District 1 Plan Commissioner Erick Drobinski
Why Participation Matters
This is the fourth rezoning attempt for these same parcels. The neighborhood has shown, time and again, that it is willing to engage respectfully and thoughtfully.
What residents are asking for is straightforward:
- Transparency
- Early notice
- Clear, accurate communication
- Development that involves the neighborhood, not avoids it
Meeting the minimum rules is not the same as good faith public process.
The neighborhood deserves the latter.
