After Dallas City Council voted to approve new zoning rules for a 14-acre plot in the middle of their affluent neighborhood, Preston Hollow remains deeply divided over plans for new high-rise development in the area.

Opponents vowed to continue fighting and suggested the possibility of filing a lawsuit to stop development.

“We’re going to take a look at the legal issues,” said Steve Dawson, a longtime critic of the zoning. “There’s been no effort to find a compromise.”

Steve Dawson speaks in opposition to Planned Development 15 at the city council meeting on Wednesday, Sep. 11, 2019, at Dallas City Hall. (Lynda M. Gonzalez / Staff Photographer)

The City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to approve a plan allowing more high-rise residences in Preston Hollow, which has fought such development for years.

The vote came over the strenuous objections of neighbors who believe that high-rise development in the area will make traffic worse around the already busy Northwest Highway and Preston Road intersection.

The controversial two-year zoning battle prompted former Mayor Laura Miller to come out of political retirement and challenge incumbent City Council member Jennifer Staubach Gates this spring. Miller carried precincts in the disputed area, but lost to Gates by a 2-to-1 margin.

City council member Jennifer Gates speaks about Planned Development 15 at the city council meeting on Sep. 11, at Dallas City Hall. City council voted in favor of a controversial zoning plan that will allow high-rise residences in the affluent Preston Hollow neighborhood, where a sizable opposition has fought such development for years. (Lynda M. Gonzalez/The Dallas Morning News) (Lynda M. Gonzalez / Staff Photographer)

Located across from Preston Center plaza, the prime 14.2-acre real estate parcel, called Planned Development District 15, or PD15, already has two condominium towers along with low-rise properties and is located in an area next to some of the most expensive homes in Dallas.

Preston Place, a three-story condominium, was destroyed by fire in March 2017, spurring the city to address the zoning in the area around it. The new zoning approved by City Council will allow high-rise towers of up to 240 feet, or about 22 stories, on the south end of the parcel and 96 feet, or about eight stories, on the north end.

The new plan would about double the number of units allowed in the parcel — a fact opponents said would increase traffic and hurt the quality of life in the neighborhood known since the 1960s as “behind the pink wall.”

Right up until the vote, neighborhood leaders organized a robust opposition campaign, holding rallies, lobbying city council members and issuing news releases.

“This is a seismic change to zoning,” said Susan Cox, a nearby homeowner, speaking to council members.

Opponents emphasized that about 80% of the residents in and nearby the area mailed in city ballots opposing the zoning plan. “I encourage you to listen to 80% of the people,” Cox said.

“Please consider the power you have over our lives to preserve our neighborhood or destroy it,” said Barbara Dewberry, another resident of the area.

From left, Janie Bergamasco and Javier Rodriguez wait in line to speak in support of Planned Development 15 at the city council meeting on Sep. 11 at Dallas City Hall. City council voted in favor of a controversial zoning plan that will allow high-rise residences in the affluent Preston Hollow neighborhood, where a sizable opposition has fought such development for years. (Lynda M. Gonzalez/The Dallas Morning News) (Lynda M. Gonzalez / Staff Photographer)

Supporters said the new zoning would solve not only the problem of what could replace the destroyed Preston Place but also how to draw interest in refurbishing other properties in the tract that are aging and in decline.

“If we don’t develop it, it’s going to deteriorate even more,” said Nancy Bergamasco, a former resident at Preston Place.

Kristina Wilson, a former resident at Preston Place, said she is still paying on a mortgage on the condominium that was destroyed by fire. “We’ve been stuck,” Wilson said. “I beg you to approve this zoning.”

In the end, City Council didn’t need much persuading.

Chad West, who won the District 1 seat previously held by Scott Griggs, pointed out that city officials need to find ways to encourage more housing development.

“This is an opportunity to put in housing in an area that’s not going to displace anyone,” West said.

District 6 representative Omar Narvaez said he’s excited by the green space proposed in a dense area and a plan that will improve aging and declining properties.

“This has been challenging,” Gates said just before the vote. “I really believe we’re doing something to prevent the area from deteriorating."

"As a neighborhood, we're going to have to work together going forward."

Dawson and other opponents of the zoning said they would take the next week or two to consider their legal options. Because the city chose to use an authorized hearing process, the neighborhood could not directly negotiate with developers, Dawson said.

If opponents decide to take legal action, they would request an injunction to stop development from proceeding while the lawsuit was pending, Dawson said.

Gates said she doesn't believe there are grounds for a lawsuit. She defended the authorized hearing process and said the voices of opponents were heard throughout the process by way of public hearings, steering committees and task forces.

Gates said she added extra protection for the neighborhood with an amendment to Wednesday’s vote that requires a development impact review. The city review will assess the impact of a proposed development on the neighborhood before a building permit is issued.

"A lot of their concerns have been addressed," Gates said.