Standing Up for Lake Como: PLCDC's Fight Against Unethical Development Practices

At Proof of Life Community Development Corporation (PLCDC), our mission is clear: to design and implement programs that dismantle the barriers obstructing progress in historically underserved communities. Recently, our efforts have focused on addressing an urgent issue at 5136 Bonnell Ave in Lake Como, where a developer's actions have highlighted the very obstacles we strive to overcome, including unethical construction practices, displacement threats, and a lack of localized political power.

Unethical Development Practices Threaten Our Community

Since acquiring the property at 5136 Bonnell Ave, the builder, Saint Maurice Construction Group, has demonstrated a blatant disregard for the community and its regulations. They demolished the existing home without securing the necessary permit, continued construction despite a cease and desist order, and caused the ONCOR electrical lines to collapse for the 5100-5200 blocks of Bonnell and Fletcher. These actions exemplify the type of predatory behavior that too often plagues historically underserved neighborhoods like ours.

Ella Burton, a life- long resident, voiced a sentiment shared by many: “I’d rather see affordable homeownership rather than revolving door rentals.” Her words echo the community's desire to preserve the unique culture and stability of Lake Como, rather than succumbing to developments that prioritize profit over people.

Zoning Changes as a Barrier to Progress

The proposed zoning change at 5136 Bonnell Ave is not just about one property; it's about defending our community against broader, systemic issues. These include:

• The Cycle of Poverty: Unchecked development can exacerbate economic inequalities, pushing long-time residents out of their homes and deepening the cycle of poverty.

• Displacement of Residents and Neighborhood Culture: New developments often prioritize high-income buyers, displacing existing residents and eroding the cultural fabric of the neighborhood.

• Institutionalized Racism and Inequitable Policies: Historically, communities like Lake Como have faced institutionalized racism and inequitable zoning practices that favor developers over residents.

• Lack of Political Power and Voice: Localized citizen power is crucial in these battles. The PLCDC works to amplify the voices of Lake Como residents, ensuring that their concerns are heard by those in power.

Taking Action: Empowering Lake Como Residents

To combat these challenges, we’ve taken decisive steps to empower the Lake Como community:

1. Organizing Opposition to Unethical Zoning Changes: We’ve started gathering names of property owners within 300 feet of the proposed project address to prepare for a potential "supermajority vote." This vote can force the City Council to require a three-fourths majority to approve any zoning changes, providing a critical tool for community resistance against unjust developments.

2. Educating the Community on Supermajority Votes: A supermajority vote is essential when property owners representing at least 20% of either: (1) the area of the lots or land covered by the proposed zoning change, or (2) the area of the lots or land immediately adjoining the proposed area and extending 200 feet from it, file a protest. In such cases, the City Council must approve the rezoning by a vote of at least three-fourths of all members, currently requiring 7 votes. The protest must be in writing and signed by property owners, and even streets and alleys are factored into the calculation of whether the 20% threshold is met.

3. Building a Strong Community Response: We’re actively gathering signatures from local residents, with community members like Brandi Strain stepping up to help collect signatures from neighbors. We are also inviting all registered groups within a 1/2-mile radius to add their names to our petition. This collective action aims to ensure that the community’s voice is represented at every stage of the decision-making process.

4. Preparing for Key Meetings: To further demonstrate our community’s strength and determination, we will be set up at the Como Community Center lobby at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 5, 2024 to gather more signatures ahead of the CFW budget meeting at 5:30 p.m. and the NAC meeting at 7 p.m. We invite anyone who is willing to support by joining us or assisting in crafting a 7-minute opposition statement for the commission meeting on September 11.

Empowering Communities for Sustainable Development

PLCDC remains committed to fighting against barriers like poor land use, neighborhood disinvestment, and shifting demographics that threaten the stability and integrity of Lake Como. By addressing these challenges head-on, we empower individuals, community associations, and partners to achieve sustainable development and equitable growth.

Together, we can protect the future of Lake Como, ensuring that it remains a community where residents not only live but thrive. Let’s take action, raise our voices, and stand up for the values that make our neighborhood unique.

See It, Own It, Solve It, Do It.

Peacock Taylor

Founder and Executive Director, Proof of Life Community Development Corporation (PLCDC)

Program Director, Keep Lake Como Beautiful