Welcome to Ultraground. We look out for neighbors in ‟seas of red.”

February 13, 2024

District: 10

The developer, Rick Farnoush, requested a zoning change to build “luxury townhomes” marketed as “more affordable homes” ranging from $300,000 to $350,000 on Willow Springs Road. He said the development would benefit seniors and young families.

However, Farnoush faced intense resistance from the surrounding neighborhoods. Over 700 residents signed petitions and 180 individuals emailed Council Member Blaylock opposing the zoning change. Speakers representing homeowners associations warned that property values would decrease and traffic congestion would increase, endangering children. According to HOA President Heather Desoto, residents “do not approve” of the zoning change. The tipping point was Farnoush's unresponsiveness and perceived dishonesty.

Here are some of the standouts:

Expressed concerns over ‟infrastructure, traffic, safety, and decreased home values.” Stated the applicant has not been ‟transparent or responsive” to questions and concerns over the 2-year process, creating a “relationship built on misinformation, lies, and veiled threats.”

Noted concerns over ‟traffic” and ‟no traffic light” to get out of the neighborhood, endangering children. Stated 247 neighbors in surrounding HOAs ‟do not approve of the zoning change.” Expressed concerns over 600 potential additional drivers and the lack of sidewalks, putting ‟all” at risk.

Expressed concerns over a ‟significant increase in both construction and residential traffic” endangering his young children.

Petition: Over 700 signatures in opposition.

Emails to Council Member Blaylock: 180 emails opposing the zoning change.

Denial with prejudice. A rare heavy decision.

Council Member Blaylock noted “overwhelming opposition,” stating he had “never seen one that generated so much opposition.”

Siding firmly with residents, he put forth the rare motion to deny the zoning change outright “with prejudice.”

As Blaylock explained:

The District 10 Council Member pointed to poor communication for the backlash, identifying a potential way this could have been avoided.

The motion to deny passed unanimously. The decisive ruling prevents the developer from bringing the same proposal back before the Council, forcing Farnoush back to the drawing board with the community.

District 10 has had 2 approvals, 1 withdrawal (after a staff recommendation of denial), and this denial since the beginning of 2023. Given only 50% have been approved by Council Member Blaylock, 2600+ units have been entitled.

Let’s look at some factors that influenced the outcome these 4 projects.

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