Preston Center: Photo by Fernando Rojas

Preston Center: Photo by Fernando Rojas

What’s new with the Preston Center task force? Find out Tuesday, July 28, at 6 p.m. The group will gather at University Park United Methodist Church to discuss its progress and introduce the consultant who was recently hired to conduct the land use study. All interested citizens are invited to attend the meeting and ask questions. For more information, click here.

Here’s a recap, explaining why the task force was formed and what effect it’s had on developers. 

Transwestern wanted to build a six-story luxury apartment community in the area and Crosland Group hoped to construct a 316-foot residential tower on Westchester. Councilwoman Jennifer Staubach Gates formed a task force to address our neighbors’ concerns about the projects. The league, composed of Preston Hollow residents, business owners, city planners and traffic engineers, plans to conduct a land-use study of the area – something that hasn’t been done since 1989. In response to these efforts, Transwestern withdrew its proposal. Crosland Group’s project was also stalled. But the fight isn’t over yet. One developer remains undeterred.

Crow Holdings obtained a specific use permit in March to build a skybridge connecting the two-story parking lot in Preston Center to the building that currently houses Marshall’s and CVS. Whether the skybridge comes to fruition depends on the City Council. On June 17, councilmembers delayed voting on the issue for the second time. They’ll consider the proposal again in November after the task force gains footing and fast tracks a recommendation specifically on parking.