By Judy Truesdell
Staff Writer

Wylie City Council recently voted to move forward with plans for the South Ballard Zoning Overlay, a district that would impose certain design standards and allowable uses on new construction in the years to come.

However, rather than the proposed district, which would have included addresses on Jackson Street, council voted unanimously to restrict the area to Ballard Street from Stone Road to Hwy. 78, with a portion of Butler and First Street included.

City Planner Renae Ollie said plans for the overlay are motivated by the desire to attract businesses that will thrive while continuing to maintain the “rich history, community values, and citizen-friendly atmosphere that embodies Wylie.”

Ollie said, “This plan allows for a broad mixture of compatible uses and provides special development and design standards that create a multi-use, pedestrian-friendly, sustainable place that will enhance the architectural character of the area and be compatible with the Historic Downtown.”

Ollie said her office had sent out 261 letters to area property owners; 21 individuals responded in favor of the overlay, and 22 indicated they were against it.

Wylie businessman and Christian Care Center Executive Director Raymond Cooper spoke against the proposal in public forum, saying he thinks it will not be in the best interest of the city and will be an “impediment to the progress of Ballard Street.” He said he believes people buy property for specific purposes, and they “ought to be able to enjoy their property for that purpose.”

“If it passes, I hope it works,” Cooper said, “but I don’t think it will.”

Mayor pro tem “Red” Byboth moved that the plan be adopted, but he proposed the overlay be restricted to lots on both sides of Ballard Avenue between Stone Road to the south and Butler to the north, First Street on the east and Hwy. 78 to the north, northwest.

Porter seconded the motion, and the vote was unanimous.

Cooper thanked the mayor and council, saying he was very pleased with their decision.