Nathaniel Barrett Profile picture
Real Estate Developer, CRE-Tenant Rep, Dallas Local Politics
Mar 31, 2022 6 tweets 3 min read
Ever since I was stairpilled by @holz_bau I've been curious why scissors stairways don't count for two stairways even if fire separated, so I just started flipping through old versions of the IBC.

FYI: I am not an architect or engineer, or design professional of any sort. The first mention I saw of it was in the 2003 IBC. I found a note in a code forum that they'd heard it was because of terrorism concerns after the WTC attacks. ImageImage
Mar 3, 2022 10 tweets 2 min read
Just tuned into the CPC hearing, they're currently voting on whether to allow a .3 acre lot to be subdivided into 2 parcels...some don't want to allow it because it isn't consistent with neighborhood character...ugh. The reasoning? While there are smaller lots in the neighborhood, but there are also lots this size, so we shouldn't get rid of it?
Mar 3, 2022 7 tweets 2 min read
Downtown Dallas Skyscrapers sounds like a tough business

Bank of America Plaza
1985: Built for $300M
1998: Sold for $320M
Listed and withdrawn in 2011 and 2020 Renaissance Tower
1974: Built for $80M
1995: Sold for $105M
2006: Sold for $150M
2021-Default and recapitalized on $118M loan
Jun 18, 2021 6 tweets 2 min read
Like many cities, Dallas started downzoning ("backzoning") large swaths of the city. In this 1977 article they discuss a proposal to downzone 120 blocks all at once. Conveniently timed just before election day! Image A frequently cited reason for requesting downzoning is that banks wouldn't lend on single-family homes in areas zoned multi-family. Is there any truth to this? @JakeAnbinder Image
Jun 17, 2021 22 tweets 4 min read
It's been a hot week. You know what'd help with that? Parking Reform. Guess what? Today the ZOAC is discussing this very topic! 🥳 Sadly, there are 2 topics ahead of Parking Reform, including amending P(A) districts. This is very arcane! Funny enough, I actually own a property with one of the few P(A) districts in Dallas!
Jun 4, 2021 6 tweets 1 min read
I have THOUGHTS:
1) Permitting delays, a recent phenomenon, are likely temporary (but should be fixed).

2) High labor and materials costs are annoying but also temporary and out of the City's control. The article just barely touches on the remaining factor: "land costs", lack of construction sites and NIMBY-ism which are interrelated and definitely largely within the City's control.
Jun 3, 2021 29 tweets 5 min read
After a brief break to gather some public comment, ZOAC is BACK to discuss Reforming our costly parking mandates! We have a new ZOAC member joining us today, Jennifer Rangel of the @ICPDallas!
May 22, 2021 4 tweets 1 min read
I'm so pumped about removing costly parking mandates in Dallas because it'll be a huge deal to remove this impediment to quality of life. Funny enough, it'll also be a really small and subtle change. L Like, it's not like we'll suddenly see high rises on every corner with no parking. It'll just result in a very subtle downward trend in parking spaces built, most people won't even notice.
May 20, 2021 23 tweets 4 min read
Second public engagement meeting starts at 8:30am this morning! Join in and support cleaner air, a stronger economy, and a better transportation system! No sign-up needed, just join here: bit.ly/ZOAC05202021 About 1/2 the number of attendees as yesterday and I see some returning names.
May 19, 2021 17 tweets 3 min read
First public engagement meeting for Parking reform has started! Thanks to the many supporters who have logged on to advocate for this reform! They pose 3 questions to the attendees:

1) What do you think about the amount of parking Dallas?
2) Does parking availability determine your choice of destination?
3) What's more important to you? (walkability, transit options, parking etc.)

Disappointing, no talk of tradeoffs!
May 6, 2021 41 tweets 10 min read
zoac zoac zoac ZOAC ZOAC ZOAC! It's happening right now! We are back to talk parking! A reminder of where we are: Image
Apr 24, 2021 35 tweets 8 min read
All right, I finally watched the video and here are my thoughts: Mill Creek (applicant) wanted to create a Planned Development (PD) to build an 80ft mixed-use project with 305 units. Current zoning allows mixed-use but only up to 54 feet due to a pre-existing deed restriction.
Apr 23, 2021 6 tweets 2 min read
Disappointing to here CPC denied the proposed project at the 3G intersection. I'll post more thoughts after watching the video, but it sounds like it got veto'd by neighborhood pastoralists again. lakewood.advocatemag.com/2021/04/22/dal… Image So glad we get to keep this streetscape a while longer instead of 10' sidewalks and 15 affordable units. ImageImage
Apr 22, 2021 18 tweets 3 min read
It's Earth Day and what better way to celebrate Earth Day than a trip to the Zoning Ordinance Advisory Committee to discuss eliminating costly parking mandates, perhaps one of the greatest contributors to environmental destruction in US cities? Today features Eric A Johnson Chief of Economic Development & Neighborhood Services to talk parking economics!
Apr 16, 2021 4 tweets 1 min read
On our Panel today @DanKeshet mentioned the development bonuses in Austin available under the "Affordability Unlocked" program. Dallas also has an affordable development bonus program: the "​Mixed Income Housing Development Bonus" program. Sadly, it has some flaws: 1) It requires more parking for studios and 1BR apartments than the base code. (Minimum 1.25 space per unit vs 1 per bedroom under standard zoning, Austin also waives all non-accessible parking requirements.)

2) You also have to provide a passenger loading zone for some reason?
Apr 15, 2021 31 tweets 6 min read
Good morning! Why is it good? Because we are back at the Zoning Ordinance Advisory Committee (ZOAC) to talk about Minimum Parking Requirements (MPRs)! Last time the residents around some of the more popular nightlife districts showed up in force to oppose a change to the status quo. Since then, the Lower Greenville Neighborhood Association has also sent a letter of opposition to change. ☹️
Apr 1, 2021 49 tweets 7 min read
Dallas ZOAC returns today at 8:30am for more PARKING discussion! The air is tense as I have had heard rumors that high level staffers are trying to sabotage the ambitious parking reform efforts being discussed.
Mar 11, 2021 26 tweets 5 min read
The Best Thing in Dallas Urban Policy returns today: ZOAC meetings on Parking Reform! Not been following along with rapt attention and bated breath? Here's a refresher on where we've been the past 9 months: Image
Feb 26, 2021 14 tweets 2 min read
Wowza parking. Image Love those rents though! Image
Feb 25, 2021 23 tweets 5 min read
We're back at ZOAC today after being delayed by last week's winter storm. We're talking parking ratios. The planner wants to focus on what are the City's goals and how do parking reqs prevent us from reaching these goals. Image
Feb 4, 2021 30 tweets 4 min read
It's been awhile folks, but I'm back for more ZOAC live-tweeting about Parking! Where we are: We are talking about "Parking Ratios Table Options" ooooo Image