Oak Cliff developer gets greenlight for multifamily project. Residents object to outcome

Despite strong opposition from West Oak Cliff residents, Dallas city officials approved a multifamily development proposal in their neighborhood. 

After 10 p.m. Wednesday, the City Council approved a rezoning request to convert 3.2 acres on North Boulevard Terrace from single-family to multifamily.

For years, residents have pushed back against developer Christian Chernock’s plans to build apartments in the area. 

They have said the lack of enforceable details has fueled distrust in the process and they have raised environmental concerns about development near Coombs Creek. Chernock has said the development would help alleviate Dallas’ housing shortage. 

Joseph Beckham, a resident who spoke against the case, said the approval sends a message to District 1 residents and developers. 

“It’s very disappointing that no matter how much residents are against a project, our council member gives priority to developers,” said Beckham. 

Council member Chad West, who represents the area of the rezoning case, said during the discussion the politically easy choice would be to deny the case and move on. But the approval was the right thing for the neighborhood. 

“The harder choice for me is addressing the concerns that I’ve heard from the neighbors and putting them into play here, and making the best long-term decision,” said West. 

Related: Despite community concerns, city plan commissioners approve rezoning along Coombs Creek

Chernock has offered public deed restrictions to narrow what could be built and provide environmental relief. Public deed restrictions give the city of Dallas authority to limit future changes to the land, requiring public notice and hearings before a change.

“I will be responsible for this project for decades after its build,” said Chernock during the meeting. “…This proposal reflects compromise, community input and a real effort to do this project the right way.” 

Other speakers said Chernock has demonstrated his commitment to Oak Cliff by not only living in the neighborhood but also through his work with other developments. 

Britton Williams said he used to rent in one of Chernock’s properties and every time he needed assistance with repairs or emergencies, Chernock was available to help. 

For many residents, the deed restrictions were not a sufficient compromise. 

Chernock, a longtime District 1 resident, was appointed by West to serve as city planning commissioner for his district from 2023 to 2025.

When Chernock took the position, residents had raised concerns about a conflict of interest, given his role as a developer and his position on the board that decides what gets built where.

The rezoning case was submitted in 2024, but Chernock later withdrew the application. After his term ended in June 2025, Chernock submitted the rezoning application again.

Since then, residents and the developer have held numerous meetings across the surrounding neighborhoods to discuss how the development would impact the community. 

North Boulevard Terrace is one of the neighborhoods that is adjacent to Chernock’s property. 

Related: Dallas OKs controversial rezoning case in West Oak Cliff despite resident opposition

The majority of residents of North Boulevard Terrace speak Spanish and are owners and renters of single-family homes and duplexes. 

West held a couple of meetings to gather resident input once the application was approved by the City Plan Commission in February. 

Residents from North Boulevard Terrace told West, through an interpreter, at a meeting this month they were concerned about traffic and the safety of children. Some said they have been living in the neighborhood for more than 30 or 40 years.

“We know change is coming and we want to be welcoming,” said Yesenia Serrano, president of the North Boulevard Terrace Neighborhood Association, “but not at the expense of our community being priced out and having nowhere to go.” 

At that meeting, West told residents Chernock was his friend, but he wouldn’t just support him because of their friendship. He said he would look at what would be the best fit for everyone in the neighborhood and the surrounding streets.  

Before the vote on Wednesday, council members went back and forth with city staff to clarify whether residents’ concerns had been addressed. 

Council member Cara Mendelsohn, who represents District 12, voted against the rezoning application, saying there was a clear message from residents opposing the case.  

“When are we going to start listening to our residents?” said Mendelsohn. “I don’t know what it’s going to take to get our council to actually listen to the people in Dallas.” 

Other council members said the applicant was offering safeguards for the neighborhood and the creek. 

After years in the making, the developer now has the green light to build the multifamily development. Residents said they hope Chernock sticks to his promises.