Dave Chappelle literally opposes new development in his own backyard. Private property rights, however, prevent Dave Chappelle from doing more than just talking about his “not in mine backyard” (NIMBY), views.
The comedian spoke out at a meeting of Yellow Springs Village Council, Ohio on Monday against Oberer’s plans to build a new community.
“I am not being obtuse. Chappelle, who appeared to be threatening Yellow Springs with his plans to pull out all of his investments in business ventures at the hearing said that “I will take it all off your table.” It was the Dayton Daily News first reported the story. It said that the comedian plans to open a comedy bar and restaurant in the area.
Later that evening, the village council failed in a tied 2–2 vote to approve a rezoning ordinance that would have allowed Oberer to move forward with its project; a mix of single-family homes, duplexes, and townhomes totaling 140 units on a 55-acre site recently annexed into Yellow Springs.
This was what Chappelle, and other Yellow Springs antidevelopment activists wanted. However, it won’t get them the results they desire.
Oberer’s original proposal to have a mixture of housing types was rejected, however it is still able to proceed with its initial plan. It proposed a single-family subdivision to add 143 additional homes to the village.
Oberer appears to be keen on building single-family neighborhoods. Workers for the company were cutting down trees behind Chappelle’s house—which abuts the site of the proposed development—just days after the Monday village council vote, says Yellow Springs Village Manager Josue Salmeron.
However, the company must still get the subdivision plan approved and obtain permits to build the single-family homes. Salmeron states that it’s a routine administrative step. It is impossible for the village to stop this.
Marianne MacQueen from Village Council says that those who believed that Oberer’s rezoning request could be killed by a village council vote or cause Oberer to change its plans would regret it.
She explains that opponents “were not informed and didn’t understand that the village negociated as well as possible,” she says. There are reasons. Oberer’s request for rezoning from the council was the result of more than a year-long talks between the village and the company.
Oberer had originally planned to build a single-family subdivision when it first bought Yellow Springs. MacQueen claims that the vision was not compatible with the village’s declared goal to bring more affordable housing types into the area.
Oberer acquired the property shortly thereafter. Village staff approached Oberer with an idea to build a community with different housing types. The company was open to discussing a plan unit development (PUD), agreement with the village after some initial hesitation.
Oberer, Yellow Springs and Salmeron eventually came up with the plan for a neighborhood that included 64 single-family residences, 52 duplex units and 24 townhomes. Salmeron estimates that the prices for these two units are about $100,000 lower than single-family homes.
Oberer also offered to construct a public park, and donate 1.75 acre to the village in exchange for a site for an income-restricted housing project. The village records suggest that there could be 20 to more units on this site.
Oberer’s project would not be ideal if the local government had so much influence. In fact, both the village staff as well as the developer worked together to negotiate everything from rules for the homeowners’ association in the new development down to outdoor lighting angles.
The company still had the option to continue with the original plan for single-family development, so it seems that the PUD is voluntary. (Oberer did not respond). There are reasons(Request for Comment from )
To legalize the planned townhomes and duplexes, Oberer had to be voted on by the village council. The property was being rezoned from its single-family residential zone to a higher density residential zone.
This process drew opposition from many people, even Chappelle.
Reports WHIO TV 7: He stated that he was opposed to the idea at a December hearing. I have made millions in the town. This is not the right thing to do if you don’t push it through.
MacQueen separates the Oberer opposition into three groups.
According to her, the overwhelming majority of opposition wanted the city rework its PUD agreement, which would include more affordable housing, greater environmental protections and other benefits. A smaller number of people preferred a single-family development.
MacQueen states that a third party, including Chappelle, opposed development at the site. She says that they believed that by defeating the PUD, they would be able to find other ways to block the development.
MacQueen claims that she would prefer a PUD offering affordable housing, just like most of her opponents. Oberer can’t be forced to accept something similar by the city. Oberer’s property, which was already zoned to single-family housing development, meant that it couldn’t be stopped.
“[Oberer]They bought the property. That is their right. The matter doesn’t need to go to council. We wouldn’t vote for it. It is by-right,” she says. There are reasons.
Staff from the village stated Monday that any attempt to rezone Oberer’s land to prevent development would result in the village being sued.
Chappelle made a short public comment suggesting that Oberer’s lawsuit should not be the greater concern to Chappelle than his withdrawal from the village.
He stated, “Why should the village council fear litigation from a company worth $24 million while it makes 65 million-a year,” It is unbelievable that you will make me audition. “You look like a clown.”
This warning appeared to have been enough to put an end to the PUD. It is not clear if this warning will convince Oberer to take further actions against Oberer’s growth. (The Council members who voted for the PUD didn’t return There are reasons(Request for Comment from )
It is not clear that the village has the political will or the legal capacity to stop the developer. As we mentioned earlier, the company is currently clearing their property in preparation for building new homes.
It is this detail that distinguishes Yellow Springs from all other development scandals across the country.
Residents are often opposed to new housing developments in their locality, whether it is downtown San Francisco or rural Ohio.
San Francisco is different because the law grants politicians and NIMBY neighbors unlimited options to delay or stop the approval of housing. The elected officials are free to refuse approval of any project that is in compliance with the entire zone. Cynical lawsuits against environmental groups or individuals can also obstruct the work.
This has led to the construction of much less housing and a slower pace for what is built. This is why San Francisco is the most problematic city in the country, but this is not the only one that causes development to be so difficult. This is why these cities have been so difficult to get affordable housing.
Yellow Springs may be a small town, but its popularity is creating upward pressure on both rents and home values.
Oberer’s plan to construct dozens of homes in the village will assist with reducing rising housing costs. This is a positive thing and even famous residents can’t do much about it.