Northwest Dallas neighbors begin recall effort of councilmember Gay Donnell Willis

Neighbors say recall effort started over lack of communication with elected leader

Neighbors in Northwest Dallas say they are starting the effort to recall District 13 council member Gay Donnell Willis.

The move comes after neighborhood opposition to recent zoning cases in three locations that supporters of the recall say reflects Willis’ unwillingness to work with homeowners opposed to the projects.

The projects include the Preston / Royal tower development that is currently before the city council for an October 14 vote, along with a condo development near Walnut Hill Lane next to the Wimberley Court neighborhood.

Neighbors in both cases oppose zoning requests to raise the maximum height of proposed structures.

Doug Hazelbaker with Preserve Preston Hollow says the work to collect more than 9000 signatures needed to place a recall effort on the May 2027 ballot will start in the next few weeks.

"With this November election coming up, with the Senate out there, there’s going to be a lot of people voting and there’s going to be a lot of people knocking on doors," Hazelbaker said.

"And our team is going to be knocking on doors."

Willis told NBC 5 in an emailed statement she is aware of the recall effort but "I want everyone to know that I'm always available to listen and understand your viewpoint."

"The Preston Royal zoning case is still moving through the city’s standard review process.Many revisions have been made as a result of neighbors’ input. No final decision has been made, and additional discussion continues. I’ve met with residents, neighborhood groups, and stakeholders throughout this process, and I will continue to do so."