On April 22, 2025, at 6:30 PM, the Arlington City Council convened in regular session at City Hall Council Chamber. All nine council members were present. The meeting included special presentations, approval of a large consent agenda, four public hearings (two approved, two continued), and a resolution concerning the redevelopment of Ben Thanh Plaza. Citizen participation featured two speakers on airport community engagement and traffic issues.
The council approved, by a 9‑0 vote, a consent agenda containing 20 minute orders, 3 ordinances (final readings), and 11 resolutions. No items were withdrawn. Key approvals include:
10.1 Alternate Sign Plan ASP25‑1 (1111 AT&T Way / National Medal of Honor Museum) – Staff presented the request for a 150‑ft flagpole. No public speakers. First reading approved 9‑0.
10.2 Zoning Case PD18‑13R1 (101 South Center Street) – The applicant (Paris Rutherford of Arlington City Center LLC) requested removal of phasing requirements for live‑work units to allow flexibility between residential, live‑work, or non‑residential use based on market demand. Two speakers (Corey Houston, business owner and tenant; Doug Hafer) supported the amendment, noting that vacancies harm downtown businesses. First reading approved 9‑0.
10.3 Zoning Case PD24‑40 (Anthem) – The applicant requested a continuance to May 27, 2025. Council voted 9‑0 to continue.
10.4 Alternate Sign Plan PD24‑40‑ASP (Anthem) – The applicant also requested a continuance to May 27, 2025. Council voted 9‑0 to continue.
11.1 HKT Management Corporation – Resolution Authorizing Performance Agreement – Josh Mejia, Economic Development Specialist, presented a resolution for a performance agreement between the Arlington Economic Development Corporation and HKT Management Corporation for the redevelopment of Ben Thanh Plaza in the International Corridor. Staff recommended approval. One non‑speaker registered support. The resolution was approved 8‑0 with Councilmember Piel abstaining (Resolution 25‑102).
Two citizens spoke during Citizen Participation:
Well, good evening, everybody. Welcome to the Arlington City Council meeting. I don't know what happened, but have y'all noticed we got a bunch of good looking young people in here tonight. I I guess all y'all just came to see the mayor, right? Um, I'm gonna invite Sheikh Majad Bakash from the uh Al Hedea and Dar Alman Mosque to please come forward and give us an invocation, please rise. Lord, we are so grateful for your blessings in our lives. And from you the peace comes. Bless our chief of police. For our fellow American citizens. Allow us all to stand together united in the circle of your light and be the instrument of your love. And to share it with others. Lord, bless all our efforts and help us to bring it with love and mutual respect. Forgive us, Lord, and lay out lay not on us a building greater than we have a strength to bear. Lord, in your name, we pray. Amen. Thank you. God bless you. Thank you. Please join us in the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic for which it stands. Our nation under God. Honor the Texas flag. I pledge allegiance to the Texas. One state under God. One and individual. Thank you. You may be seated. Miss Brittany Clark. Come on up here. Who's where you go? Did I just run? Do I want Sherry? Well, I didn't know you're got. I have on my notes it says Brittany Sherry. You both want to come up here? Oh, okay. Yes, sir. Do you have a list of who you're doing here first? So let me introduce Sherry Kate Part. She's a former Arlington City Council member, and we have some awards to give out to a bunch of fine young students. We do. Thank you. Y'all can clap for me. You got me. You did, Mayor. Thank you. Uh so tonight we are presenting for the 24th year, the animal essay winners. Uh, and um we have four grades that have ability to enter, and there's a third, fourth, and fifth, uh, excuse me, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth grade, and there's a first, second, and third place winner in all four grades. So we have twelve winners with their principal and teacher that we'll bring forward, and we have a wonderful certificate, and they'll get their picture made with the mayor, which they are very excited about, mayor.