Arlington Planning and Zoning Commission Regular Session - May 21, 2025

The Planning and Zoning Commission of Arlington, Texas, convened on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 5:45 PM in the City Hall Council Chamber. Chairperson Dr. Ignacio Nunez presided, with Commissioners Blake, Sumpter, Ware, Winkles, Greer, Carter, and Maddox present. The meeting addressed five zoning cases: one development plan, one continuance, two planned development requests, and one specific use permit.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (May 7, 2025): Unanimously approved (8-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Zoning Case DP25-1 (2601 W Randol Mill Rd): Over a dozen residents spoke in opposition, citing concerns about traffic on Randol Mill Road (a hilly, winding road), increased crime, loss of privacy, light pollution, drainage issues, property value declines, school overcrowding, and the incompatibility of a 360-unit luxury apartment complex with the surrounding single-family neighborhoods. Several speakers urged alternatives such as senior living or land banking by the city. One resident, Randy Hendricks, spoke in support, testifying that the developer (OHT Partners) delivered on promises at a previous project on Cooper Street.
• Zoning Case SUP25-2 (319 Matlock Meadow Drive): The applicant, Fabiola Chavez, explained she sought the secondary living unit to care for her 94-year-old mother while allowing her independence. No members of the public spoke in opposition.

Discussion Items

• Zoning Case DP25-1 (2601 W Randol Mill Rd): Applicant Howell Beaver of OHT Partners presented a plan to demolish a vacant rehab center and build a 360-unit luxury apartment complex (16 units per acre, well below the 22-unit maximum allowed by the underlying RMF-22 zoning). The plan meets all UDC standards and exceeds tree preservation requirements (46% preservation, 10% required). No traffic impact analysis (TIA) was initially required by staff, but after public concern, the developer agreed to conduct one during platting. Commissioners debated the project’s merits, with some emphasizing the limited legal authority to deny a use already permitted by zoning, while others stressed the need for a TIA and better mitigation for neighbors.
• Zoning Case PD25-3 (4300 New York Ave): The applicant, Nikki Moore of MMA, represented Group One Automotive’s request to rezone 13.327 acres from PD-Light Industrial to PD for Community Commercial plus new motor vehicle sales to build a luxury BMW dealership. The site is adjacent to I-20 and existing dealerships. Staff noted one deviation from a required masonry wall along the western property line due to a utility easement; the applicant proposed 127 trees instead. Commissioner questions addressed drainage, architecture (the building’s sleek modern design meets BMW’s corporate identity), and the removal of pole signs. No opposition was voiced.
• Zoning Case PD25-5 (901 East Arkansas Lane – Take 5): This proposal redevelops a 0.514-acre former gas station into a Take 5 oil change center with three service bays. The only deviation is that service bays face South Collins Street; the design includes 100% brick facade, enhanced landscaping (including butterfly-attracting plants), and removal of existing pole signs. The applicant noted a shared parking agreement with adjacent Dino’s Subs. Staff and commissioners praised the project as a catalyst for the aging International Corridor. No opposition. The applicant agreed to continue discussions with the city’s International Corridor initiative to integrate signage or banners.
• Zoning Case SUP25-2 (319 Matlock Meadow Drive): The applicant requested a Specific Use Permit for a 948-square-foot secondary living unit (1,214 sq ft including porch) on a 0.316-acre lot zoned RS-7.2. Commissioners expressed concerns about future use as a short-term rental or rental unit, setting a precedent, and enforceability of occupancy restrictions. Staff noted that such SUPs are uncommon (only one approved since 2022) and that a similar case was previously approved. The applicant stated she would not sell the home and that her daughter might use the unit for college.

Key Outcomes

• Zoning Case DP25-1 (2601 W Randol Mill Rd): Approved (5-3) with conditions: a traffic impact analysis (TIA) shall be submitted during platting; the two dumpsters shall be relocated away from residential property; an 8-foot-tall fence shall be installed along single-family residential boundaries; the applicant shall work with city staff on security requirements; and healthy live oaks within open space areas shall be preserved where possible. Voting aye: Chairperson Nunez, Commissioners Sumpter, Winkles, Greer, Maddox. Voting nay: Commissioners Blake, Ware, Carter.
• Zoning Case PD24-28 (5920 Matlock Road): Continued (8-0) to the July 16, 2025 regular session.
• Zoning Case PD25-3 (4300 New York Ave): Approved (7-0-1) with a recommendation to consider additional vertical articulation on the north elevation. Commissioner Sumpter abstained.
• Zoning Case PD25-5 (901 East Arkansas Lane – Take 5): Approved (7-0-1) with staff considerations and direction to continue discussions with the International Corridor group for potential integration of signage or banners. Commissioner Sumpter abstained.
• Zoning Case SUP25-2 (319 Matlock Meadow Drive): Approved (6-2) as presented. Voting aye: Chairperson Nunez, Commissioners Sumpter, Ware, Winkles, Greer, Maddox. Voting nay: Commissioners Blake, Carter.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:45 PM. The next regular session is scheduled for Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 5:30 PM.