March 11, 2024 Newsletter
March 11, 2024 – Volume 17 Number 11
Highlights:
* The council loves the new Lincoln Square development (“Anthem”) heard at the work session. The public hearing for approval is March 26.
* City council approved four wells on the just approved drill site.
Taxpayers' Funds at Risk:
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_83.html
City Council grades:
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_39.html
AISD Board grades:
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/blank_1.html
Citizens Defending Freedom vs. AISD
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_14.html
…...
Arlington is a city where citizens are relegated to being spectators, rather than players on the field. The SPECTATOR helps citizens know what is happening on the field. Only a few of the in-house team members are allowed to play ball in Arlington. The SPECTATOR helps citizens understand the game.
GAME SCHEDULE:
Sunday, March 17: St. Patrick's Day.
Wednesday, March 20: P&Z meeting, 101 W. Abram Street, 5:30pm. (Work session at x:xxpm.)
Thursday, March 21: AISD Board meeting, AISD Administration Building, 690 E. Lamar Boulevard, 5:00pm. (You must be signed up online by 3:00pm if you wish to speak.)
Tuesday, March 26: City Council meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 6:30pm. (You must preregister by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.)
Friday, March 29: Good Friday holiday.
Sunday, March 31: Easter.
Wednesday, April 3: P&Z meeting, 101 W. Abram Street, 5:30pm. (Work session at x:xxpm.)
Thursday, April 4: AISD Board meeting, AISD Administration Building, 690 E. Lamar Boulevard, 5:00pm. (You must be signed up online by 3:00pm if you wish to speak.)
Tuesday, April 9: City Council meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 6:30pm. (You must preregister by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.)
From THE LOCKER ROOM
Arlington City Council Update
The council met last Tuesday, March 5, for a full slate of meetings. Council Member Moise was ill and absent all day.
The next city council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 26.
Committee Meetings
The Community and Neighborhood Development Committee discussed the PY2024 Action Plan and CDBG proposal review (presentation , attachment).
The Economic Development Committee met in open session to discuss a SCORE partnership update (presentation). They then went into executive session to discuss the ground lease at the Arlington Airport and offers of incentives to business prospects.
Afternoon Meeting
The city council met this past Tuesday, March 5. The mayor and Council Member Moise were not present for the start of the meeting. The open portion of the afternoon meeting can be viewed at: https://arlingtontx.granicus.com/player/clip/4767?view_id=9&redirect=truehttps://arlingtontx.granicus.com/player/clip/4767?view_id=9&redirect=true .
(1:16) Start of meeting. They then went into executive session. The executive session agenda included discussion of Troy Brooks and Scott Hofstrom v. City of Arlington, Texas lawsuit, the two easement items on the evening agenda, the airport ground lease, and the always expensive offers of incentives to business prospects.
(2:22:21) Work session #1, 2024 Capital Budget development (presentation). Council Members Moise, Pham, and Odom-Wesley were not present at the start. Council Members Pham and Odom-Wesley were present for questioning. Because of high property values, that does lead to the possibility of $22.5 million in projects (?-they are not authorized to sell more bonds).
(2:39:25) Work session #2, Lincoln Square redevelopment (presentation). It will be called Anthem. They plan demolition of non-long-term lease areas. It will allow for new retail, hotel (above retail), office, and super high-density apartments. The zoning is for a planned development (PD) RMU, meaning there will be deviations. The public hearing is March 26.
(3:37:12) Three informal staff reports:
1. Victim Services Unit (staff report).
2. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act update (staff report).
3. Invest in our economy (newsletter).
(3:46:14) Committee meetings.
(4:02:32) Appointments and evening agenda items. No appointments this evening.
(4:25:18) Trash cart roll out.
(4:32:46) Future agenda items. Security at council meetings is a problem. The mayor wants a museum district.
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Evening Meeting
The evening meeting may be viewed at: https://arlingtontx.granicus.com/player/clip/4768?view_id=9&redirect=true . Council Member Moise was not present.
(2:35) Start of meeting.
(10:40) Two executive session easements and minutes were approved with two 8-0 votes.
(12:38) Consent agenda. Item 8.14 was removed for separate consideration. There was one speaker in opposition to 8.13, the second reading of the high-density townhomes in north Arlington for council buddy Mojy Haddad. The consent agenda with a modified ordinance for item 8.13 was approved, 8-0.
Consent agenda item 8.7 was $5,592,947.78 for a contract for River Legacy Park trail improvements Phase I & II and sewer main replacement (staff report).
(17:57) Consent agenda 8.14, the second reading of the zoning ordinance regarding gas drilling site at 2250 E. Arbrook Boulevard. There were three speakers in opposition. This was approved, 6-2, with Gonzalez and Hunter opposed.
(33:50) The first public hearing was for the annual modifications/clarifications/corrections to the UDC (Unified Development Code) (staff report). This will be continued, 8-0, on March 26, mainly because council members received an e-mail from ARBOR (ARlington Board Of Realtors).
(37:27) The second public hearing was to allow four wells on the just approved drill site (staff report). There were five speakers in opposition. It was approved, 7-1, with Hunter in opposition.
(51:50) The special ordinance was for the newly created property tax exemption for childcare providers of low-income families (staff report). It was approved, 8-0.
(52:34) Citizen Participation. There were three speakers all referring to Gaza.
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The Arlington Spectator's City Council grades:
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_39.html
This week's question:
a. How do you feel about changing commercially zoned properties to multi-family zoned properties? Why?
b. What if the area already contains many, many apartments such as southeast Arlington in the Hwy 360 corridor?
c. How do you feel about RMU (Regional Mixed Use) zoning and its potential 100 units/acre? Why?
District 1
Jacob Franklin - a. I believe this could be useful in areas with high commercial zoning density. A proper mixture of business and family zoning is a key part of efficient city planning.
b. There’s no need for this in areas that already have a high density of apartments.
c. Regional Mixed Use zoning is exactly what this city needs to promote efficient densities of residential and commercial properties.
Tim Goss – Did not respond.
Mauricio Galante - a. If it makes sense for the mix of development opportunities we have I am in favor. Always relying on market studies and traffic analysis to be approved.
b. The question is if these commercial zoned properties are fulfilling the best and highest use of the land. Why we want to keep empty commercial spaces if we can develop residential units and collect more property taxes for the benefit of all?
c. Regional Mixed Use can benefit the traffic flow and attract new residents to help increase revenues for retailers and also property tax collection. If it’s planned correctly it will leverage the highways as regional corridors to funnel investment and prosperity to underdeveloped sites around the city.
District 2
Raul Gonzalez - a. Changing commercial property zoning to residential multi-family is not ideal, however there are times when it is suitable. Such re-zoning should consider how neighborhoods will be affected, as well as the impact on the commercial to residential property tax base. There are times when commercial use for a property does not materialize after many years, in those instances re-zoning can be beneficial to increase the taxable value of what had been unutilized property. Additional apartment homes should be high quality aesthetically and serve the needs of the community wherever they are located.
b. My preference continues to be for high-quality single-family neighborhoods for purchase, however, Arlington needs a variety of housing for current and future residents.
c. Regional Mixed Use provides a housing choice that a growing number of people find appealing. When it is done well, it brings in higher premiums while tenants and residents stay longer becoming economic generators. Size matters and I believe 100 units per acre is unacceptable as allowing extreme density now could cause serious issues in the future.
District 6
Long Pham – Did not respond.
District 7
Bowie Hogg - I believe we as the city council must navigate the challenge of allowing the market to speak for itself and balancing an overall design and vision of our city. Changes in zoning must be considered on a case by case basis. Arlington has too many apartments that need to be redeveloped and the redevelopment must be a priority. Apartments creating redevelopment should be considered first before infill development. It also seems that apartments are overtaxing the infrastructure of key areas, such as the Lamar Blvd and the 360 Corridor. When an area is overbuilt we are doing a disservice to the neighborhoods we already have in place. We must work on neighborhood integrity for our current neighborhoods to assure they are still receiving the benefits of their neighborhood without excess build. RMU and its potential 100 units/acre must be a very specific site, as this is only for sites with at least 20 acres and a large development. The right site, at the right time, with the right developer, RMU can work- and it is the job of the city council to ensure all those pieces are in place before approving.
Chris “Dobi” Dobson – Did not respond.
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Economic Development Corporation (EDC)
The next EDC Board meeting is expected to be Tuesday, March 19.
Arlington’s EDC is easily the largest sales tax supported EDC in the state. This gives spending addicted politicians greater than $20 million annually with which to fund their buddies.
Upcoming Public Hearings
On Wednesday, March 20, P&Z will hold a public hearing on SUP24-1, on the 1.424 acres at 3400 S. Watson Road where they wish to allow for a private club in 961 sq. ft. of the existing building. If passed, it will go to the city council on April 23.
On Wednesday, March 20, P&Z will hold a public hearing on SUP22-3R1, on the 1.63 acres at 2118 E. Abram Street where they wish to allow vehicle sales. If passed, it will go to the city council on April 23.
On Tuesday, March 26, the city council will hold a public hearing on more UDC (Unified Development Code) updates.
On Tuesday, March 26, the city council will hold a public hearing on PD23-18 (the old Lincoln Square, now Anthem) on 45 acres.
On Tuesday, March 26, the city council will hold a public hearing on ZA24-2, on the 0.196 acres at 2010 Duval Drive where they wish to change land zoned for single family to townhomes (RMD-12).
On Tuesday, April 9, the city council will hold a public hearing on more UDC (Unified Development Code) updates for hotel standards.
On Tuesday, April 9, the city council will hold a public hearing on the 0.964 acres at 1850 Park Springs Boulevard where they wish to change zoning to more major auto repairs.
On Tuesday, April 9, the city council will hold a public hearing on ZA24-1, on the 6.91 acres at 100/120/150/200 Stephens Street where they wish to change land zoned for general commercial to light industrial.
P&Z Commission
P&Z will meet this Wednesday, March 6. There are three public hearings, one to update the UDC (Unified Development Code) for hotel standards, and two zoning case public hearings.
(1:04) The UDC updates (staff report).
(22:06) Zoning Case PD23-40 (1850 Park Springs Boulevard) was to allow Auto Garage Repair – major (staff report). The history of this operator is an example of how difficult it is for small businesses to operate in Arlington. It was approved, 7-1.
(1:29:22) Zoning Case ZA24-1 (100/120/150/200 East Stephens Street) is to change the zoning from GC commercial to LI light industrial (staff report). It was approved, 8-0.
AISD School Board
The next scheduled AISD Board meeting is Thursday, March 21.
The AISD will have three seats available for filing, Place 1, Place 2, and Place 3. All school board places are district wide. Ballot order has been set.
The Arlington Spectator's AISD Board Grades:
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/blank_1.html
This week's question:
Which locker rooms/restrooms, etc., should transgender students be using? Should there be a District policy? Why or why not?
Place 1
Sarah McMurrough – Did not respond.
Place 2
Kendall Orr – Transgender students should use the restrooms/locker rooms that corresponds to their biological sex. There should be a policy or regulation in place so the parents and administrators know what accommodations need to be implemented for the transgender students that don't feel comfortable or safe in using the restrooms/locker rooms that correspond to their biological sex.
Administrators and educators shouldn't be forced or put in a position to take it upon themselves in making these type of decisions.
Melody Fowler – Did not respond.
Place 3
Larry Mike – Did not respond.
Kathi Arocha – My stance hasn’t changed since the last election cycle. If a transgender student requests facilities that align with who they identify with, those requests should be addressed at the student and parent's level to discuss potential accommodations. Many business establishments have made accommodations, such as family and unisex bathrooms as an alternative. A Unisex bathroom option provides privacy and non-discriminatory access. There are bathrooms currently available in AISD schools that can accomplish this.
I believe when deciding on privacy matters, such as which facilities or lockers to use, the district must include ALL students' privacy rights. Ultimately, our goal should be to ensure ALL students feel heard, safe, and protected. In addition, our legislators have so many active legislative bills that impact the Transgender topic. Therefore, it would be premature to set a district policy at this time. It is also imperative the school district is aligned and compliant with applicable laws.
April Williams Moore – The district’s commitment to a safe and welcoming space, allows schools to proudly offer alternative facilities for transgender youth without compromising anyone else's comfort level. If circumstances arise where something more structured might benefit everyone involved, I know the district will create a policy at that time.
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Place 3 candidate, Moore, has now answered Question 1. That response is on the website.
TEA Accountability Data:
In 2020, the AISD was tied for the highest M&O rate of all the school districts in Tarrant County. Since then, there has been NO tie. The AISD HAS the highest M&O rate in Tarrant County. [school district tax rates]
Top 5 of Tarrant County's 21 ISDs M&O Rates
1. Arlington ISD $0.824900
2. Fort Worth ISD $0.790400
3. Mansfield ISD $0.789200
3. Birdville ISD $0.789200
3. Everman ISD $0.789200
Of Tarrant County's 21 ISDs - Lowest Tax Rates
1. HEB ISD $0.921100
2. Burleson ISD $0.924700
3. Carroll ISD $1.002500
4. Azle ISD $1.025000
5. Fort Worth ISD $1.062400
6. Keller ISD $1.087500
7. Northwest ISD $1.090200
8. Everman ISD $1.094146
9. Arlington ISD $1.115600
10. Lewisville ISD $1.130100
Press Box
HELPFUL CONTACTS
The Spectator: www.ArlSpectator.mysite.com
to be added/deleted to/from the mailing list e-mail: ArlSpectator@yahoo.com
We can be found on Facebook at ArlSpectator.
Taxpayers' Funds at Risk:
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_83.html
City Council grades:
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_39.html
AISD Board grades:
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/blank_1.html
City of Arlington website: www.arlingtontx.gov
e-mails of mayor and council
.................... first.last@arlingtontx.gov
mayor = jim.ross
district 1 (north) = helen.moise
district 2 (sw) = raul.gonzalez
district 3 (se) = nikkie.hunter
district 4 (west) = andrew.piel
district 5 (central/east) = rebecca.boxall
district 6 (all) = long.pham
district 7 (all) = bowie.hogg
district 8 (all) = barbara.odom-wesley
AISD website ....................... www.aisd.net
McMurrough............ - sarahforaisd@gmail.com
Fowler ................... - fowler.aisd@gmail.com
Reich......................... - areich.aisd@tx.rr.com
Wilbanks .......... - david@wilbanksforaisd.com
Chapa ...................... - chapa.aisd@gmail.com
Richardson ... - brooklyn.richardson.aisd@gmail.com
Haynes ................... - haynes.aisd@gmail.com
TEA Accountability Data:
Opinion Arlington
ARC Political Watch Committee Reports
includes coverage of Mansfield ISD and national, state, county , & city
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1HBliPv5JKafA5bOnksLUi1_pCYUJ_mtL?usp=sharing
Texas Legislative Online:
http://www.legis.state.tx.us/Home.aspx
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