Melissa Barrow, Candidate for Kennedale Place 4

 

1. Past Decisions – please respond by February 26, 2026

Although the city council cannot dwell on past councils' decisions and it must move forward, we would like to know if current council members have learned from past decisions, including those made by previous councils. From history, were each of the following zoning case items a good decision or a poor decision, and why?

a) “UV” zoning on Kennedale Sublett Road just east of Kennedale Parkway?

b) “MF” zoning on Joplin Road just south of Kennedale Sublett Road?

Kennedale is at a pivotal stage in its growth. We are no longer rural, but we are not a dense urban center either. That balance makes every zoning case consequential.

In a community of our size, zoning decisions along major corridors have long-term consequences for traffic, infrastructure, neighborhood character, public schools, public safety resources, and fiscal sustainability.

As I consider these past cases, I do so through the lens of my core tenets: integrity, transparency, and respect. Integrity requires us to assess not only the intent of a decision but its real-world results. Transparency requires that expectations, standards, and obligations be clearly defined and enforceable. Respect requires listening carefully to residents who are directly affected.

From these past decisions, several lessons emerge:

- Zoning should align with realistic market demand

- Promises made during hearings must be written into ordinances.

- Fiscal benefits must be weighted against neighborhood impact

By operating with integrity, practicing true transparency, and treating all stakeholders with respect, we can ensure that future zoning decisions strengthen Kennedale’s neighborhoods, support sustainable growth, and protect the long-term stability and character of the community.

a) I believe the intent behind the Urban Village (UV) designation was positive. However, the level of demand necessary to fully realize an Urban Village concept has not clearly materialized. Future corridor planning should be closely aligned with demonstrable market realities to ensure zoning produces predictable, achievable results.

UV zoning along Kennedale Sublett Road was adopted with the intention of encouraging mixed-use, walkable, higher-quality development along one of our most visible and heavily traveled corridors. This type of zoning can be beneficial in communities that have strong and sustained market demand for that type of development. However, Kennedale is a small city operating within a highly competitive regional market. We do not have the density, foot traffic, or commercial demand that naturally supports true Urban Village-style development.

When zoning is aspirational but market demand is limited, it can result in prolonged underdevelopment, stalled projects, or outcomes that fall short of the original vision. Zoning should reflect realistic economic conditions, not simply an idealized model of growth. The concept, which works well in larger or more urbanized communities, has not translated seamlessly to Kennedale. We need to be honest about what our market can reasonably support. Having the best interests of Kennedale in mind means ensuring that corridor zoning produces tangible benefits rather than speculative entitlements.

b) The 2019 decision to change the zoning on Jopin Road from Residential to Multi-Family (MF) was a major shift for that area. Moving from single-family homes to apartments significantly increased the allowed density and changed the character of the surrounding neighborhood.

In a small community like Kennedale, decisions like that carry real weight. When we make that kind of change, it’s important to think several steps ahead and put clear standards in place. I don’t believe that level of foresight or long-term protection was fully built into the original decision.

I want to be clear. Multi-family housing is not a bad thing. Having a mix of housing options can be healthy for a city. But when higher-density development is placed next to established neighborhoods, it needs strong buffering, consistent maintenance expectations, and real accountability. We also must consider the impact on infrastructure, public safety, and school capacity before making those changes.

Since the property transitioned to MF, nearby residents have voiced ongoing concerns. They’ve dealt with trash from the Alta Landing property entering their yards, barriers that haven’t performed as intended, including an incident in which a vehicle ended up in a resident’s backyard, and frustration with the overall scale of the development. These aren’t abstract complaints. They are daily quality-of-life issues for the people who live there.

In my view, this zoning change has leaned more toward benefiting developer interests than protecting current residents. Moving forward, we must make sure that when we increase density, we also increase protections — clearly written, enforceable standards that safeguard the people who call Kennedale home.

 

 

2. Property Taxes – please respond by March 5, 2026

Kennedale is the eighth highest taxing city of the 41 cities in Tarrant County. What are some viable potential solutions to alleviate the tax burden on the citizens or is this just something that the citizens of Kennedale must learn to accept? Why?

Kennedale residents should not have to simply “accept” being one of the highest-taxed cities in Tarrant County. While I want to acknowledge progress, moving from 5th to 8th highest, and give credit for that improvement, I know progress does not mean the job is done.

Lasting relief requires integrity, transparency, and respect in our budgeting and development.

Integrity means practicing disciplined budgeting and prioritizing needs over wants, especially when residents are feeling the weight of high property taxes. It requires treating taxpayer dollars with the same care and restraint we use in our own households.

Transparency means ensuring projects are awarded based on merit and value through competitive bidding, requesting at least three bids whenever feasible so residents can trust that decisions are made in the public’s best interest, not out of familiarity or convenience.

Respect means listening to residents and business owners as we plan our growth and pursue commercial and retail development that coexists well with our neighborhoods while attracting outside dollars to strengthen our tax base and support essential services.

Kennedale families work hard for their money. Their city government should steward it with the same care.

To address the matter of lowering taxes I propose:

1. Stronger Budget Discipline, Needs Over Wants

Before asking more of taxpayers, the City must consistently demonstrate fiscal restraint.

Kennedale families know what it means to tighten their belts. When expenses rise, you delay upgrades and prioritize essentials. City government should operate with that same mindset.

For example, naming and adding newly constructed signage to a roundabout may seem minor, but it is a discretionary enhancement. The traffic improvement itself is the need. Cosmetic additions are not core services.

Similarly, replacing chairs in the council chambers was a stylistic update. The chairs were not broken, unsafe, or out of code — they were simply outdated in appearance. That is a want, not a need.

Each of these items may be small individually, but as we all know from our household budgets, small discretionary expenses add up. A line-by-line budget review process and a firm commitment to prioritizing public safety, infrastructure, and essential services must come first.

As a candidate, I will also request a standard policy of obtaining at least three competitive bids for projects whenever feasible. Competitive bidding protects taxpayer dollars, ensures fair market pricing, and increases transparency in how contracts are awarded. We owe residents the confidence that every project is being completed at the best possible value.

2. Diversify the Tax Base, Don’t Just Add More Rooftops

Some may suggest more housing developments as a solution to the high tax rate we as residents are paying. Except it doesn’t add up. Simply adding more residents is not the same as solving the tax burden. More rooftops often mean increased demand for roads, utilities, police, fire, and long-term infrastructure maintenance. Without strong commercial growth, that model can strain city finances rather than relieve them.

The more sustainable path is diversification through commercial and retail development.

The two hotels awaiting construction are a positive step and will generate hotel occupancy tax revenue. But we must continue building on that momentum.

We should prioritize commercial and retail growth over continued industrial expansion or heavy residential development. Retail generates sales tax revenue that reduces reliance on property taxes. Commercial properties often contribute significant revenue without placing the same level of service demand on the city as residential neighborhoods.

We must recruit retailers that compete with Arlington and Mansfield offerings to attract visitors and retain residents. The quality of retail matters just as much as the quantity.

We should be intentional about attracting businesses that can compete with surrounding cities and even draw visitors from outside our boundaries. High-quality dining, specialty retail, and needed services that fill market gaps can keep local dollars in Kennedale while also bringing outside dollars in.

If we elevate the caliber of our retail corridors, Kennedale becomes a destination — not just a bedroom community. That strengthens sales tax revenue and improves quality of life at the same time.

Working closely with our Economic Development Corporation to strategically market key commercial areas will be essential to achieving this goal.

3. Leverage Outside Funding

Finally, we must aggressively pursue state and federal grants for infrastructure, public safety equipment, and capital improvements. When outside funding supports projects we already need, it reduces reliance on property taxes.

 

 

 

 

3. Senior Tax Freeze – please respond by March 12, 2026

Back in June of 2023 the city council approved a senior tax freeze. Details of some of the issues can be seen at: http://arlspectator.mysite.com/blank_10.html . What is your opinion of the actions of:

a) the city attorney?

b) the city manager?

c) the June 2023 City Council?

Why do you hold these opinions (what supports your viewpoint)?

 

 

4. Investigation Report – please respond by March 19, 2026

In 2025 the taxpayers paid for an investigation report. Details of some of the issues can be seen at: http://arlspectator.mysite.com/blank_13.html . What is your opinion on the investigation? What is your opinion of the actions of:

a) the “plaintiff”?

b) the city attorney?

c) the city manager?

d) the May 2025 City Council?

Why do you hold these opinions (what supports your viewpoint)?

 

 

5. Communications – please respond by March 26, 2026

If you receive an e-mail from a constituent on a Kennedale issue logically laid out and well documented, will you respond to the constituent? Why or why not? What actions will you take?

 

 

 

6. Issue – please respond by April 2, 2026

What is the most important issue the city council is currently facing? Why? What are your suggestions for addressing this issue?