Marriott seeks variances for extended stay hotel near daycare and elementary school

In a recent meeting at Grand Prairie City Hall, city officials and community members gathered to discuss a proposed mid-scale extended stay hotel, which has sparked significant debate among local residents. The hotel, designed to be four stories tall with 118 rooms, is seeking several variances from city regulations, including adjustments to height, floor area ratio, and landscaping requirements.

The developers, associated with the Studio Rez by Marriott brand, aim to create a facility that caters to business travelers and those in need of temporary housing. However, their request to reduce the landscape buffer from 34 feet to 28 feet has raised concerns among nearby residents, particularly due to the hotel’s proximity to a daycare center and an elementary school. Residents expressed fears about increased traffic and potential safety issues, citing experiences with other extended stay hotels in the area that have faced scrutiny over crime and maintenance.

During the meeting, city staff recommended approval of the project, suggesting that the developers provide additional amenities, such as shared office spaces, in lieu of a pool, which is typically required for such establishments. The developers also proposed to partner with local restaurants for meal services, moving away from traditional breakfast offerings.

Despite the staff's support, community opposition was palpable. Nine letters from local residents voiced concerns about the hotel’s impact on the neighborhood, emphasizing the need for more dialogue between the developers and the community. Many residents felt blindsided by the proposal, noting that they had not been consulted prior to the meeting.

Commissioners echoed these sentiments, with several expressing reluctance to approve the project without further community engagement. The discussion highlighted a broader concern about balancing development with the needs and safety of existing residents. Ultimately, the commissioners leaned towards denying the proposal, urging the developers to engage with the Beacon Hill Homeowners Association to address community concerns before moving forward.

As the meeting concluded, the developers expressed a willingness to collaborate with the community, hoping to revisit the proposal after addressing the residents' apprehensions. The outcome of this discussion underscores the ongoing challenge of urban development in residential areas, where the interests of new projects must be carefully weighed against the established fabric of the community.