Council approves sale of small parcel in Doctor Robert Cluck Linear Park for electrical substation

The Arlington City Council approved a request to sell a portion of Doctor Robert Cluck Linear Park to Encore Electric Delivery Company for construction of an electrical substation to serve the city's entertainment district.

Stewart Young of Real Estate Services presented the request and said it is subject to Chapter 26 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code; “anytime you sell or lease parkland, you need to make a finding that there is no prudent or, feasible alternative for the taking, and that every effort in reasonable planning has been made to minimize harm to the land,” he told the council. Young said staff and Encore engineers selected a site at the east edge of the park closest to Stadium Drive and planned to reroute the trail so the park will continue to serve the public.

One speaker, Seth Sampson, registered in support. After the public hearing, Council Member Gonzales moved to approve the sale; Council Member Boxall seconded and the motion passed.

Staff said the project team worked for more than a year with Encore to site the facility to minimize impacts, keep the substation away from future development areas and preserve trail continuity. The council’s action authorizes the conveyance; further design and permitting will follow under applicable city and state processes.