Irving planning commission backs new high‑intensity mixed‑use zoning, recommends gaming‑enabled rules to city council after 5‑4 votes

The Irving Planning and Zoning Commission voted late March 17 to forward two related zoning proposals to the City Council after lengthy public comment: a UDC amendment to create a new "high‑intensity mixed‑use" district and a land‑use reclassification for portions of PUD 6 that would allow that district. Both motions passed 5‑4.

The matters matter because the PUD 6 site (the former Texas Stadium property) is adjacent to schools and the University of Dallas and has long been the focus of potential large‑scale development. The commission’s recommendation does not itself authorize construction or gaming; it amends the city code and PUD land‑use designation so the city council can consider zoning that, if state law permits at a later date, would allow a destination resort that includes casino gaming.

Most public comment opposed including gaming in the zoning changes. Dozens of residents, school and university representatives, faith leaders and nonprofit advocates urged commissioners to delay action or to remove gaming as a permitted use. Residents cited studies and local examples they said link casinos to increased problem gambling, higher crime rates in adjacent neighborhoods, human trafficking and negative…