TIF board hears update on South Garland land assembly; city pursuing land swap with DART for large mixed‑use development

City staff told the Tax Increment Finance No. 3 Board that the city has acquired roughly 34 acres in the South Garland Avenue area and is negotiating for additional parcels with the goal of assembling more than 50 acres for a large redevelopment when the I‑635 expansion is complete.

Matt Madden presented a map showing property ownership in the corridor and said the city has entered into interlocal agreements with Dallas Area Rapid Transit that contemplate providing about $37 million to support a land swap. Under the plan, the city would acquire a portion of DART land and move the transit center north, freeing a consolidated tract for private development and a new city‑designed bus/transit center.

Staff said the vision for the assembled land is a mixed‑use destination with multifamily, retail and entertainment components rather than a simple sea of surface parking. Madden said the city is working with DART on a master plan and with economic development staff to recruit developers; he noted the area’s role as a major gateway into Garland once I‑635 work finishes.

Planning and zoning work is under way: staff told the board the city is preparing a city‑initiated planned development overlay for the area to help guide zoning and protect the long‑range vision from piecemeal uses. Design of a new transit center and a Malay Road realignment were cited as near‑term design tasks if the assemblage and interlocal agreement are finalized.

Board members discussed utilities, a substation and a water tower that constrain portions of the site, parking and the transit center footprint, and how DART’s proposed new station would integrate with transit‑oriented development principles. Staff said the city expects more detailed plans and a completed interlocal agreement to appear in coming months for board and council review.