Planning and Zoning Commission approves planned development to allow packaged liquor store at 1112 N. Collins St.

The Arlington Planning and Zoning Commission on Jan. 14 approved PD25-14, a planned-development rezoning to permit a packaged liquor store in an existing shopping center at 1112 North Collins Street.

Clifford Goldstein, principal planner with planning and development services, told commissioners the proposal would change the site from community commercial to a planned development to allow community commercial uses plus a packaged liquor store. He said the leased space proposed for the liquor store measures about 2,400 square feet, the site meets current UDC parking requirements, and staff recommended removing illegal window signage and adding landscaping along North Collins Street.

Robert Nunez, representing Alkami Development Partners and the property owners, the Niyeb Family, said the owners’ convenience-store business declined after a nearby 7-Eleven opened and that the change to a packaged liquor store and a full remodel are intended to keep the site viable. “They got to a point where they now feel like they either have to go this route,” Nunez said, describing the applicant’s outreach to customers and planned building improvements, ADA upgrades and staffing measures.

Owner-partner Kamlesh Mandala told the commission customers had repeatedly requested liquor sales and that the owners had pursued a liquor license previously before zoning changed. Mandala said the owners plan to hire trained staff, including personnel with security experience, to manage potential problems. “In liquor stores, the crime is very less compared to C stores,” he said.

Commission discussion was brief but split. Commissioner Sumpter moved to approve PD25-14 “with the considerations as presented in the staff report,” and Commissioner Ware seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-4.

Goldstein noted staff received two letters of opposition and one additional letter submitted the day of the meeting; he also identified two packaged-liquor establishments within one mile of the site and four within two miles. Conditions the commission attached reflect the staff recommendations to bring the site into compliance with signage and landscaping standards.

Chair said the commission’s approval moves the item forward to city council for final action.

The commission’s action allows the owner and applicant to begin the city permitting process subject to the conditions the commission listed in the staff report.