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Commission unanimously rezones 300 W. Park Row to allow eight owner-occupied townhomes
Summary
The commission voted 9-0 on Feb. 18 to rezone 300 W. Park Row Drive from office-commercial to RM-12, clearing the way for eight for-sale, owner-occupied townhomes developed in partnership with Housing Channel and Place Strategies; staff recorded two letters of support.
The Arlington Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved ZA2601 on Feb. 18, voting 9 to 0 to rezone approximately 0.95 acres at 300 West Park Row Drive from office-commercial to residential medium density (RM-12) to allow a proposed development of eight for-sale townhomes intended for working families.
Planner Alex Van Amberg told the commission the owner of the site is Grace Lutheran Church and staff received two letters of support and no letters of opposition. The applicant team — Donna Van Ness, president of Housing Channel, and Yvonne Gonzales, principal of Place Strategies — described a development model that pairs for-sale, owner-occupied units with long-term owner-occupancy protections.
"All the units will be for sale, for working families, owner-occupied requirements for the townhomes," Yvonne Gonzales said, adding the Housing Channel typically places a soft second lien to preserve owner occupancy. Donna Van Ness said the nonprofit often places a soft second lien and manages HOA/declarant responsibilities initially to ensure owner-occupancy and long-term maintenance.
Commissioners asked how the soft second lien and HOA covenants would function if owners needed to sell. Applicants said the soft second carries no payments and sits as a subordinate lien; HOA rules include owner-occupancy provisions and, according to the applicants, require a high threshold for amendment so long-term rental conversion would be constrained. Commissioners asked who would run the HOA initially; applicants said the Housing Channel would serve as the declarant until the community stabilizes and owners could assume control.
Commissioner Blake moved and Commissioner Ware seconded approval of the rezoning to RM-12 to allow the eight townhomes; the commission voted 9 to 0. Chair Ignacio Nunez congratulated the applicants and noted the council is likely to consider the matter in its normal review process.
The approval authorizes the applicant to proceed with development planning and building-permit submittals consistent with RM-12 standards and any conditions adopted in the ordinance.
