Arlington panel approves packaged-liquor store at 2301 N. Collins with landscaping and size limits

The Arlington Planning and Zoning Commission voted 7 to 2 on Feb. 18 to approve PD25-23, permitting a packaged-liquor store and billiard parlor at 2301 North Collins Street, with conditions that remove pawn-shop use, require streetscape/landscape improvements along North Collins and limit the liquor store to no more than 3,000 square feet.

Alex Van Amberg, planning staff, told commissioners the request would consolidate mixed zoning on the roughly 6-acre parcel into a single planned development and formally allow the existing billiard parlor and a proposed packaged-liquor store in Suite 120; staff reported nine letters of support and no written opposition.

Applicant Assad Kathari, who said he has run businesses in Arlington since 2010, described the proposal as a sealed-package liquor store with no on-site consumption and no exterior construction. "We're not doing any changes, not doing any updates, we're not doing any new construction," Kathari said, adding that the business would follow TABC regulations, maintain security cameras and staff patrols, and aim to activate a currently underused suite.

Commissioners raised public-safety and compatibility concerns. "I just can't say that that's gonna be a good combination," Commissioner Blake said of placing a liquor store adjacent to a bar that closes at 2 a.m., citing potential late-night calls and cumulative public-safety impacts. Kathari replied that his properties have not generated significant calls and said he would work to manage operations and maintain the center.

Commissioners also pressed the applicant on landscaping and permitted uses. Commissioner Wiggles and others asked for streetscape improvements along North Collins and confirmation of irrigation; Kathari agreed to improve landscaping. Commissioner Greer asked that pawn-shop use be removed from the allowed uses; the applicant agreed to remove that use and staff said the change would be reflected in the ordinance.

Commissioner Sumter moved to approve PD25-23 with conditions to remove pawn-shop use, require streetscape and landscape requirements along North Collins per the Unified Development Code, and cap the packaged-liquor store at 3,000 square feet; the motion passed 7-2. Chair Ignacio Nunez noted the ordinance language would be written to include the applicant’s commitments and that the item would proceed to city council for final action.

The commission’s action allows the property owner to pursue permitting and building-plan review consistent with the ordinance conditions. The item will next be considered by the Arlington City Council as part of the statutory approval process.