Arlington council approves Anthem PID, land purchase, zoning and FIFA event agreement

The Arlington City Council on Feb. 24 approved a cluster of development, zoning and event items that city staff said support larger redevelopment plans for the Lincoln Square area (rebranded as Anthem) and the city’s role as a World Cup host.

Lindsay Mitchell, director of strategic initiatives, described a proposed Anthem Public Improvement District covering five parcels and approximately 45 acres. She said assessments would fund maintenance, beautification, marketing, security and communications for the redevelopment; "the assessment will not exceed 80¢ per $100 of appraised value with the first 3 years set at 0 per $100 of appraised value," Mitchell said. Council voted to create the PID after a short public hearing and approval motions.

Separately, the council approved a first reading of the PID service and assessment plan for fiscal year 2026, and staff described public-infrastructure elements tied to a larger private redevelopment. Economic development staff said the overall project includes a minimum private capital investment of $100 million, site public-infrastructure costs estimated at about $24.5 million on a reimbursement basis, and an estimated project budget nearer $121 million when carrying and leasing costs are included.

On zoning, the council approved SUP 25-11 to allow two tattoo/piercing studios within a 55-suite salon at Towne North Shopping Center after the applicant, Kedar Nikkadkar of Thanos Ventures LLC, said there would be no exterior changes, operators would be licensed in compliance with Texas Department of State Health Services standards, and lease/license terms allow quick removal of a tenant if problems arise. Council members asked about hours and after-hours access; the applicant said access outside 8 a.m.–8 p.m. requires a facility app and can be controlled by the license agreement.

Council also approved a resolution to execute an all-cash contract of sale with IHS Real Estate Holdings LLC for roughly 20.4 acres at several addresses near West Lamar Boulevard for $19,000,000 plus closing costs as a strategic acquisition to support future redevelopment. Mr. Yelverton, economic development staff, said public infrastructure requests for the Anthem project are expected to be reimbursement-based and tied to substantiated contractor payments.

Deputy City Manager Jennifer Wichtman presented and the council approved an event agreement with the North Texas FIFA World Cup organizing committee for nine matches to be played at AT&T Stadium; staff said the agreement covers city responsibilities ranging from public safety support to code compliance.

Votes at a glance: - 11.1 Anthem PID creation — motion passed (mover: Councilmember Galante; second: Councilmember Pham). Vote tally: not recorded in transcript. - 11.2 First reading, Anthem service and assessment plan — motion passed (mover: Councilmember Galante; second: Councilmember Hogg). Vote tally: not recorded in transcript. - 11.3 SUP 25-11 (tattoo/piercing studios) — motion passed (mover: Councilmember Galante; second: Councilmember Pham). Vote tally: not recorded in transcript. - 12.2 All-cash contract of sale with IHS Real Estate Holdings LLC ($19,000,000) — motion passed (mover: Councilmember Odom Wesley; second: Councilmember Galante). Vote tally: not recorded in transcript. - 12.3 Event agreement with North Texas FIFA World Cup organizing committee — motion passed (mover: Councilmember Galante; second: Councilmember Gonzales). Vote tally: not recorded in transcript.

What happens next: Many of the approvals describe next steps for staff and private developers to return with final design packages, contracting documentation, and implementation details; the PID assessments and any reimbursements are subject to future review and substantiation.