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Arlington council approves 54-home planned development on South Cooper Street and $1M acquisition grant
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Summary
The Arlington City Council approved rezoning for a 54-house planned development on South Cooper Street, approved a grant of up to $1,000,000 to IHS Real Estate Holdings for North Arlington property acquisition, and passed routine consent items and appointments.
The Arlington City Council on the evening motioned and approved a planned-development rezoning that will allow 54 single-family detached homes on about 9.6 acres at 7819 and 7827 South Cooper Street.
Applicant Nikki Moore of MMA told the council the project — described to members as a "retreat" neighborhood — would create lots ranging roughly from 3,100 to 4,000 square feet, provide a mix of front-loaded and alley-loaded garages, and include private alleys, common open space and an entry feature. Moore said the developer plans a second point of access from Bell Street and has discussed a gated pedestrian opening that would allow students to walk through to Summit High School; she said the principal sent a letter of support.
Councilmember Bridal and other members pressed the applicant on fencing and visibility from Cooper Street, asking whether a masonry screen wall was required or if a board-on-board wood fence with landscaping could be used. Moore said the team prefers an 8-foot board-on-board wood fence with landscaping for a neighborhood feel but is open to decorative masonry and wrought-iron elements where the fence is visible from Cooper Street.
Dean Tetrick, who said his family owns the property through JGBT LLC, spoke in support and described the parcel as difficult to develop; he told the council the project addresses a local housing shortfall the speaker estimated for 2029 and argued the development would shield nearby Bell Street properties from trespass and industrial impacts.
After public comment the mayor closed the hearing. Councilmember Gonzales moved to approve the rezoning; Councilmember Pham seconded and the council voted to approve the planned development.
On a separate agenda item, Lindsay Mitchell, director of strategic initiatives, presented an agreement with IHS Real Estate Holdings that would provide up to $1,000,000 toward acquisition costs for a property in North Arlington. Mitchell said IHS must close on the property no later than July 31, 2026. Councilmember Galante moved to approve the grant agreement, Councilmember Peel seconded, and the council approved the motion.
The council also approved a slate of routine business: 21 appointments to boards and reinvestment zone boards, minutes and a consent agenda that included multiple contract authorizations, construction and water-system items, and grant agreements for federal and state transportation programs. Staff summarized those consent items publicly before the council approved them by motion.
The council did not detail roll-call tallies in the meeting record; votes were recorded verbally as "The motion passes."
