Commission approves liquor-store rezoning at 721 Southwest Green Oaks Boulevard, 6–3

The Arlington Planning and Zoning Commission voted 6–3 on May 7 to approve zoning case PD25-2, allowing a planned development to add a packaged‑liquor store and takeout restaurant to a commercial building at 721 Southwest Green Oaks Boulevard. Chair Dr. Ignacio Nunez opened the public hearing and called for staff and applicant presentations.

Alex Van Amberg, planner with Planning and Development Services, told the commission the .461‑acre site is currently zoned community commercial and that the request would permit packaged‑liquor uses not typically allowed in that district. Van Amberg said the site meets the parking standard for the proposed uses and that the applicant had improved the landscaping to bring the property into compliance. Van Amberg also said staff received six signatures in support and one letter of opposition.

Applicant Navi Becker, who said she and her father Sarinder Becker live in Wiley, Texas, outlined operational commitments and licensing steps required by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, including entity formation and training, and said the package‑store permit process typically takes about 30–35 days and that certificates are valid for two years. "We'll make sure our shelves and fridges are properly stocked and organized," Becker said, adding the business intends to price offerings to be affordable and to provide friendly customer service.

Commissioners praised the applicant's outreach and property improvements. Commissioner Finley said she supports small businesses and commended the effort to talk with neighbors and the city council member. Commissioner Blake raised concern about the permanence of zoning that allows liquor sales, noting several existing liquor stores in the area and saying he would prefer a by‑right convenience store at the location.

The commission considered whether to impose behavioral or price conditions but the city land‑use attorney advised that such conditions (for example, requiring "fair prices and friendly service") would not be legally enforceable as conditions of zoning. Commissioner Blake moved to approve the planned development; Commissioner Winkles seconded. The motion passed 6–3.

The approval rezones the property to permit the packaged‑liquor store use under a planned development; staff will continue to process the applicant's permitting and TABC licensing. Chair Nunez welcomed the applicants to Arlington and closed the public hearing.