Commission recommends 8 townhomes at Dan Gould Drive; applicant cites home-buyer assistance

The Planning and Zoning Commission on Nov. 12 recommended approval of PD25-15, a proposed development at 1119 Dan Gould Drive that would create eight three-bedroom townhomes on roughly 0.654 acres.

Kevin Charles, principal planner, told commissioners the project proposes eight ~1,600-square-foot, three-bedroom units that would be individually platted. Staff noted one requested deviation: the proposed front-loading garages would constitute roughly 73% of the front elevation width on average, exceeding the UDC guideline of 60% for front-facing garages. Charles said the applicant is preserving more than 35% of existing on-site trees voluntarily, even though the site is smaller than one acre and not required to meet that standard.

Applicant Georgie Tsang described the project as workforce housing and said purchasers would be required to use the Arlington first-time home-buyer program, which provides $25,000 in down-payment assistance. "This is a true opportunity to have a home," Tsang said, adding the developer plans to construct an on-site road and provide varied elevations to avoid monotony.

A public speaker expressed concern about displacement and loss of long-standing zoning nearby; staff confirmed notices were mailed within 200 feet of the site and an on-site sign was posted in accordance with the Texas local government code. Commissioners debated neighborhood compatibility and whether the deviation for garage frontage was acceptable; Commissioner Blake moved approval with conditions including garage windows and a wrap-around porch on the corner unit. The commission recorded the motion as passing 8–1. The recommendation will go to City Council for final action.