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Arlington planners approve 360‑unit apartment plan with traffic, tree and security conditions
Summary
The Planning and Zoning Commission approved OHT Partners' 360‑unit development at 2601 W. Randall Mill Road on a 5–3 vote after neighbors raised traffic, drainage, tree‑loss and privacy concerns; approval requires a Traffic Impact Analysis during platting, relocation of trash compactors, an 8‑foot fence, security cooperation and preservation of live oaks where possible.
The City of Arlington Planning and Zoning Commission voted 5–3 on Wednesday to approve a development plan for a 360‑unit multifamily complex at 2601 West Randall Mill Road, subject to conditions aimed at addressing neighborhood concerns about traffic, drainage, trees and privacy.
The development proposed by OHT Partners would replace a vacant rehabilitation center and build 13 three‑story apartment buildings, a clubhouse, pool, dog park, pickleball courts and roughly 626 parking spaces within a 23.28‑acre site zoned RMF‑22. Howell Beaver, the developer, said the plan reduces density from the 513 units allowed by right to 360 and exceeds the city's current tree‑preservation and parking standards.
Commissioners said their review was limited to the development plan — not zoning — because multifamily use is already authorized on the property. Senior planner Cecilia Nelson told the commission the site was submitted under the development‑plan process and met the Unified Development Code standards, while noting staff recommendations to improve building placement and preserve tree stands in the northeast portion of the site.
Neighbors filled the public hearing. Laurie Jagelski, who lives nearest the site, said the character of her quiet cul‑de‑sac would change, warning of added traffic and lost privacy. “An apartment complex is not equal to a sleepy retirement community,” she said. Other residents cited concerns about existing traffic on Randall Mill Road, drainage and the prospect of three‑story buildings overlooking single‑family backyards. Several called instead for senior housing or owner‑occupied alternatives.
The developer and his engineering team responded with technical and mitigation promises. Civil engineer Josh Steyer said the project will expand a detention pond to reduce flow into the adjacent drainage system and that the team will perform a Traffic Impact Analysis during platting given public concerns. Beaver said the applicant would host a community town hall on June 18, explore moving dumpsters away from property lines, consider taller perimeter screening and cooperate with law enforcement on security measures, including potential courtesy officers living on site.
Commissioner Sumter moved approval with five conditions: that a Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) be submitted during platting; that the two trash compactors shown on the site be relocated internal to the property away from existing single‑family residences; that an 8‑foot fence be installed adjacent to single‑family properties; that the applicant work with city staff on security measures; and that healthy live oaks in open space areas be preserved where possible. The motion passed over three dissenting votes.
The commission’s action sends the development to City Council, where the project will return with the commission’s recommended conditions. The developer said the team remains committed to working with neighbors and staff ahead of council review.
