The Garland City Council discussed zoning requests for two multi-family housing developments at the May 17-18 work session and regular meeting.
A zoning request for multi-family housing to be constructed at 1214 and 1302 West Miller Road was heard by the City Council. The request was to construct 63 units on 2.26 acres. An apartment complex had been demolished on this property a few years ago.
Former District 5 Council Member John Willis shared his opinion with council. He said that the previous apartments had been atrocious, terrible. He added that he had tried to be optimistic about the development but the more he looked into it, the less sanguine he was about the issue.
The area of West Miller Road in question is a high traffic area. According to Willis, several years ago, it was carrying 24,000 vehicles per day.
The development would cause a significant increase in the number of trips and left turns daily and would cause additional traffic congestion. This part of West Miller Road has historically been a problem and the development will add to that problem.
The item did not pass. Council Member Rich Aubin said that all his concerns were about the increased density.
He added that if the developer wanted to decrease the density, he might be in favor of the project.
Multi-family housing – North Shiloh Road
A request was made for the City Council to change the zoning at 1102 North Shiloh Road from office/industrial to multi-family. The property consists of 11.89 acres. The housing complex will include a fitness center, laundry facility, computer room, dog park, walking trails, pool and more.
Because the site is just north of the Veterans Affairs Hospital at Walnut Street and Shiloh Road, the developer suspects that many tenants will be Veterans Affairs Hospital associates and veterans.
The plan was in compliance with the Garland Development Code and the item passed unanimously.
Numerous events on city calendar
Staff from the Special Events office updated the City Council on the status of upcoming in-person events. Many of the events have returned after being either canceled or going virtual last year because of the pandemic.
A few of the events in June include the Urban Flea, Made Fresh & Local music events, golf tournament, Spikeball Texas Grand Slam, Amateur Radio Club Field Day.
In July, plans include the DFW Asian American soccer tournament.
September will bring the return of the Labor Day Prade and Garland Guzzler Race. Wheels of Hope, Ghost Tour, Des de los Muertos are scheduled for October. Christmas on the Square will return in December.