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A scrap metal recycling business is directly across from the rail platform at the TEXRail North Side Station in Fort Worth. (Eric E. Garcia | Fort Worth Report)<\/p>\nTransit-oriented projects could be on the horizon for Fort Worth\u2019s Northside after city council members approved zoning changes to 200 acres near a rail station.<\/p>\n
City and transportation officials want to create a walkable, transit-oriented neighborhood with mixed-use residential and retail developments around the TEXRail station at 2829 Decatur Ave., north of the Fort Worth Stockyards.<\/p>\n
Council members approved the zoning changes in a 10-0 vote Tuesday evening.<\/p>\n
Mayor Pro Tem Carlos Flores, who represents the area, said \u201ca lot of good input\u201d was received at two recent town hall meetings about the zoning change.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re moving forward with transit-oriented development in that corridor,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s really going to be a benefit for all.\u201d<\/p>\n
The council-initiated zoning change will affect commercial land around the rail station, much of which is occupied by recycling companies. The zoning change won\u2019t affect single-family homes in the area.<\/p>\n
A scrap metal recycling business is directly across from the rail platform at the TEXRail North Side Station in Fort Worth. (Eric E. Garcia | Fort Worth Report)<\/p>\n
Many of the targeted properties are located along or near Northeast 28th Street or Decatur Avenue, with others on Glendale and Brennan avenues and North Hays, Hardy, Schadt and Peak streets, according to a city staff report.<\/p>\n
Owners of two longtime businesses, including Williamson Tire Co. at 2102 NE 28th St., were concerned about the rezoning effort, Tony Herhold, a Fort Worth planning manager, previously told the Fort Worth Zoning Commission.<\/p>\n
Herhold said the city will work with the business and others to begin a \u201cpath to continuing operations after rezoning.\u201d He added that those companies could remain open as legal but nonconforming businesses under the new zoning ordinances.<\/p>\n
Trinity Metro, Fort Worth\u2019s transit agency, held meetings in September to get input from residents on how to develop the North Side and Mercantile Center stations, two sites north of downtown that are among TEXRail\u2019s least used.<\/p>\n
More than 1 million rides have been recorded on TEXRail so far this fiscal year, Trinity Metro data shows. However, only about 4,500 passengers used the North Side Station so far this year, while about 5,000 riders used the Mercantile Center Station at 4201 N. Beach St.<\/p>\n
Residents told officials<\/a> that train stations provide substantial economic opportunities for development.<\/p>\n \u201cWe need projects to bring housing and retail together for an economic but dynamic lifestyle,\u201d Fort Worth resident Nick Tsigas told the Fort Worth Report at a transit meeting last month. \u201cIt\u2019s great to see investment and interest around rail stations.\u201d<\/p>\n Trinity Metro officials said the Grapevine\/Main Street Station is the best example of transit developments. The station, which opened in 2019, has attracted more than $114 million in public and private development, including Hotel Vin, Harvest Hall and related event and outdoor spaces.<\/p>\n Sales tax revenue for businesses within a five-minute walk of the Grapevine station grew by nearly 40%, while businesses within a 10-minute walk experienced growth of more than 30%, officials said.<\/p>\n \u201cGreat transit can help create the conditions for communities to grow,\u201d said Rich Andreski, president and CEO of Trinity Metro. \u201cWhat has happened around Grapevine\/Main Street Station is a powerful example. Public investment in transportation has been met with private investment, new development and increased economic activity. That creates value that reaches well beyond the people who board the train.\u201d<\/p>\n Eric E. Garcia is senior business reporter at the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at eric.garcia@fortworthreport.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n