Fort Worth’s City Council took decisive action on Tuesday evening, voting 10‑0 to rezone roughly 200 acres of commercial land surrounding the TEXRail station at 2829 Decatur Avenue. The changes are intended to create a walkable, transit‑oriented neighborhood that blends housing, retail and office space, while leaving existing single‑family homes untouched.
Council and mayoral support
Mayor Pro Tem Carlos Flores, the council member representing the Northside district, highlighted the strong community input gathered at two recent town‑hall meetings. “We’re moving forward with transit‑oriented development in that corridor,” Flores said. “It’s really going to be a benefit for all.”
Zoning details and affected properties
The rezoning targets commercial parcels primarily occupied by recycling firms along Northeast 28th Street, Decatur Avenue, Glendale and Brennan Avenues, as well as North Hays, Hardy, Schadt and Peak streets. A city staff report lists the specific parcels, and the new ordinance will allow mixed‑use construction while preserving the character of nearby single‑family neighborhoods.
Two long‑standing businesses, including Williamson Tire Co. at 2102 NE 28th Street, voiced concerns about the changes. Planning manager Tony Herhold told the Fort Worth Zoning Commission that the city will work with affected owners to develop a “path to continuing operations after rezoning.” Under the new code, these firms could remain open as legal but nonconforming businesses.
Transit agency input and ridership data
Trinity Metro, the regional transit authority, held public meetings in September to solicit resident feedback on development around the North Side and Mercantile Center stations—both among TEXRail’s least‑used stops. Data from the current fiscal year show more than 1 million rides on TEXRail overall, but only about 4,500 passengers have used the North Side Station and roughly 5,000 have boarded at Mercantile Center.
Resident Nick Tsigas told the Fort Worth Report, “We need projects to bring housing and retail together for an economic but dynamic lifestyle. It’s great to see investment and interest around rail stations.”
Economic precedent from Grapevine/Main Street Station
Trinity Metro pointed to the Grapevine/Main Street Station as a successful model. Opened in 2019, the station has attracted more than $114 million in public and private development, including Hotel Vin and Harvest Hall. Sales‑tax revenue for businesses within a five‑minute walk of the station rose nearly 40%, while those within a ten‑minute walk saw growth of over 30%.
“Great transit can help create the conditions for communities to grow,” said Rich Andreski, president and CEO of Trinity Metro. “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.”
Next steps
The council’s rezoning approval clears the way for developers to submit proposals that meet the city’s mixed‑use guidelines. City staff will continue to coordinate with existing businesses to ensure a smooth transition and to preserve the economic contributions of the recycling sector.
Fort Worth residents can expect further public meetings as project plans take shape, providing additional opportunities for community input before construction begins.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
