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City Council approved a multimillion-dollar trail expansion and a 265-unit apartment complex during a marathon meeting Wednesday, Oct. 8, that stretched near midnight, marking significant steps forward in the city's infrastructure and housing development.
The centerpiece of the evening was approval of a $5.49 million contract for Phase 1 of the West Side Art Trail, a project more than a decade in the making that will connect the city's west side to Irving's Campion Trail and provide safe passage under Interstate 35.
"In the end, essentially people will be able to hop on their bikes over at Manske Library, ride all the way through town and get all the way over to Campion Trail in Irving," said Maria Minter, managing superintendent of public works. "It's a really exciting opportunity for us."
The project will be largely funded through federal transportation grants, with the Texas Department of Transportation covering 80% of costs at $4.5 million. Dallas County will contribute approximately $475,000 through a matching grant, with the city providing an equal match from existing capital improvement funds.
Council Member David Reid praised the trail's potential impact beyond his District 3, where much of the construction will occur.
"I think this is going to be a huge amenity available to not only the District 3 residents, but to the city overall, and it's going to give a great introduction and entryway across the city," Reid said.
The council also approved a $225,000 professional services agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates to provide construction oversight for the trail project, with Dallas County reimbursing approximately $65,500 of those costs.
In another significant development decision later in the evening, the council unanimously approved a zoning amendment for Dominion Phase 2, a multifamily residential project at 11775 Mira Lago Boulevard.
The development will feature a single four-story building with 265 units and a five-story parking garage accommodating 440 vehicles. The project represents an increase of 41 units from the current entitlement of 224 units.
Brett Mangum, lead planner with the city's planning department, noted the project received unanimous support from the Planning and Zoning Commission in September and aligns with the city's comprehensive plan for mixed-use development in the area.
The development will include 28 studio units, 143 one-bedroom units and 94 two-bedroom units. Developer Maxwell Fisher addressed council concerns about visitor parking, explaining that in addition to 14 surface spaces, the garage will include guest parking on the first floor without requiring a gate for access.
"We definitely don't want to have a parking shortage, definitely as the operator there," Fisher said, noting the project provides 470 total spaces, 72 more than required.
The development also will include construction of a half-acre private pocket park open to the public, featuring benches, picnic tables and enhanced 10-foot-wide sidewalks. The park must be completed before the city issues a certificate of occupancy for the project.
Earlier in the meeting, the council also approved a specific use permit for Priority Care Transit, a medical transport company serving veterans through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, to store vehicles at 2002 Academy Lane.
Samuel Bronson, representing the company, emphasized the non-emergency nature of the service and addressed neighborhood concerns about noise.
"There will be no sirens," Bronson told the council. "We are really a non-emergency transport service for the VA."
The company, which has operated at the location for five years, had been cited for code violations related to outdoor storage without proper permits. The approval brings the business into compliance while requiring additional landscaping to screen vehicles from public view.
Planner Brian Campbell noted the company had applied for certificates of occupancy over several years and was repeatedly reminded that outdoor storage would require special approval.
Beyond the major development items, the council also discussed updates to procedural rules, including clarifying the process for requesting agenda items and legal opinions from the city attorney. The updated rules will return for final approval at a future meeting.
Mayor Terry Lynne concluded the meeting by highlighting robust community engagement, noting 21 National Night Out events occurred across the city Tuesday, Oct. 7.
"What a great way to build community," Lynne said. "Being open, accessible, meeting your neighbors and promoting safety."
The meeting, which began at 6 p.m., adjourned at 11:51 p.m. after an executive session. The next regular council meeting is scheduled for Oct. 21 at City Hall.
