Fort Worth's City Council has taken a definitive step to shape the neighborhood's future landscape, voting to rezone approximately seven acres near Eugene McCray Community Center from an industrial designation to low-density multifamily. The move, aimed to curtail industrial activity adjacent to residential areas, aligns with the City's Comprehensive Plan and resonates with the community's aspirations voiced during multiple public meetings over the last year.
Temporarily housing Atmos Energy's equipment for pipeline installations, the now-rezoned site was a subject of contention as residents were wary of industrial encroachment near their homes. According to the City of Fort Worth, the community center is nestled amidst residential neighborhoods, which the heavy industrial traffic from the previous zoning could all but harmonize with the day-to-day lives of community members.
District 11 Councilmember Jeanette Martinez, who spearheaded the rezoning request, pointed out that the new low-density multifamily zoning would act as a protective buffer. It serves as a transition between the existing single-family homes and the industrial zones, thereby preserving the residential character of the area. The rezoning greenlights the development of townhomes, duplexes, and single-family units, offering a more congenial landscape that mirrors the community's pulse.
With the site's future use now crystal clear, Fort Worth takes a significant step towards safeguarding the quality of life for its citizens. As industrial operations take a backseat, replaced by a tapestry of homes and open spaces, the council's decision underscores a commitment to listen and act in the interests of a concerned citizenry.
