March 30, 2026 Newsletter
March 30, 2026 – Volume 20 Number 13
Highlights:
* City Council approves development agreement for mixed-use project downtown with at least 248 more apartments.
* P&Z met on Wednesday.
* AISD met on Thursday.
Teachers' Salaries
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_97.html
Taxpayers' Funds at Risk:
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_83.html
City Council grades:
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_39.html
AISD Board grades:
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/blank_1.html
Citizens Defending Freedom vs. AISD
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_14.html
Open Letter to AISD Taxpayers
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/blank_11.html
Arlington is a city where citizens are relegated to being spectators, rather than players on the field. The SPECTATOR helps citizens know what is happening on the field. Only a few of the in-house team members are allowed to play ball in Arlington. The SPECTATOR helps citizens understand the game.
GAME SCHEDULE:
Friday, April 3: Good Friday. City Offices closed.
Sunday, April 5: Easter.
Tuesday, April 7: City Council meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 6:30pm. (You must preregister online by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.)
Thursday, April 9: AISD Board meeting, AISD Administration Building, 690 E. Lamar Boulevard, 6:30pm. (You must be signed up online by 3:00pm if you wish to speak.)
Wednesday, April 15: P&Z meeting, 101 W. Abram Street, 5:30pm. (Work session at x:xxpm.)
Monday, April 20: Start of Early Voting for Municipal and ISD May 2 Election, 8:00am-5:00pm.
Tuesday, April 21: City Council meetings, 101 W. Abram Street, 6:30pm. (You must preregister online by 5:00pm to speak during citizen participation.)
Thursday, April 23: AISD Board meeting, AISD Administration Building, 690 E. Lamar Boulevard, 6:30pm. (You must be signed up online by 3:00pm if you wish to speak.)
Tuesday, April 28: City Council Spring Retreat.
Tuesday, April 28: End of Early Voting for Municipal and ISD May 2 Election, 7:00am-7:00pm.
Saturday, May 2: Municipal and ISD Elections, 7:00am-7:00pm.
From THE LOCKER ROOM
Arlington City Council Update
The Arlington City Council met this past Tuesday, March 24, for a full slate of meetings. They approved their downtown agreement to use $4 million of taxpayer funds to help develop the mixed-use (including at least 248 apartments) development at 415 W. Abram Street.
Committee Meetings
The Finance and Audit Committee met to discuss the FY26-Q1 budget analysis and the FY25 Year end audit (BAR presentation , BAR-Q1 and business plan , external audit presentation , single audit , popular annual financial report , comprehensive financial report with audit letter).
The Community and Neighborhood Development Committee met for discussions on multi-family inspections-public transparency and a homeless update (multi-family presentation , nothing available on the homeless update). In executive session they discussed affordable housing.
The Transportation and Municipal Infrastructure Committee met to discuss a Handi-tran update (presentation).
Afternoon Meeting
The afternoon meeting opened and went into executive session. The executive session agenda included:
1. A condemnation at 415 N. Collins for the Entertainment District sidewalk project.
2. Sewer easement at 1140 W. Main Street.
3. Real property discussion for Affordable Housing. [This one scares me.]
4. Offers of incentives to business prospects.
The meeting may be viewed at: https://arlingtontx.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=9&clip_id=5402 . Council Member Hunter was not present.
(11:14) Start of meeting, go into executive session.
Three work session items:
(1:59:42) 2025 Annual Use of Force report (presentation , report). About 2:17:39 it was opened to the council members for comments/questions. James Hartley of KERA News and the Arlington Report has an article at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/03/25/black-people-remain-most-subject-to-police-force-in-arlington-as-overall-use-drops-11-report-says/ .
(2:27:50) American Community Survey and socioeconomic profile (presentation). We are now the 51st largest city (Tampa passed Wichita and Arlington to get to 49th place). From 2020 to 2024, housing units have increased by 7215 units and %owner-occupied has dropped from 55.7% to 54.3%. About 2:36:05 it was opened to comments/questions from the council.
(2:36:50) Form-based code (presentation). About 3:00:16 it was opened to the council for comments/questions.
(3:09:22) The two informal staff reports:
1. Capital Improvements Program Advisory Committee (presentation , CiPAC report).
2. Smoking Ordinance (staff report , proposed ordinance). The council is looking to add vaping to the ordinance.
(3:10:47) Committee meetings.
(3:25:31) Council's external committees.
(3:27:53) Evening agenda items.
(3:40:58) Future agenda items.
Evening Meeting
The evening agenda included 36 consent agenda items, four public hearings, an ordinance, and a development agreement resolution. The meeting may be viewed at: https://arlingtontx.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=9&clip_id=5403 . All council members were present at the start, but Council Member Piel left about 7:45pm.
(16:04) Start of meeting. Condemnation at 415 N. Collins Street for sidewalk project was approved, 9-0. Other executive session item was approved, 9-0.
(43:15) Consent agenda. The mayor pulled item 8.13 (Woodland West Aquatic Center) to be continued. There were two speakers in opposition to item 8.15 (zoning case SUP25-10). Consent agenda passed, 9-0. Item 8.13 was CONTINUED, 9-0.
Consent agenda item 8.21 was paying Anthem more money [from the Economic Development Corporation] for the purchase of 2.4 acres to be taken off the tax rolls for $3,433,184 (staff report , resolution). [That is about $20,000/year in tax revenue that the general fund will not be receiving. And will the taxpayers have to pay into the recently created public improvement district (PID)?]
(57:16) The first public hearing was for AV26-01 for a variance on the distance requirement for a liquor store, at 1606 W. Randol Mill Road (staff report). They are within 300 feet of a public school. The motion to approve, FAILED, 1-8, with Ross in support.
(1:14:33) The second public hearing was for PD25-23, at 2301 N. Collins Street (at Brown Trail). They wish to change the CC (community commercial) to a planned development plus a billiard parlor and package liquor store (staff report). The liquor store is the “new” item. It was approved, 5-4, with Hunter, Piel, Boxall, and Hogg in opposition.
(1:24:51) The third public hearing was for ZA26-01, at 300 W. Park Row Drive. They wish for a straight zoning change from CC (community commercial) to residential medium density (RM-12), usually townhomes (staff report). It was approved, 9-0.
(1:32:03) The fourth public hearing was for PD20-22R1, at 109 W. Rogers Street. They wish to modify the development plan (staff report). I believe they are trying to add short-term rentals as it is RM-12 base zoning. The applicant was not present (family health issues). The public hearing was continued, 7-0-1, with Piel now absent, and Boxall recusing.
(1:35:44) The ordinance was for the appointment of part-time municipal court associate judges (staff report). It was approved, 8-0.
(1:37:51) The resolution was a development agreement for mixed-use redevelopment downtown (staff report , resolution). It was approved, 7-1, with Hogg in opposition. [Commentary: I write this as a commentary because the only facts I know are in the staff report. The staff report fails to say where, but the resolution says it is 415 W. Abram Street.
The city will be throwing in just shy of $4 million dollars, the developer will spend at least $60 million, and the project should be listed on the tax rolls for at least $40 million. Property taxes on $40 million are about $250,000/year starting in tax year 2031 so for us regular people that will take 16 years from 2031, however [speculation] the economic development people will throw in a bunch of other garbage factors so that they can probably say makes it about/maybe half that.
If you go to the last several pages of the resolution, you can see the drawings of these massive apartments.]
Bianca Rodriguez-Mora of the Arlington Report has an article on the deal at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/03/25/60m-apartment-development-coming-to-downtown-arlington/ .
The city has an article at: https://www.arlingtontx.gov/News-Articles/2026/March/Council-Approves-Agreement-for-New-Downtown-Mixed-Use-Development .
(1:39:43) Citizen participation. There were 23 registered speakers. The first actual speaker was the speaker on homelessness for the third meeting in a row. The next 17 actual speakers spoke for a resolution for the release was of an individual being detained by I.C.E.
Council Leftovers
The fifth Arlington Spectator question for the candidates: If you receive an e-mail from a constituent on an Arlington issue and the constituent logically laid out and well documented the issue, will you respond to the constituent? Why or why not? What actions will you take?
Ballot Order:
Mayor
Hunter Crow - Almost all of my political views is built heavily on accessibility and grassroots accountability. I would like to emphasize. I do consider constituents not just as "voters," but as active partners in governance.
A "Yes" with Substance: I will almost certainly commit to a personal response. I have a history of engaging directly with the public through social media and community organizing, often positioning myself as an outsider fighting against "gatekeeping" at City Hall.
Criticism of "The Bubble": I would use this question to point out that current leadership often relies on executive sessions and "closed-door" culture. I would argue that ignoring well-documented constituent input is a form of soft corruption or negligence.
Specific Actions my administration Might Take:
Public Integration: I suggest bringing the constituent’s documentation directly into the public record during a council meeting to ensure it cannot be ignored by city staff.
Transparency: I have previously advocated for greater transparency in how the city handles grievances; I might propose a public "tracking system" for constituent inquiries so the community can see how long it takes for the city to resolve documented issues.
Direct Advocacy: Due to my background within the progressive movement. I would likely treat a logical, well-documented email as a "brief" to be used in his own advocacy for policy shifts, especially if it concerns environmental justice or economic equity.
Jim Ross – Did not respond.
Shaun Mallory – Did not respond.
Steve Cavender – Did not respond.
District 3
Kelly Burke – Yes I will always respond to our citizens, and if the issue is well laid out I would take that very seriously. I would present those findings to the council and we can further proceed from there.
Nikkie Hunter – Did not respond.
District 4
Tom Ware – Did not respond.
Rojo Meixueiro – Did not respond.
Lisa Ventura - Anytime a constituent takes time out of their day to express concerns on an issue, deserves for me to take time out of my day to respond. I would first acknowledge that I received their email and will look into the matter. Then, I would need to review and research their issue to make sure I understand all sides. Then, depending upon what I discover, I might need to refer the constituent to the right department, or suggest they bring it up at a City Council Meeting. I would respond by giving them the answer and also thank them for bringing the issue to my attention. I would truly appreciate that citizen showing how much they care about our city. This is how a government should work that is truly working FOR the citizens.
District 5
Rebecca Boxall – Yes, I enjoy engaging with citizens. I always reply to respectful, logical e-mails. If I have one complaint it is that not enough people engage with their council representative.
Brittney Garcia-Dumas – Did not respond.
District 8
Jason Shelton – Did not respond.
Melody Fowler – Did not respond.
Corey Harris – Did not respond.
Also, as part of the city election will be the vote for whether or not to continue with the 1/4-cent sales tax for road repairs.
# # # # # # # # # # # #
The City of Arlington proposes a total project investment of an estimated $24,000,000, combining federal, state, local, and private resources for the acquisition and demolition of an existing two-story, 81,205-square-foot dilapidated motel structure at 1220 W. Division Street built in 1965 and comprised of 72 rooms. So far, they have determined they will use approximately $3,850,000 in federal HOME-ARP funds. Part of the city/local funds included is $2.85 million of Arlington Housing Finance Corporation funds. Anyone's guess on the specifics of the rest of the funding?
Following demolition, the city intends to construct a new permanent supportive housing community consisting of a minimum of 70 units. The new development will provide safe, service-enriched housing for chronically homeless individuals, veterans and their families, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations. The primary objective is to expand the supply of affordable, supportive housing and promote long-term housing stability for residents experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
So has anyone divided that out. $24,000,000 / 70 units = $342,857/unit [cost of a house???].
Economic Development Corporation (EDC)
We do not know the date of the next EDC meeting.
Upcoming Public Hearings
On Tuesday, April 7, the city council will hold a public hearing to update the Unified Development Code (UDC) for form-based zoning.
On Tuesday, April 7, the city council will hold a public hearing on SUP08-2R1, at 8380 Glenn Day Drive. They wish to amend the current specific use permit for gas drilling.
On Tuesday, April 7, P&Z will hold a public hearing on SN-FBZD26-01, on 681.63 acres of 1162 tracts for form-based zoning. Boundaries west: Davis Street; south: UTA Boulevard; east: Willis Avenue; and north: Stanford Street.
On Tuesday, April 7, the city council will hold a public hearing on PD26-1, at 109 W. Rogers Street. They wish to revise the current development plan to allow for short-term rentals.
On Tuesday, April 7, the city council will hold a public hearing on ZA26-2, at 2401 W Green Oaks Boulevard. They wish to change the current development plan for a veterinary office to a “straight” neighborhood commercial (NC) zoning.
On Tuesday, April 7, the city council will hold a public hearing on ZA25-6, at the northwest corner of I-20 Highway and Kelly-Elliott Road (3 lots). They wish to change the straight zoning from residential to NC (neighborhood commercial) on 2.727 acres.
On Tuesday, May 5, the city council will hold a public hearing on PD21-28R1, at 800 Debbie Lane. They wish to revise development plan.
On Wednesday, May 13, P&Z will hold a public hearing on PD25-8, at 2100 S.E. Green Oaks Boulevard. They wish to change the CC (community commercial) to a planned development plus a car wash
On ???, the city council will hold a public hearing on PD20-22R1, at 109 W. Rogers Street. They wish to modify the development plan.
# # # # # # # # # # # #
P&Z Commission
P&Z met on Wednesday, March 25. There were two public hearings on their agenda. The agenda can be found at: https://www.arlingtontx.gov/files/assets/city/v/1/planning-and-development-services/documents/planning-amp-development-boards-amp-commissions/planning-and-zoning-commission/posted-agenda/planning-and-zoning-commission-regular-session-03-25-2026.pdf .
(2:34) Public hearing #1 was for PD25-8, 2100 S.E. Green Oaks Boulevard. They wish to change from community commercial (CC) to a planned development (PD) for CC with a car wash (staff report). The commission CONTINUED until May 13, 8-0.
(1:03:49) Public hearing #2 was for PD21-28R1 to modify the development plan (staff report). The original plan did not allow for gasoline sales. There were three speakers in opposition. It was approved, 6-1.
AISD School Board
The AISD School Board met this past Thursday, March 26. The agenda can be viewed at: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Agenda/2978?meeting=731262 .
They started in executive session to discuss:
Personnel
Potential and pending litigation
Intruder detection audit findings.
The meeting may be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAxPSTmLolw . Board President Chapa was not present. The meeting was run by VP McMurrough.
(3:13) Recognitions.
(7:22) Open forum for agenda items saw no speakers.
(8:01) Open forum for non-agenda items. There was one speaker at this time.
Six committee and staff reports.
(11:07) Finance and Academics Committee report.
(11:40) Financial Futures Committee report (presentation). About 18:37 it was opened to the board for questions/comments.
(27:48) Bullying standards prevention and reporting (presentation). About 35:15 it was opened to the board for questions/comments.
(38:55) AISD Learning Acceleration Support Opportunities (LASO) grant (presentation). About 50:23 it was opened to the board for questions/comments.
(54:04) Benchmark Academic Progress report (presentation). About 57:53 it was opened to the board for questions/comments.
(1:06:59) AISD Strategic Plan report. About 1:17:22 it was opened to the board for questions/comments.
(1:35:24) Consent agenda. Nothing was pulled for separate consideration. It passed, 5-1, with Mr. Mike in opposition. No stated reason why.
(1:36:44) End-of-meeting reports.
The Board Brief by Ms. Haynes can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smCh9TC1XHE .
Question 5: If you receive an e-mail from a constituent on an AISD issue and the constituent logically laid out and well documented the issue, will you respond to the constituent? Why or why not? What actions will you take?
AISD Ballot Order:
Place 6
Jan Tyler - I will always respond to anyone who would contact me regarding an issue related to the AISD. Teachers were always told that we needed to return any communications sent to us regarding school business within 48 hours at the most. Many times just talking with someone can remedy the problem or misunderstanding. Over the years, the most highly respected School Board members, were those that responded to teachers and parents. I would like to be known for respectfully listening and communicating with anyone who contacted me. As to how would I help, that would depend upon the issue. I can tell you that I did a presentation for the AISD teachers that was titled “WIN WIN During Parent Conferences.” I like ending any conference or communication on a positive note.
Brooklyn Richardson – Did not respond.
Place 7
LeAnne Haynes - Communicating with constituents is one of the most vital aspects of being an elected official. Keeping an open line with those I represent is essential to my role on the school board. No matter the content of an email, text, or phone call, I make it a point to respond. It doesn’t matter to me whether the concern is presented in a “logically laid out and well documented” way; every constituent deserves a reply. I genuinely want my constituents to feel heard and to know that I’m here to assist in any way I can.
When I receive a concern, my response often depends on the specific issue raised. Usually, people just want to talk and feel heard. If a matter requires further attention, such as discussing it with my fellow board members or reaching out to district staff, I will certainly take that step. Throughout my first term, I've valued the relationships I've formed through these conversations, and I look forward to continuing this practice if I am re-elected.
Linton Davis - Once a parent has exhausted all efforts with the Teacher, the Principal, and the Administration, I will listen to their concerns in an effort to help achieve a win/win outcome for all parties involved. I was raised at a time where, when it came to disciplinary issues, I was guilty unless by some miracle I could prove myself innocent. (That only happened once in seventh grade math!) If the issue has not been brought up within the local school, then I’ll kindly refer the constituent to the appropriate Teacher / Administrator. If it has been brought up without satisfactory local resolution, then I’ll inquire if the issue has been elevated beyond the local school. I trust Dr. Smith and his staff to do this right. I would expect that most of the communications that I would get will involve some level of resetting parental expectations regarding the school’s obligations and the student’s performance standards.
AISD Bond Election
https://www.aisd.net/bond-2026/
[Commentary: I have a great deal of difficulty accepting this bond. AISD has a decreasing student population from 63,000+ to maybe under 50,000 this coming school year. Other districts, in an effort to save money, have closed schools, which makes very logical sense. AISD will be closing its first school (Blanton Elementary) at the end of this school year.
The board went out of its way to add a second (unnamed/unplanned?) elementary school replacement [South Davis Elementary was the first and named school replacement], basically saying, here, raise the tax rate, give us the money and we will decide.
The board claims to make fact-based decisions; however, they seem to be failing. Where are the fact-based decisions on saving the taxpayers’ dollars and being efficient with taxpayers’ funds? Why have they not come up with plans to being more efficient with taxpayers’ funds rather than just raising the tax rate, giving them money, and having no specific plans on a second school replacement.
I say vote NO at least to Proposition A of the AISD Bond package.]
A Chris Moss article in the Arlington Report explores the possibility of the AISD joining the pay-for-performance teacher program offered by the state. That article can be found at: https://fortworthreport.org/2026/01/07/arlington-isd-considers-texas-pay-for-performance-teacher-program/ .
AISD saw a jump in their accountability scores because of their challenge of some of the STAAR testing results. Chris Moss of the Arlington Report has an article at: https://fortworthreport.org/2025/12/09/arlington-isd-sees-2025-academic-accountability-bump-after-staar-appeal/ . Also an AISD article may be found at: https://www.aisd.net/district-news/updated-district-and-campus-accountability-ratings/ .
The AISD enrollment is expected to fall below 50,000 students at some point, maybe as early as the 2026-2027 school year. Chris Moss of the Arlington Report has a story at: https://fortworthreport.org/2025/12/03/arlington-isds-enrollment-projected-to-drop-below-50000-next-year/ .
The AISD will NOT be posting the Ten Commandments for now. An article by Chris Moss of the Arlington Report: https://fortworthreport.org/2025/11/05/arlington-isd-agrees-not-to-post-ten-commandments-amid-lawsuit/ .
The AISD Board and Superintendent have established written goals, including student improvement on the STAAR testing. The Chris Moss article in the Arlington Report: https://fortworthreport.org/2025/10/01/arlington-isd-school-board-sets-goals-and-expectations-for-new-school-year/ .
TEA Accountability Data:
In 2020, the AISD was tied for the highest M&O rate of all the school districts in Tarrant County. Since then, there has been NO tie. The AISD HAS the highest M&O rate in Tarrant County. [school district tax rates]
Top 5 of Tarrant County's 21 ISDs M&O Rates
1. Arlington ISD $0.802200
2. Birdville ISD $0.786900
2. Fort Worth ISD $0.786900
2. Lewisville ISD $0.786900
2. Mansfield ISD $0.786900
Teacher Salaries
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_97.html [Arlington ISD easily pays the highest salaries, thus creating ISD inflation.] An article by Jacob Sanchez in the Fort Worth Report confirms that the Arlington ISD pays the highest salaries in Tarrant County [ https://fortworthreport.org/2025/12/17/teachers-in-this-tarrant-county-school-district-earn-the-highest-salaries/ ].
HELPFUL CONTACTS
The Spectator: www.ArlSpectator.mysite.com
to be added/deleted to/from the mailing list e-mail: ArlSpectator@yahoo.com
We can be found on Facebook at ArlSpectator.
Teachers' Salaries
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_97.html
Taxpayers' Funds at Risk
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_83.html
City Council grades:
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/rich_text_39.html
AISD Board grades:
http://arlspectator.mysite.com/blank_1.html
City of Arlington website: www.arlingtontx.gov
e-mails of mayor and council:
.................... first.last@arlingtontx.gov
mayor = jim.ross
district 1 (north) = mauricio.galante
district 2 (sw) = raul.gonzalez
district 3 (se) = nikkie.hunter
district 4 (west) = andrew.piel
district 5 (central/east) = rebecca.boxall
district 6 (all) = long.pham
district 7 (all) = bowie.hogg
district 8 (all) = barbara.odom-wesley
AISD website ....................... www.aisd.net
McMurrough............ - sarahforaisd@gmail.com
Fowler ................... - fowler.aisd@gmail.com
Mike .................. - larrymike.aisd@gmail.com
Wilbanks .......... - dwilban.aisd@gmail.com
Chapa ...................... - chapa.aisd@gmail.com
Richardson ... - brooklyn.richardson.aisd@gmail.com
Haynes ................... - haynes.aisd@gmail.com
TEA Accountability Data:
ARC Political Watch Committee Reports
includes coverage of Mansfield ISD and national, state, county, & city
Texas Legislative Online:
http://www.legis.state.tx.us/Home.aspx
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