Kennedale's New Comprehensive Plan Proposes Drastic Zoning Changes, Sparking Business Community Concerns

The city of Kennedale, Texas, has unveiled a new comprehensive zoning plan that proposes significant changes to the city's landscape, particularly in its southern industrial area. The plan, which aims to convert virtually all industrial uses to commercial uses over the next decade, has drawn sharp criticism from the Kennedale Alliance of Business Owners (KABO).

According to the proposed plan, the southern portion of Kennedale Parkway, currently dominated by industrial businesses, would be rezoned for commercial use. This shift represents a dramatic departure from the existing land use patterns and has raised concerns about the potential economic impact on the city.

Joe Palmer, Executive Director of KABO, expressed apprehension about the plan's development process and its implications. "While parts of the proposed plan appear to reflect opinions of committee members, there are concerns that the committee process was not entirely inclusive of all views shared, particularly those of the business community," Palmer stated.

The plan's vision for Kennedale as an "urban hub" contradicts the desire expressed by residents and the steering committee to maintain the city's "small-town atmosphere." This discrepancy has led to questions about the true representation of citizen input in the planning process.

One of the most contentious aspects of the proposed plan is its projected reduction of industry presence in the city's tax base from 38% to just over 3%. Critics argue that the plan fails to address how the city will compensate for the potential loss of ad-valorem and other taxes currently generated by industrial businesses.

The plan's impact on existing businesses is a significant concern. Many industrial users in the southern part of Kennedale, such as Speed Fab-Crete, which has operated in the area since 1951, could face restrictions on expansion and improvements if the zoning changes are implemented. KABO believes that these changes could stifle development and create difficulties for business owners looking to sell or expand their operations.

Furthermore, the proposal to encourage more commercial development on the north side of the city while eliminating industrial businesses in the south has been met with skepticism. KABO argues that commercial and retail uses may not be viable in the southern corridor and that eliminating industrial users could lead to reduced employment and tax revenue.

The lack of direct notification to affected industrial users about these proposed changes has also been criticized. While the city may argue that the proposed hearings were publicly posted, KABO contends that business owners should not be expected to regularly check the city website for such significant potential changes.

As the city prepares for a public hearing on the comprehensive plan on August 20, KABO is urging all business operators and property owners in the affected areas to voice their concerns. The organization believes that the current industrial zoning in the southern areas is ideal for development into multi-tenant office-warehouse, manufacturing, and distribution centers, and that the city should focus on attracting investment for these uses rather than pushing for commercial and retail development.

While the comprehensive plan does not immediately change zoning, it sets the direction for future zoning decisions over the next ten years. As such, the outcome of this planning process could have far-reaching implications for Kennedale's economic future and its identity as a community.