Council Report: Rezoning approved for East Berry site

At its Tuesday meeting the Fort Worth City Council approved a zoning change at three sites on East Berry Street (3430, 3520 and 2534) that will include the likely removal of an old grocery store that has sat vacant for many years.

The change moves the property from one-family and community facilities to neighborhood commercial use, with unspecified uses that may include an emergency medical/dental facility, an event center, offices, and retail. The proposed zoning provides an opportunity to bring an abandoned and un-utilized property back into the commercial market.

The zoning request change was requested by National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum, owned by Jim Austin, broker and owner of Austin Company Commercial Real Estate.

The old grocery store at 3520 E. Berry was built in 1966. District 5 Councilwoman Gyna Bivens, in whose district the property lies, said she believes Austin is considering a commissary kitchen, which could also serve as a food truck center, something she’s been wanting for some time.

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“I’ve always told Jim he’d be welcome in District 5, just bring something we need, and this would be perfect,” she said.

As for the old grocery store she and others would like to see bulldozed to make way, Bivens said, “It’s just a blight on the community.”

The owner has discussed plans to reconfigure the parking lot partially into a plaza area. A minimum parking count will be required because the one-family zoning to the north is within 250 feet of the property.

The property at 3534 E. Berry is the Western Heritage Archery Center. It is currently zoned one family. However, it has a banner on the front fence indicating it is available for reunions, picnics, and campouts. It is included in this rezoning to allow for the commercial use. The applicant has not indicated any intended improvements to this site, but the outdoor area is expected to continue to be used for events.