Fort Worth considers changes to spur development on Panther Island
There may be more tall buildings on Panther Island.
The city of Fort Worth is considering changing land use rules for a handful of parcels to allow buildings up to 15 stories.
Currently, the city rules limit height on the island to eight stories with the exception of buildings along North Main Street.
The rule changes would also allow for buildings to be constructed under the current minimum height standard of five stories as long as they are incorporated into another development, said Susan Alanis, Panther Island program director for the Tarrant Regional Water District, while speaking at a City Council work session Tuesday.
The area the city is proposing to rezone is roughly boarderd by Northeast Fifth Street to the north Northeast Commerce Street to the west, Northeast Fourth Steet to the south and the backside of the Coyote Drive in to the east.
The area is slated to have a canal running through it, according to a March 2024 consultant report.
The district plans to begin constructing the canals in 2026, and is looking for a developer to partner in the project, Alanis said.
Changing the land use rules for this section of the island will make it easier to find that partner, she said.
The changes will also help spur development, said Fort Worth city council member Carlos Flores, whose district includes the island.
Development will generate revenue for a special taxing district established to fund flood control projects on the island, Flores said.
The City Council will start the rezoning process at its 6 p.m. meeting on Sept. 16 with a final vote scheduled for Oct. 21, according to a city report.
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