Montgomery Plaza apartments move forward despite neighborhood concerns about traffic
Fort Worth’s zoning commission gave the go-ahead Wednesday to a project that will add 595 apartments at Montgomery Plaza on West Seventh Street.
The commission was originally expected to vote in September, but delayed its decision after traffic data provided by the developer conflicted with a study from residents at One Montgomery Plaza, the 240-unit condominium in a former department store on West Seventh Street.
A study commissioned by property owner KIMCO Realty showed the project would reduce traffic by 38% while one by the condominium homeowners association found it would increase traffic by 83% during morning rush hour. Both studies showed negligible differences in the amount of traffic coming in and out of the Montgomery Plaza complex, city traffic engineer Tony Simerly told the zoning commission Wednesday.
The property owner, KIMCO Realty, said it would work with residents to address their traffic concerns before construction starts on the two buildings, director of development Chris Herman said. The apartments will be built on the site of a shopping center.
Margaret DeMoss, a longtime One Montgomery Plaza resident and one-time critic of the project, said she decided to support it Wednesday on the condition that KIMCO commit to addressing traffic concerns outlined in a letter of understanding.
“We all want the West Seventh corridor to be safe and attractive and for our historic building to be the premier residence that we were promised when we bought our properties,” DeMoss said.
However, that agreement would not be enforceable by the city, deputy city attorney Melinda Ramos told the commission.
Brian Sinkiewicz, the homeowner association treasurer, said more needs to be done to understand the traffic impacts before the City Council votes on the project Nov. 8.
Sinkiewicz argued the addition of the Crescent Hotel and other developments in the area will increase the area’s traffic. He pushed the city to do a deeper analysis.
