07.01.2024

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101º | 0% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:25 a.m. | Sunset 8:41 p.m.
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🏡 A first-of-its-kind housing effort for FTW

Explainer: What is a community land trust?

In August 2023, the Fort Worth City Council approved an $11 million purchase for 15 acres of the Carroll Park Apartments, previously used for student housing at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. | Photo courtesy of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

Housing affordability is a component of the city’s 2050 Comprehensive Plan, and in initial resident feedback stages of that plan, hundreds of Fort Worthians also singled out housing affordability as a key issue.

Over the past year, the city has taken some steps in that direction —so let’s define a few terms in the process.

The timeline

In June 2023, Fort Worth-based Rainwater Charitable Foundation helped create the Fort Worth Community Land Trust. Two months later, the Fort Worth Housing Finance Corp. — essentially the housing development arm of the city — bought 15 acres of Carroll Park Apartments, which was previously used for housing at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

The goal was for that land to be manged by the Fort Worth Community Land Trust, but first that organization needed to be formally designated by the city; that happened last week.

OK, so what is a community land trust?

An organization manages land that can be leased or sold to those with low incomes. Land trust ground leases will typically last 99 years, and — perhaps most importantly — a resale price for a home is negotiated upon purchase. Since the community land trust owns the land, the home can remain affordable for multiple generations.

This is the first-ever community land trust in Fort Worth, although they are common in cities such as Houston and Austin. Over 200 units (sale + rent) will ultimately be available on those 15 acres.

Mayor Mattie Parker noted at the time of the 15-acre purchase that housing is “on the mind of every Council member,” and Fort Worth has launched other initiatives aimed at affordable housing, as well. The 2026 bond program may also include housing initiatives, which would be another first for the city.

Events

Monday, July 1

First Monday Literacy Day | Monday, July 1 | 7 a.m.-12 p.m. | Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge, 9601 Fossil Ridge Rd., Fort Worth | Free | Bring your Fort Worth Public Library card for free admission, special story times + guided nature walks.
Chipotle Save the Horse Fundraiser | Monday, July 1 | 4-7 p.m. | Chipotle, 6370 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth | Cost of purchase | A portion of proceeds will go to Chipotle’s rescue to help save, rehab, and adopt out equine.

Tuesday, July 2

Special Story Times with Fort Worth Fire and Police | Tuesday, July 2 | 10:30-11:15 a.m. | Fort Worth Public Library - Multiple Locations, 1062 Evans Ave., Fort Worth | Free | Hear stories of being good neighbors and helpers from the ultimate helpers themselves.
Taquiza | Tuesday, July 2 | 6-8:30 p.m. | Central Market Fort Worth, 4651 W. Freeway, Fort Worth | $80 | You and your small team will practice proper cooking techniques as you create tacos with fish, chicken, pork, and steak fillings.

Wednesday, July 3

Tea & Talk | Wednesday, July 3 | 12 p.m. | Sid Richardson Museum, 309 Main St., Fort Worth | Free | Sip a cup of tea, peruse the collection, and participate in lively discussions with other art enthusiasts.
Wild West Wednesdays | Wednesday, July 3 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Cowtown Cycle Party, 809 Galveston Ave., Fort Worth | $39 | Take a historic tour of downtown as you both drink beer and exert effort biking — it mostly balances out.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Cause

Gladney Center for Adoption received a Lowe’s Hometowns grant for a new HVAC. The grant funds will also revitalize an outdoor area “to create a welcoming space for families to gather and connect.”

Development

The continued re-imagining of the Woodhaven neighborhood in east Fort Worth could include a multipurpose center, additional walking trails, and an amphitheater. (Fort Worth Report)

Plan Ahead (Anew)

Our brief local nightmare is over: Alamo Drafthouse locales, an indoor activity ideal for 100-degree+ days, had closed due to the bankruptcy of a local owner. However, Alamo has repurchased them and will reopen Fort Worth locations within the next month. (WFAA)

Community

Before the demolition of LaGrave Field (exact date TBD), take a look at this drone video of the stadium, which has been dormant for a decade. City Editor Ted feels that while there’s a lot of graffiti and some overgrowth, that field could still host a baseball game. (Fort Worth Star-Telegram)

Open

Soy Cowboy is now open in the Loews Arlington Hotel. It’s from Ben Berg, who is behind B&B Butchers in Clearfork, and serves Korean BBQ as well as traditional sushi, tempura, wok, robatayaki, hibachi, and teppanyaki. (PaperCity Magazine)

Biz

Fort Worth-based PHP Capital Partners acquired Freeport 7, a light industrial property in Irving. The 56,076-sqft property continues PHP’s goal of “targeting functional, shallow-bay industrial properties in urban infill areas.” (Fort Worth Inc.)

Fort Worthian

Higginbotham promoted Mary Russell to President of Private Client Services. Higginbotham Chairman and CEO Rusty Reid had held an overall “President” title since 1989, but that’s now been broken into three business units, each with its own President.

Traffic

What’s the worst time to drive during this holiday week? Apparently on Wednesday between 2-7 p.m. Shoutout to anyone who has fond memories of their dad banging on the steering wheel in 183, I-35, or I-30 traffic (WFAA)

Sports

How does the UT-Austin football schedule look during Year 1 in the SEC? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Texas Longhorns with Locked On’s daily podcasts.

Real Estate

Picture this: Your neighbors are the reigning World Series Champions. How? You live at One Rangers Way, brought to you by the Texas Rangers. These new apartments are set to open in January 2025 in the Arlington Entertainment District. Hint: They’re going fast — schedule a tour to secure your future home.*

The Buy

The Buy 7.01.24 (Affiliate)

A five-star rated swimsuit from Nordstrom — we like this lace-up back one-piece for an adjustable fit or this v-wire one-piece for a dipped neckline with support.

Answered

Where else can one cry in Fort Worth?

We gave you an initial list, then asked you for some more. Some answers (+see more on Instagram):

Water Gardens
Greenwood Cemetery
“The train on the way to the airport,” which did feel oddly specific

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Ted

Here’s some good news: prices on Fourth of July BBQ + picnic staples are actually down compared to 2023. Maybe buy that extra package of buns — then use it as an excuse to watch this classic scene from “Father of the Bride.”

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