boa_02 28 2000LITTLE ROCK BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
SUMMARY OF MINUTES
FEBRUARY 28, 2000
2:00 P.M.
I. Roll Call and Finding of a Quorum
A Quorum was present being five (5) in number.
II. Approval of the Minutes of the Previous Meetings
The Minutes of the January 31, 2000 meeting were
approved as mailed by unanimous vote.
III. Members Present: Gary Langlais, Chairman
William Ruck, Vice Chairman
Norm Floyd
Scott Richburg
Fred Gray
Members Absent: None
City Attorney Present: Cindy Dawson
LITTLE ROCK BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
AGENDA
FEBRUARY 28, 2000
2:00 P.M.
I. VARIANCE ITEMS
1.
Z-6816
5812
Hawthorne Street
2.
Z-6818
4920
Hawthorne Street
3.
Z-6820
1112
West 2nd Street
4.
Z -6754-A
200
East Markham Street
II. OTHER MATTERS
5. Z-6174 2500 Cantrell Road; Paving Deferral
Time Extension
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FeL-nary 28, 2000
Item No.: 1
File No.:
Owner:
Address:
Description:
Zoned:
Variance Requested:
Justification:
Present Use of Property:
Proposed Use of Property
Staff Report:
A. Public Works Issues:
No issues.
B. Staff Analysis:
Z-6816
Mark and Tammie Davis
5812 Hawthorne
Lot 8, Forest Heights Place
R-2
Variances are requested from the
area regulations of Section 36-254
to permit construction of an
addition with reduced side and rear
yard setbacks.
The applicant's justification is
presented in an attached letter.
Single Family
Single Family
The R-2 zoned lot located at 5812 Hawthorne Road is occupied
by a 1,477 square foot, one-story, frame, single-family
residence. The applicants propose to construct an addition
onto the rear of the house. The addition will contain a
den, a small office, a master bedroom and bath, a utility
room and a carport. The addition will have a side yard
setback varying from 4 feet to 3 feet on the west side and
will have a rear yard setback of 0 feet where the lot abuts
"V" Street on the rear. The Code requires a side yard
setback of 6 feet and a rear yard setback of 25 feet for
this lot.
Staff believes the variance requests to be reasonable. Two
accessory structures, located in the area of the proposed
FeL-aary 28, 2000
Item No.: 1 (Cont.
addition, will be removed. These accessory structures, a
garage and a storage building, have side yard setbacks of 3
feet. The one story addition will be designed in a style
which is compatible with the existing home. "V" Street,
although it has a 30 foot right-of-way, functions more like
an alley. Numerous homes that front onto Hawthorne Road
take rear yard access off of "V" Street to carports and
garages. No homes front onto "V" Street. Other homes that
front onto the intersecting streets have a side yard
relationship to "V" Street. These homes and their accessory
buildings have reduced setbacks to "V" Street. The rear 18
feet of the addition will be an open carport. The closest
edge of the carport will set back 9-10 feet from the edge of
the pavement of "V" Street. The property adjacent to the
west is occupied by a single family residence with an 8±
foot setback. This adjacent property also has an open
carport structure near the rear property line. The carport
is located on the western side of the property, providing
adequate setback between structures, even with the 3 foot
variance on the applicant's property. A privacy fence
separates the two properties. The overhang on the
applicant's proposed addition should be limited and
guttering should be installed to prevent water run-off onto
the adjacent property.
C. Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the requested side and rear
yard setback variances to allow the proposed one-story
addition subject to compliance with the following
conditions:
1. The overhang on the west side of the addition is to be
limited to no more than 6 inches.
2. Guttering or another approved device is to be installed
on the west side of the addition to prevent water run-
off onto the adjacent property.
3. The rear 18 feet of the addition is to be an open
carport which is to be unenclosed on all sides other
than at the point it adjoins the house.
4. No portion of the addition, including eave or overhang,
is to extend beyond the rear property line into the "V"
Street right-of-way.
E
F�- aary 28, 2000
Item No.: 1 (Cont.
5. The existing fence along the rear property line is to
be relocated 3 feet to the south, out of the "V" Street
right-of-way.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT:
(FEBRUARY 28, 2000)
The applicant was present. There were no objectors present.
Letters of support had been received from the owners of the
adjoining properties at 5810 and 5820 Hawthorne. Staff presented
the item and a recommendation of approval subject to compliance
with the 5 conditions noted in the "Staff Recommendation" above.
The applicant offered no additional comments.
The item was placed on the Consent Agenda and approved as
recommended by staff. The vote was 5 ayes, 0 noes and 0 absent.
3
January 20, 2000
Mark and Tammie Davis
5812 Hawthorne Road
Little Rock, Arkansas 72207
Board of Adjustment
Department of Planning and Development
723 West Markham
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
Dear Sir or Madam:
My husband and I are seeking a residential zoning variance for our home located at
5812 Hawthorne Road, which we recently purchased on December 1, 1999. The home
currently has 1,477 square feet of living area as well as a detached single -car garage (see
attached Exhibit A). It is our desire to expand our home by approximately 1,200 square feet
of living area plus an attached two -car carport.
The lot on which our house is located has rear access by means of V Street. Our plans
entail the removal of the existing garage and the building of the new addition in its place,
which would extend back on our lot towards V Street. The carport would be located at the
rear of the addition thus allowing for access from V Street. The design of the carport is
similar to that of our next door neighbor's (see attached Exhibit B). Furthermore, the homes
directly behind ours have their garages located on V Street, thus we feel the addition will not
lessen the enjoyment of their homes (see attached Exhibit Q. Also, both neighbors bordering
our property have privacy fences (see attached Exhibit D for picture of east -boundary
neighbor's fence).
This plan best fits with the internal structural configuration of our home due to the
location of doors and windows as well as the home's natural roof line. Moreover, due to the
smallness of the lot, specifically its narrowness (60 feet), any alternative plans would consume
our back yard in addition to generating major renovations to the existing structure.
It is our intention to maintain the character and integrity of the neighborhood. We have
designed our plans to fall in line with those of other homes surrounding ours. We enjoy our
neighborhood and will do everything possible to maintain its charm.
We appreciate your consideration in this matter.
Sincerely,
Tammie S. Davis
Fei -nary 28, 2000
Item No.: 2
File No.:
Z-6818
Owner: The Estate of Maude Rogers,
Cita Cobb, Executor/
James Williams, Agent
Address:
Description:
Zoned:
Variance Requested:
4920 Hawthorne
West 1.2 of South 1-2, Block 1,
Newton's Addition
R-2
Variances are requested from
the area regulations of Section
36-254 to permit construction of a
new residence with reduced front
and rear yard setbacks.
Justification: Applicant's Statement: Due to the
extremely large right-of-way (80')
along Hawthorne Street and the
previous reduction in lot depth
from 140 to 103.5 feet, at some
time in the past, the resulting lot
with typical setbacks leaves
unreasonable area for construction
of a home of today's needs.
The owners are asking for a waiver
from 25' to 20' on the front yard
setback. The rear yard request is
from 25' to 3' to allow for an
enclosed 2 car garage with storage.
The existing carport is presently
approximately 7' from the rear
property line. The rear property
line has a brick wall which the
owners intend to have remain. Also
the property owners on the north
side of this boundary line have a
driveway which is being shared and
would prohibit any future
construction within 25' or 30' of
that line.
Fe _nary 28, 2000
Item No.: 2 (Cont.)
Present Use of Property:
Proposed Use of Property:
Staff Report:
A. Public Works Issues:
No issues.
B. Staff Analvsis:
No waivers are being asked for in
excess of the 8' sideyard setbacks.
Single Family residence (to be
removed)
Single Family residence (new)
The R-2 zoned property located at 4920 Hawthorne is
currently occupied by a two-story, brick and frame, single
family residence and a detached, two -car carport. The
applicant proposes to remove these structures and build in
their place a new, two-story, brick and frame, single family
residence with an attached, two -car garage. The new house
is proposed to have a front yard setback of 20 feet and a
rear yard setback of 3 feet. The Code requires a front yard
setback of 25 feet and a rear yard setback of 25 feet for
this lot. The required 8 foot side yard setbacks will be
met or exceeded. There is no building line issue.
Staff believes the variance requests are reasonable.
Hawthorne Street has a right-of-way of 80 feet, much larger
than the typical 50 foot right-of-way required for a
residential street. Even with the reduced front yard
setback of 20 feet, the house will be located 50 feet away
from the curb of Hawthorne Street. It appears that the new
house will be set back from the street as much or more than
other houses in the area. The existing carport structure
has a rear yard setback of 7 feet. If the proposed new
garage were built as an accessory structure, it could be
built to within 3 feet of the rear property line. Since it
is part of the house, it has the 25 foot setback
requirement. The setback reduction is requested for only
the garage, the bulk of the new residence will be located
30± feet from the rear property line. A brick wall is
located along the rear property line and beyond the wall is
a driveway/access easement which serves two residences.
This driveway functions as an alley and provides adequate
2
Fe aary 28, 2000
Item No.: 2 (Cont.)
separation between structures on the two lots. The
applicant's property is only 103.5 feet deep, much less than
the typical 140 foot lot depth in the area. This reduced
lot depth, when combined with the 80 foot Hawthorne Street
right-of-way, does create a hardship particular to the
property, justifying the variance.
C. Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the requested front and rear
yard setback variances, as filed.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT:
(FEBRUARY 28, 2000)
The applicant was present. There were no objectors present.
Staff presented the item and a recommendation of approval.
The applicant offered no additional comments.
The item was placed on the Consent Agenda and approved by a vote
of 5 ayes, 0 noes and 0 absent.
3
February 28, 2000
Item No.: 3
File No.: Z-6820
Owner: Sheila Campbell, Owner/Ron Bene
Woods, Applicant
Address: 1112 West 2nd Street
Description: Lots 10 and 11, Block 295,
Original City
Zoned: C-4
Variance Requested: Variances are requested from
the area regulations of Section 36-
302 to permit construction of a new
office building with reduced front
and side yard setbacks.
Justification: Applicant's Statement: The
property is zoned C-4 which carries
a forty-five (45) foot front yard
setback, fifteen (15) foot side
yard setback and a twenty-five (25)
foot rear yard setback.
Our property is approximately 100'
X 150' which doesn't allow for
these large setback areas. We are
proposing to build a new building
at the same locations where an
existing building we were
renovating burned down. In order
to get the building, parking, and
required landscaping on the site,
we are requesting the following
variances:
• 20 ft. front yard setback
• 6 ft. side yard setback along
west property line
Present Use of Property: Vacant lots
Proposed Use of Property: One story, office building
(Sheila Campbell Law Offices)
Fel-aary 28, 2000
Item No.: 3 (Cont.)
Staff Report:
A. Public Works Issues:
With Building Permit
1. Driveways shall conform to Sec. 31-210 or Ordinance
18,031.
2. Property Frontage needs to have the sidewalks and ramps
brought up to the current ADA standards.
3. Repair or replace any curb and gutter or sidewalk that
is damaged in the public right-of-way prior to
occupancy.
4. Plans of work in right-of-way shall be submitted for
approval prior to start of work.
B. Staff Analysis:
The applicant proposes to construct a new, one-story office
building on the vacant, C-4 zoned lots located at 1112 West
2nd Street. The proposed new building will have a front
yard setback of 20 feet and a side yard setback on the west
side of 6 feet. The Code requires a front yard setback of
45 feet and a side yard setback of 15 feet for this lot.
Staff is supportive of the requested variances and is
encouraged by this infill development. The property, as is
much of this area of downtown, is zoned C-4. C-4, Open
Display commercial, is a suburban zoning designation which
is inappropriate for the urban core. Steps are being taken
to rezone the entirety of the City's core to a designation
more conducive to urban development. C-4, with its large
setback requirements, is more appropriate along heavily
traveled arterials and requires a larger tract of land. The
proposed front yard setback is in character with other
structures in the area. The buildings which front onto West
2nd, east of Ringo Street, have front yard setbacks of 10-15
feet. The property adjacent to the west is developed as a
parking lot. Allowing the reduced side yard setback will
have no effect on that property.
C. Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the requested front and side
yard setback variances subject to compliance with the
following conditions:
E
F�. aary 28, 2000
Item No.: 3 (Cont.)
1. Compliance with the City's Landscape and Buffer
Ordinances
2. Compliance with Public Works Comments including any
variance or waiver of those requirements as may be
granted by the Public Works Director or the Board of
Directors.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT:
(FEBRUARY 28, 2000)
The applicant was present. There were no objectors present.
Staff presented the item and a recommendation of approval subject
to compliance with the two conditions noted in the "Staff
Recommendation" above. Staff informed the Board that the
applicant had mailed the required notices 7 days prior to the
meeting, not 10 days as required by the Board's bylaws. After a
brief discussion, a motion was made to waive the bylaws and
approve the notices as done by the applicant. The vote was
5 ayes, 0 noes and 0 absent.
The applicant offered no additional comments.
The item was placed on the Consent Agenda and approved as
recommended by staff. The vote was 5 ayes, 0 noes and 0 absent.
3
Fei-nary 28, 2000
Item No.: 4
File No.:
Owner:
Address:
Z -6754-A
Greater Little Rock Chamber
of Commerce
200 East Markham Street
Description: Parts of Lots 3, 4, 5 and 6, all of
Lots 7, 8, 9, 10 and part of Lot
11, Block 34, Original City
Zoned:
Variance Requested:
Justification:
Present Use of Property:
Proposed Use of Property:
Staff Report:
A. Public Works Issues:
GB
Variances are requested from
the sign lighting and changeable
copy provisions of Sections 36-547
and 36-548 to allow a large,
outdoor video informational display
screen.
The applicant's justification is
presented in an attached letter.
Vacant block
New Greater Little Rock Chamber of
Commerce Building, under
construction
No issues related to this sign variance.
B. Staff Analysis:
The Greater Little Rock Chamber of Commerce is building a
new facility on the property located at 200 East Markham
Street. The main entrance plaza will be located at the
southwest corner of the building, facing the Markham
Street/Scott Street intersection. The Chamber proposes to
install a large, outdoor video informational display screen
on the front of the building, over the main entrance. The
video screen will feature animated graphics and images,
Fe _nary 28, 2000
Item No.: 4 (Cont.
conveying such possible information as time, temperature, a
stock ticker, event details and general image -related
visuals of a promotional nature. The applicant has stated
that the video screen can also function as a "jumbo-tron"
television and could display television feeds of special
events.
Although staff is supportive of the proposal and believes
the video screen will add to the unique tourism and
entertainment district which is being developed along
Markham Street, we felt the request went beyond staff's
authority to approve. Particularly, staff felt there was
enough "gray area" in Sections 36-547 and 36-548 of the Code
to merit bringing the issue to the Board. The pertinent
portions of Sections 36-547 and 36-548 are as follow:
Sec. 36-547. Lighting.
Unless otherwise specified by this chapter, all signs may be
illuminated. However, no sign regulated by this chapter may
utilize:
(4) Any device that allows oscillating, rotating or
flashing lights.
(5) Animation manifesting either kinetic or illusionary
motion occasioned by a natural manual, mechanical,
electrical or other means.
(6) The illusion of movement by means of a preprogrammed
repetitious sequential switching action in which
illuminated elements of the sign are turned off or on
to visually simulate the impression of motion
characteristic of chasing, running, blinking,
oscillating, twinkling, scintillating, or expanding
and contracting light patterns.
Sec. 36-548. Changeable copy.
Unless otherwise specified by this chapter a sign may use
changeable copy, limited to:
(1) Manually activated: Signs whose alphabetic,
pictographic, or symbolic informational content can be
changed or altered by manual means.
(2) Electrically activated: Signs whose alphabetic,
pictographic, or symbolic informational content can be
changed or altered on a fixed surface composed of
2
F� uary 28, 2000
Item No.: 4 (Cont.)
electrically illuminated or mechanically driven
changeable segments.
However, in no instance shall these types of signs produce
the illusion of movement or animation prohibited by Section
36-547.
A sign is defined by the code as:
"Any device, structure, fixture or placard using
graphics, symbols, and/or written copy designed
specifically for the purpose of advertising or
identifying any establishment, product, goods or
services."
Staff believes this proposed device is a unique,
informational marquee and not a true sign as defined by the
code. As such, it is appropriate to allow its installation
on the Chamber building.
C. Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the requested variances to
allow the large, outdoor video informational display screen
as described by the applicant.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT:
(FEBRUARY 28, 2000)
The applicant was present. There were no objectors present.
Staff presented the item and a recommendation of approval.
The applicant offered no additional comments.
The item was placed on the Consent Agenda and approved by a vote
of 5 ayes, 0 noes and 0 absent.
3
FROM : ' JO� aTY
PHONE NO. : 501 374 6018 ( Jan. 28 2000 11:33AM P2
January 28, 2040
Mr. Gary Langlais, Chairman
Little Rock Board of Adjustments
City of Little Rock
723 W. Markham
Little Rock, AR 72201
Dear Mr. Langlais:
The Greater Little Rock Chamber of Commerce has embarked on a major project,
tied to the further economic growth of Little Rock and all of Central Arkansas.
Currently, we have under construction our new Chamber Center, a $5.5 million
project located between the Statehouse Convention Center and the River Market
District. This new high-tech home for our area's Chamber of Commerce will be
an exciting addition to the revitalization of our downtown area, offering meeting
rooms for a wide range of community activities and office space for our staff. The
building will also feature the Southwestern Bell Technology Center in its west
wing, offering Chamber members, economic developers, visitors and guests access
to the latest telecommunications technology and current information on Little
Rock and the State of Arkansas.
Our architects, Polk Stanley Yeary, have designed the new Chamber Center as a
distinctive building with a two-story, glass atrium on the side facing the Arkansas
River and a bold, curved main entrance plaza facing Markham Street. In
completing plans for the project, they have also worked with us on another
concept in which we need the Board of Adjustments' guidance.
Based on the Chamber Center's unique location in the heart of our city's cultural,
business, entertainment and convention center area, we' have a unique opportunity.
We would like to add a little of the spirit of New York's Time Square to this one -
of -a -kind location by installing a large, outdoor video informational display screen
on the front of the new Chamber Center.
FROM : J0 QTY
PHONE NO. : 501 374 6018 Jan. 2e 2000 11:42AM P3
Page 2 /Chamber Center Video Screen
We consider the large video screen as an informational marquee rather than a
commercial sign, but based on its unique nature, your City staff felt we should
apply for variances based on specific guidelines in Sec. 36-547. Lighting and Sec.
36-548. Changeable copy, in the Little hock Code. Our plans are for the video
screen to feature animated graphics and images, conveying such possible
information as time, temperature, a stock ticker, event details and general image -
related ,visuals of a promotional nature for the area.
included with this cover letter and our filing application are artists' drawings of
the Chamber Center and prelims -nary specifications for the video screen from a
vendor who will bid on the video screen, should we proceed on the project_ Also
included are letters from the Little bock Convention and. 'Visitors Bureau and other
building owners surrounding the new Chamber Center's location. They are all
also excited about the video screen concept and are eager for the Chamber to move
ahead on the project, based on gaining any variances your Board may feel are
appropriate.
We are working with Dana Carney of your City staff in preparation for your
February 28"' Board of Adjustment meeting. If there are any questions you or
members of the Board may have, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you
in advance for your assistance on this.special project to enhance our downtown
area's thriving economy and the impact of the new Chamber Center.
Sincerely,
Joe Swa
Chamber Executive Vice President
cc. Paul Harvel, Chamber President
Shelby Woods, Chamber Center Development Committee Chairman
ENCLOSURES
Fe`,...-uary 28, 2000
Item No.: 5
File No.:
Name:
Address:
Z-6174
Junior Deputy Baseball
Booster Club, Inc.
2500 Cantrell Road
Type of Issue: 5 year extension of a previously
granted 3 year deferral of the
paving requirements of Section
36-508
STAFF REPORT:
The Junior Deputy Babe Ruth Baseball Booster Club operates a
children's baseball program at Junior Deputy Park located on
Little Rock Water Works property at 2500 Cantrell Road. The
baseball park has been in existence since 1947. During a 1996
renovation project, a grassy, parking area between the park and
the railroad right-of-way adjacent to Cantrell Road was upgraded
as well. The area had been used for a parking lot for a period
of approximately 10 years. The combination of new gravel and a
clearing away of the surrounding brush brought the substandard
parking lot to the attention of the Codes Enforcement Staff. On
October 28, 1996, the Board of Adjustment granted a three year
deferral of the paving requirement for the gravel parking lot.
The applicant was directed to plant trees between the parking lot
and Cantrell Road and to place crossties or some other device
around the perimeter of the gravel lot to contain the gravel.
The Baseball Club is now asking for an additional deferral.
Staff is supportive of an indefinite deferral of the paving
requirement for this one lot. The park has been in existence for
over 50 years and this area has been used for parking since the
middle 1980's. The applicant did plant trees along the perimeter
of the park and has agreed to plant additional trees, if there is
adequate spacing between the existing trees. Telephone poles
have been placed around the perimeter of the gravel to contain
it. This gravel lot is used only during the summer and fall
baseball season (April -October). Otherwise, the lot is
barricaded to prohibit access.
F 6- _uary 28, 2000
Item No.: 5 (Cont.)
C. STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of an indefinite deferral of the
paving requirement for this one gravel parking lot subject
to the following conditions:
1. The gravel parking lot is for the sole use of the Junior
Deputy Babe Ruth Baseball Booster Club, Inc.
2. During those times that the lot is not being used by the
Baseball Club, it is to be barricaded to prohibit access
by other parties.
3. Additional trees are to be planted between the parking
lot and Cantrell Road, if there is adequate spacing
between the existing trees.
4. The lot is to be maintained in a clean manner with proper
gravel base.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT:
(FEBRUARY 28, 2000)
Mel Says was present representing Junior Deputy Babe Ruth
Baseball Booster Club. There was one interested party present.
Staff presented the item and a recommendation of approval subject
to compliance with the 4 conditions outlined in the "Staff
Recommendation" above.
Mr. Says stated that he had no comments and would be available to
answer any questions. He stated that he wanted it on the record
that the Baseball Club would like to clear and maintain the area
west of the gravel lot so as to reduce a snake problem.
William Ruck offered the following 4 conditions in lieu of those
proposed by staff:
1. The gravel parking lot is for uses permitted by the Junior
Deputy Baseball Booster Club, Inc.
2. The lot is to be barricaded by the Baseball Club during
December and January to prohibit access by other parties.
3. The lot is to be maintained in a clean manner with gravel
base.
E
Fe_ _ uary 28, 2000
Item No.: 5 (Cont.)
4. Allow fill/culverts to be placed to the west of the existing
gravel lot in order to cross the ditch with maintenance
equipment for mowing and clean-up of the area west of the
drainage ditch (with approval of Public Works and the
Landowner, Little Rock Municipal Water Works).
Mr. Ruck then discussed the conditions proposed by staff and why
he was offering alternate conditions.
Mr. Ruck asked Mr. Say if there would ever be an occasion that a
use might be permitted to use the lot that is not directly
related to the Baseball Club. Mr. Say responded that the lot
might be used by other associated youth sports organizations but
that it would not be leased to other businesses. Mr. Say stated
that these other youth organizations would be under the Baseball
Club and that the Club's lease with Water Works prohibits any use
other than youth sports.
In response to a question from Mr. Ruck, Mr. Say stated that the
Club depended upon volunteer labor which made it difficult to
assure that someone would barricade the lot each day.
Mr. Ruck stated that there were 22 Bradford Pear trees which
would fill out to provide adequate screening. He noted that the
parking lot was adjacent to a railroad track. Mr. Ruck stated
that he felt it was unreasonable to require additional
landscaping.
Mr. Ruck stated that the gravel parking lot was "proper and
stable" and that he wanted to delete the word "proper" from
staff's recommended condition.
Mr. Ruck noted that his last condition was added only for
clarification and that the Baseball Club would have to comply
with Public Works requirements for the fill and culvert.
Mr. Ruck made a motion to approve an indefinite deferral of the
paving requirement subject to compliance with the 4 conditions
which he proposed. The motion died for lack of a second.
Fred Gray noted that the applicant had only asked for a 5 year
deferral. He stated that he was uncomfortable with approving an
indefinite deferral with the "loose" conditions proposed by Mr.
Ruck.
3
l
FeL._uary 28, 2000
Item No.: 5 (Cont.)
Mr. Say stated that, as a nonprofit organization with limited
resources, the Baseball Club would prefer an indefinite deferral
but would not object to further review after 3 to 5 years.
Dana Carney, of the Planning Staff, spoke on behalf of the
conditions proposed by staff. He stressed staff's concerns about
allowing an indefinite deferral without the specific, enforceable
conditions proposed by staff.
Mr. Ruck stated that a 5 year deferral would be reasonable.
Fred Gray stated that he felt planting shrubbery between the
existing trees would be more appropriate than planting additional
trees.
Cindy Dawson, of the City Attorney's Office, and Dana Carney
urged approval of the conditions proposed by staff regarding the
usage limitation so as to provide staff some leverage if
enforcement becomes necessary.
Gary Langlais asked why the same volunteers who lock up the
fields and concession stand at the end of the day could not also
barricade the parking lot. Mr. Say responded that it could be
done but that it was a burdensome requirement.
Mr. Say stated that he agreed with the wording of condition no. 1
as proposed by staff.
There followed a discussion of appropriate plantings around the
parking lot. Mr. Say reiterated that additional plantings would
be cost prohibitive. In response to a question from the Board,
Mr. Carney described the landscaping requirements for a parking
lot from the City's Landscape Ordinance.
Mr. Ruck made a motion to approve an indefinite deferral of the
paving requirement subject to compliance with condition no. 1
from staff's recommendation and conditions 2, 3 and 4 as he
proposed. The motion failed for lack of a second. Mr. Ruck
spoke passionately on behalf of the Baseball Club.
Norm Floyd then made a motion to approve a 5 year deferral of the
paving requirement subject to compliance with condition no. 1 as
proposed by staff and conditions 2, 3 and 4 as proposed by Mr.
Ruck. The motion was seconded.
Fred Gray suggested that condition no. 4 offered by Mr. Ruck be
modified to provide a limit on the size of the culvert to assure
►N
Fe- uary 28, 2000
Item No.: 5 (Cont.)
that only maintenance vehicles will cross it and the area would
not be used by persons for parking.
John Ward, of Little Rock Municipal Water Works, stated that he
had concerns about potential problems that might be created by
installing a culvert in the drainage ditch. Tad Borkowski, of
Public Works, assured Mr. Ward that the project would be reviewed
by his department to be certain that it conformed to city code
requirements.
Fred Gray commented that it was not a hardship to have a person
barricade the gravel lot at the close of the day.
Mr. Carney suggested that Mr. Gray's offered amendment to
proposed condition no. 4 was not necessary. Mr. Carney stated
that any use of the area west of the existing gravel parking lot
for parking would be a readily identifiable violation that could
be handled as an enforcement action.
Mr. Floyd restated his motion with the understanding that no
additional area, west of the ditch, is to be added to the
existing gravel parking lot. The vote was 3 ayes, 2 noes and
0 absent.
The Board approved a 5 year deferral of the paving requirement
for the existing gravel parking lot subject to compliance with
the following conditions.
1. The gravel parking lot is for the sole use of the Junior
Deputy Babe Ruth Baseball Booster Club, Inc.
2. The lot is to be barricaded by the Baseball Club during
December and January to prohibit access by other parties.
3. The lot is to be maintained in a clean manner with gravel
base.
4. Allow fill/culverts to be placed to the west of the existing
gravel lot in order to cross the ditch with maintenance
equipment for mowing and clean-up of the area west of the
drainage ditch, with the understanding that no additional
area, west of the ditch, is to be added to the existing
gravel parking lot.
5
JAN -31-0f -IN 12:25 MATTHEWS SANDERS & SAYES FAX N0. 50t 2924 P.02
MMOR DEPUTY BABE RUTH
BASEBALL BOOSTER. CLUB, INC.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
MEL SAYES, pMWENT
BRUCE CHUCOSKI, VICE PRE$,
STEVE OSBO,RN. SEC Y
CLARENCE TRICE, TRES
TOM BUl,'L12R
DAVID HICKS
SHE, RAND'' J'ORNSON
)KOOER MALLISON
SHAWN SPENCER
JEFF THOMAS
DEBBIE LAYMAN
2500 Cantrell Road.
Post Office Box 250749
Little Rock, Arkansas 72225
(501)372-7640 FAX(501)372-7648
EIN#71-0503790
January 28, 2000
Mx. Dana Carney
DEPARTMENT OF NEIGHBORHOODS & PLANNING
723 West Markham
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201
Dear Mr. Carney:
The Junior Deputy Booster Club is a volunteer organization that operates a children's
baseball program on Cantrell Road. Over the last three years, we have been retiring our
debt incurred from a needed renovation. During this time we have parked on a gravel
area fronting Cantrell Road pursuant to a waiver or variance.
However, this non-profit program operates literally "hand to mouth". It does not have
the funds to pave this area. Consequently, we are asking for a tXuee-to-five year
waiver on paving this area.
Thank you for your consideration
Cor y
Mel ayes, Fre " ent
Junior Deputy Babe uth.
Baseball booster Club, Inc.
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February 28, 2000
There being no further business before the Board, the
meeting was adjourned at 3:20 p.m.
Date : -z ��l s Zc C.
A I J2 -1-t
Chairman Sec etar