CBC_06 02 2016
The City Beautiful Commission held its regular meeting at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday,
June 02, 2016, at Curran Hall, 615 E. Capitol Avenue. Vice Chairman Steve Homeyer called the
meeting to order.
MEMBERS PRESENT: Steve Homeyer BJ Sanders-Woods
Chris Hancock Bob Winchester
Wally Loveless Carrie Young
Chris Morgan
MEMBERS ABSENT: Ed Peek
Becka Webb
Janet Wilson
One Open Position
ALSO PRESENT: Beth Carpenter, City Attorney’s Office
D. Tracy Spillman, Plans Development Administrator, Department
of Planning and Development, City of Little Rock
Dana Carney, Zoning and Subdivision Manager, Department of
Planning and Development, City of Little Rock
APPROVAL OF THE MAY MINUTES:
Vice Chairman Homeyer entertained a motion that the Minutes from the previous month be
approved.
Motion: Commissioner Young made a motion that the May 05, 2016 Minutes be approved.
Second: Commissioner Winchester seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Variance Request: CBC Case # 650, Freddy’s Custard
FINDINGS:
An out parcel has been created at the 600 block of Bowman Road. This C3 zoned property is
currently occupied by Wal-Mart parking and will serve as the future location for a Freddy’s
Custard restaurant. The proposed site is adjacent to an existing fast food establishment (Taco Bell)
to the east located at the southwest intersection of Bowman Road and Chenal Parkway. Existing
Wal-Mart parking is located to the south and west of the site and a fifty (50) foot (average)
landscape area is located between the Chenal Parkway right-of-way and the back of the parking
curb north of the property.
The applicant is proposing construction of an approximate 3,135 square foot structure that will
occupy the eastern portion of the out parcel. There will be one (1) twenty-four (24) foot drive from
the existing south parking area that will serve as the site entrance and exit. The development is
indicated with thirty-four (34) parking spaces to include two (2) handicap spaces. All parking will
be on the west side of the building. A dumpster will be located at the southwest corner of the
structure and will be enclosed as per the City of Little Rock requirements. The entry for the
building will be facing the primary parking area for the development (west) and there will be a
secondary service entrance on the south side of the building. An additional entrance servicing a
patio will be located on the north side of the building. The restaurant will also include a
drive-through window operation on the east side. Without impacting the on-site parking a
one (1) lane drive-through has been proposed and will allow the stacking for twelve (12) cars.
The required landscape perimeters were not taken into consideration when the site attributes were
designed and placed within the boundaries of this newly created parcel. This resulted in landscape
areas being established but located outside of the property lines. On the east edge of the pr operty
a large existing landscape island eighteen (18) feet in width occupies the space between the
proposed Freddy’s drive through lane and the adjacent property’s parking area. Most of the curb
line will be retained in this area and the existing trees will be remain. The landscape perimeter on
the west (Freddy’s) side of the property line is eight feet in width and the landscape area east of
the property line is approximately ten (10) feet in width. Both areas together equal the required
perimeter widths for each property.
A large portion of the existing north curb line will remain intact. The north property line is located
approximately one (1) foot off of the back of the existing curb eliminating eight (8) feet of the
landscape area that is required between the curb and the property line. Existing trees located
outside of the property line will remain between this curb and the Chenal Parkway right -of-way.
The landscape plan also proposes to eliminate an existing Euonymus hedge and provide a new
evergreen screening shrubs outside of the restaurant property.
Adjacent to the west property line is a proposed ten (10) foot wide landscape island which will run
the length of the property. The property line is located at the eastern edge of the island and all
associated landscape will be placed outside the boundaries of the property.
The landscape plan indicates that the perimeter requirements on the south side of the property and
the building landscape areas meet or exceed the minimum requirements. In addition the interior
landscape requirements for the proposed parking will also be met.
The land that would normally be required for the perimeter planting areas is available outside the
property lines on the north, east, and west sides of the site. The applican t has proposed obtaining
a landscape easement from the adjacent property owner. This easement would be equal to or
greater than the perimeter lengths and widths required for each property line. The existing trees
and proposed landscape would then be provided and protected within this easement outside the
property lines. Documentation of this agreement between the properties owners would need to be
provided before a building permit can be issued.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff is supportive of the variance to allow the required landscape perimeters and associated plant
material to be located outside of the property lines on the north, east, and west sides of the property
within a perpetual landscape easement with the consideration that documentation of the easement
agreement between the property owners be provided to Staff before issuance of building permit.
Presentation:
Landscape architect and the owner’s agent Mr. Don Chambers was introduced. Mr. Chambers
stated that the variance as requested was accurate as read in the Findings and aske d the
commissioners if they had any questions.
Commissioner Homeyer inquired if the owner was buying or leasing the property.
Mr. Chambers stated that this would be a purchase of the property.
Commissioner Winchester inquired about the obligation of the adjacent property owner if the
landscape easement was granted.
Mr. Chambers stated that the owner of the new parcel (Freddy’s) would be responsible for
maintaining the landscape once the perpetual easement is granted.
Commissioner Homeyer ask if the new parcel owner would take over the maintenance of the
existing landscape that Wal-Mart owns.
Mr. Chambers stated that the parcel owner would only maintain landscape in within the property
and the easement.
CITY BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION ACTION:
Motion: Commissioner Hancock made a motion that the variance be approved as requested.
Second: Commissioner Young seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
INTRODUCTION OF THE COMMISSIONERS:
The commissioners and staff introduced themselves to new Commissioner Sanders-Woods and
briefly discussed how they came to be involved with the City Beautiful Commission.
Commissioner Sanders-Woods reciprocated and explained how she became interested in City
Beautiful Commission.
TREASURER’S REPORT:
Expense Report:
No report.
Commissioner Homeyer noted the Commissioner Thomas has resigned. The commissioners then
discussed the reimbursables that are due to Commissioner Young and Commissioner Homeyer.
They further discussed whose signature would be required on the checks since Commissioner
Thomas’ resignation.
Commissioner Loveless stated that he would verify with the City of Little Rocks, Treasury
Manager, Scott Massanelli as to who is listed on the signature card and authorized to sign the City
Beautiful Commission checks.
Commissioner Homeyer stated that Commissioner Young has volunteered to act as Treasurer.
Motion: Commissioner Loveless made a motion that Commissioner Young fill the Treasurer
position.
Second: Commissioner Winchester seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: UPDATES:
Community Projects
City Hall South Yard:
Commissioner Homeyer stated that due to Commissioner Thomas’ resignation he would continue
the work on this project and would make a future presentation.
Commissioner Homeyer stated that Commissioner Thomas had forwarded drawings for the
Bowman Road project and cost estimates.
Public Relations
Commissioner Hancock stated the “Likes” on the Facebook page have continued to grow and that
he has been trying to keep the page active with photos and sharing content of relatable pages such
as KLRB.
The commissioners then discuss other items and photos that could be shared on the Facebook page.
Commissioner Morgan stated:
That the Eye of the Beholder award JotForm has reached over 500 people.
KLRB:
Due to the resignation of Commissioner Thomas no report was delivered.
Adopt-A-Street:
Commissioner Loveless stated:
That the cleanup on May 21st had been successful.
Commissioner Loveless further explained this committee to new Commissioner Woods.
Eye of the Beholder:
Commissioner Young stated:
That Commissioner Hancock has provided two new nominations. Commissioner Young further
discussed how the nominations are to be made and approved before the award certificate is
presented and the sign is placed in the yard.
The commissioners discussed possible delivery methods of the nomination to the property owners.
Landscape Awards:
Commissioner Homeyer stated:
There is nothing new to report.
Commissioner Homeyer further explained this committee to new Commissioner Woods.
Commissioner Winchester nominated Cypress Plaza at the intersection of Rodney Parham and
Hinson for the Landscape Awards
Commissioner Hancock nominated the Main Street Creative Corridor (in the blocks associated
with Bruno’s / Samantha’s Restaurants and the Tech Park) and the Jr League’s new parking lot.
T.R.E.E Fund:
Commissioner Homeyer stated:
That there has been no change.
Commissioner Homeyer further explained how the T.R.E.E Fund functions to new Commissioner
Woods.
Commissioner Loveless presented the bid Commissioner Thomas had received for the Bowman
Road T.R.E.E. Fund project. It was noted that the bid exceeded the funds that are allotted for this
area. The commissioners further discussed other possibilities that could bring this project back into
budget.
It was later noted that the bid secured by Commissioner Thomas from Good Earth Garden Center
to provide plant materials only was $4,634.00. This included ten (10) 3”-4” caliper Chinese
Pistache trees.
Commissioner Homeyer stated that the funds allotted for this area totaled $3,800.00
City Beautiful Exhibit:
Commissioner Loveless stated:
That he is still logging items for the exhibit and should have a report in July.
Other Cities Committee:
Commissioner Morgan stated:
He did not have a report to present. The commissioner then explained this committee to new
Commissioner Woods.
NEW BUSINESS:
Commissioner Homeyer stated that he working on a timeline for the CBC calendar year. This will
note when the commissioner’s vote on the years activates and the opening and closing of the
awards. It was also noted that this is to be added to the recently completed Commissioner
Handbooks.
Commissioner Loveless opened a discussion concerning the widening of the Rodney Parham
corridor. The commissioner provided exhibits of different options that had been drafted by the City
of Little Rock and stated his advocacy for Option ‘B’. This option provides a three (3) lane road
two drive aisles and a turning lane, a ten (10) foot bike lane, and pedestrian sidewalks.
In addition Commissioner Loveless drafted a letter that he presented to the other commissioners
supporting a development that would retain and enhance the beauty of driving on Rodney Parham
while also making it viable for foot traffic and bikers of different experience levels. Commissioner
Loveless asked the Commission for their official support of this issue.
The commissioners discussed and decided that this would be revisited at next month’s meeting.
ANOUNCEMENTS:
The next meeting will be, July 07, at 11:30 am.
Adopt-A-Street Pickup will be decided at the next meeting.
ADJOURNMENT:
Vice Chairman Homeyer entertained a motion to adjourn.
Motion: Commissioner Winchester made a motion to adjourn.
Second: Commissioner Hancock seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:48 pm.
LITTLE ROCK CITY BEAUTIFUL COMMISSION
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT - 723 WEST MARKHAM - LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS 72201
PHONE: 501 371-4864 FAX: 501 371-6863 E-MAIL: DSPILLMAN@LITTLEROCK.ORG