pc_11 17 1987LITTLE ROCK PLANNING HEARING
NOVEMBER 17, 1987
1:00 P.M.
I. Roll Call and Finding of a Quorum
A quorum was present being eight in number.
II. Approval of the Minutes of the Previous Meeting
The minutes were read and approved as mailed.
III. Members Present:
Members Absent:
Bill Rector
Betty Sipes
William Ketcher
Richard Massie
Fred Perkins
David Jones
Walter Riddick III
Grace T. Jones
Rose Collins
Jerilyn Nicholson
John Schlereth
City Attorney: Stephen Giles
November 17, 1987
PLANNING HEARING
Item No. A - I-30 District Plan
NAME:
City of Little Rock
LOCATION: East of I-30, north of
eastbelt freeway, west of
Missouri Pacific Railroad/
Bond Street, south of the
Arkansas River
REQUEST: To adopt the I-30 District
Land Use Plan
STAFF REPORT:
The I-30 Planning District is composed of roughly three
square miles in the eastern portion of the City of Little
Rock. The district is largely developed with scattered
vacant parcels in the industrially zoned areas. The
majority of the district is composed of industrial uses.
The I-30 District is a long -term industrial area, benefiting
from access to railroad and freeway access and proximity to
the Little Rock Airport and the Little Rock Port. A
significant portion of the district is committed to
public /quasi-public uses: three large cemeteries and two
schools. Three distinct residential neighborhoods exist in
the district. Roughly half the residents of the district
are home owners.
The plan recognizes the long-term industrial nature of this
district and indicates a continuance of the more stable
residential neighborhoods.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends adoption of the I-30 District Land Use
Plan.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (7-14-87)
The Chairman took note of the fact that the hour was late
and requested a motion to defer this item. A motion was
made to defer the I-30 District Plan to the August 25, 1987,
meeting. The motion passed by a vote of 9 ayes, 0 noes, 1
absent, and 1 open position.
November 17, 1987
PLANNING HEARING
Item No. A - Continued
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (8-25-87)
There was some concern about the land use pattern along 9th
Street. The Commission asked for a more detailed look at
the area in question to be presented at the Planning
retreat. Vote - 6 ayes, 0 noes, 4 absent, and 1 position
open.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (11-17-87)
Ann Razer presented the revisions to the I-30 District Land
Use Plan north of 9th Street. There was some discussion
about the requirements necessary to rezone in the
transitional area north of 9th Street. Commissioner Massie
asked about the specific requirements of the transitional
zone. Ms. Razer responded that the rezoning requirements
include a 1/2 acre minimum and rezoning through the PUD
Ordinance. Mr. Lawson stated that it would be premature to
try and stimulate many requirements in an area which may be
commercial or industrial. Once PUD developments are
proposed, they can be analyzed upon their merits. A motion
to adopt the plan was made and seconded. The vote was
9 ayes, 0 noes, and 2 absent.
November 17, 1987
PLANNING HEARING
Item No. B - Elimination of Brookside Drive - Master Street
Plan Amendment
NAME: Jerry Wilcox, Applicant
LOCATION: North of Rodney Parham Road
East of Reservoir Road
REQUEST: To remove the Brookside Drive
Extension from the Master
Street Plan
STAFF REPORT:
The Planning Commission has received two written requests
from a property owner along Brookside Drive asking that
Brookside Drive north of Rodney Parham be removed from the
Master Street Plan. The latest request is dated July 15,
1987 (see attached).
The request has been made by the owners of the property
north of the current terminus of Brookside Drive. They
intend to develop their land in a multifamily project and do
not feel it would be of benefit to their development to have
an arterial at that location. They say because of Grassy
Flat Creek, a road construction project would be very
expensive. Mr. Wilcox has also expressed concern about an
arterial going through the Presbyterian Villaqe, a
residential nursing facility.
Staff has preliminarily looked at the requested Master
Street Plan Amendment and has identified several options for
Brookside Drive.
1. Elimination of Brookside from the Master Street Plan as
requested.
2. Leaving Brookside Drive on the Master Street Plan at
its present location.
3. Downgrade Brookside Drive from an arterial to a
collector.
4. Eliminate Brookside Drive from Rodney Parham north to
Evergreen. The Evergreen to Reservoir Road connection
would still be on the plan.
November 17, 1987
PLANNING HEARING
Item No. B - Continued
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff would like to ask for a deferral of this Master Street
Plan Amendment to the October 6, 1987, planning hearing.
Staff needs the additional time to further study the
implications of an amendment of this type to the plan. We
need to analyze this requested amendment as it relates to
the traffic circulation for the entire area and impacts on
neighboring properties. In particular, we need to study
Brookside Drive north from Markham to Reservoir Road. We
further need to look at the traffic problems and solutions
for Brookside Drive from Markham to Rodney Parham which is
currently experiencing considerable traffic congestion.
Some upgrading of Reservoir Road is programmed for the fall
bond issue. The approval or denial of the bond issue will
certainly affect the Reservoir Road /Brookside Drive
circulation of the area.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION:
(August 25, 1987)
There being no quorum the item was automatically deferred.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (November 17, 1987)
Jim Lawson and Don McChesney discussed the issues and a
recommendation was made that Brookside remain as an arterial
although a reduced standard be required stipulating three
lanes. A discussion followed about the reduced standard,
need for the road, and possibility of construction.
Mr. McChesney said a study of the Reservoir /Brookside
corridor would be completed in a couple of weeks. The
Commission deferred the item to the December 29 meeting by a
vote of 9 ayes, 0 noes, and 2 absent.
November 17, 1987
PLANNING HEARING
Item No. C - Master Street Plan Alignment Revision
NAME: City of Little Rock
LOCATION: South and West Little Rock
REQUEST: To amend alignments of three
roadways on the Master Street
Plan.
STAFF REPORT:
Three changes to the Master Street Plan are presented.
They are alignment changes which should improve traffic flow
and intersection connections.
1. Bowman Road Extension South of Colonel Glenn
This change removes a 1500 foot offset at Colonel
Glenn and should prevent future traffic problems
at the Colonel Glenn, Bowman, Lawson intersection.
The change is indicated on the extraterritorial
land use plan.
2. Remove Walnut Street (Mabelvale) and add Main
Street (Mabelvale) as an Arterial.
This change uses an existing railroad crossing and
should lessen impacts of future traffic demands on
existing development. The change is in conformity
with the PATS Plan.
3. Between University and Geyer Springs Remove
Mabelvale Pike (arterial) and add 57th Street as a
Collector.
Each of these changes have been approved by the PATS
Coordinating Board through the transporation improvement
program's annual review.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
The staff recommends approval of these changes since the
overall roadway system should be improved by the inclusion.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (August 25, 1987)
There being no qourum the item was automatically deferred.
November 17, 1987
PLANNING HEARING
Item No. C - Continued
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (November 17, 1987)
Mr. Lawson and Mr. McChesney reviewed each of the three
changes. Some concern was expressed about appropriate
notice having been given for the Bowman /Lawson Road (C-1)
item. A vote to defer Item C-1 was made and seconded. The
motion failed on a vote of 4 ayes, 5 noes, 2 absent. The
request was made to vote on each item separately. Item C-1
passed with a vote of 8 ayes, 1 noe, and 2 absent. Items
C-2 and C-3 passed with votes of 9 ayes, 0 noes, and 2
absent. The staff agreed to post signs and otherwise notify
the Bowman Road property owners prior to the Board of
Directors Master Street Plan Amendment.
November 17, 1987
PLANNING HEARING
Item No. D - East Little Rock District Plan
NAME: City of Little Rock
LOCATION: West of Roger Street, East
of Bond Street, South of the
Arkansas River, and North of
the Municipal Airport
REQUEST: To approve a future land use
plan for the area.
STAFF REPORT:
Today we will be considerinq a land use plan for the East
Little Rock District, generally north of the Airport and
south of the Arkansas River between Rogers on the east and
John Street on the west. This is a part of Little Rock's
continuing effort to produce land use plans for all areas of
the City.
The plan reflects residents' concerns over the years that
the residential uses in the area be maintained and
protected. To this end, the industrial uses are confined to
their current positions with additional buffering
recommended. With the close proximity of the Municipal
Airport, the noise contours have been reviewed and staff
recommendations are against infill development in those
areas. However, the general recommendation is to maintain
and increase, if possible, the residential use of the area
with the industrial buffered and restricted and the
commercial uses geared toward the neighborhood's needs.
Notices have been posted throughout the area and the public
notice published in the Arkansas Democrat.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the plan.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (8-25-87)
There being no quorum the item was automatically deferred.
November 17, 1987
PLANNING HEARING
Item No. D - Continued
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION:
Walter Malone of the Planning staff reviewed the District
Land Use Plan. There was Commission concern about showing
residential use in any Airport noise zone over 65 decibels.
The Commission requested that the Airport Manager make a
report at the earliest possible date on the Airport Plan. A
motion was made to approve the plan with an amendment to
show all areas over 75 decibels as open space. The plan was
approved as amended on a vote of 9 ayes, 0 noes, and
2 absent.
November 17, 1987
PLANNING HEARING
Item No. 1 - Master Street Plan Alignment Change
NAME: City of Little Rock
LOCATION: Southwest of Mabelvale
REQUEST: To amend an arterial alignment
on the Master Street Plan
STAFF REPORT:
The proposal is to remove Alexander Road from approximately
Hall Lane to Sardis Road and replace the alignment with an
arterial turning northeast near Hall Lane which goes to
Mabelvale. This change is designed to improve traffic flow
in the area after the south loop is in place.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Based on findings of the City Engineering Department that
the alignment change would improve traffic circulation in
the area, staff recommends approval.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION:
Mr. McChesney, the City Engineer, explained why the staff
felt that the changes would improve the transportation
system in the area. He answered questions and agreed that
Alexander Road from Raymond Meyer Road (South Loop) to
Sardis Road should remain on the plan as a collector. A
motion was made to approve the change as amended. The vote
was 8 ayes, 1 no, and 2 absent.
November 17, 1987
PLANNING HEARING
Item No. 2 - Revised Master Street Plan
NAME: City of Little Rock
LOCATION: Planning Area of Little Rock
REQUEST: Adopt a New Master Street Plan
STAFF REPORT:
After review, the City Engineering and Planning staff
proposed that the City of Little Rock revise the Master
Street Plan to: (1) resolve conflicts with the existing
plans, (2) have an easily understood map, and (3) make sure
the plan reflects a network which serves the needs of Little
Rock and conforms to statewide legislative standards. The
plan shows the locations of existing and proposed roadways
by functional classification (expressway /freeway, principal
arterial, minor arterial, collector, and local streets).
The accompanying text describes the standards for each
classification and lists the roadways.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Deferral - Staff has recently learned that the Highway
Department will have additional data on traffic demands
ready in the next few weeks which could indicate
modifications are necessary. In addition, the local
engineering community has expressed a desire to review the
plan with staff. To allow time for this review, additional
time is needed.
The staff requests that the item be deferred to the
December 29, 1987, Planning Commission hearing.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (November 17, 1987)
This item was moved to the end of the agenda. Due to the
lack of time, no discussion occurred. All Commissioners
with changes were asked to meet with staff after the
meeting. The item was deferred to the December 29 meeting.
November 17, 1987
PLANNING HEARING
Item No. 3 - Amendment to Highway 10 Plan
NAME: City of Little Rock
LOCATION: Tract on Fairview Road
REQUEST: Amendment of the Hwy 10 Plan
Land Use from Single Family to
Office
STAFF REPORT:
Resolution No. 7845 of the City Board of Directors declares
their intent to amend the Hwy 10 Land Use Plan for single
family to office at the location of the former Eight Wheels
Skating Rink at Fairview Road. The resolution was adopted
by the Board prior to the rezoning of the Eight Wheels site
to "0 -2." The new use was recognized as a good adoptive
reuse by the staff, Planning Commission, and neighbors.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Amend the plan as instructed by Resolution No. 7845.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (November 17, 1987)
Mr. Lawson presented the Plan Amendment and answered
questions from the Commission. A motion to approve the plan
amendment was made and seconded. The vote was 8 ayes,
0 noes, and 3 absent.
November 17, 1987
PLANNING HEARING
Item No. 4 - Central City Land Use Plan
NAME: City of Little Rock
LOCATION: South of I-630, West of I-30,
North and East of Union
Pacific Rail Tracks
REQUEST: To approve a future land use
plan for the area.
STAFF REPORT:
As part of Little Rock's continuing effort to develop land
use plans for all sections of the City, a plan for the
Central City District is placed before you. This is a large
area ranging from Central High on the west to the Old VA
Hospital on the east, and from Children's Hospital on the
north to the State Fairground on the south.
The plan stresses residential land use as representatives of
the neighborhoods have requested. Nonresidential uses are
located near or adjacent to existing institutional uses
(hospital, colleges) and high traffic routes. Commercial
nodes are located near major intersections to provide the
commercial needs of the residents. There is a mixed
residential and nonresidential use located at Broadway and
Main Streets (Capital Zoning) in the northern section of the
district (close to downtown). In addition to land use, the
plan recommends (1) programs to rehabilitate housing and
construct more in fill housing, (2) that neighborhood
streets and localized storm drainage be brought up to
standard and, (3) that a use be found for the abandoned
public structures throughout the district.
Staff met with representatives of the district in August.
Notices have been posted throughout the area for this
meeting as well as a public notice published in the Arkansas
Democrat_
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the plan.
November 17, 1987
PLANNING HEARING
Item No. 4 - Continued
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (11-17-87)
The Commission informed staff that they had not received
copies of the plan and they needed time to review the plan.
Walter Malone of the Planning staff answered questions of
the Commission. The Commission deferred the item by voice
vote.
November 17, 1987
PLANNING HEARING
Item No. 5 - New Planning Boundary
NAME: City of Little Rock
LOCATION: Generally 3 miles outside the
City limits
REQUEST: Approved new planning
boundary.
STAFF REPORT:
The planning boundary was not adjusted following the last
few annexations. Thus, the City limits is almost out to the
planning boundary in several places. The proposal presented
is to return the planning boundary to a point three miles
from the City limits. This will allow the City to exercise
subdivision jurisdiction in the area between the City limits
and the planning boundary to maintain the quality of
development around the City.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the new planning boundary.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (8-17-87)
The staff recommended deferral so that further discussions
could be completed with Bryant and Shannon Hills. The
Commission deferred the item by voice vote.
November 17, 1987
PLANNING HEARING
Other Business
The Plans Committee reported on a statement outlining how
the Planned Unit Development (PUD) can be used for zoning.
This statement was to be sent to the Board of Directors. (A
copy is attached.) After some discussion, the Commission
voted to send the statement on to the Board. The vote was 8
ayes and 0 noes. The Commission was informed that the
Mobile Home Committee would be meeting after the Commission
meeting and all Commissioners were invited to attend.
November 17, 1987
PLANNING HEARING
There being no further business before the Commission, the
meeting was adjourned at 3:30 p.m.
Date
Secretary Chairman