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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