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LITTLE ROCK BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
SPECIAL MEETING
MINUTES
JUNE 3,1968 2.-00 P�,N°-
A11EMBERS PRESENT
Darrell Dover, Chairman
Scott Farrell
Dickson Flake
Finley Williams
MEMBERS ABSENT
Dave Grundfest, Jr.
STAFF PRESENT
John L. Taylor
Louis E. Barber
Leon Sneed
Dorothy Riffel
OTHERS PRESENT
fe ry Whitmore, Asst. City Attorney
Jimmy Jones, Gazette Reporter
Linwood Davis, Democrat Reporter
There being a quorum present, the meeting was called to order by the Chairman at
2:oO P. M. for the purpose of hearing a request for a Variance from the rear yard
setback provisions of the Code of Ordinances to permit an addition to the Knights
of Columbus Fraternal building at 215 East 9th Street, Case Z-2191. Mr. Richard
J. Byrne, Trustee, the applicant, was present who stated that they propose to construct
a one-story addition to the present building which will serve the Club as an exercise
and lounge room. The proposed addition would require a 15 foot waiver of the rear
yard space. Mr. Byrne added that there is adequate parking provided for the Club°s
activities.
Mr. John A. Hunter was present representing 27 members in good standing of the
Columbus Club who own the property, he said, on which the proposed building will be
constructed. He filed a lettei of protest signed by these members. He also exhibited
a letter from the County Colle6tor stating that Lots 9 through 12 of the Original City
in Block 25 were exempt from all taxes for the year 1966 and that the property is
carried in the namq of the Columbus Club, and the Knights of Columbus presently
occupy and use the building rent free.
Mr. Byrne informed the Board that three trustees administer the operation of the
Club, and as Trustee he is asking for the variance. They have carried on the operation
of this building since 1960 and the Columbus Club has not been interested for 10 years
and that there is no difference in the Columbus Club and the Knights of Columbus whose
latter members have approved this proposed addition.
Mr. W. Deane Tompkins, 308 Cross Street, was present in opposition, stating that the
south half of Lot 11 ( Except the north 10 feet), and all of Lots 9 and 10, in Block
25, Original City, was deeded to the Columbus Club Association in 1962 and not to the
Board of Adjustment Minutes
June 3,1968
Knights of Columbus, as the by -lass of the Columbus Club Association give it the
right to act in all matters affecting real estate with a majority vote of all members
in good standing in the association, and that the owner of the property has the right
to stop the waiver and the construction.
Mr. Byrne stated that;.he wanted only the variance.; that the opponents oppose the
project and not the zoning.,variance.
Mr, Tompkins stated that he was opposed to the variance as the plan includes a
swimming pool and he is in favor of selling the property, moving to another location
as there it not sufficient parking for this type venture.
Mr. Dan Murphy, retired Vice President of the Worthen Bank and Trust Company, appeared
in opposition stating that he did not oppose the project, but the procedure that they
are taking to enforce it, and in his opinion they are proceeding in an illegal manner.
He said that the by-laws of the Columbus Corporation require a majority vote of the
membership relative to any real estate transaction. There are approximately 700
members in good, standing and only about 90 to 100 attended the meeting for this
project.
After considerable discussion as to the legal aspects of the trustee's right to
represent the Association and act for it, and the authority of the Board to grant
the Variance under these circumstances, a motion was made that the Board take action
on this matter as presented, and allow the ownership question to be resolved by the
proper authority, which was seconded and passed.
A motion was then made that the Board approve the Variance as regaested in the appli.
cation provided the parking lot is paved and screened in accordance with the City's
requirements. The motion was seconded and passed.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:00 P.M.
John L. Taylor,
Acting Secretary,
U
rrell Dover, Chairman