Z-5675 Staff AnalysisApril' 20,'1993
ITEM NO.: 12 FILE NO.: Z-5675
NAME:
LOCATION:
OWNER/APPLICANT:
PROPOSAL:
ORDINANCE DESIGN STANDARDS:
1. Site Location
Philander Smith College -
Conditional Use Permit
812 West 12th Street
Philander Smith College/Ron Woods,
Applicant
Philander Smith College ia
requesting a conditional use permit
to allow for the construction of a
gymnasium, physical education
building, business school building,
swimming pool and a future academic
building on this R-4 zoned campus.
The applicant is requesting a
setback variance from the Chester
Street (West) and I-630 (North)
property lines (25 feet required in
both cases).
The campus is located at the southeast corner of the
intersection of Chester Street and I-630. The proposed
improvements are located in the northwest corner of the
campus.
2. Compatibility with Neighborhood
Philander Smith College has been an integral part of this
neighborhood for many years. The proposed construction is
to take place on the existing campus and does not involve
any expansion of the campus grounds.
The proposed improvements should not have a negative impact
on the neighborhood.
3. On -Site Datives and Parkin
The applicant is proposing to construct several new parking
lots with a total of 135 parking spaces in conjunction with
the new development. Eight of the new spaces are to be
designated as handicapped.
April 20,'1993
SUBDIVISION
ITEM 12 (continued) FILE NO.: 2--567
4. 9creening and Buffers
The required buffer has been reduced on the north and the
northeast perimeter, adjacent to the I-630 south frontage
road. Due to the configuration of the frontage road, there
is a large green space between the campus grounds and the
street itself.
Compliance with the City's landscape ordinance is required.
The site plan, as submitted, shows landscaping areas
exceeding ordinance requirements.
5. City Engineer Comments
Construct handicapped ramps and sidewalks along Chester
Street. Stormwater Detention and Excavation Ordinances
apply.
6. Utility Comments
Little Rock Municipal Water Works requires that care be
taken to protect the 36 inch and 16 inch water mains in
11th Street. The swimming pool discharge must meet specific
requirements, contact Little Rock Wastewater Utility.
7. Analysis
These proposed new improvements are another sign of the
revitalization and current growth taking place on the
Philander Smith College campus. These are the first new
buildings to be constructed on the campus in almost two
decades.
Improvements have been made to upgrade the campus and staff
is supportive of these proposed new additions to an
important element of the downtown Little Rock community.
8. Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of the application, as submitted,
subject to compliance with the City Engineer and Utility
Comments.
SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT:
(APRIL 1, 1993)
The applicant was present. Staff presented the item and noted
the issues raised by the City Engineer and the utility companies.
The Committee was also informed that setback variances are
requested on the north and west perimeters, adjacent to the
Highway Department right-of-way.
Fa
April 20, 1993
S€JSDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 12 Continued FILE NO.: Z-5675
After a brief discussion, it was determined that there were no
outstanding issues and the Committee forwarded this item to the
full Commission for final resolution.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION:
The applicant was present.
(APRIL 20, 1993)
There were no objectors present.
Dana Carney, of the Planning staff, presented the item and a
staff recommendation of approval. He informed the Commission
that the applicant had agreed to comply with the City Engineer's
comments regarding handicapped ramps and sidewalks along Chester
Street.
This item was then placed on the Consent Agenda and approved,
subject to compliance with the City Engineer and utility
Comments. The vote was 11 ayes, 0 noes and 0 absent.
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