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HomeMy WebLinkAboutpc_05 02 1995I. II. LITTLE ROCK PLANNING COMMISSION PLANNING HEARING SUMMARY AND MINUTE RECORD MAY 2, 1995 9:00 A.M. Roll Call and Finding of a Quorum A Quorum was present being seven (7) in number. Members Present: Members Absent: City Attorney: Diane Chachere Brad Walker Suzanne McCarthy Bill Putnam Pam Adcock Ramsay Ball Emmett Willis, Jr. Ron Woods Mizan Rahman Doyle Daniel Joe Selz Stephen Giles / 1 n n LITTLE ROCK PLANNING COMMISSION PLANNING HEARING AGENDA MAY 2, 1995 I. DEFERRED ITEMS: A. Amend City Land Use Plan - Otter Creek and Geyer Springs West Districts B. Z- 3504 -A and Z- 3543 -A I -3 to I -2 and NW of Alexander I -3 to I -1 Road and Sardis Road II. PUBLIC HEARING ITEMS: 1. Amend the Master Street Plan - remove collector south of Pride Valley Road 2. Amend the Master Street Plan - realign and classify 2nd Street Downtown III. OTHER MATTERS: 3. Briefing on Planning Division Activities May 2, 1995 Planning Hearing ITEM NO.: A NAME: City Land Use Plan Amendment - Otter Creek and Geyer Springs West Districts LOCATION: West of Heinke Road and South of I -30 REQUEST: Change Various Classifications SOURCE: Staff STAFF REPORT: The Planning Commission changed the zoning pattern north of Alexander Road about 6 months ago. Before that time all the land north of Alexander was shown for industrial on the plan and was zoned I -3 "Heavy Industrial" or I -1 "Park Industrial." However after the Commission and Board's actions, single family zoning was introduced on the north side of Alexander Road. Staff indicated this was a major violation of the Plan and as a result, staff would begin a review of the area. Reviews of existing conditions, zoning, etc. were completed, and major property owners, of undeveloped tracts, were contacted. Because of the existing zoning pattern and unwillingness of owners to change the zoning, Staff was limited on what could be changed. Concern was raised about the amount of 11I -3" zoned property in the area close to schools and single family. Later in the process, the Quail Run Property Owners Association asked that the review area be expanded and that Mixed Residential designation be removed from their subdivision. Staff review of the larger area proceeded and further discussions with three 11I -3" property owners began. A proposed land use plan amendment package was shown to the executive committee of the Quail Run Association on Wednesday, January 4, 1995. At that time, those presented indicated basic support for the changes. At the same time, the three 11I -3" owners were asked about reclassification to "I -2" or "I -1." Again in the first week of January, it appeared that there was agreement from at least two of the owners. Therefore, Staff now brings the following plan changes for the Commission's consideration: Public Institutional to Park Open Space Morehart Park - Mabelvale Cutoff Road Proposed Park - NE corner Alexander Road /Vimy Ridge Road (site on adopted Master Parks Plan) May 2, 1995 Planning Hearing ITEM NO.: A (Cont.) Single Family to Park Open Space South of Hall Lane, either side of Otter Creek - City owned Light Industrial to Public Institutional AP &L substation south of Otter Creek Church west of Vimy Ridge, North of Alexander Road Neighborhood Commercial and Multifamily to Single Family NE of County Line Road /Vimy Ridge - existing Single Family Mixed Residential to Single Family West of Hall Lane south of Village Terrace - Single Family and Vacant West of Vimy Ridge either side of Pleasant Hill Road - Vacant and Single Family Light Industrial to Single Family South of Crooked Creek and north of Alexander Road - Vacant Neighborhood Commercial and Multifamily to Low Density Multifamily NE of County Line and Vimy Ridge - Vacant and zoned MF -6 Mixed Residential to Low Density Multifamily either side of Pleasant Hill Road at Vimy Ridge - Vacant and zoned MF -6 and R -2 Light Industrial to Suburban Office West of Blake - Mix of uses and zoned I -2 and R -2 Neighborhood Commercial to Mixed Office and Commercial NW corner Alexander and Sardis - Vacant and zoned 0-3 and C -3 Mixed Residential to Mixed Office and Commercial South of Alexander either side Vimy Ridge Road - mix of uses zoned R -2 Neighborhood Commercial to Commercial NW corner Alexander at Vimy Ridge - existing commercial Light Industrial to Mixed Office and Industrial North of Alexander and west of Sardis to Otter Creek - Vacant zoned I -1 and I -3 (rezoning of I -3 to I -1 attached) South of Alexander east of Otter Creek - Light Industrial uses and I -1 zone Light Industrial to Industrial South of I -30, Otter Creek to Crooked Creek - existing industrial zoned I -3 and R -2 0A May 2, 1995 Planning Hearing ITEM NO.: A (Cont.) STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Deferral PLANNING_ COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 7, 1995) Staff informed the Commission that a major property owner wished to further discuss the issue. Therefore, the item should be deferred to May 2, 1995. By unanimous vote the item was deferred. STAFF UPDATE: The Conservation Fund, a major industrial property owner, wrote to staff and asked for a meeting in late February or March. The Conservation Fund representative did not come to Little Rock and meet with Staff as indicated by correspondence. Since the Conservation Fund is on record asking for the property not to be rezoned, no reclassification is possible. During the entire process the Conservation Fund has not been forthcoming with information or assistance. Because of their lack of assistance, staff cannot recommend further deferral of this issue. Staff would recommend that all the changes proposed in the write - up above be approved except as follows. The Light Industrial to Mixed Office and Industrial change should be dropped from consideration. Since the area is "1-311, the plan should be changed to Industrial north of Alexander between Otter Creek and Sardis Road. The first 800 feet north of Alexander Road and 1,800 feet west of Sardis Road should remain Light Industrial. This land use pattern more accurately reflects existing zoning and therefore further development. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approve as amended. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (MAY 2, 1995) Walter Malone, Planner II, reviewed the request and informed the Commission that the Conservation Fund representative met with Staff last week. In order to allow the Conservation Fund time to make their request Staff recommends a 6 week deferral. Mr. Malone assured the Commission deferral would not adversely impact any other parties involved in the plan changes. N May 2, 1995 Planning Hearing ITEM NO.: A (Cont.) By unanimous vote (7 -0) the Commission approved a 6 week deferral. May 2, 1995 Planning Hearing ITEM NO. B: FILE NOS.: Z- 3545 -A and Z- 3504 -A Owner: Applicant: Location: Request: Purpose: Size: Existing Use: SURROUNDING LAND USE AND ZONING Conservation Fund and Arkansas Power and Light City of Little Rock North of Alexander Road, Sardis to Otter Creek Rezone I -3 to I -1 and I -2 warehouse /Office warehouse 201 acres (I -1) and 32.7 acres (I -2) Vacant North - Otter Creek Industrial and School, zoned I -2 and R -2 South - Residential, zoned R -2 East - Residential, zoned R -2 West - Vacant and Industrial, zoned I -3 STAFF REPORT: As a result of a rezoning along Alexander Road to R -2 Single Family, staff began a review of the land use and zoning pattern. After discussion with the major owner, the Conservation Fund, staff suggested the "I -3" area be classified. The Conservation Fund basically agreed but could not decide what the new zoning should be. Staff recommended "I -1" to keep the industrial option open. Once staff realized that the zoning would not change significantly but would reduce in intensity, the other two "I -3" owners were contacted. These two users were more industrial in nature and staff suggest an "I -211 classification for each. The area involved is vacant currently. There is an existing industrial distribution center to the north, with industrial usings to the northwest. A railroad line forms the northern boundary and residential uses are located to the east and south. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Deferral May 2, 1995 Planning Hearina ITEM NO.: B (Cont.) FILE NOS.: Z- 3545 -A and Z- 3504 -A PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (FEBRUARY 7, 1995) By unanimous vote the Commission deferred the item to May 2, 1995 meeting. STAFF UPDATE: The Conservation Fund Representative did not contact the City Staff as promised. Based on the letter received, the owner does not give permission to rezone the property for "I -3." If the Conservation Fund property is not reclassified, area in sketch for Z- 3545 -A, then there is no purpose serviced to reclassify AP &L's property. Because of a lack of cooperation from the Conservation Fund throughout the process, Staff cannot recommend continuing the effort. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Withdrawal PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (MAY 2, 1995) Walter Malone, Planner II, informed the Commission this was a related item to Item A and should be deferred. By unanimous vote (7 -0) the Commission approved the deferral. 2 May 2, 1995 Planning Hearing Item No.: 1 NAME: Amend the City Master Street Plan LOCATION: Unnamed Collector from Pride Valley to 36th Street Extension REQUEST: Remove from Plan SOURCE: Owner STAFF REPORT: One property owner is directly affected by the proposed collector. That is, it crosses only one ownership. This property owner does not wish to build a collector and does not wish to have a collector shown on their property. Currently, the land is owned by one family, and this family wishes that the area remain "rural." They do not want intensification of land use. Their fear is that if the collector is shown, it will be build - forced on them. Staff believes that if the area develops to urban densities, a collect will be needed. In 1988 when the current plan was adopted, staff erred on the high side for collectors. Based on past history, it had been too difficult to add streets and easy to remove them to the plan. This created parts of west Little Rock where addition collector systems were desirable but the City was unable or unwilling to require the roads. To prevent this problem, staff assumed "full urban" development when recommending the proposed street pattern in 1988. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Denial The Public Works Department recommends that the road be left on the Master Street Plan. This recommendation is based on the fact that this is the only road proposed to cross Brodie Creek. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (MAY 2, 1995) Walter Malone, Planner II, indicated staff received a request to remove a collector south of Pride Valley. The request was forwarded to Public Works for review. The two departments conferred and the need to assure a crossing of Brodie Creek was considered too important to allow the removal of the collector. May 2, 1995 Planning Hearing ITEM NO.: 1 (Cont. David Scherer, Civil Engineer, confirmed Public Works Departments concerns and stressed the issue considered was removal not relocation. Mr. Bill Worthen, property owner, expressed concern that the road would force a development type. While the family did not want the road and does not intend to develop the property, possible it should be moved to the west along Zanzbar Road or a utility right -of -way. There was discussion about topography and various ways to access the property. Mr. Worthen stressed the families desire to protect the natural beauty of the site. Ruth Ball, League of Women voters, reminded the Commission that people make decisions based on the location of the lines (future roads). Also there is the issue of notice to the Oasis and to residents along Zanzbar Road. There was further discussion about proposed developments to the south and north and how this might impact the area in question. Also street spacing and need for roads were addressed. The Chairman asked the proponents desire. The question was called and by a vote of 3 for 6 against the Commission voted not to remove the collector. However, Staff was encouraged to work with the owner on alternatives. 2 May 2, 1995 Planning Hearing Item No. 2 LOCATION: 2nd Street Chester to Railroad REQUEST: Realign and Downgrade SOURCE: Property Owner and Staff STAFF REPORT: The Teacher's Retirement System has acquired property and wishes to build an office building at 3rd and Victory. However, the City Master Street Plan shows Second Street cross the ownership to connect with 3rd Street approximately at Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive. This realignment dates to the proposal to make 2nd and 3rd Streets a one -way couple through downtown. Public works staff agrees that this proposal is no longer feasible. If 2nd Street is not coupled with 3rd Street, there is no need for the connection shown on the Master Street Plan. Based on existing street network connections without the 2nd /3rd Street connection, 2nd Street should only be an arterial from Chester to I -30. Chester connects with both Cantrell and I -630, principal arterial and freeway. From Chester west, 2nd Street should be a collector. This portion of 2nd Street provides access to the State Capitol employees parking area. The property owner has asked for a waiver of the Master Street Plan requirement of an 80 foot right -of -way at Victory (for turn lanes). The Engineering Staff has reviewed the request and believes the waiver can be granted. In addition, staff has recently discovered a collector, shown on the map, was left off the list of streets in the text. The street is built to collector standards and staff would at this time ask that the oversight be corrected. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval of waiving 5 foot of right -of -way at 3rd and Victory. Approval realignment and classification change of 2nd Street from Chester to Railroad. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (MAY 2, 1995) Walter Malone, Planner II, indicated staff had received a request to realign and downgrade 2nd Street. After review by the Planning and Public Works Departments, Staff no longer believed 2nd and 3rd Streets will be a one way pair. This realignment is May 2, 1995 Planning Hearing ITEM NO.: 2 Cont. appropriate. Since Chester is the last street to both Cantrell and I -630, from Chester west it is appropriate to downgrade the street to a collector. There was discussion about the one, -way streets and I -30 interchange modifications. Mr. Malone assured the Commission that a representative of the Traffic Division would be present at the next hearing to discuss one -way streets. The question was called, unanimously (9 -0) the amendment was approved. May 2, 1995 Planning Hearing Item No.: 3 NAME: SOURCE: STAFF REPORT: Plan Activity Staff Tony Bozynski, Planning Manager, will brief the Commission on Division projects and future activity. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (MAY 2, 1995) Tony Bozynski, Planning Manager, briefed the Commission on Division projects. Current projects include Woodruff and John Barrow neighborhood plans, Bike Plan, CLG grants, work with neighborhood associations. Future Projects include Vision plans for 8 areas, text for existing land use plans and neighborhood plans. There was discussion about Vision Plans and regulations vs. expectations. Also discussed were traffic issues related to John Barrow Road - signal at Tonya. a �G T w' F- F-- w � z OZ ¢ J } J H w C)�� N Q J z J Z�2UjQ¢wU< LLJ u1JUJU� UzoN� ¢= J U Q¢ 0� o w¢ � � [L 0 ¢ Cl- � cn : M a a� c 0 a co a �I z w U) m ¢ N w } ¢ z i W } T m C w Q LLJ Z l U C w z Z ? LLI co-) z J Z C) o� ¢ F-- w � z OZ ¢ J } J H w C)�� N Q J z J Z�2UjQ¢wU< LLJ u1JUJU� UzoN� ¢= J U Q¢ 0� o w¢ � � [L 0 ¢ Cl- � cn : M a a� c 0 a co a �I z w U) m ¢ N w } ¢ z i W } M a a� c 0 a co a �I z w U) m ¢ N w } ¢ z i W } May 2, 1995 PLANNING HEARING There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 10:30 a.m. Date: Chai