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HomeMy WebLinkAboutpc_06 02 1987LITTLE ROCK PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTE RECORD JUNE 2, 1987 1:00 P.M. I. Roll Call and Finding of a Quorum A Quorum was present being 11 in number. II. Approval of the minutes of the previous Meeting The minutes were read and approved as mailed. III. Members Present: Bill Rector Betty Sipes William Ketcher Jerilyn Nicholson Dorothy Arnett Richard Massie John Schlereth Fred Perkins David Jones Walter Riddick III Rose Collins City Attorney: Stephen Giles June 2, 1987 PLANNING HEARING Item No 1 - West Little Rock District Plan NAME: City of Little Rock LOCATION: East of University Avenue South of Arkansas River West of Reservoir Road North of I -630 REQUEST: To adopt the West Little Rock District Land Use Plan. STAFF REPORT: The West Little Rock planning district is composed of approximately six square miles of land area. This district is a stable area with much of the land already developed. Many of the development (zoning patterns) have been in place for many years. The actual uses and how the land is zoned is consistent in most instances. This district does not have the magnitude of nonconforming uses like some of the newly annexed areas. The West Little Rock District Plan does not show any significant changes from the existing land use conditions. The plan stipulates that the "status quo" should be maintained. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the adoption of the West Little Rock District Land Use Plan. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: Jim Lawson gave a brief presentation of the West Little Rock District Land Use Plan. He showed a map showing the existing zoning and the proposed plan. He explained that the zoning patterns for this area have been established for many years and, therefore, the zoning and land use plan map are very similar. June 2, 1987 PLANNING HEARING Item No. 1 - Continued Jim suggested that if the Pavilion in the Park wanted to expand to the west that the plan might entertain such an expansion if no access is permitted on Cantrell and if the buffer is maintained along the roadway. He made that observation because there is only one single family tract remaining between the Pavilion and Reservoir Park. Jim stated that he felt the expansion could be accommodated without encouraging strip commercial because of the park location to the west. The Commission asked about the Cammack property which is shown on the plan as public /institutional. Jim stated that the property is zoned "R -2" and that if the property is not developed for an educational facility that the property could be developed for single family once the educational commitment expires. After further discussion, the Planning Commission voted 11 ayes, 0 noes to recommend to the City Board of Directors the approval of the West Little Rock District Land Use Plan. June 2, 1987 PLANNING HEARING Item No 2 - Pleasant Valley District Plan NAME: City of Little Rock LOCATION: West of Reservoir Road North of Mara Lynn Road East of a line west of Pebble Beach Drive South of Highway 10 REQUEST: To adopt the Pleasant Valley District Land Use Plan. STAFF REPORT: The Pleasant Valley planning district is composed of nine square miles in the northwestern portion of the City of Little Rock. This is a stable area in which the eastern two - thirds of the land area is already developed. The western half of the Pleasant Valley district is part of the recently adopted Extraterritorial Land Use Plan for the City (Ordinance #15,102, June 3, 1986). The Pleasant Valley District Land Use Plan shows no significant changes from existing land use conditions or land use patterns recommended in the extraterritorial plan. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends adoption of the Pleasant Valley Land Use Plan. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: Ann Razer gave a presentation on the Pleasant Valley District Plan. She explained that this plan was a combination of a portion of the approved extraterritorial plan and the staff's proposal for the remainder of the district. She pointed out that this plan contained considerable open space. The open space designations are for the Pleasant Valley Golf Course, drainage areas, and steep slopes. June 2, 1987 PLANNING HEARING Item No. 2 - Continued The Planning Commission commented on the proposed outer loop and the approved preliminary plats in the area. The staff responded by saying that most of the platting has been to the north of the planning district. The Commission was concerned about the southeastern intersection of Green Mountain Drive and Rodney Parham. The plan shows this area as office even though a small commercial center exists. The staff pointed out that previous rezonings and court cases have not been made commercial and that the plan reflected previous policies. After further discussion, the Planning Commission voted to approve the plan with the amendment from office to commercial at the southeast corner of Rodney Parham and Green Mountain. The vote was 11 ayes, 0 noes. June 2, 1987 PLANNING COMMISSION PLANNING MEETING Item No. 3 - Street Alignment and Continuance SUBJECT: Pleasant Forest Drive and its connection between Rodney Parham Road and Hinson Road The Planning staff wishes to bring to the Commission's attention a potentially damaging situation to the City Master Street Plan and street circulation. It has been suggested to members of the Planning staff that certain steps may be taken by current owners and /or developers of properties lying on Pleasant Forest Drive. These actions would in effect sever permanently the preliminary street tie between Pleasantview Subdivision and the Longlea Manor area. At the current time, approximately 500 to 600 feet of roadway has not been constructed, and the plat remains on preliminary. The staff's primary concern and interest in discussing this matter with the Commission is to enlist the Commission's aid in developing a means of confronting the issue prior to permanent severance of this street. Those members of the Commission familiar with the area will realize that there is little or no east /west traffic flow between the Rodney Parham area and the Taylor Loop or Hickory Hill area except by Highway 10 on the north and Hinson Road on the south. The current collector street which meanders through Pleasant Valley over several different names carries an excess traffic burden because Pleasant Forest does not connect. At the current time, Pebble Beach Drive and Valley Club Circle primarily act as a collector street. We feel it imperative that Pleasant Forest be connected. We will be prepared to discuss this matter in the hearing. June 2, 19A7 PLANNING HEARING Item No. 3 - Continued PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: The Planning staff offered a brief overview of what appeared to be of importance to the City. The staff identified the history represented by several phone calls from realtors and builders in the area. A general discussion of the issue followed with comments offered by several of the commissioners. The consensus of the several commission members discussing the item seemed to be that the Master Street Plan should be maintained and that the tie of the two streets be encouraged. Several commissioners offered concerns about the increase of traffic flow in this area between Rodney Parham and Hinson Road and the potential for creation of another Shackleford Road situation. Henk Koornstra of the Traffic Engineer's Office offered comments in response to a question about traffic and impact on the area. Mr. Koornstra was requested to develop, if possible, a traffic study of the area between Hinson Road and Highway 10, Taylor Loop and Rodney Parham with a view toward determining the real need for collector street connections. Mr. Koornstra indicated that this might be accomplished. A brief discussion of potential impacts on the Pleasant Valley street system, especially El Dorado and Valley Club Circle wrapped up the discussion of the issue. A specific recommendation and vote on the matter was not taken. The Planning staff accepted direction from several commissioners to follow up on this proposal and talk to various involved parties and determine the potential for the reality of permanent closure. June 2, 1987 PLANNING HEARING Item No. 4 - Non - Agenda Item - Proposed Planning Department Move to the Block Building The Planning Commission discussed the proposed move of the Planning Department from its existing office space to the Block Building. Mr. Greeson explained that the move was designed to improve communication between Planning and Public Works and to lead to a "one stop permitting process." Chairperson Rector expressed reservations about the moving of the Planning Department in order for it to be in proximity with Public Works. He explained that the Planning Department is not a part of the daily permitting process and that the Planning Department had more physical ties with the City Manager and City Attorney's Office. He felt that the current office location would benefit everyone more than a move down the street. Commissioner Massie and other Commissioners expressed concern over spending tax money to renovate the Fire Station specifically and then move the department to a building which would have to be further renovated to accommodate Planning. Mr. Massie asked Assistant City Manager Charles Nickerson if a dollar amount had been determined for renovation. He said that he had looked at the building previously and that he felt, renovation including putting in windows would be extremely expensive. Mr. Nickerson said that an exact dollar amount had not been determined but the City was currently going through an architect selection process. Once an architect is selected he said, a set dollar amount will be determined. Commissioner Perkins and Commissioner Ketcher felt that a move to the Block Building would foster a better permit review process and felt that this move would eliminate a person having to go from building to building. After further discussion, the Planning Commission proposed and approved a motion by a 9 to 2 vote to send Chairperson Rector to meet with Tom Dalton to express the Commission's concerns over the proposed moving. There being no further business, the Commission adjourned at 2:41 p.m. Date Chairperson Secretary