HomeMy WebLinkAboutITEM write-up LU1802_May 9, 2019
ITEM NO. 5: FILE NO.: LU18-02
Name: North Central Land Use Plan Amendment
Location: I-630 to Arkansas River, I-430 to Arkansas State Capitol Complex
Request: Various
Source: Staff
PROPOSAL / REQUEST:
As part of the City’s efforts to keep the Future Land Use Plan current, Staff reviewed the
Plan in the area between I-630 to Arkansas River, I-430 to Arkansas State Capitol
Complex. The package has seven areas with changes:
Area 1 is four areas around the ‘Hillcrest Commercial’ District along Kavanaugh
Boulevard from Walnut to Van Buren. Change 1A is along the east side of Beechwood
between Hillcrest and I Streets. The change is from Residential Low Density to
Residential Medium Density. Medium Density Residential accommodates a broad
range of housing types including single family attached, single family detached, duplex,
town homes, multi-family and patio or garden homes. Any combination of these and
possibly other housing types may fall in this category provided that the density is
between six (6) and twelve (12) dwelling units per acre. Change 1B is along the south
side of Woodlawn Drive between Walnut and Ash Streets. The change is from
Residential Low Density to Public Institutional. Public Institutional includes public and
quasi-public facilities that provide a variety of services to the community such as
schools, libraries, fire stations, churches, utility substations, and hospitals. Change 1C
is along the north side of Kavanaugh Boulevard from Spruce to Monroe Street. The
change is from Office to Commercial. The Commercial category includes a broad range
of retail and wholesale sales of products, personal and professional services, and
general business activities. Commercial activities vary in type and scale, depending on
the trade area that they serve. Change 1D is west of Kavanaugh Boulevard between H
and I Streets. The change is from Residential High Density to Residential Low Density.
Residential Low Density provides for single family homes at densities not to exceed 6
units per acre. Such residential development is typically characterized by conventional
single family homes, but may include patio or garden homes and cluster homes,
provided that the density remain less than 6 units per acre.
Area 2 is an area between Markham and A Streets, east of Harrison Street . The
change is from Office to Commercial. The Commercial category includes a broad range
of retail and wholesale sales of products, personal and professional services, and
general business activities. Commercial activities vary in type and scale, depending on
the trade area that they serve.
Area 3 is three areas generally near Kavanaugh Boulevard from Crestwood Drive to
Evergreen Drive. Change 3A is generally between L and Crestwood Drive, west of
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ITEM NO. 5: (Cont.) ___ FILE NO.: LU18-02
2
Kavanaugh Boulevard. The change is from Residential Low Density to Park/Open
Space. Park/Open Space includes all public parks, recreation facilities, greenbelts,
flood plains, and other designated open space and recreational land. Change 3B is
south of North Lookout Road, east of Hillcrest Street. The change is from Residential
High Density to Public Institutional. Public Institutional includes public and quasi-public
facilities that provide a variety of services to the community such as schools, libraries,
fire stations, churches, utility substations, and hospitals. Change 3C is between
Kavanaugh Boulevard and Harrison, north of Evergreen Drive. The change is from
Commercial to Residential Medium Density. Medium Density Residential
accommodates a broad range of housing types including single family attached, single
family detached, duplex, town homes, multi-family and patio or garden homes. Any
combination of these and possibly other housing types may fall in this category provided
that the density is between six (6) and twelve (12) dwelling units per acre.
Area 4 is to the southwest of the intersection of 7th Street and Johnson Street. The
change is from Residential Low Density to Public Institutional. Public Institutional
includes public and quasi-public facilities that provide a variety of services to the
community such as schools, libraries, fire stations, churches, utility substations, and
hospitals.
Area 5 is two areas generally along Grassy Flat Creek from Reservoir Road to Rodney
Parham Road. Change 5A is east of Reservoir Road and south of Grassy Flat Creek.
The change is from Residential Low Density to Pubic Institution. Public Institutional
includes public and quasi-public facilities that provide a variety of services to the
community such as schools, libraries, fire stations, churches, utility substations, and
hospitals. Change 5B is generally along Grass Flat Creek from Reservoir Road to Old
Forge Drive. The change is from Residential Low Density to Park/Open Space.
Park/Open Space includes all public parks, recreation facilities, greenbelts, flood plains,
and other designated open space and recreational land.
Area 6 is two areas generally north of Rock Creek and south of Capitol Avenue, west of
Rodney Parham Road. Change 6A is north of Rock Creek, south of Capitol Avenue,
near Sunnymeade Drive. The change is from Residential Low Density to Park/Open
Space. Park/Open Space includes all public parks, recreation facilities, greenbelts,
flood plains, and other designated open space and recreational land. Change 6B is
north of Rock Creek, south of Capitol Avenue, west of Rodney Parham Road . The
change is from Residential Low Density to Public Institutional. Public Institutional
includes public and quasi-public facilities that provide a variety of services to the
community such as schools, libraries, fire stations, churches, utility substations, and
hospitals.
Area 7 is west of Tyler Street, north of Kavanaugh Boulevard. The change is from
Commercial to Residential Low Density. Residential Low Density provides for single
family homes at densities not to exceed 6 units per acre. Such residential development
is typically characterized by conventional single family homes, but may include patio or
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ITEM NO. 5: (Cont.) ___ FILE NO.: LU18-02
3
garden homes and cluster homes, provided that the density re main less than 6 units per
acre.
ANALYSIS:
The Planning and Development staff began reviewing this area in the late summer of
2018. The existing development pattern, as well as existing zoning and recent re-
classification actions were reviewed. Letters were sent to all neighborhood associations
in the area asking for suggested changes in the area in late July. In September after
receiving only informational contacts, Staff began field reviews.
After field visits and discussions, Staff developed a package of changes and identified
affected property owners. All the affected property owners were contacted about the
possibility of changing the Land Use Plan designation of their property in late December
2018. In addition the Neighborhood based groups were also notified of the proposed
changes and invited to comment. Staff received several phone contacts for information
as a result of this notice letter. Two owners requested that their properties not be
changed and Staff removed those areas from the draft package of changes. A second
letter was developed and notices were sent to approximately 26 property owners and all
the previous Neighborhood Association for this public hearing on the change package.
Staff believes this package of changes is a ‘clean-up’ to more accurately reflect the
current and likely future development pattern in the area of the changes. The resulting
‘package’ of changes should create a more accurate Future Land Use Plan all can use,
whether public or private.
Area 1 is four areas around the ‘Hillcrest Commercial’ District along Kavanaugh
Boulevard from Walnut to Van Buren. Change 1A is along the east side of Beechwood
between Hillcrest and I Streets. The change is from Residential Low Density to
Residential Medium Density. To the northwest, west and east is generally R-2 (Single
Family District) zoning with single-family homes and duplexes. To the northeast is
Alsopp Park, zoned PR (Park District). To the south are varies residential zoning
classifications and Commercial with duplexes, single-family houses, and a small
complex. The area proposed for the Land Use Plan change is zoned R-5 (Urban
Residential District) and R-4 (Two-Family District) with duplexes and apartments. This
use pattern is not likely to change, thus Residential Medium Density more accurately
represents the current and future use of the land. Change 1B is along the south side of
Woodlawn Drive between Walnut and Ash Streets. The change is from Residential Low
Density to Public Institutional. There is R-2 (Single Family District) land in all directions
with single-family homes on the parcels. The area proposed for the Land Use Plan
change is zoned R-2 (Single Family District) with a Conditional use Permit (CUP) for a
church. There is a church and related buildings on this half city block, which is not likely
to change in the near or mid-term. The makes Public Institutional a better
representation for this property. Change 1C is along the north side of Kavanaugh
Boulevard from Spruce to Monroe Street. The change is from Office to Commercial. To
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ITEM NO. 5: (Cont.) ___ FILE NO.: LU18-02
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the east and southeast is C-3 (General Commercial District) and PCD (Planned
Commercial District) zoning with businesses located on the properties. To the
southwest, west and northwest is R-2 (Single Family District) zoning with single-family
homes located on the parcels. To the Northeast is R-5 (Urban Residential District) with
single-family and apartments on the land. The area of the proposed amendment is a
parking lot and a mixed use development, primarily commercial and office, with a zoning
of C-3 (General Commercial District) and PCD (Planned Commercial District)
respectively. This is not likely to change in the near or mid-term, making Commercial
the best Land Use Plan designation. Change 1D is west of Kavanaugh Boulevard
between H and I Streets. The change is from Residential High Density to Residential
Low Density. To the north, west and south is R-2 (Single Family District) and some
PDR (Planned District Residential) with single-family homes. To the east is R-2 (Single
Family District) with a CUP for a private school complex – Mount St. Mary Academy. To
the southeast is O-3 (General Office District) with apartments and C-3 (General
Commercial District) with a small strip center. The land of the proposed change is
zoned R-2 (Single Family District) and has single-family homes of the parcels. This is
not likely to change in the near or mid-term making Residential Low Density the best
Land Use designation for the area.
Area 2 is an area between Markham and A Streets, east of Harrison Street. The
change is from Office to Commercial. To the south is PR (Park District) zoning and is
War Memorial Golf Course. To the north, west is PDO (Planned District Office) and
POD (Planned Office District) zoning with medical related offices. To the east is the C-3
(General Commercial District) and C-4 (Open Display Commercial District) zoning with
small retail and auto related businesses. The change area is zoned PCD (Planned
Commercial District) and is the Markham House Suites (hotel). This use pattern is not
likely to change, making Commercial the best Land Use designation for the site.
Area 3 is three areas generally near Kavanaugh Boulevard from Crestwood Drive to
Evergreen Drive. Change 3A is generally between L Street and Crestwood Drive, west
of Kavanaugh Boulevard. The change is from Residential Low Density to Park/Open
Space. To the north, west and southwest is R-2 (Single Family District) zoned land,
with single-family homes on the parcels. To the south and southeast is C-3 (General
Commercial District) land with retail businesses located on the parcels. The change
area is zoned R-2 (Single Family District), PR (Park District) and C-3 (General
Commercial District). The land is all owned by the City of Little Rock and used primarily
for passive recreational open space. This is not likely to change in the near or mid -term.
Thus Park/Open Space is the best land use designation for this property. Change 3B is
south of North Lookout Road, east of Hillcrest Street. The change is from Residential
High Density to Public Institutional. To the north is R-5 (Urban Residential District) with
an apartment complex. To the west and south is C-3 CUP (General Commercial
District) and R-2 CUP (Single Family District) with a church on the land. To the east is
R-2 (Single Family District) with single-family homes on the parcels. The area of the
proposed is zoned R-5 (Urban Residential District), is vacant and owned by the church.
The church acquired this site and removed the previously existing single-family home
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ITEM NO. 5: (Cont.) ___ FILE NO.: LU18-02
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for future development of the church. This is not likely to change in the near or mid -
term making Public Institutional the best Land Use designation for this land. Change 3C
is between Kavanaugh Boulevard and Harrison, north of Evergreen Drive. The change
is from Commercial to Residential Medium Density. To the north and northwest is C-3
(General Commercial District) with retail uses. To the east is C-3 CUP (General
Commercial District) with a church and R-2 CUP (Single Family District) with a Catholic
High School. To the west is PDO (Planned District Office) with a small office use. To
the south is R-4 (Two Family District) with Duplexes. The area of the proposed change
is C-3, General Commercial District with an apartment building on it. This is not likely to
change in the near to mid-term, making Residential Medium Density a better Land Use
Plan designation for the site.
Area 4 is to the southwest of the intersection of 7th Street and Johnson Street. The
change is from Residential Low Density to Public Institutional. To the north is R-2
(Single Family District) and PDR (Planned District Residential) which is a baseball
stadium and former elementary school respectively. To the east and west is R-2 (Single
Family District) with a former service station to the east and single-family home to the
west. To the south is R-4 (Two-Family District) with single-family homes. The change
area is zoned R-4 (Two-Family District) with a parking lot. This is the parking lot for the
stadium across the street and has the same owner – the Boy’s Club. This is likely to
continue in the near and mid-term, making Public Institutional the best Land Use
designation.
Area 5 is two areas generally along Grassy Flat Creek from Reservoir Road to Rodney
Parham Road. Change 5A is east of Reservoir Road and south of Grassy Flat Creek.
The change is from Residential Low Density to Pubic Institution. To the east, west and
south is R-2 (Single Family District) with single-family homes. To the north beyond
Grassy Flat Creek is R-5 (Urban Residential District) with an apartment complex on the
site. The change area is R-2 CUP (Single Family District) with a church on the property.
This is not likely to change in the near future making Public Institutional a more
appropriate use. Change 5B is generally along Grass Flat Creek from Reservoir Road
to Old Forge Drive. The change is from Residential Low Density to Park/Open Space.
To the north and south is R-2 (Single Family District) with single-family homes. To the
southwest is R-5 (Urban Residential District) with apartment complexes. The change
area is R-2 (Single Family District) and is either the floodway of Grassy Flat Creek or a
Property Owners Park – Sturbridge POA Park. This is not likely to change in the near
or mid-term so Park/Open Space is the best Land Use Plan designation for the area.
Area 6 is two areas generally north of Rock Creek and south of Capitol Avenue, west of
Rodney Parham Road. Change 6A is north of Rock Creek, south of Capitol Avenue,
near Sunnymeade Drive. In all directions the area is zoned R-2 (Single Family District).
To the north are single-family homes. To the west and south is the floodway of Rock
Creek. To the east is a synagogue. The land the proposed change areas is R-2
(Single Family District), vacant and owned by the City of Little Rock. This area was
acquired as part of the flood area for Rock Creek, thus the most appropriate Land Use
Plan designation is Park/Open Space. Change 6B is north of Rock Creek, south of
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ITEM NO. 5: (Cont.) ___ FILE NO.: LU18-02
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Capitol Avenue, west of Rodney Parham Road. The change is from Residential Low
Density to Public Institutional. The land north, south, east and west is R-2 (Single
Family District). There is a synagogue to the north and a church to the east. To the
south and west is the floodway of Rock Creek. To the north east is PDR (Planned
District Residential) for a rehabilitation center. The change site is owned by the
synagogue to the north and is part of their grounds. It is zoned R-2 (Single Family
District). The use is not likely to change in the near or mid-term making Public
Institutional the best Land Use designation for the area.
Area 7 is west of Tyler Street, north of Kavanaugh Boulevard. The change is from
Commercial to Residential Low Density. To the north, south and east is R-2 (Single
Family District) zoned land with single-family homes. To the west is O-3 (General Office
District) and the area post office building. The change area is zoned R-2 (Single
Family District), it has three single-family homes on three parcels. This is not likely to
change in the midterm making Residential Low Density the most appropriate future land
use designation.
In response to the second notice mailed April 4, 2019, Staff received informational
contacts as a result of this mailing. In addition the property owner at 5201 I Street (part
of change 1-D) has requested that his property not be changed.
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS:
Notices were sent to the following neighborhood associations: Breckenridge
Neighborhood Association (NA), Briarwood NA, Capitol View Stifft Station NA, Cedar
Hill NA, Colony West Home Property Owners Association (POA), Country Club Heights
NA, Eagle Crest NA, Echo Valley POA, Evergreen NA, Foreman Lake Preservation
Society, Forest Park NA, Hall High NA, Heights NA, Hillcrest Residents Association,
Kingwood NA, Merriwether NA, Normandy Shannon POA, Overlook POA,
Pennbrook/Clover Hill NA, Prospect Terrace Association Inc., River Ridge POA,
Riverside NA, Robinwood POA, Save Hillcrest, Sherrill Heights NA, South Normandy
(POA), Sunnymeade NA, Treasure Hill POA, Wingate NA. In addition the Little Rock
Pork Authority and Clinton National Airport were contacted. Letters were sent to
approximately 16 property owners in the area. Staff received several informational calls
from area residents as a result of the initial mailing on December 30, 2018, as well as
some comments of support for the proposed change. The second mailing on April 4,
2019 was sent to approximately 26 property owners and area neighborhood
associations to notify them of the public hearing.
STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
This package of amendments is designed to make the Future Land Use Plan more
reflective of current and likely mid-term future uses for this area. As a result of a
property owner request, Staff would like to amend area 1-D to make the change from
Residential High Density to Residential Medium Density. Staff recommends the
approval of the package as amended.
May 9, 2019
ITEM NO. 5: (Cont.) ___ FILE NO.: LU18-02
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PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (May 9, 2019)