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HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes denialMay 14, 1998 ITEM NO.: 5 Cont. FILE NO.: LU98-11-01 February 7, 1995, a change from Office to Mixed Office and Commercial south of Chenal Parkway and west of Hermitage Road MASTER STREET PLAN: Both Kanis and Bowman are shown as Minor Arterials on the plan. Both streets are currently two lane roads with open ditches. BACKGROUND: 1) There are available sites for commercial development in the area either already zoned such or shown on the Land Use Plan. 2) In the options developed by the Kanis Road Corridor Study, there was no support to change the Land Use on this site. 3) It is reasonable with the existing zoning pattern to have an office or mixed development, as shown on the plan, for this site. 4) This is a developing area of Little Rock. Over the last several years, parcels along Chenal Parkway have changed from office and multi -family to commercial. Traffic congestion continues to build in this area. No reason has been given to show need to change the plan. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS: Notices were sent to the following neighborhood associations: Birchwood, Sandpiper, Gibraltar Heights, Point West and the Rock Creek Neighborhood Action Plan committee. We have two comments stating opposition to the change. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: Staff believes the change is not appropriate. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (MAY 14, 1998) Walter Malone, Planning Manager, introduced the item. Mr. Malone reviewed the Plan and use pattern in the area. The City has been trying to keep the area more office oriented. Mr. Malone reviewed the existing commercial zoned areas in the vicinity. In addition the Kanis Corridor Task Force did not recommend any changes for this area. Staff prefers not to show Commercial along Kanis Road, so that we will not get the same development pattern as seen along Chenal Parkway and Markham. 2 May 14, 1998 ITEM NO.: _5 (Cont. _ FILE NO.: LU98-11-01 Brooks McRae, represented development group asking Commercial rather than Mixed Office Commercial. The developers intend to use the Planned Development Process which will give the opportunity to review the planned development. The surrounding property uses were reviewed, this change would be consistent with the existing uses. Mr. McRae noted the high cost of the road improvements and the City's intimate traffic signal work. The surrounding neighborhood associations were more concerned about the quality of development, landscape, etc. not specific use (Mixed Office Commercial to Commercial). we believe there are no objectors. In response to a question about use Mr. McRae stated it would not be an auto dealership. Pat McGetrick, engineer for the applicant reviewed the surrounding property use and zoning. Mr. McGetrick agreed that the use pattern should not be totally commercial; however, he gave several examples of noncommercial development along the corridor. Next Mr. McGetrick reviewed the street improvements both proposed and those required on this property. Commissioner Earnest asked why cannot use Mixed Office Commercial (MOC) to achieve desire of Staff and Mr. McGetrick. Mr. McGetrick stated they were ready to develop now with Commercial not with Mixed Office Commercial. Commissioner Putnam asked that Mr. Jones state this would not be an auto dealership. Mr. Jones stated he would not put a dealership on the site. Mr. McGetrick agreed that the owner would use a "PCD" to zone the property. There was discussion about "Commercial", "Commercial - PCD" and "Mixed Office Commercial." Commissioner Hawn moved that the item be approved as amended by applicant (Commercial - PUD required). By a vote of 2 for and 7 against the change was denied. 3