HomeMy WebLinkAbout20207-22 williams 2 Letter for 1414 ParkChristopher J. Williams, PhD July 22, 2020
Jessica R. Scott, PhD
516 Rock St. Apt. 302
Little Rock, AR 72202
July 22, 2020
cjwphd@gmail.com
jessicarscott@gmail.com
Re: Proposed Development at 1414 Park Ln.
Historic District Commission
Planning and Development Department
723 West Markham Street
Little Rock, AR 72201
Dear Historic District Commission:
We are writing in support of the proposed development of a single family residence at 1414 Park
Ln. We currently live in Downtown Little Rock, and are in the beginning stages of building a new
home in the Pettaway District.
The Historic District Commission staff recommended the commission deny approval to build the
structure at 1414 Park Ln. As community stakeholders, we believe this recommendation to be
misguided.
Downtown Little Rock is beginning to see a comeback. People are beginning to move into long
abandoned districts. This is what city administration wants, and, in fact, the Mayor has indicated
that he seeks to place an emphasis on growth south of I-630. However, decisions to impede
development, such as the proposed residence at 1414 Park Ln., slow the resurgence of Little Rock,
and serve to hurt the city overall.
The staff recommendation states that “New construction should follow the guidelines on the design
factors that matter most. The staff feels [emphasis added] that this project lacks in those areas”
(pg. 16). This is misguided because the staff have not taken into account the alternative to the
proposed development, which is an empty lot. This does not forward the growth of Downtown
Little Rock, and, in fact, hurts the city.
More homes and buildings south of I-630, as opposed to vacant lots, leads to greater development
in this area. It provides the city with a tax base, it creates vibrant communities, and it even has
positive effects on the environment by reducing sprawl.
Further, we believe the Commission should take a more holistic view of the neighborhood. While
the proposal site is technically within the boundaries of the MacArthur Park Historic District
overlay, the proposed location of this home is more naturally connected to the Pettaway District,
as I-630 runs between MacArthur Park and the proposed development site.
Political boundaries, such as historic overlays, do not represent public understandings of
communities. Any person walking through the neighborhood of the proposed development site
would be unable to tell that it is technically within the MacArthur Park Historic District, rather
than in the Pettaway District, which does not have building restrictions. This would suggest that it
is important for the Commission to understand the context in which this proposed home would
exist.
The Pettaway District is a wonderful combination of older homes that have been
remodeled/renovated and new construction that has been seamlessly integrated into the
community. In fact, less than 2 blocks from the proposed development site, there are approximately
a half dozen new homes that are either completed or close to completion.
The proposed construction is not an eyesore to the people of the neighborhood that it is most
naturally connected to. Rather, it is a welcome bit of development that will help forward further
growth and development in Downtown Little Rock
We urge the Commission to be an impetus for growth in Little Rock, and approve the construction
of this home as is.
Sincerely,
Christopher J. Williams, PhD
Jessica R. Scott, PhD