HomeMy WebLinkAboutEmails Z-6120-O McKenzie Park AptsFrom: Susan Weinstein <weinstein.sue@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, July 1, 2020 2:08 PM
To: Morris, LaSonya M. <lmorris@littlerock.gov>; Herndon, Tim <therndon@littlerock.gov>; Collins,
Jackie <JCollins@littlerock.gov>
Subject: Traffic light at Kanis and Cooper Orbit
Spring Valley Manor is concerned with the variance request at the intersection of Kanis Road and
Cooper Orbit Road going before the Planning Commission on Thursday, July 2, 2020. We are concerned
that the increase in height from 25 feet to 35 feet would obstruct our view while trying to traverse this
difficult intersection. It is already dangerous due to line of sight issues and the number of traffic
accidents that occur here. We would not oppose the variance request if the developer was required to
pay for a traffic signal at this intersection, as it would address our traffic safety concerns. The developer
will probably say that this is a small apartment complex to bear such a cost; however, MacKenzie
Apartments as a whole, is extremely large and should be concerned with traffic safety for their
residents, Baker Elementary School and the community around them. A traffic light would be beneficial
and safer for all.
The City of Little Rock has conducted traffic assessments at this intersection in the past. We have
contested these results as the most recent test was completed when Baker Elementary School was off
for the summer. And of course, any traffic assessment now would have a false reading due to COVID-19.
On a separate issue, since the completion of MacKenzie Apartments, we have grave concerns with the
flooding of Cooper Orbit Road due to storm water drainage. Before MacKenzie Apartments we did not
have any flooding on Cooper Orbit, behind the apartment complex. Since the apartments have been
completed, we have flooding on this stretch of road; when the storm is severe, flash flooding occurs,
endangering lives. We are concerned with the storm water drainage on Cooper Orbit Road if another
building is added. We have addressed this concern, and were told that there is a 10 foot (approx.) strip
of land behind MacKenzie Apartments, running parallel to Cooper Orbit Road, owned by another
developer. This prohibits the apartments from addressing the flooding on Cooper Orbit Road.
Please help us secure a traffic signal at the intersection of Kanis Road and Cooper Orbit Road.
Respectfully,
Susan Weinstein
8 Secluded Pt., LR
From: Stacy Harter <smhtennis@aol.com>
Sent: Monday, June 29, 2020 10:56 PM
To: Morris, LaSonya M. <lmorris@littlerock.gov>; Herndon, Tim <therndon@littlerock.gov>; Collins,
Jackie <JCollins@littlerock.gov>
Subject: Request for Traffic Light at Kanis and Cooper Orbit
Hello!
Spring Valley Manor is concerned with the variance request at the intersection of Kanis Road and
Cooper Orbit Road going before the Planning Commission on Thursday, July 2, 2020.
We are also concerned the increase in height from 25 feet to 35 feet would obstruct drivers’ view while
trying to traverse this difficult intersection. It is already dangerous due to line of sight issues and the
number of traffic accidents that occur here.
We would not oppose the variance request if the developer was required to pay for and have installed a
traffic signal at this intersection, as it would address our traffic safety concerns. The developer will
probably say that this is a small apartment complex to bear such a cost; however, MacKenzie
Apartments as a whole, is extremely large and should be concerned with traffic safety for their
residents, Baker Elementary School and the community around them. A traffic light would be beneficial
and safer for all.
The City of Little Rock has conducted traffic assessments at this intersection in the past. We have
contested these results as the most recent test was completed when Baker Elementary School was off
for the summer. And of course, any traffic assessment now would have a false reading due to COVID-19.
On a separate issue, since the completion of MacKenzie Apartments, we have grave concerns with the
flooding of Cooper Orbit Road due to storm water drainage. Before MacKenzie Apartments we did not
have any flooding on Cooper Orbit, behind the apartment complex. Since the apartments have been
completed, we have flooding on this stretch of road; when the storm is severe, flash flooding occurs,
endangering lives. We are concerned with the storm water drainage on Cooper Orbit Road if another
building is added. We have addressed this concern, and were told that there is a 10 foot (approx.) strip
of land behind MacKenzie Apartments, running parallel to Cooper Orbit Road, owned by another
developer. This prohibits the apartments from addressing the flooding on Cooper Orbit Road.
Please help us secure a traffic signal at the intersection of Kanis Road and Cooper Orbit Road.
Thank you
Stacy Harter
14922 Gorgeous View Trail
-----Original Message-----
From: Jena McDonnell <Jena.McDonnell2@asb.k12.ar.us>
Sent: Monday, June 29, 2020 12:02 PM
To: Floriani, Vince <VFloriani@littlerock.gov>
Cc: Collins, Gilbert <gcollins@littlerock.gov>; Herndon, Tim <therndon@littlerock.gov>; Morris, LaSonya
M. <lmorris@littlerock.gov>
Subject: RE: Request for Traffic Light at Kanis and Cooper Orbit
Not correct information. I drive this road multiple times, every day.
Cooper Orbit Road has had routine flooding issues but at a different sections of this road. The flooding
only started on this stretch of Cooper Orbit AFTER the completion of MacKenzie Park apts. And, yes, we
have called and documented the flooding each time it occurs and at every section. And if MacKenzie
Park did storm water detention, it wasn't for along Cooper Orbit Road. As stated in my original email,
another developer owns an approx. 10 foot strip of land behind MacKenzie Park apts and running along-
side Cooper Orbit Road. And the City of LR maintains the road in the first section of Cooper Orbit from
the intersection of Kanis Road until the sign that states "City maintenance of road ends." Then there is a
section of Cooper Orbit Road maintained by Pulaski County, and then the road goes back into the City of
LR and is maintained by the city of Little Rock again.
Jena McDonnell
(501) 765-9094
zenamac@aol.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Floriani, Vince [mailto:VFloriani@littlerock.gov]
Sent: Monday, June 29, 2020 11:42 AM
To: Collins, Gilbert
Cc: Jena McDonnell; Herndon, Tim; Moore, Monte; Latimer, Sherri
Subject: Re: Request for Traffic Light at Kanis and Cooper Orbit
Cooper Orbit Road at this location is not adjacent to Mac Kenzie apartments as stated in the email. The
apartments provided stormwater detention as required by code. It is documented that Cooper Orbit Rd
flooded routinely before the apartments were constructed. This portion of Cooper Orbit Rd right-of-way
is maintained by Pulaski County Road and Bridge.
Vince
Sent from my iPad
On Jun 29, 2020, at 10:34 AM, Collins, Gilbert <gcollins@littlerock.gov> wrote:
Mrs. McDonnell,
I wanted to clarify some items from the attached email.
The item is being heard by the Board of Adjustments this Thursday. For this item, the Board of
Adjustments is only hearing the two variance requests. The height and side yard setback variance
requests. It is not within their jurisdiction to hear drainage nor traffic signal requests presented below.
We will save the correspondence presented to staff and will take them into consideration pursuant to our
adopted codes and manuals if the property is developed.
Sincerely,
Jamie Collins, PE | Director
City of Little Rock | Planning and Development
723 W. Markham | Little Rock, AR 72201-1334
Phone: 501-371-6818 | Fax: 501-399-3435
https://www.littlerock.gov/
From: BJ Biggers [mailto:BJ.Biggers@acxiom.com]
Sent: Friday, June 26, 2020 11:22 AM
To: lmorris@littlerock.gov<mailto:lmorris@littlerock.gov>;
therndon@littlerock.gov<mailto:therndon@littlerock.gov>;
jcollins@littlerock.gov<mailto:jcollins@littlerock.gov>
Cc: BJ Biggers; BBiggers@aol.com<mailto:BBiggers@aol.com>
Subject: Request for Traffic Light at Kanis and Cooper Orbit
Importance: High
Spring Valley Manor is concerned with the variance request at the intersection of Kanis Road and
Cooper Orbit Road going before the Planning Commission on Thursday, July 2, 2020. We are concerned
that the increase in height from 25 feet to 35 feet would obstruct our view while trying to traverse this
difficult intersection. It is already dangerous due to line of sight issues and the number of traffic
accidents that occur here. We would not oppose the variance request if the developer was required to
pay for a traffic signal at this intersection, as it would address our traffic safety concerns. The developer
will probably say that this is a small apartment complex to bear such a cost; however, MacKenzie
Apartments as a whole, is extremely large and should be concerned with traffic safety for their
residents, Baker Elementary School and the community around them. A traffic light would be beneficial
and safer for all.
The City of Little Rock has conducted traffic assessments at this intersection in the past. We have
contested these results as the most recent test was completed when Baker Elementary School was off
for the summer. And of course, any traffic assessment now would have a false reading due to COVID-19.
On a separate issue, since the completion of MacKenzie Apartments, we have grave concerns with the
flooding of Cooper Orbit Road due to storm water drainage. Before MacKenzie Apartments we did not
have any flooding on Cooper Orbit, behind the apartment complex. Since the apartments have been
completed, we have flooding on this stretch of road; when the storm is severe, flash flooding occurs,
endangering lives. We are concerned with the storm water drainage on Cooper Orbit Road if another
building is added. We have addressed this concern, and were told that there is a 10 foot (approx.) strip
of land behind MacKenzie Apartments, running parallel to Cooper Orbit Road, owned by another
developer. This prohibits the apartments from addressing the flooding on Cooper Orbit Road.
Please help us secure a traffic signal at the intersection of Kanis Road and Cooper Orbit Road.
Thank you.
BJ and Brian Biggers
16221 Cooper Orbit Road
Little Rock, AR 72210
From: Cathi W <cathiannew@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, June 28, 2020 6:38 PM
To: Morris, LaSonya M. <lmorris@littlerock.gov>; Herndon, Tim <therndon@littlerock.gov>; Collins,
Gilbert <gcollins@littlerock.gov>; Herbner, Travis <therbner@littlerock.gov>
Subject: Variance Request for Expansion of McKenzie Apartments
Good Morning Ms. Slade, Mr. Hebner, Mr. Herndon, and Mr. Collins,
I live in Spring Valley Manor, off of Cooper Orbit and Kanis Roads. I oppose the
expansion of MacKenzie Apartments, for which there is a variance request going
before the Planning Commission on Thursday, July 2nd at 4:00 pm.
In recent years, there have been thousands of new apartment units developed
along Kanis between Cooper Orbit and Chenal. The occupants of these new units
contribute to extreme traffic congestion on Kanis Road, traffic accidents on both
Cooper Orbit and Kanis, increasing crime, constant littering and dumping of
mattresses and appliances, and trespassing in Springs Valley's private park and
lake.
With every new apartment complex development, representatives from Spring
Valley and surrounding neighborhoods have asked the planning department and
commissioners to halt the continuing degradation of our neighborhoods. The city
has failed us, and unfortunately, even a zoning overlay district with increased set-
backs could not be accomplished.
An argument we have often heard in favor of the ballooning number of West Little
Rock apartments is that these units offer affordable housing. That argument is a
false one as developers state they require rents that are higher than the cost of
rental homes in our area. Spring Valley and many of the surrounding
neighborhoods offer both owner-occupied and rental housing that's affordable for
median income families. The population of Little Rock is not growing and these new
residential units only help accerbate vacant, deteriorating dwellings in other parts of
the city. If affordable housing is truly Little Rock's goal for these apartment
developments, the city should invest in public amenities such as a public park and
bus service on Kanis Road.
If Little Rock's planners are determined to approve the proposed variance request
allowing the expansion of McKenzie Apartments, traffic safety must be addressed.
Improved draining on Cooper Orbit and installation of a traffic light at Cooper
Orbit and Kanis are desperately needed.
Sight lines at Kanis and Cooper Orbit make this an extremely dangerous
intersection. Impact from the new development could be mitigated by the
developer covering the cost to install a traffic light at Kanis and Cooper Orbit.
What is the plan for handling storm water from the new apartment development
site? Since the construction of the existing McKenzie apartments, there has been
extreme flooding in the west-side lane of Cooper Orbit, adjacent to the proposed
development. Heavy rain causes part of the Cooper Orbit Road to become
completely inundated and impassible. Before the construction of MacKenzie
Apartments there was no flooding on this stretch of Cooper Orbit, near Kanis.
Please do not allow an increase in stormwater flow on to Cooper Orbit Road which
will make a dangerous flooding situation even worse.
Thank you for serving Little Rock and taking care of all of us.
Sincerely,
Cathi Watkins
1 Echo Pt
Little Rock, AR 72210
706-254-8600
From: ANITA SPENCE <aspence26@comcast.net>
Sent: Friday, June 26, 2020 6:04 PM
To: Herndon, Tim <therndon@littlerock.gov>
Subject: Apartment Request
Dear Board Member,
The increase in apartments in our area has increase dramatically over the last few
years. The amount of traffic on this stretch of Kanis is very concerning, and the City has
only addressed Kanis as far as Gamble Road. This is very disappointing as it seems
that no amount of apartments is too many and will be automatically approved by the
Board.
Spring Valley Manor is concerned with the variance request at the intersection of Kanis
Road and Cooper Orbit Road going before the Planning Commission on Thursday, July
2, 2020. We are concerned that the increase in height from 25 feet to 35 feet would
obstruct our view while trying to traverse this difficult intersection. It is already
dangerous due to line of sight issues and the number of traffic accidents that occur
here. We would not oppose the variance request if the developer was required to pay
for a traffic signal at this intersection, as it would address our traffic safety
concerns. The developer will probably say that this is a small apartment complex to
bear such a cost; however, MacKenzie Apartments as a whole, is extremely large and
should be concerned with traffic safety for their residents, Baker Elementary School and
the community around them. A traffic light would be beneficial and safer for all.
The City of Little Rock has conducted traffic assessments at this intersection in the
past. We have contested these results as the most recent test was completed when
Baker Elementary School was off for the summer. And of course, any traffic
assessment now would have a false reading due to COVID-19.
On a separate issue, since the completion of MacKenzie Apartments, we have grave
concerns with the flooding of Cooper Orbit Road due to storm water drainage. Before
MacKenzie Apartments we did not have any flooding on Cooper Orbit, behind the
apartment complex. Since the apartments have been completed, we have flooding on
this stretch of road; when the storm is severe, flash flooding occurs, endangering
lives. We are concerned with the storm water drainage on Cooper Orbit Road if another
building is added. We have addressed this concern, and were told that there is a 10
foot (approx.) strip of land behind MacKenzie Apartments, running parallel to Cooper
Orbit Road, owned by another developer. This prohibits the apartments from
addressing the flooding on Cooper Orbit Road.
Please help us secure a traffic signal at the intersection of Kanis Road and Cooper Orbit
Road.
Thank you.
Anita Spence
15 Vista Drive
Little Rock AR 72210
501-765-5587
From: Mark <markandersen12@aol.com>
Sent: Friday, June 26, 2020 4:29 PM
To: Herndon, Tim <therndon@littlerock.gov>
Subject: Safety issues at Cooper Orbit ( near Kanis Rd )
Spring Valley Manor is concerned with the variance request at the intersection of Kanis Road and Cooper
Orbit Road going before the Planning Commission on Thursday, July 2, 2020. We are concerned that the
increase in height from 25 feet to 35 feet would obstruct our view while trying to traverse this difficult
intersection. It is already dangerous due to line of sight issues and the number of traffic accidents that
occur here. We would not oppose the variance request if the developer was required to pay for a traffic
signal at this intersection, as it would address our traffic safety concerns. The developer will probably say
that this is a small apartment complex to bear such a cost; however, MacKenzie Apartments as a whole,
is extremely large and should be concerned with traffic safety for their residents, Baker Elementary
School and the community around them. A traffic light would be beneficial and safer for all.
The City of Little Rock has conducted traffic assessments at this intersection in the past. We have
contested these results as the most recent test was completed when Baker Elementary School was off for
the summer. And of course, any traffic assessment now would have a false reading due to COVID -19.
On a separate issue, since the completion of MacKenzie Apartments, we have grave concerns with the
flooding of Cooper Orbit Road due to storm water drainage. Before MacKenzie Apartments we did not
have any flooding on Cooper Orbit, behind the apartment complex. Since the apartments have been
completed, we have flooding on this stretch of road; when the storm is severe, flash flooding occurs,
endangering lives. We are concerned with the storm water drainage on Cooper Orbit Road if another
building is added. We have addressed this concern, and were told that there is a 10 foot (approx.) strip of
land behind MacKenzie Apartments, running parallel to Cooper Orbit Road, owned by another
developer. This prohibits the apartments from addressing the flooding on Cooper Orbit Road.
Please help us secure a traffic signal at the intersection of Kanis Road and Cooper Orbit Road.
Thank you.
Dr. Mark and Mrs. Karen Andersen
12 Echo Pt
Little Rock AR 72210
501 766 0308
From: melaniestrigel@comcast.net <melaniestrigel@comcast.net>
Sent: Friday, June 26, 2020 4:03 PM
To: 'Jena McDonnell' <Jena.McDonnell2@asb.k12.ar.us>; Herbner, Travis <therbner@littlerock.gov>
Cc: 'Cathi W' <cathiannew@gmail.com>; Morris, LaSonya M. <lmorris@littlerock.gov>; Herndon, Tim
<therndon@littlerock.gov>; Collins, Gilbert <gcollins@littlerock.gov>; csparks@uams.edu; Ingemann
Strigel <Ingemann_Strigel@comcast.net>; 'Pat Albert' <pat.albert@dillards.com>
Subject: RE: Request for Traffic Light at Kanis and Cooper Orbit
Mr. Herbner,
We live at 14800 Cooper Orbit Road, and completely agree with and support everything
Jena McDonnell states below. We and our neighbors on Cooper Orbit Road have also
been asking for years for a traffic signal at the 3 -way intersection of Cooper Orbit Road,
Kirby Road, and Kanis Road.
Adding a 35-foot-tall apartment building at the intersection will obstruct views and make
the intersection even more dangerous than it already is, in addition to adding to the
traffic on Kanis. The developer should be required to at least contribute to the cost of a
traffic light.
We hope that the city will take these concerns into consideration as they directly affe ct
the safety of everyone living on Cooper Orbit Road.
Thank you,
Melanie and Ingemann Strigel
501.766.8392
melaniestrigel@comcast.net
From: Jena McDonnell <Jena.McDonnell2@asb.k12.ar.us>
Sent: Friday, June 26, 2020 3:03 PM
To: therbner@littlerock.gov
Cc: melaniestrigel@comcast.net; Cathi W <cathiannew@gmail.com>; Morris, LaSonya M.
<lmorris@littlerock.gov>; therndon@littlerock.gov; gcollins@littlerock.gov
Subject: Request for Traffic Light at Kanis and Cooper Orbit
Mr. Travis Herbner
Traffic Engineer II
City of Little Rock – Traffic Engineering
621 S. Broadway Street
Little Rock, AR 72201
Phone: (501) 379-1805
Good Afternoon Mr. Herbner:
I spoke with Planning and Development today and it was mentioned that you are also involved in traffic
signal requests.
Spring Valley Manor neighborhood has been asking for some years to add a traffic signal at the
intersection of Kanis Road and Cooper Orbit Road. We have seen millions of apartments added to this
section of road (might be a slight exaggeration but barely!) and no road improvements. This
intersection is not regular with 90 degree corners, so it is difficult to navigate and dangerous as well.
There is a variance request going before the Planning Commission on Thursday, July 2nd at 4:00 pm. We
would like the Planning Commission to tie the cost of a traffic signal at this intersection to this variance
request. The developer at MacKenzie Park Apartments wants to add another apartment building to
their complex. It would further hinder line-of-sight issues and increase traffic yet again. A traffic signal
would help considerably with traffic safety for all.
Below is my correspondence with different departments. I should mention that the last traffic study
conducted by the City of LR happened when Baker Elementary School was closed, so does not reflect the
true traffic conditions experienced at the intersection. And since more neighborhoods and apartment
complexes have been added since MacKenzie Park Apts opened, we really need some help. Since you
are in charge of traffic signals, I hope you will help us secure one at this intersection
If you have any questions, please contact me.
Sincerely,
Jena McDonnell
Spring Valley Manor POA President
(501) 765-9094
Email: zenamac@aol.com
114 Secluded Circle
Little Rock, AR 72210
From: Jena McDonnell
Sent: Friday, June 26, 2020 10:32 AM
To: 'lmorris@littlerock.gov'
Cc: therndon@littlerock.gov
Subject: Request for Traffic Light at Kanis and Cooper Orbit
Good Morning Mrs. Lasonya Slade:
Thank you for speaking with me this morning regarding the concerns of Spring Valley Manor for the
variance request at the intersection of Cooper Orbit Road and Kanis Road. I understand this issue will go
before the Planning Commission on Thursday, July 2, 2020. Since we were not notified of this variance
request and the signage on the lot is poor to begin with, we are getting involved at the last
minute. Going forward, my neighborhood, Spring Valley Manor, would like to be notified of any and all
issues concerning this intersection as it affects us considerably. It is our only direct access to the city of
Little Rock.
We are concerned that the increase in height from 25 feet to 35 feet would obstruct our view while
trying to traverse this intersection. It is already a “wonky” intersection due to line of sight issues and it
is a dangerous one based on the number of traffic accidents that occur here. We would not oppose the
variance request if the developer was required to pay for a traffic signal at this intersection, as it would
address our traffic safety concerns. The developer will probably say that this is a small apartment
complex to bear such a cost; however, MacKenzie Apartments as a whole, is extremely large and should
be concerned with traffic safety for their residents, Baker Elementary School and the community around
them. A traffic light would be beneficial and safer for all.
The City of Little Rock has conducted traffic assessments at this intersection in the past. We have
contested these results as the most recent test was completed when Baker Elementary School was off
for the summer. And of course, any traffic assessment now would have a false reading due to COVID-19.
On a separate issue, since the completion of MacKenzie Apartments, we have grave concerns with the
flooding of Cooper Orbit Road due to storm water drainage. Before MacKenzie Apartments we did not
have any flooding on Cooper Orbit, behind the apartment complex. Since the apartments have been
completed, we have flooding on this stretch of road; when the storm is severe, flash flooding occurs,
endangering lives. We are concerned with the storm water drainage on Cooper Orbit Road if another
building is added. We have addressed this concern, and were told that there is a 10 foot (approx.) strip
of land behind MacKenzie Apartments, running parallel to Cooper Orbit Road, owned by another
developer. This prohibits the apartments from addressing the flooding on Cooper Orbit Road.
Again, thank you for listening and hearing my concerns for the safety of the residents of Spring Valley
Manor. Please send me the staff recommendations for this issue when available. And most
importantly, please help us secure a traffic signal at the intersection of Kanis Road and Cooper Orbit
Road.
Regards,
Jena McDonnell
Spring Valley Manor POA President
(501) 765-9094
zenamac@aol.com
Spring Valley Manor POA
114 Secluded Circle
Little Rock, AR 72210
From: Laura Christine McClellan <lcmcclellan@ualr.edu>
Sent: Friday, June 26, 2020 2:45 PM
To: Morris, LaSonya M. <lmorris@littlerock.gov>
Cc: Herndon, Tim <therndon@littlerock.gov>; Collins, Jackie <JCollins@littlerock.gov>
Subject: Req for Traffic Light
Spring Valley Manor is concerned with the variance request at the intersection of Kanis Road and
Cooper Orbit Road going before the Planning Commission on Thursday, July 2, 2020. We are concerned
that the increase in height from 25 feet to 35 feet would obstruct our view while trying to traverse this
difficult intersection. It is already dangerous due to line of sight issues and the number of traffic
accidents that occur here. We would not oppose the variance request if the developer was required to
pay for a traffic signal at this intersection, as it would address our traffic safety concerns. The developer
will probably say that this is a small apartment complex to bear such a cost; however, MacKenzie
Apartments as a whole, is extremely large and should be concerned with traffic safety for their
residents, Baker Elementary School and the community around them. A traffic light would be beneficial
and safer for all.
The City of Little Rock has conducted traffic assessments at this intersection in the past. We have
contested these results as the most recent test was completed when Baker Elementary School was off
for the summer. And of course, any traffic assessment now would have a false reading due to COVID-19.
On a separate issue, since the completion of MacKenzie Apartments, we have grave concerns with the
flooding of Cooper Orbit Road due to storm water drainage. Before MacKenzie Apartments we did not
have any flooding on Cooper Orbit, behind the apartment complex. Since the apartments have been
completed, we have flooding on this stretch of road; when the storm is severe, flash flooding occurs,
endangering lives. We are concerned with the storm water drainage on Cooper Orbit Road if another
building is added. We have addressed this concern, and were told that there is a 10 foot (approx.) strip
of land behind MacKenzie Apartments, running parallel to Cooper Orbit Road, owned by another
developer. This prohibits the apartments from addressing the flooding on Cooper Orbit Road.
Please help us secure a traffic signal at the intersection of Kanis Road and Cooper Orbit Road.
Thank you.
Laura
Laura McClellan | Assistant Director
University of Arkansas at Little Rock | Center for Arkansas History and Culture
501.320.5780 | lcmcclellan@ualr.edu
From: Kelly McNulty <McNulty@gill-law.com>
Sent: Friday, June 26, 2020 11:20 AM
To: Morris, LaSonya M. <lmorris@littlerock.gov>; Herndon, Tim <therndon@littlerock.gov>
Subject: Kanis/Cooper Orbit
Spring Valley Manor is concerned with the variance request at the intersection of Kanis Road and
Cooper Orbit Road going before the Planning Commission on Thursday, July 2, 2020. We are concerned
that the increase in height from 25 feet to 35 feet would obstruct our view while trying to traverse this
difficult intersection. It is already dangerous due to line of sight issues and the number of traffic
accidents that occur here. We would not oppose the variance request if the developer was required to
pay for a traffic signal (OR ROUNDABOUT) at this intersection, as it would address our traffic safety
concerns. The developer will probably say that this is a small apartment complex to bear such a
cost; however, MacKenzie Apartments as a whole, is extremely large and should be concerned with
traffic safety for their residents, Baker Elementary School and the community around them. A traffic
light would be beneficial and safer for all.
The City of Little Rock has conducted traffic assessments at this intersection in the past. We have
contested these results as the most recent test was completed when Baker Elementary School was off
for the summer. And of course, any traffic assessment now would have a false reading due to COVID-19.
On a separate issue, since the completion of MacKenzie Apartments, we have grave concerns with the
flooding of Cooper Orbit Road due to storm water drainage. Before MacKenzie Apartments we did not
have any flooding on Cooper Orbit, behind the apartment complex. Since the apartments have been
completed, we have flooding on this stretch of road; when the storm is severe, flash flooding occurs,
endangering lives. We are concerned with the storm water drainage on Cooper Orbit Road if another
building is added. We have addressed this concern, and were told that there is a 10 foot (approx.) strip
of land behind MacKenzie Apartments, running parallel to Cooper Orbit Road, owned by another
developer. This prohibits the apartments from addressing the flooding on Cooper Orbit Road.
Please help us secure a traffic signal (OR ROUNDABOUT) at the intersection of Kanis Road and Cooper
Orbit Road.
Thank you.
Kelly McNulty
Sent from my iPhone
From: Jon Haslauer <Jon.Haslauer@simmonsbank.com>
Sent: Friday, June 26, 2020 11:13 AM
To: Morris, LaSonya M. <lmorris@littlerock.gov>; Herndon, Tim <therndon@littlerock.gov>; Collins,
Jackie <JCollins@littlerock.gov>
Subject: Dangerous Intersection at Cooper Orbit and Kanis Rd.
Dear City of Little Rock Leaders,
Spring Valley Manor is concerned with the variance request at the intersection of Kanis Road and
Cooper Orbit Road going before the Planning Commission on Thursday, July 2, 2020. We are concerned
that the increase in height from 25 feet to 35 feet would obstruct our view while trying to traverse this
difficult intersection. It is already dangerous due to line of sight issues and the number of traffic
accidents that occur here. We would not oppose the variance request if the developer was required to
pay for a traffic signal at this intersection, as it would address our traffic safety concerns. The developer
will probably say that this is a small apartment complex to bear such a cost; however, MacKenzie
Apartments as a whole, is extremely large and should be concerned with traffic safety for their
residents, Baker Elementary School and the community around them. A traffic light would be beneficial
and safer for all.
The City of Little Rock has conducted traffic assessments at this intersection in the past. We have
contested these results as the most recent test was completed when Baker Elementary School was off
for the summer. And of course, any traffic assessment now would have a false reading due to COVID-19.
On a separate issue, since the completion of MacKenzie Apartments, we have grave concerns with the
flooding of Cooper Orbit Road due to storm water drainage. Before MacKenzie Apartments we did not
have any flooding on Cooper Orbit, behind the apartment complex. Since the apartments have been
completed, we have flooding on this stretch of road; when the storm is severe, flash flooding occurs,
endangering lives. We are concerned with the storm water drainage on Cooper Orbit Road if another
building is added. We have addressed this concern, and were told that there is a 10 foot (approx.) strip
of land behind MacKenzie Apartments, running parallel to Cooper Orbit Road, owned by another
developer. This prohibits the apartments from addressing the flooding on Cooper Orbit Road.
Please help us secure a traffic signal at the intersection of Kanis Road and Cooper Orbit Road.
Sincerely,
Jon Haslauer
4 Echo Point
Little Rock, AR 72210
Jon.Haslauer22@gmail.com