HomeMy WebLinkAboutLetter of Intent 0302218591--13
NATURAL STATE LAW, PLLC
WILLIAM CHANGOSE ATTORNEYS AT LAW
JENNIFER E. GLOVER 900 S. SHACKLEFORD (501) 916-9848
JARRED KIBBEY
WILLIAM GODBOLD SUITE 705 Williain.Changosc@NaLSlalcLaic.com
LITTLE ROCK, A11KANSAS 72211
February 16, 2021
Little Rock Planning & Development
723 W Markham St
Little Rock, AR 72201
Re: 3618 Baseline Road, Little Rock, AR 72209
Dear Commissioners,
My client, Alisha 126 Investments, LLC ("Alisha"), requests to use the subject property as an
All -Terrain Vehicle ("ATV") retail sales and repair location and as a wheel and tire shop. The last
PCD for this property (Z-8531-A) authorized this non-residential building for use as a retail sales and
warehousing facility for Southwest Little Rock Radiator.
By history, this building and lot have always been used for automotive related uses. When it
was annexed into the city in 1982 it was non -conforming with the generic R-2 classification which
accompanies annexation. Since that time, it has not changed in size, nor been modified except for
the color of the paint outside. The "office space" has been used to serve customers and their
automotive needs and the "garage space" still has three bays, and associated lifts within.
Little Rock Ordinances provide guidance about how to plan for non -conforming properties
(Sec 36-153, (a) and (b). Generally;
- Properties that are non -conforming at the time of annexation shall not be increased in size
or intensity from what it was at the time of annexation, and
- The planning staff may approve a change of use after which the a notice shall be posted
for seven (7) days using signage provided by the City.
Alisha contends that its use of the building for its stated purposes comply with the Little Rock
Ordinances and states that it does not intend to increase the size of the building or lot, or the intensity
of use, from that what it was at annexation. Alisha simply wants to use the building, in its annexed
state for ATV, wheel and tire retail sales. In that spirit, Alisha has reached out to the neighborhood
to explain its plan.
The Baseline Homeowner's groups would rather that Alisha install a grocery store or
restaurant. While Alisha understands the groups' desires, this building was built for and has always
been used for automotive businesses. What the groups are requesting is that Alisha spend hundreds
of thousands of dollars to remodel the building to make a restaurant. Alisha does not have the funds
for this, nor does it have experience in the food or restaurant industry.
The Baseline Homeowner's groups also point out, correctly, that there are other wheel and
tire shops along baseline. Alisha agrees to maintain its building in a manner that it will be an asset
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Little Rock Planning & Development
February 16, 2021
Page 2
to the neighborhood. It also contends that an active business and its associated tax dollars will be
more of a benefit to the area than a vacant building.
There was some concern by Director Adcock that the lot behind the building would be used
for test rides or mechanical repairs of ATVs. Alisha does not allow test rides of its ATVs.
Additionally, Director Adcock quired about the parking situation. The parking lot consists of
approximately 4,800 square feet. Alisha intends to comply with the parking limitations that were
present at the time of annexation.
Commissioners, Alisa respectfully requests that you find that using the same building that has
always been used for retail sales and of gas -powered vehicles be approved.
Sincerely,
William J. Changose
Attorney for the Applicant