HomeMy WebLinkAboutboa_01 22 1979LITTLE ROCK BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
JANUARY 22, 1979
2:00 P.M.
I . Roll call and finding of a quorum
A quorum was present being six in number.
II. Approval of the minutes of the previous meeting
The minutes of the December meeting were approved as
previously mailed out.
III. Members present:
Members absent:
City Attorney:
Jerry Wilcox
Jim Summerlin
Ray Fureigh
Kirby Smith
Jack Taylor
Samuel Anderson
M. R. Godwin
R. Jack Magruder
Carolyn Armbrust
January 22, 1979
Item No. 1 - Z-3299
Owner: Immanuel Baptist Church
By: Larry Black
Address: loth and Bishop Streets
Description: Blocks 2 and 3, Fitzgerald's Addition to
the City of Little Rock
Zoned: "A" One Family
Variance: Request variance from setback provisions
of Section 43-12 to permit reduction of
various yard requirements.
Present Use of
the Property: Church and related facilities
Proposed Use of
the Property: Same
Staff Recommendation:
This request comes about because of a planned addition to a
long existing facility. The present structures do not meet
setback criteria for the zoning district. The proposed
addition could technically be constructed within setback
requirements. However, the strict interpretation of the
ordinance would severely limit the usefulness of the new
structure in conjunction with the existing buildings.
The overall plan produces no significant public detriment,
and the uniqueness of the problem is vested in the existing
structures.
Staff recommends approval.
Board Action:
The applicant was present and there were no objectors. The
Board moved to approve the application as filed. The motion
passed 5 ayes, 0 noes, 1 absent, 1 abstention. Chairman
Wilcox abstained citing conflict of interest.
January 22, 1979
Item No 2. - Z-3302
Owner: Ben McMinn
Address: 5419 Kavanaugh
Description: The east 90 feet of Lots 10, 11 and 12,
Block 3, Mountain Park Addition to the
City of Little Rock.
Zoned: "A" One Family
Variance: Request permission under the provisions
of Section 43-22 ( 4 ) (d ) to establish a
Montessori School for Infants.
Present Use of
the Property: Single Family Dwelling
Proposed Use of
the Property: Montessori School for Infants
Staff Recommendation:
A few months ago a request concerning this property under
different ownership was brought before the Planning
Commission to rezone to "E-1" Quiet Business. The petition
was denied.
The present request concerns an intent to convert a
residence into a Montessori (type) School for preschool
children. It is anticipated by staff that such a use would
have two peak traffic periods - early morning and late
afternoon.
Two factors guide staff recommendation on this issue.
1. The Forrest Heights zoning plan which was adopted by
the City nearly 20 years ago and which has served as the
basis for limiting nonresidential development to an area
circumscribed by Cantrell, University, Kavanaugh and
Polk.
2. The inadequate traffic handling capacity of the property
proposed for such use.
Staff recommends denial.
January 22, 1979
Item No. 2 Continued
Board Action:
The applicant was present and gave his detailing of the
proposal and also his wife's background and credentials to
run the proposed school. In addition, he rebutted the staff
considerations with particular emphasis on the information
contained regarding the Forrest Heights plan. He gave a
brief historical background on the property in question and
offered to provide a traffic flow pattern for the property
if the Board so desired.
Frank Wills, Jr. was present representing a group of
neighbors who opposed this variance request. He presented a
petition containing 96 signatures of neighbors around the
property. He introduced the neighbors who were present,
detailed the history of the Forrest Heights zoning plan as
he knew it from his 22 years of residence in the
neighborhood. He talked to the Board about the continuing
fight the neighbors had waged to maintain the integrity of
the neighborhood. He cited also that there was other
appropriately zoned property in the area which was available
and could be used for the requested use. He also answered
questions from the Board concerning the range throughout the
neighborhood over which the petitioners had come.
The applicant, Ben McMinn, then stated that three of the
owners which he was required to have notified by Board
dictate had indicated favorable feelings toward his
proposal.
The Board moved to defer the issue 30 days to allow
preparation of a traffic flow plan. The motion failed 3
ayes, 3 noes, 1 absent. A second motion calling for denial
of the petition was made. That motion failed 3 ayes, 3
noes, 1 absent. Finally a motion to approve the petition
was filed. That motion failed 3 ayes, 3 noes, 1 absent and
the variance request was declared to have been denied.
January 22, 1979
Item No. 3 - Z-3304
Owner: Mrs. William Brandon
By: Donald Evans
Address: 908 Rock Street
Description: Lot 10, Block 44, Original City
Zoned: "HR" High Density Residential
Variance: Request permission under the provisions
of Section 43-35 ( 2 ) (d ) to establish a
professional office/theatrical group
office in the "HR" District.
Present Use of
the Property: Vacant Residence
Proposed Use of
the Property: Professional office (broker)/theatrical
group office.
Staff Recommendation:
This structure with Board of Adjustment approval will be
shared by two low traffic office uses. Significant
renovation of the house is anticipated. Parking for the two
uses can be accommodated in the rear yard.
Staff recommends approval with the condition that:
1. The parking area be paved.
2. The alley be upgraded to City standards.
Board Action:
The applicant was present and there were no objectors. The
Board moved to approve the petition as filed. The motion
passed 6 ayes, 0 noes, 1 absent.
January 22, 1979
Item No. 4 - Z-3306
Owner: Jerry H. and Trudy L. Jacobson
Address: 24 Patricia Lane
Description: Lot B, Rolloson's Replat of Lot 2, 3, 4,
and 4A, Leawood Heights, Second Addition
to Little Rock, Arkansas
Zoned: "A" One Family
Variance: Request variance from Section 43-12 (2)
to permit encroachment into a required
rear yard.
Present Use of
the Property: Single Family Residence
Proposed Use of
the Property: Same
Staff Recommendation:
The request stems from the applicant's desire to expand an
existing kitchen facility in his single family dwelling
combined with the fact that existing structure was built
well back from the normal building line in front.
On site inspection revealed significant separation between
this residence and neighboring properties. Therefore, staff
sees no abandonment of the spirit of the zoning ordinance
inherent in favorable consideration of this request. Staff
recommends approval.
Board Action:
The applicant was present, and there were no objectors. The
Board moved to approve the application; and the motion
passed 6 ayes, 0 noes, 1 absent.
January 22, 1979
Item No. 5 - Z-3300
Owner: W. R. Wrape Stave Company and
Reverend T. J. Gladden
Address: 519 East Capitol and 506 East 6th Street
Description: Part of the Trapnall Block in
Stevenson's Addition.
Zoned: "HR" High Density Residential
Variance: Request permission under the provisions
of Section 43-35 (2) (d) to establish a
professional office as a conditional
use.
Present Use of
the Property: Vacant and Apartment Building
Proposed Use of
the Property: Professional office/corporate
headquarters
Staff Recommendation:
The proposal outline involves the interior renovation of an
existing apartment structure into a manner suitable for
office and provision of the required parking. Staff
recommends approval.
Board Action:
The applicant was present and answered some questions
regarding the proposal for utilization of the parking space.
The applicant also gave a brief history of how the
particular apartment building had come into this
transaction. One neighbor was present and spoke favorably
and also spoke to the Board about some of the parking
problems that generally are a part of the neighborhood. A
second person, representing the MacArthur Park Neighborhood
Group, an affiliate of ACORN, was present to speak, asking
for denial so that encouragement of residential uses in the
Quapaw area would come about. She spoke of the shrinking
availablity of residential dwellings in the downtown area.
The applicant answered those objectors and answered
questions generally about the application. The Board moved
to approve the application as filed. An amendment to the
January 22, 1979
Item No. 5 Continued
motion was made to add a condition that the second parking
area designated on the plat as Parcel 3 be blocked off so
that parking would be restricted if it were not to be used
immediately for parking for the business. The amendment was
voted on and was passed 6 ayes, 0 noes, 1 absent. The
motion then, as amended, was voted and passed 6 ayes, 0
noes, 1 absent.
January 22, 1979
Other Action:
The Board nominated Samuel Anderson to serve as chairman for
1979. He was elected unanimously 5 ayes, 0 noes, 1 absent,
1 abstention. Mr. Anderson abstained.
James Summerlin was nominated and unanimously elected to
serve as vice chairman for 1979 on a vote of 5 ayes, 0 noes,
1 absent, 1 abstention. Mr. Summerlin abstaining.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned
at 3:10 p.m.
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