HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-3816-B Staff AnalysisDecember 12, 1989
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ITEM NO.: 7 FILE NO.: Z -3816-B
NAME: Dorcas House Short -form PRD
LOCATION: Corner of West 9th and Park Streets
DEVELOPER:
Union Rescue Mission, Inc.
c/o Drew Basham
2024 Arkansas Valley Dr.
Suite 106
Little Rock, AR 72212
224-6006
ENGINEER:
Burt Taggart & Associates
4500 Burrow Drive
North Little Rock, AR 72116
758-7443
AREA: 1.17 acres NUMBER OF LOT: 9 FT. NEIN STREET: 0
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ZONING: "R-4" PROPOSED .USES: Religious residential
housing facility
PLANNING_DISTRICT:
CENSUS TRACT: 10
VARIANCES REQUESTED:
8 (Central City)
STATEMENT OF PROPOSAL:
None
The purpose of this PUD request is to allow construction of
a new Dorcas House. Dorcas House is the women and
children's division of the Union Rescue Mission, providing
services for homeless and the down -trodden.
The proposed site meets several requirements. These include
accessibility to medical facilities (Children's Hospital)
and a central city location easily accessible to the
majority of Dorcas House's clients.
The residential design of the new facility is built around
the restoration of an existing residential building already
on the site.
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December 12, 1989
SUBDIVISION
Item No. 7 (Continued)
GENERAL OBJECTIVE:
It is proposed to consolidate 1.17 acres of individually
zoned parcels of property under a single PRD district for
the purpose of: (1) Providing a unified, controlled
development comprised of a residential housing facility; (2)
enhancing the appearance of the neighborhood; and (3)
providing a place for the homeless. The development will
fulfill the need for homeless and down -trodden women and
children.
A. PROPOSAL REQUEST:
This application involves a request for PRD - Dorcas
House on a 1.17 acre tract within a developed
community. The proposal consists of renovation of the
existing one-story building and construction of a large
two-story, 88 bed, lodge building for homeless and
unfortunate women and children.
B. EXISTING CONDITIONS:
This site is occupied by a single family structure and
covered with scrub brush and trees. The property has
been vacant for several years. The adjacent streets
are developed to City standards.
C . ENG_I.NEE.RI NG.._ COMMENTS :
Use of existing 9th Street right-of-way for parking is
questionable. Site plan submitted is inadequate for
engineering review. Stormwater Detention and
Excavation Ordinances apply.
D . ISSUES/.LEGAL/_TECHN I_CAL/_DES I GN
There are several issues concerning buffering adjacent
residential property lying directly to the east. A
sketch grading and landscaping plan is required to deal
with the above issue.
The primary legal issue attached to this PRD is the
right-of-way use for part of the building. A written
agreement wi.th the Highway Department should be
submitted before the Planning Commission meeting.
'r�
December 12, 1989
SUBDIVISION
Item No. l Continued
E. ANALYSIS:
The Planning staff has reviewed this proposal, met with
the neighborhood representative and proposed a meeting
with the neighborhood.
This is the first residential property on 9th Street
which is redeveloping and possibly changing the
atmosphere in this part of the City. It appears to be
a very good project, well designed and sited.
F. STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval subject to resolution of the
several items pointed out above.
SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENTS:
.............................................................__..........................._. (November 30, 1989)
The applicant was not present. The Planning staff offered a
brief overview of the PRD and the neighborhood meeting held
on November 27, 1989.
The only remaining issue was a letter from the Highway
Department agreeing to sell them right-of-way for a building
site.
There being no further discussion, the matter was forwarded
to the full Commission for resolution.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (December 12, 1989)
There were no objectors in attendance. The application was
represented by Mr. Drew Basham and several Rescue Mission
representatives. Mr. Jim Strawn, Chairman of the Rescue
Mission, presented the layout and purpose of this project.
Commissioner Jerilyn Nicholson expressed her concern about
the capacity of this project and the effect on the
neighborhood. Mr. Strawn offered additional commentary on
his experience with Rescue Union Mission for the last ten
years. He stated that the maximum capacity of 88 beds
includes 50% children.
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December 12, 1989
SUBDIVISION
Item No. 7 (Continued
Mr. Edwards, representing the neighborhood, said the project
would only enhance the appearance of the neighborhood. He
also stated that he spoke with several of the neighbors and
none ❑f them opposed the project.
A motion was made to approve this application as filed. The
motion passed by a vote of 10 ayes, 0 noes, 1 absent.
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