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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-6017 Staff AnalysisAugust 22, 1995 IT Na.: 4-6017 Owner: Applicant: Location: Request: Purpose: Size: Existing Use: Wrape Family Charitable Trust Fred J. Gray, Agent South side of Baseline Road at its intersection with Verbena Drive Rezone from R-2 to 0-3 Office Building Development 4.995± acres Vacant, heavily wooded SLTRROUN ING LAN.] USE AND ZONING North - Offices and Residential, zoned O-3, C-3 and R-2 South - Vacant, zoned R-2 East - Vacant, zoned R-2 West - Single -Family residence and Vacant, zoned R-2 ENGINEERING COMMENTS Right-of-way for Baseline appears to conform with the Master Street plan. An excavation permit is required before construction begins. Stormwater detention analysis will be required. Improvements within ROW will require AHTD approval. When plans are submitted for construction, a ramp to provide crossing capabilities for handicap persons will be required on frontage and other provisions of the Ordinances will be reviewed at the time of building permit. Site is limited to one driveway which should line up it Verbena Drive to the north. LAND USE ELEMENT The site is located in the Geyer Springs West District. The adopted Land Use Plan recommends Office. The request is in conformance with the Plan. STAFF ANALYSIS The request before the Planning Commission is to rezone this 4.995± acre tract from R-2 to 0-3. The property is currently vacant and heavily wooded. The site is located on August 22, 1995 ITEM 4 Z-6 017 the south side of Baseline Road, between the new Southwest Community Park and Dailey Drive. No specific plans have been submitted but the applicant indicates the requested 0-3 zoning is to accommodate an office building development. The Land Use Plan recommends office for the properties at both the southeast and southwest corners of Baseline Road and Dailey Drive. This property falls within that area and the requested 0-3 zoning complies with the land use plan. The requested 0-3 zoning should provide an appropriate transition from the intensely trafficked Baseline Road area to the residential properties located south of the site. Staff is supportive of the rezoning request. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends approval of the 0-3 rezoning request. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (AUGUST 22, 1995) The applicant, Fred Gray, was present. There were no objectors present. Staff presented the item and a recommendation of approval. Fred Gray addressed the Commission. He stated that the proposed development was a 23,000 square foot, 1 story building to be used as offices by the Arkansas Department of Human Services. In response to a question from Commissioner Adcock, Mr. Gray stated that the proposed building appeared to be pure office; with no medical clinics. Commissioner Chachere asked if the 110-3" zoning could be approved for the specific use indicated by Mr. Gray. Staff responded that such actions were not allowed. Commissioner Adcock stated that she was concerned about what use was proposed for the site. She noted that "group care facility" was a permitted use in 110-3" and that the Department of Human Services was involved in establishing such facilities. Dana Carney, of the Planning Staff, noted that the request was a straight 110-3" rezoning and, if approved, any by -right use in the 110-3" classification could use the property. A brief discussion then followed concerning the definition of "group care facility" and the possibility of such a facility going on this 5 acre tract. 2 August 22, 1995 ITEM �- 17 commissioner Ball stated that he appreciated Mr. Gray explaining the proposed development and that he understood Commissioner Adcock-s concerns however, the issue before the Commission was a question of land use and whether 110-3" zoning was appropriate for the site. Commissioner Adcock stated that she wanted developers to be "upfront" with the citizens. Commissioner McCarthy stated that the Department of Human Services may not choose to use this site, even after it is rezoned to "O-3" and the character of the area has been changed. Chairman Walker stated that the requested 110-3" zoning conforms to the land use plan and would serve as a buffer against Baseline Road. Commissioner Daniel stated that he would prefer to see the application amended to a PUD and "group care facility" eliminated as a permitted use. Jim Lawson, Director of the Department of Neighborhoods and Planning, stated that there was no site plan submitted with this application. He then questioned why the Commission would discriminate against the Department of Human Services as a potential user. Commissioner Woods stated that it was not appropriate to hold the rezoning hostage when the request conformed to the adopted Land Use Plan. The question was called and a vote taken on the "0-3" rezoning. The vote was 7 ayes, 3 noes, 0 absent and 1 open position.