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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-6299 Staff AnalysisJune 26, 1997 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: D (Cont.) FILE NO.: _Z-6299 4. screening and Buffers: No Comments. 5. Public Works Comments: Property frontage needs to have the sidewalks and ramps brought up to the current ADA standards with any planned construction. 6. utility and Fire Department Comments: L.R. Wastewater - Location of sewer service unknown. Contact L.R. Wastewater Utility for details. 6A. CATA This site is on a Central Arkansas Transit Authority bus route (East 9th Street and Rock Street). 7. Staff Analysis: The applicant is requesting a conditional use permit to convert the existing structure at 913 S. Rock Street to a community arts center. The property is zoned HDR (High Density Residential). The existing two-story brick structure has been used as a residence in the past. It has been vacant for the past 8-10 years. The structure has no exterior windows and will require extensive interior remodeling. After remodeling, the applicant proposes to convert the structure to a community arts center for the production and presentation of art. There will be an art gallery and a small amateur performance space (poetry reading, music presentation, etc.) for local and invited artists located on the first floor of the structure. A semi- private rehearsal space for musicians and an office space/storage space for art supplies will also be located on the first floor. A community library of original writings and donated reference books will be located on the second floor. Artist studio space will also be located on the second floor. The art studio will be available upon request. There will be bi-monthly performances of music, poetry reading, etc. All operating hours will comply with the Little Rock curfew law, as many of the activities will be oriented toward the youth. 2 L7une 26, 1997 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: D (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-6299 Six (6) off-street parking spaces are required by ordinance to serve the proposed use. One (1) parking space can be provided on the existing brick driveway. The applicant has indicated that a lease/use agreement may be worked out with the property owner to the north for the use of 5 to 6 parking spaces. On -street parking is allowed on Rock Street, but with the existing single-family and multifamily uses in this area, parking on Rock Street is often congested. Staff recommends that the applicant provide an off-street parking plan before the proposed use can be supported. The property is located within the MacArthur Park Historic District. Any exterior remodeling or additions to the existing structure or any new off- street parking areas must receive a Certificate of Appropriateness from the MacArthur Park Historic District Commission. The applicant can contact Anne Guthrie at 244-5420 for additional details. One wall sign is also proposed which will comply with city ordinance. The use of the existing structure as proposed should prove to be a quiet nonresidential use which should be compatible with the surrounding uses, providing that an off-street parking plan can be achieved. 8. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the conditional use permit, subject to the following conditions: 1. The applicant must provide an adequate off-street parking plan for at least six .(6) parking spaces. 2. Compliance with the Public Works Comment 3. Compliance with the L.R. Wastewater Comment 4. Any exterior remodeling or additions to the existing structure or any new off-street parking areas must be approved by the MacArthur Park Historic District. SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (APRIL 24, 1997) Stacy Mackey was present, representing the application. Staff gave a brief description of the proposal. David Scherer, of Public Works, reviewed his comments with the Committee. f June 26, 1997 SUBDIVISION ITEM NO.: D (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-6299 Staff addressed the parking issues associated with this proposed use, and they were briefly discussed. Stacy Mackey offered the hours of operation, which are reflected in the "Staff Analysis". After a brief discussion, the Committee accepted the application and forwarded the issue to the full Commission for final action. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (MAY 15, 1997) The staff informed the Commission that the applicant had requested a deferral in order to work on an off-street parking plan. Staff recommended deferral to the June 26, 1997 agenda. The Chairman placed the item before the Commission for inclusion within the Consent Agenda for deferral to the June 26, 1997 Subdivision Agenda. A motion to that effect was made. The motion was passed by a vote of 10 ayes, 0 nays and 1 absent. STAFF UPDATE: The applicant submitted a letter to staff (dated June 3, 1997) requesting that this item be withdrawn. The applicant noted that she is no longer in contract to purchase the property. Staff recommends approval of the withdrawal request. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (JUNE 26, 1997) The staff informed the Commission that the applicant had - requested that the item be withdrawn. Staff recommended approval of the withdrawal request. The Chairman placed the item before the Commission for inclusion within the Consent Agenda for withdrawal. A motion to that effect was made. The motion was passed by a vote of 7 ayes, 0 nays and 4 absent. 4