HomeMy WebLinkAboutZ-8198 Staff AnalysisApril 26, 2007
ITEM NO.: 12 FILE NO.: Z-8198
NAME: Little Rock Expo Center — Conditional Use Permit
LOCATION: 7400 Scott Hamilton
OWNER/APPLICANT: Celestica Corporation/Colliers Dickson Flake Partners,
Agent
PROPOSAL: A conditional use permit is requested to allow Little
Rock Expo Center to occupy the existing building on
this 1-2 zoned 87± acre site.
SITE LOCATION:
The property is located at the northwest corner of Scott Hamilton and
Interstate 30.
2. COMPATIBILITY WITH NEIGHBORHOOD:
The tract is located in an area that is principally Light Industrial in use and
zoning. The industrial zoning extends to the east and north through the
65th Street Industrial Park. 1-30 is adjacent to the south and beyond that is
an area of mixed commercial and industrial uses. A single family
neighborhood is located to the west. Parking and access to this site is
from the south and east, limiting activities on the western side of the
property. No outdoor activities are proposed on this site. Allowing use of
a portion of this existing building as proposed is compatible with uses in
the area.
All owners of properties located within 200 feet of the site, all residents
within 300 feet who could be identified and the SWLR United for Progress,
Upper Baseline and Wakefield Neighborhood Association were notified of
this request.
3. ON SITE DRIVES AND PARKING:
Parking lots containing several hundred parking spaces are located on the
east side of the building. Access is off of both Scott Hamilton and the
interstate access road. The Expo Center is proposed to utilize 126,000±
square feet of the existing 760,000 square foot building; leaving the
remainder to be occupied by 1-2 uses. The parking should be sufficient
but, if not, additional area is available for development as parking.
April 26, 2007
ITEM NO.: 12 (Cont.) FILE NO.: Z-8198
4. SCREENING AND BUFFERS:
No Comments.
5. PUBLIC WORKS COMMENTS:
No Comments.
6. UTILITY., FIRE DEPT. AND CATA COMMENTS:
Wastewater: Sewer available to this property.
Entergy: No Comment received.
CenterPoint Energy: Approved as submitted.
AT&T (SBC): No Comment received.
Water: No objection. (Confirm address. Address in Central Arkansas
Water's records and in PaGIS is 7600 Interstate 30.).
Fire Department: Approved as submitted.
County Planning: No Comments.
CATA: The site is located on a CATA bus route.
SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (APRIL 5, 2007)
The applicants were present. Staff presented the item and noted little additional
information was needed. In response to a question from staff, the applicants
stated the Expo Center would occupy 126,000 square feet of the existing
760,000 square foot building. The applicants stated there would be no outside
use area. In response to staffs suggestion, the applicants agreed that signage
would comply with that allowed in industrial zones.
There were no other issues to discuss. The Committees forwarded the item to
the full Commission.
STAFF ANALYSIS:
A conditional use permit is requested to allow the Little Rock Expo Center to
locate in a portion of the existing, 1-2 zoned building located at 7400 Scott
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April 26, 2007
ITEM NO.: 12 (Cont.
FILE NO.: Z-81
Hamilton Drive. This 87± acre tract contains a 760,000 square foot building and
several hundred parking spaces. The Expo Center is proposed to occupy
approximately 126,000 square feet of the building. The remainder of the building
will be available for 1-2 uses. The site is located at the northwest corner of the
Scott Hamilton/1-30 interchange and is located in an area of mixed zoning and
uses. All activities are proposed to be enclosed with no outdoor use areas being
proposed.
The Expo Center was previously located in a former mail building at 1-30 and
County Line Road but was forced to relocate when the building was purchased
by Pulaski Technical College. The Little Rock Expo Center will be primarily used
for the Memphis Flea Market, which consists of about 500 vendors who travel
into Little Rock once a month to sell their wares. These vendors arrive on
Thursday or Friday and leave on Sunday night or Monday morning. The
Memphis Flea Market takes place the second weekend of each month with hours
of operation being 8:00 a.m. — 6:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. About 90% of
the vendors sell new merchandise with the remaining 10% selling antiques and
collectibles. In addition, the Expo Center will house 8-10 special events each
year such as boat shows and the Big Buck Classic. These are also typically
weekend events.
To staffs knowledge there are no outstanding issues. Allowing use of a portion
of this existing building for the proposed use appears compatible with uses in the
area.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the requested C.U.P. subject to compliance with
the following conditions:
1. All uses are to take place within the enclosed building.
2. Signage is to comply with that permitted in industrial zones.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (APRIL 26, 2007)
The applicant was present. There were no objectors present. Staff presented
the item and a recommendation of approval subject to compliance with the
conditions outlined in the "staff recommendation" above. There was no further
discussion.
The item was placed on the consent agenda and approved as recommended by
staff. The vote was 10 ayes, 0 noes and 1 absent.
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