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HomeMy WebLinkAboutS-0763 Staff AnalysisJanuary 13, 1987 SUBDIVISIONS Item No. 2 - File No. 742 NAME: T.nrATTON: DEVELOPER: Capitol Hill Apartments Lying on the north side of West Markham Street and easterly of its intersection with Battery W XTn T TT 1': 1: V . Capitol Hill Properties Eddie Branton, Architect 3226 JFK Boulevard 707 Wallace Building No. Little Rock, AR 72116 Little Rock, AR 72201 Phone: 372-4930 AREA: 4.55 acres NO. OF LOTS: 1 FT. OF NEW ST.: 0 ZONING: "MF-24" Multifamily PROPOSED USE: Apartments/102 units in three-story buildings at a density of 22.4 units per acre. VARIANCES: None requested. A. Site History The subject site was rezoned from "I-3" Heavy Industrial to "MF-24" Multifamily on November 18, 1986. The property has experienced several development proposals over the last several years. B. Development Concept To utilize the terrain to its best advantage and protect the hillside while siting nine buildings, a swimming pool and clubhouse facilities. C . Proposal To construct seven apartment structures with 102 units at three -stories each with a mix of unit types. Access is to be by way of West Markham Street and Battery Street for the majority of the units with a secondary access to Gill Street and Garland Street at the northwest corner. There will be 153 parking spaces for a 1.5 per unit count. T ,January 13, 1987 SUBDIVISIONS Item -No. 2 - Continued D. Issues There are several issues which were initially raised in the rezoning hearing and will be likely introduced again. These are: (1) poor access for this density over a two-lane street system three blocks or more to an arterial street, (2) street improvements, (3) drainage improvement on and off -site, and ( 4 ) screening and lighting on the site. E. Staff Analysis The staff view of this proposal is that the density is high, but a limit of 102 units with little possibility of future multifamily on this hill suggests that it is appropriate. The access issue was addressed at the time of rezoning when the owner agreed to provide improvements to both Markham Street and Battery Street off -site. This involved at least two blocks of off -site improvements. A staff review indicates a deficiency in quantitative data relative to the unit mix in each building, number of units in each building, and the design of the tennis courts. We also feel a grading plan would be useful in determining the total site effect of these buildings and parking areas. Further, notice to neighbors should be given. F. Engineering Comments (1) Need detention plan. (2) Close Markham Street east of the alley entrance or improve the street. (3) Meet with the Traffic Engineer to discuss access design at the northwest corner. (4) Street improvements on Markham and Battery as previously agreed upon. January 13, 1987 SUBDIVISIONS Item No. 2 - Continued SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE COMMENT: (12-29-86) The architect was present and offered the plan. He addressed the issues raised and stated that he could provide the additional information and would notify the neighbors utilizing the previous notice list as suggested by Mr. Rector. Water: Little Rock Water Works reports a need for an on s to fire protection plan and a water main extension. Sewer: Sewer is available but capacity contribution analysis is required. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: The applicant was present. Two interested persons were in attendance. Ms. Susan Hilman of 109 South Battery had questions concerning current sight distance and substandard street problems, and whether or not a traffic light will be installed at the intersection with Markham Street. The traffic engineer, Mr. Henk Roornstra, responded to her concerns. Mrs. Lucy Tobin of 110 South Schiller also spoke in favor of a traffic light at the intersection of Summit and Markham. She presented photos taken during rush hour. She asked for more information on screening and lighting. She felt that traffic going on to Third Street would aggravate an existing bad situation. A motion for approval was made and passed by a vote of 10 ayes, 1 no, and 0 absent.