HomeMy WebLinkAboutS-1009 Staff Analysis1. Meeting Date: April 19, 1994
2. Case No.: S-1009
3. Reouest: Waiver from the Master Street Plan and Subdivision
Regulations which require the dedication of additional
right-of-way and construction of an additional traffic lane
along the Chenal Parkway frontage of CHENAL BUSINESS
ADDITION
4. Location: At the southwest corner of Chenal Parkway and
West Markham Street, extending west to Atkins Road.
5. Owner/Applicant: Roman Catholic Diocese of Little Rock,
c/o Dickson Flake
6. Existing Status: Vacant; Zoned C-2, Shopping Center
District
7. Proposed Use: Commercial & Office Subdivision
8. Staff Recommendation: Approval
9. Planning Commission Recommendation: Approval
10. Conditions or Issues Remainin❑ to be Resolved: None
11. Ri ht-of-Wa Issues: None
12. Recommendation Forwarded With: A vote of 10 ayes, 1 nay,
0 absent, and 0 abstentions
13. Objectors: Mary Douglas; Christi Phelps
14. Neighborhood Plan: Ellis Mountain (18)
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 31 OF THE CODE
OF ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF LITTLE ROCK,
ARKANSAS, PROVIDING FOR A WAIVER OF STREET
RIGHT-OF-WAY AND STREET CONSTRUCTION
REQUIREMENTS FOR CHENAL BUSINESS ADDITION
(S-1009), AND LOCATED AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER
OF CHENAL PARKWAY AND WEST MARKHAM STREET;
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CITY OF
LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS:
SECTION 1. That Chapter 31 of the Code of Ordinances be
amended to provide for waivers of certain requirements within
Subdivision Regulations of the city of Little Rock for CHENAL
BUSINESS ADDITION (S-1009) and located at the southwest corner
Chenal Parkway and West Markham Street, as follows:
Subsection a. That Section 31-209 of the Subdivision
Regulations be waived which would require the
dedication of additional right-of-way and
construction of an additional traffic lane along the
Chenal Parkway frontage of CHENAL BUSINESS ADDITION.
SECTION 2. This ORDINANCE shall take effect thirty (30)
days from and after its passage.
PASSED:
ATTEST:
City Clerk
Mayor
the
of
FILE NO-: 5-1009
NAME: CHENAL BUSINESS ADDITION -- PRELIMINARY PLAT
LOCATION: At the southwest corner of Chenal Parkway and West
Markham Street, west to Atkins Road and to Timber Ridge Addition
on the south
DEVELOPER:
ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE
LITTLE ROCK
C/o Dickson Flake
1200 First Commercial
P. O. Box 3546
Little Rock, AR 72203
372-6161
AREA• 16.74 ACRES
ZONING: C-2 & 0-3
PLANNING DISTRICT: 18
CENSUS TRACT: 42.06
ENGINEER:
OF ROBERT BROWN
DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANTS, INC.
10411 W. Markham St., Suite 210
Building Little Rock, AR 72205
221-72205
r
NUMBER OF LOTS: 2 FT. NEW STREET: 0
PROPOSED USES: Commercial & Office
VARIANCES REQUESTED: Waiver from the Master Street Plan
requirement which will require the dedication of additional
right-of-way on Chenal Parkway and construction of an additional
traffic lane along the Chenal Parkway frontage.
TATEMENT OF PROPOSAL:
The applicant proposes a preliminary plat for the development of
a 16.74 acre site bounded on the east by Chenal Parkway, on the
north by West Markham Street, on the west by Atkins Road, and on
the south by the Timber Ridge Addition. For the present, one lot
and one tract are designated. The lot, the north 3.31 acres, is
proposed for immediate development, and an application for a PCD
for Dick Layton Buick is filed to be heard as an additional item
on the agenda. The remaining 13.43 acres is designated as a
tract which is reserved for future development. Besides the PCD
application to be heard, the applicant has filed an application
to re -zone a portion of the tract, and the re -zoning request is
also to be heard on the agenda. No interior streets are
proposed. Improvements required by the Master Street Plan are
proposed to be accomplished along West Markham Street and on
Atkins Road, as is the construction of the required sidewalk
along Chenal Parkway. However, no additional right-of-way and no
construction of an additional traffic lane is proposed for Chenal
Parkway.
A. PROPOSAL/REOUEST:
Approval of the Planning Commission is requested for a
preliminary plat involving a 16.74 acre tract for a
FILE NO.: S-1 0 Continued
B.
C.
commercial subdivision. The proposal involves the
designation of one 3.31 acre lot for immediate development
and the leaving of the remaining 13.43 acres as a tract for
future development. For the present, then, no internal
streets are proposed. Improvements required by the Master
Street Plan are anticipated to be provided along West
Markham Street and along Atkins Road, as is a sidewalk along
Chenal Parkway. A waiver from the Master Street Plan
requirements for dedication of additional right-of-way and
construction of an additional traffic lane along the Chenal
Parkway frontage is requested to be granted by the Board of
Directors.
EXISTING CONDITIONS:,
The site is undeveloped and wooded. The site has about a
70 foot difference in topography across it, with the low
points being along the north property line.
The existing zoning of the Lot 1 area is C-2. The C-2
zoning district extends southward to approximately mid -way
in the site. The remainder of the site is zoned 0-3.
Property to the north and east is zoned C-3; to the west and
south is zoned 0-3.
ENGINEERING•UTILITY COMMENTS:
Engineering reports that the Ordinance will require
dedication of an additional 10 feet of right-of-way,
construction of an additional traffic lane, and construction
of a sidewalk on Chenal Parkway. On West Markham Street and
on Atkins Road, sidewalks will have to be constructed.
PAGIS monuments will be required. The Stormwater Detention
and the Excavation Ordinances are applicable.
Water Works reports that the water main in West Markham
Street is a 20 inch main. Domestic service is not allowed
off of this main. A water main extension and possibly on -
site fire protection will be required.
Wastewater reports that the sanitary sewer easement must
match the location of the existing 10 inch sewer main shown
on the plat.
Arkansas Power and Light Co. will require a 15 foot easement
at the perimeter of the platted area as well as along the
proposed lot line of Lot 1.
Arkansas Louisiana Gas Co. approved the submittal without
comment.
Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. will require a 5 foot
easement along the south lot line of lot 1.
E
FILE NO.: 3)-100 Continued
D. TSSLTES I LEGAL TECHNICAL DESIGN:
There are minor deficiencies in the preliminary plat as
submitted: the acreage to remain for future development
needs to be designated as a tract; the acreage of the lot
and tract must be shown; show the proposed building lines on
the plat; complete the information on abutting property
ownerships; show the zoning of the site and of abutting
properties.
Remaining to be executed are the Owner, Engineering, and
Surveying Certification. Items which will be required are
the location of the PAGIS monuments, etc.
E. ANALYSIS•
The deficiencies noted can be easily remedied. There are no
insurmountable problems with the submittal or with the
design of the plat.
F. STAFF RECQMMENDATI
Staff recommends approval of the preliminary plat and the
planning staff recommends approval of the waiver.
SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE CQMMENT: (MARCH 3, 1994)
Mr. Dickson Flake, representing the owner, and Mr. Robert Brown,
the project engineer, were present. Staff presented the
Proposal, and Mr. Brown reviewed the deficiencies and comments
contained in the discussion outline. Mr. Flake responded to the
City Engineering comment regarding the Master Street Plan
requirements for dedication of additional right-of-way and
construction of the additional lane on Chenal Parkway, indicating
that the owner was pursuing a clarification of the requirements
to the Board of Directors. Staff reported that, by the time the
waiver would normally be heard by the Board, the Board may have
reached a decision on an amendment of the Master Street Plan
which would make a waiver unnecessary. The Committee confirmed
with Mr. Brown that there were no questions regarding the item
listed in the discussion outline, then referred the item to the
full Commission for the public hearing.
Mr. Dickson Flake, representing the owner, and Mr. Robert Brown,
the project engineer, were present. Staff presented the
proposal, and Mr. Brown reviewed the deficiencies and comments
contained in the discussion outline. Mr. Flake responded to the
City Engineering comment regarding the Master Street Plan
requirements for dedication of additional right-of-way and
construction of the additional lane on Chenal Parkway, indicating
3
FILE NO.: S-1009 (Continued
that the owner was pursuing a clarification of the requirements
to the Board of Directors. Staff reported that, by the time the
waiver would normally be heard by the Board, the Board may have
reached a decision on an amendment of the Master Street Plan
which would make a waiver unnecessary. The Committee confirmed
with Mr. Brown that there were no questions regarding the item
listed in the discussion outline, then referred the item to the
full Commission for the public hearing.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION:
Chairperson Chachere explained that
Addition Preliminary PlatT, Item 16
PCD), and Item 25 (the rezoning of a
Chenal Business Addition from 0-3 to
together, but then would be voted on
(MARCH 22, 1994)
Item 2 (Chenal Business
(Dick Layton Buick Short -Form
portion of the proposed
C-2) would be discussed
individually.
Staff presented the various requests and reported that Ruth Bell,
representing the League of Women Voters, had delivered a
statement to staff outlining the League's concerns which she
feels need to be addressed, and staff reported that a copy of the
statement from Ms. Bell was at each Commissioners desk.
David Jones, with Vogle Realty, introduced himself, and indicated
that he was representing the interests of Dick Layton Buick in
the hearing. He related that Dick Layton Buick had tried to make
sure that the development was as sensitive as possible to the
neighborhoods in the area; that, therefore, the deed restrictions
imposed on the sale of the property will contain provisions which
will prohibit: an adult book or adult video store; a night club
or place of recreation or amusement; a car wash, except as an
incidental use associated with the auto dealership; and, any
business serving alcoholic beverages, except as an incidental use
to a restaurant use. He explained that he and others involved in
the project had met with the neighbors, that 12-15 had showed up
and the meeting had lasted about 2 hours; and, that, as a result,
the developer was prepared to make the following concessions:
there would be no body shop constructed as part of the
development; there would be no outdoor paging of employees; there
would be no off -site parking of vehicles; there would be no
off-street loading of vehicles being delivered; there would be no
circus tents, flashing lights, search lights, pendents, or
carnival -type promotions; test drive routs will be defined and
will not run through the Timber Ridge neighborhood, and customers
will be accompanied by sales representatives during test drives;
and, site lighting will be directional and controlled to light
only the site, and site lighting will be reduced after hours by
two-thirds. Mr. Jones concluded with the statement that Dick
Layton, at the meeting with neighbors, had committed to assist
the Timber Ridge and Point West neighborhoods in the development
of a neighborhood park.
4
FILL NO.: 5-1009 Continued
Robert Brown, with Development Consultants, the project engineer,
presented the development scheme to the Commission. He reviewed
with Commissioners the site plan, landscaping plan, the location
of the various proposed activities, and the rendering showing the
view of the project from the front.
Mr. Jones added that the Dick Layton Buick and the rezoning
issues are contractually interrelated, and one cannot proceed
without the other.
Dick Layton promised that he would not return to the Commission
at a late time with requests for tents or banners. He reiterated
that there would be no outside paging, and that the alarm system
is a silent alarm, not an audible alarm. He explained that the
University Ave. location will be retained and will be used for a
storage lot for overflow vehicle storage from the new lot.
Dickson Flake, representing the Catholic Diocese, explained that
the Diocese had concerns in concluding the sale to Dick Layton
Buick that the remaining C-2 land available could not be
developed; that the remaining tract of C-2 land was too narrow
and development would be difficult. The 0-3 area, on the other
hand, was a large area. There was a need, then, to increase the
C-2 area for development of that area to be workable. The change
of a portion of the 0-3 area to C-2 would leave a 5 acre tract
zoned 0-3, and would be 200 feet in depth along the Timber Ridge
neighborhood. The advantage of the change to the Diocese would
be that there would be adequate C-2 area to be marketable. The
advantage to the neighborhood would be that the 0-3 area would be
too small for a high rise development, necessitating a smaller
office development scheme of no more than two -store office
buildings. This would provide a good buffer along the
neighborhood's boundary.
Commissioner Oleson asked Mr. Flake if the Diocese would commit
to that restriction of no more than two story office buildings.
Mr. Flake responded that the Diocese would make that commitment.
Mary Douglas introduced herself as a representative of the Timber
Ridge, Gibralter Heights, and Point West subdivisions, and
indicated that she had a prepared statement to read, which she
then read. She related that she also had a map which shows the
intensity of the commercial development in the area of the three
neighborhoods, and explained that there was too much development
making it too congested; that the area would not be a pleasant
place to live in the future is development continued. She then
asked that the item be deferred to give the neighborhood time to
do further study on the effects of the proposed development on
the neighborhoods.
5
FILE NO.t S-10 Con inued
Mr. Jones responded that the site is already composed of 8 acres
of C-2 land which would allow'a major development to be
constructed without rezoning. In such a case, traffic would be a
great deal greater than it would with the current proposal. Dick
Layton Buick would generate 60-70 vehicles per day; therefor, on
3 acres of the tract, traffic would be substantially decreased
from what might be expected from C-2 zoned land. He said that
the developer had met all requirements to notify the neighbors
and to meet with them, and the developer does not want to delay
the matter. The developer does not want another consultant
brought in by the neighborhood "second-guessing" the design and
choices already made.
Commissioner Putnam, addressing Ms. Douglas, related that the
area is currently zoned C-2, and there are about 100 uses that
could go into the area without review or the property owners
being notified or consulted.
Deputy City Attorney Steve Giles advised the applicant and
neighbors that there is approximately a month between the
Commission hearing and the Board of Directors meeting, and that
during this interim, further discussion could take place.
Mr. Jones related that, if the item were recommended for
approval, that, indeed, further discussion could continue, and
that a meeting with the neighborhood and their consultant, George
Wittenberg, could be held.
Ms. Douglas indicted that she felt that there were questions
remaining which needed clarification.
Commissioner Nicholson responded that all the issues had been
resolved and "signed -off" on by staff. Ms. Nicholson, addressing
Ms. Douglas, said that the neighborhood was not sure that they
were for or against the development, and that she would not
support a request by the neighborhood for a deferral without
specific reasons. She advised Ms. Douglas to meet with Mr.
Wittenberg and develop specific requests which might be points of
discussion with the developer, then to bring these to the
developer for a response. Any further concessions or agreements
could be addressed at the Board of Directors meeting. Ms.
Nicholson then asked Ms. Douglas for a clarification as to who
the letter which Ms. Douglas had read was from.
Ms. Douglas explained that there was no neighborhood association;
that the letter was from the group of residents who had been
meeting and discussing the situation.
Christi Phelps addressed the Commission. She said that the
neighborhood has a good "confidence level" regarding the Dick
Layton Buick proposal, but that they do not have a good
6
FILE NO.: S-1009 (Continued
"confidence level" regarding the rezoning issue. Relating to the
rezoning issue, the neighborhood requests: a 150 foot deep open
space strip abutting the Timber Ridge neighborhood; that there be
permitted no access to Atkins Rd.; that a study be conducted to
determine the effect of the change in zoning on the surrounding
neighborhoods; and, a requirement be imposed which will provide
for site plan review on any development in the rezoned area.
Relating to the Dick Layton Buick, Ms. Phelps continued: that
there be no access to Atkins Rd.; that there be no pole signs
allowed; that parking for employees be restricted to on -site;
that there be no unloading of the transport trucks from Atkins
Rd., W. Markham St., or Chenal Parkway; that the alarm system be
a silent alarm; that the dumpster be in an enclosure and that
servicing be restricted to weekdays only and only after 8:30
A.M.; that there be no test driving allowed on Atkins Rd. or in
the surrounding neighborhoods; that the dealership be closed on
Sundays; that there be no promotional activities allowed; that
there be no expansion of the dealership allowed onto adjacent
property; that if the dealership were vacated, that notification
and review by the neighborhoods be required; that lighting be
controlled and directional; and that landscaping be with
evergreen trees and scrubs.
Mr. Layton responded that, in the years he had been in business,
he had never been open on Sundays, but that he could not commit
to such a restriction.
Mr. Jones responded that most of the items had already been
agreed to; others could not be agreed to, such as the restriction
on the expansion of the dealership.
Robert Brown discussed the location of the proposed signs, saying
that the one sign along Chenal Parkway would conform to the
"Design Overlay District" requirements, but that the sign which
lies 300 feet to the west of Chenal Parkway on W. Markham St.
would be a standard commercial sign. He explained that since the
sign is over 300 feet from Chenal Parkway, that it was not
proposed to conform to the "DOD" restrictions.
Mr. Jones, returning to the discussion of the proposed rezoning,
added that the request is for C-2 zoning, and that site plan
review is required; therefore, the neighbors would have a chance
to participate in site plan review hearings when the development
continues.
Commissioner Putnam asked Mr. Flake to comment further on the
interrelatedness of the proposals. Mr. Flake explained that the
approval of one request without the other would not permit the
Dick Layton Buick proposal to continue. The Diocese could not
conclude the sale without assurance that the remaining tract is
marketable. Mr. Flake, continuing, said that, as well as
restricting the development in the 0-3 area to 2 floors in
height, he would also make the concession to provide for site
plan review of the development within the 0-3 area.
7
FILE NO.; 5-1009 (Continued)
Art Kelly, saying that he was a resident of the Timber Ridge
neighborhood, indicated that he supported the proposed
development.
A motion was made and seconded to approve Item #2, the
preliminary plat for Chenal Business Addition. The motion
carried with the vote of 10 ayes, 1 nay, 0 absent, and 0
abstentions.
A motion was made and seconded to approve Item #16, the Dick
Layton Buick Short -Form PCD. The motion carried with the vote of
11 ayes, 0 nays, 0 absent, and 0 abstentions.
A motion was made and seconded to approve Item #25, the rezoning
of a portion of the tact from 0-3 to C-2. The motion carried
with the vote of 10 ayes, 1 nay, 0 absent, and 0 abstentions.
0
March 22, 1994
ITEM NO.: 2 FILE NO.: S-1009
NAME: CHENAL BUSINESS ADDITION -- PRELIMINARY PLAT
LOCATION: At the southwest corner of Chenal Parkway and West
Markham Street, west to Atkins Road and to Timber Ridge Addition
on the south
DEVELOPER:
ENGINEER•
ROMAN CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF ROBERT BROWN
LITTLE ROCK DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANTS, INC.
C/o Dickson Flake 10411 W. Markham St., Suite 210
1200 First Commercial Building Little Rock, AR 72205
P. 0. Box 3546 221-72205
Little Rock, AR 72203
372-6161
AREA: 16.74 ACRES NUMBER OF LOTS: 2 FT. NEW STREET: 0
ZONING• C-2 & 0-3
PLANNING DISTRICT: 18
CENSUS TRACT: 42.06
PROPOSED USES: Commercial & Office
VARIANCES REOUESTED: Waiver from the Master Street Plan
requirement which will require the dedication of additional
right-of-way on Chenal Parkway and construction of an additional
traffic lane along the Chenal Parkway frontage.
TATEMENT OF PROPOSAL:
The applicant proposes a preliminary plat for the development of
a 16.74 acre site bounded on the east by Chenal Parkway, on the
north by West Markham Street, on the west by Atkins Road, and on
the south by the Timber Ridge Addition. For the present, one lot
and one tract are designated. The lot, the north 3.31 acres, is
proposed for immediate development, and an application for a PCD
for Dick Layton Buick is filed to be heard as an additional item
on the agenda. The remaining 13.43 acres is designated as a
tract which is reserved for future development. Besides the PCD
application to be heard, the applicant has filed an application
to re -zone a portion of the tract, and the re -zoning request is
also to be heard on the agenda. No interior streets are
proposed. Improvements required by the Master Street Plan are
proposed to be accomplished along West Markham Street and on
Atkins Road, as is the construction of the required sidewalk
along Chenal Parkway. However, no additional right-of-way and no
construction of an additional traffic lane is proposed for Chenal
Parkway.
March 22, 1994
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 2 (Continued) FILE NO.: S-1009
A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST:
Approval of the Planning Commission is requested for a
preliminary plat involving a 16.74 acre tract for a
commercial subdivision. The proposal involves the
designation of one 3.31 acre lot for immediate development
and the leaving of the remaining 13143 acres as a tract for
future development. For the present, then, no internal
streets are proposed. Improvements required by the Master
Street Plan are anticipated to be provided along West
Markham Street and along Atkins Road, as is a sidewalk along
Chenal Parkway. A waiver from the Master Street Plan
requirements for dedication of additional right-of-way and
construction of an additional traffic lane along the Chenal
Parkway frontage is requested to be granted by the Board of
Directors.
B. EXISTING CONDITIONS:
The site is undeveloped and wooded. The site has about a
70 foot difference in topography across it, with the low
points being along the north property line.
The existing zoning of the Lot 1 area is C-2. The C-2
zoning district extends southward to approximately mid -way
in the site. The remainder of the site is zoned 0-3.
Property to the north and east is zoned C-3; to the west and
south is zoned 0-3.
C. ENGINEERINGLU_TI_LITY COMMENTS:
Engineering reports that the Ordinance will require
dedication of an additional 10 feet of right-of-way,
construction of an additional traffic lane, and construction
of a sidewalk on Chenal Parkway. On West Markham Street and
on Atkins Road, sidewalks will have to be constructed.
PAGIS monuments will be required. The Stormwater Detention
and the Excavation Ordinances are applicable.
Water Works reports that the water main in West Markham
Street is a 20 inch main. Domestic service is not allowed
off of this main. A water main extension and possibly on -
site fire protection will be required.
Wastewater reports that the sanitary sewer easement must
match the location of the existing 10 inch sewer main shown
on the plat.
Arkansas Power and Light Co. will require a 15 foot easement
at the perimeter of the platted area as well as along the
proposed lot line of Lot 1.
E
March 22, 1994
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 2 (Continued) FILE NO.: S-1009
Arkansas Louisiana Gas Co. approved the submittal without
comment.
Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. will require a 5 foot
easement along the south lot line of lot 1.
D. ISSUES/LEGAL/TECHNICAL/DESIGN:
There are minor deficiencies in the preliminary plat as
submitted: the acreage to remain for future development
needs to be designated as a tract; the acreage of'the lot
and tract must be shown; show the proposed building lines on
the plat; complete the information on abutting property
ownerships; show the zoning of the site and of abutting
properties.
Remaining to be executed are the Owner, Engineering, and
Surveying Certification. Items which will be required are
the location of the PAGIS monuments, etc.
E. ANALYSIS•
The deficiencies noted can be easily remedied. There are no
insurmountable problems with the submittal or with the
design of the plat.
F. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends approval of the preliminary plat and the
planning staff recommends approval of the waiver.
SUBDIVI IO MMITTEE COMME T: (MARCH 3, 1994)
Mr. Dickson Flake, representing the owner, and Mr. Robert Brown,
the project engineer, were present. Staff presented the
proposal, and Mr. Brown reviewed the deficiencies and comments
contained in the discussion outline. Mr. Flake responded to the
City Engineering comment regarding the Master Street Plan
requirements for dedication of additional right-of-way and
construction of the additional lane on Chenal Parkway, indicating
that the owner was pursuing a clarification of the requirements
to the Board of Directors. Staff reported that, by the time the
waiver would normally be heard by the Board, the Board may have
reached a decision on an amendment of the Master Street Plan
which would make a waiver unnecessary. The Committee confirmed
with Mr. Brown that there were no questions regarding the item
listed in the discussion outline, then referred the item to the
full Commission for the public hearing.
3
City of Little Rock
Department of Neighborhoods and Planning
uk
723 West Markham
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1334
(501) 371-4790
April 18, 1994
Roman Catholic Diocese of Little Rock
c/o Dickson Flake
1200 First Commercial Bldg.
P. O. Box 3546
Little Rock, AR 72203
RE: CHENAL BUSINESS ADDITION --PRELIMINARY PLAT (S-1009)
Dear Mr. Flake:
Planning
Zoning and
Subdivision
Attached is a copy of the March 22, 1994 Planning Commission minute record for the
CHENAL BUSINESS ADDITION PRELIMINARY PLAT. As is reflected in the minute
record, the preliminary plat was approved by the Commission, subject to the Board of
Directors approval of the waiver of street improvements along the Chenal Blvd.. frontage
of the site.
The Board of Directors will consider an ordinance waiving the Chenal Blvd. improvements
at its meeting on April 19. The Board meetings are held at 6:00 in the evening.
If you have any questions regarding this matter, please call me at 371-6814.
Sincerely,
Bobby .Sims
Subdivision Administrator
cc: Robert Brown
10411 W. Markham St., Suite 210
Little Rock, AR 72205
March 22, 1994
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 2 Continued FILE NO.: S-1009
Mr. Dickson Flake, representing the owner, and Mr. Robert Brown,
the project engineer, were present. Staff presented the
proposal, and Mr. Brown reviewed the deficiencies and comments
contained in the discussion outline. Mr. Flake responded to the
City Engineering comment regarding the Master Street Plan
requirements for dedication of additional right-of-way and
construction of the additional lane on Chenal Parkway, indicating
that the owner was pursuing a clarification of the requirements
to the Board of Directors. Staff reported that, by the time the
waiver would normally be heard by the Board, the Board may have
reached a decision on an amendment of the Master Street flan
which would make a waiver unnecessary. The Committee confirmed
with Mr. Brown that there were no questions regarding the item
listed in the discussion outline, then referred the item to the
full Commission for the public hearing.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION:
Chairperson Chachere explained that
Addition Preliminary Plat), Item 16
PCD), and Item 25 (the rezoning of a
Chenal Business Addition from 0-3 to
together, but then would be voted on
(MARCH 22, 1994)
Item 2 (Chenal Business
(Dick Layton Buick Short -Form
portion of the proposed
C-2) would be discussed
individually.
Staff presented the various requests and reported that Ruth Bell,
representing the League of Women Voters, had delivered a
statement to staff outlining the League's concerns which she
feels need to be addressed, and staff reported that a copy of the
statement from Ms. Bell was at each Commissioners desk.
David Jones, with Vogle Realty, introduced himself, and indicated
that he was representing the interests of Dick Layton Buick in
the hearing. He related that Dick Layton Buick had tried to make
sure that the development was as sensitive as possible to the
neighborhoods in the area; that, therefore, the deed restrictions
imposed on the sale of the property will contain provisions which
will prohibit: an adult book or adult video store; a night club
or place of recreation or amusement; a car wash, except as an
incidental use associated with the auto dealership; and, any
business serving alcoholic beverages, except as an incidental use
to a restaurant use. He explained that he and others involved in
the project had met with the neighbors, that 12-15 had showed up
and the meeting had lasted about 2 hours; and, that, as a result,
the developer was prepared to make the following concessions:
there would be no body shop constructed as part of the
development; there would be no outdoor paging of employees; there
would be no off -site parking of vehicles; there would be no
off-street loading of vehicles being delivered; there would be no
4
March 22, 1994
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO_: 2 (Continued) FILE NO.: S-1009
circus tents, flashing lights, search lights, pendents, or
carnival -type promotions; test drive routs will be defined and
will not run through the Timber Ridge neighborhood, and customers
will be accompanied by sales representatives during test drives;
and, site lighting will be directional and controlled to light
only the site, and site lighting will be reduced after hours by
two-thirds. Mr. Jones concluded with the statement that Dick
Layton, at the meeting with neighbors, had committed to assist
the Timber Ridge and Point West neighborhoods in the development
of a neighborhood park.
Robert Brown, with Development Consultants, the project bngineer,
presented the development scheme to the Commission. He reviewed
with Commissioners the site plan, landscaping plan, the location
of the various proposed activities, and the rendering showing the
view of the project from the front.
Mr. Jones added that the Dick Layton Buick and the rezoning
issues are contractually interrelated, and one cannot proceed
without the other.
Dick Layton promised that he would not return to the Commission
at a late time with requests for tents or banners. He reiterated
that there would be no outside paging, and that the alarm system
is a silent alarm, not an audible alarm. He explained that the
University Ave. location will be retained and will be used for a
storage lot for overflow vehicle storage from the new lot.
Dickson Flake, representing the Catholic Diocese, explained that
the Diocese had concerns in concluding the sale to Dick Layton
Buick that the remaining C-2 land available could not be
developed; that the remaining tract of C-2 land was too narrow
and development would be difficult. The 0-3 area, on the other
hand, was a large area. There was a need, then, to increase the
C-2 area for development of that area to be workable. The change
of a portion of the 0-3 area to C-2 would leave a 5 acre tract
zoned 0-3, and would be 200 feet in depth along the Timber Ridge
neighborhood. The advantage of the change to the Diocese would
be that there would be adequate C-2 area to be marketable. The
advantage to the neighborhood would be that the 0-3 area would be
too small for a high rise development, necessitating a smaller
office development scheme of no more than two -store office
buildings. This would provide a good buffer along the
neighborhood's boundary.
Commissioner Oleson asked Mr. Flake if the Diocese would commit
to that restriction of no more than two story office buildings.
Mr. Flake responded that the Diocese would make that commitment.
Mary Douglas introduced herself as a representative of the Timber
Ridge, Gibralter Heights, and Point West subdivisions, and
indicated that she had a prepared statement to read, which she
5
March 22, 1994
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 2 (Continued) FILE NO.: S-1009
then read. She related that she also had a map which shows the
intensity of the commercial development in the area of the three
neighborhoods, and explained that there was too much development
making it too congested; that the area would not be a pleasant
place to live in the future is development continued. She then
asked that the item be deferred to give the neighborhood time to
do further study on the effects of the proposed development on
the neighborhoods.
Mr. Jones responded that the site is already composed of 8 acres
of C-2 land which would allow a major development to be
constructed without rezoning. In such a case, traffic would be a
great deal greater than it would with the current proposal. Dick
Layton Buick would generate 60-70 vehicles per day; therefor, on
3 acres of the tract, traffic would be substantially decreased
from what might be expected from C-2 zoned land. He said that
-the developer had met all requirements to notify the neighbors
and to meet with them, and the developer does not want to delay
the matter. The developer does not want another consultant
brought in by the neighborhood "second-guessing" the design and
choices already made.
Commissioner Putnam, addressing Ms. Douglas, related that the
area is currently zoned C-2, and there are about 100 uses that
could go into the area without review or the property owners
being notified or consulted.
Deputy City Attorney Steve Giles advised the applicant and
neighbors that there is approximately a month between the
Commission hearing and the Board of Directors meeting, and that
during this interim, further discussion could take place.
Mr. Jones related that, if the item were recommended for
approval, that, indeed, further discussion could continue, and
that a meeting with the neighborhood and their consultant, George
Wittenberg, could be held.
Ms. Douglas indicted that she felt that there were questions
remaining which needed clarification.
Commissioner Nicholson responded that all the issues had been
resolved and "signed -off" on by staff. Ms. Nicholson, addressing
Ms. Douglas, said that the neighborhood was not sure that they
were for or against the development, and that she would not
support a request by the neighborhood for a deferral without
specific reasons. She advised Ms. Douglas to meet with Mr.
Wittenberg and develop specific requests which might be points of
discussion with the developer, then to bring these to the
developer for a response. Any further concessions or agreements
could be addressed at the Board of Directors meeting. Ms.
Nicholson then asked Ms. Douglas for a clarification as to who
the letter which Ms. Douglas had read was from.
6
March 22, 1994
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 2 JContinued) FILE NO.: 5-1009
Ms. Douglas explained that there was no neighborhood association;
that the letter was from the group of residents who had been
meeting and discussing the situation.
Christi Phelps addressed the Commission. She said that the
neighborhood has a good "confidence level" regarding the Dick
Layton Buick proposal, but that they do'not have a good
"confidence level" regarding the rezoning issue. Relating to the
rezoning issue, the neighborhood requests: a 150 foot deep open
space strip abutting the Timber Ridge neighborhood; that there be
permitted no access to Atkins Rd.; that a study be condubted to
determine the effect of the change in zoning on the surrounding
neighborhoods; and, a requirement be imposed which will provide
for site plan review on any development in the rezoned area.
Relating to the Dick Layton Buick, Ms. Phelps continued: that
.there be no access to Atkins Rd.; that there be no pole signs
allowed; that parking for employees be restricted to on -site;
that there be no unloading of the transport trucks from Atkins
Rd., W. Markham St., or Chenal Parkway; that the alarm system be
a silent alarm; that the dumpster be in an enclosure and that
servicing be restricted to weekdays only and only after 8:30
A.M.; that there be no test driving allowed on Atkins Rd. or in
the surrounding neighborhoods; that the dealership be closed on
Sundays; that there be no promotional activities allowed; that
there be no expansion of the dealership allowed onto adjacent
property; that if the dealership were vacated, that notification
and review by the neighborhoods be required; that lighting be
controlled and directional; and that landscaping be with
evergreen trees and scrubs.
Mr. Layton responded that, in the years he had been in business,
he had never been open on Sundays, but that he could not commit
to such a restriction.
Mr. Jones responded that most of the items had already been
agreed to; others could not be agreed to, such as the restriction
on the expansion of the dealership.
Robert Brown discussed the location of the proposed signs, saying
that the one sign along Chenal Parkway would conform to the
"Design Overlay District" requirements, but that the sign which
lies 300 feet to the west of Chenal Parkway on W. Markham St.
would be a standard commercial sign. He explained that since the
sign is over 300 feet from Chenal Parkway, that it was not
proposed to conform to the "DOD" restrictions.
Mr. Jones, returning to the discussion of the proposed rezoning,
added that the request is for C-2 zoning, and that site plan
review is required; therefore, the neighbors would have a chance
to participate in site plan review hearings when the development
continues.
7
March 22, 1994
SUBDIVISION
ITEM NO.: 2 (Continued) FILE NO.: 5-1009
Commissioner Putnam asked Mr. Flake to comment further on the
interrelatedness of the proposals. Mr. Flake explained that the
approval of one request without the other would not permit the
Dick Layton Buick proposal to continue. The Diocese could not
conclude the sale without assurance that the remaining tract is
marketable. Mr. Flake, continuing, said that, as well as
restricting the development in the 0-3 area to 2 floors in
height, he would also make the concession to provide for site
plan review of the development within the 0-3 area.
Art Kelly, saying that he was a resident of the Timber Ridge
neighborhood, indicated that he supported the proposed
development.
A motion was made and seconded to approve Item #2, the
preliminary plat for Chenal Business Addition. The motion
carried with the vote of 10 ayes, 1 nay, 0 absent, and 0
abstentions.
A motion was made and seconded to approve Item #16, the Dick
Layton Buick Short -Form PCD. The motion carried with the vote of
11 ayes, 0 nays, 0 absent, and 0 abstentions.
A motion was made and seconded to approve Item #25, the rezoning
of a portion of the tact from 0-3 to C-2. The motion carried
with the vote of 10 ayes, 1 nay, 0 absent, and 0 abstentions.
0