HomeMy WebLinkAboutCover Letter 071924Walter H. Schmeckenbecher, Sr. Trust
Harold Schmeckenbecher, Trustee
3023 Bryant Street
Little Rock, Arkansas 72204
501.993.5400
May 1, 2024
Josiah McCalman
Code Enforcement Officer
Department of Planning & Development
Dear Mr. McCalman,
The denial of a business permit for Vargas Body Shop at 8415 Scott Hamilton Drive is unjustified.
Ever since 1965 (before this property was annexed into the city), there has been a commercial
enterprise of one sort or another (including repairing vehicles and forklifts) at this location.
Presently, my own business (MidSouth Filter, Inc.) has been located here since 2009!
Why this parcel was classified as R-2 when it was annexed into the city is a mystery. Even now, in
the quarter mile stretch from Fourche Road to Baseline Road, you cannot find more than FOUR
residential houses on this street! Oh, it does have a junk yard that the city allows as a `used car lot'.
If you come out, you will find that there is no bedroom or living room, essential areas of a residence.
You will find heavy duty joists, hoists, compressed air lines going through the building, along with
storage areas, offices, and other implements of a commercial business. Commercial items that
have been in use since 1965. Pulaski County even assesses the property as if it is commercial
(don't get the lower residential rate!)
Back around 2008, 1 was told by a city official that, as long as there is a commercial business
operating here at this location, there would be no problems with any commercial business being
here, as it is grandfathered in. Was I told yet another lie from city officials?
The Vargas Body Shop is a viable and growing business, employing at least six. Does the State of
Arkansas want to pay unemployment to these workers, along with the state, county, and city losing
substantial tax revenues?
Once I have enough monetary resources, the trust will apply for commercial status for the property
in the near future. But this will take sometime.
Please give me a call at 501.993.5400 so we can discuss options.
Sincerely,
Harold Schmeckenbecher