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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDescription Letter 091624ACCESS BUILDING BRIGHTER FUTURES September 16, 2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Mr. Brad Jordan, Interim Director CO-CHAIRMAN Mr. Monte Moore, Development Administrator W. Scott Davis CO-CHAIRMAN Little Rock Planning and Development Philip Tappan 723 West Markham Street PRESIDENT Fred Davis Little Rock, AR 72201 VICE PRESIDENT Kurt Knickrehm TREASURER Jackson Farrow, Jr. SECRETARY Lynn O'Connor Dear Brad Jordan and Monte Moore, Heather Allmendinger Shelly Baldwin. M.D. I am writing on behalf of ACCESS6, the applicant for this zoning Walter M. Ebel, III request. For over 30 years, ACCESS has been a cornerstone of the Little Brandon Rock community, providing individuals with developmental disabilities aroldJ Joyner Harold Joyner with innovative educational, therapeutic, and vocational services. Julie Marshall Olivia Ramsey Our mission, "Expanding individual potential through innovative Becky Scott instruction," guides everything we do, and we are dedicated to ShaySebree empowering individuals to achieve independence, progress, and Katherine Ann Trotter inclusion within the community. This new residential community is a SENIOR MANAGEMENT natural extension of our ongoing work and commitment to those we EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Tammy Simmons, M.S., CCC-SLP I serve. DIRECTOR OF EARLY CHILDHOOD Monika Garner -Smith, M.Ed. About ACCESS° DIRECTOR OF ACADEMY ACCESS@ is a 501 c3 nonprofit offering evaluation services, full-time Cheri Stevenson. M.S.. CCC-SLP education, therapy, vocational training, community integration, and DIRECTOR Of activities for individuals with special needs. Founded in 1994, the OPPERATERATIONNSS M.S., CCSLP organization now serves individuals ages 6 weeks through adulthood DIRECTOR OF ADULT at ten locations across Arkansas, including: the ACCESS Stella Boyle SERVICES Jenny Adams. MEd. Smith Early Childhood Campus located at 10618 Breckenridge Drive in DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT Little Rock, Arkansas; the ACCESS Academy and Young Adult campus Kellie Wilhite located at 1500 N. Mississippi Street in Little Rock, Arkansas; and eight CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Mark Langston additional sites for the Project SEARCH Arkansas: ACCESS Initiative job DIRECTOR OF FINANCE Elliott Chesler,CPA training program located in Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Hot Springs, DIRECTOR OF HUMAN Camden, Jonesboro, Fort Smith, and Springdale, Arkansas. RESOURCES Jo Carson DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION Sholene Cople 10618 Breckenridge Dr. I Little Rock, AR 72211 1 501.217.8600 niori_ 1 501.217.8636 FAX I AccessGroupinc.org Proposed Development For more than 30 years, our philosophy has guided our mission: All persons have the potential to learn, the capacity for change, and the right to live a meaningful life in the community of their choice. Our proposal includes a new development of a "pocket neighborhood," a small-scale community that will seamlessly integrate into the surrounding neighborhood and businesses. Demographic Served This development will serve a greater mission of offering long-term rental solutions for adults with disabilities who seek to live independently and engage fully within their community. Community residents will be regularly supported by staff, including a property manager living onsite and available 24/7, as well as various direct support professionals providing additional support throughout the day to create an independent and productive living environment. Structures This proposal will involve demolishing the existing vacant homes used as classrooms and cleaning the site. The existing gymnasium and classroom building will be retained and repurposed as a central facility for vocational education and recreational activities. This building has large exterior overhead doors that open allowing for a seamless blend between outdoor and indoor spaces. This is a perfect space to facilitate vocational education and recreational activities encouraging skill development, independence, and personal growth. This development proposes new single family detached and duplex residences to be pushed to the perimeters to entice a "front yard" community environment. This environment is to enhance a sense of need and assistance to the fellow neighbor with person -to -person communication. The residences will be constructed with 100% quality materials as defined by City of Little Rock building codes. The residences will consist of one- and two-story construction with a maximum building height of thirty-five feet. The square footage footprints will vary from 450 to 1500 square feet. The residences will utilize a mix of styles and materials to create a diversified aesthetic within the development. A new Cafe building will be constructed utilizing 100% quality materials as defined by City of Little Rock building codes and meet all local requirements. This building will consist of one-story construction with a maximum building height of thirty-five feet. This building will allow the residents to further their skills cooking, serving, and cleaning while providing meals to other residents. This will give a common place to serve meals in a communal setting, enhancing the sense of community. Grounds and Amenities This integrated community will feature beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces, including walking paths, a dog park, a pavilion, and areas dedicated to games and leisure activities. These spaces will encourage residents to enjoy time outdoors, fostering social interaction and a connection with nature. Our development is designed to be a walkable community, with convenient access to shopping, dining, and public transportation. Safety and Security Each home will prioritize safety and security, with on -site staff available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to ensure the well-being of all residents. In addition, each structure will be equipped with life safety and emergency alert systems, along with security measures to ensure a safe living space. To maintain security and privacy, the property will be fenced, and there will be clear signage for identification purposes. All residents and staff will undergo comprehensive criminal background checks and drug screenings, and the development will be a smoke -free environment. Lighting The community will have low voltage, non -intrusive outdoor lighting directed inward, providing adequate visibility for residents without disturbing our neighbors. Traffic and Parking Unlike the property's previous use as Miss Selma's School, which served almost 200 children and additional staff daily, our community will have significantly less traffic. Even with daily staff members and visitors, the property will host significantly less individuals daily. There will be ample parking to accommodate visitors since most residents do not drive, and no heavy traffic periods will be associated with the property. Waste Disposal A dedicated dumpster enclosure will manage waste disposal effectively, ensuring a clean and safe environment. Noise levels Though our community does not anticipate events or activities involving loud noises, we will adhere to all city noise ordinances. Animals Residents will be permitted to have pets, including dogs and cats. The community will contain a small dog run/dog park to accommodate the needs of those pets. Pet size and quantity limits will be placed on all community residents. Community Contributions We aim to add value to the surrounding neighborhood and businesses by revitalizing a currently vacant and unkept property that has been misused by nonresidents. ACCESS has a strong history of being a good neighbor, as demonstrated by our other locations in the Walnut Valley and Leawood neighborhoods. We are deeply invested in fostering positive relationships with our neighbors and enhancing the quality of life in the community. Many of our future residents already work in and contribute to the community, and its convenience to different areas of the city will make transportation to and from workplaces and appointments convenient for residents. ACCESS takes pride in the upkeep and appearance of our spaces and grounds and has dedicated teams to ensure grounds are well maintained. Our expertise within our existing gardening program at the nearby ACCESS Academy and Young Adult campus will extend to this new development, and the program is already integrated with our adult programs for vocational training and local community partnerships. Convenient Location This property's central location in the heart of Midtown will allow residents to engage with the surrounding neighborhood and find employment opportunities, promoting vocational growth and furthering their overall independence. Addressing A Need Our proposed development represents a long-awaited opportunity for many families who have been searching for an inclusive, supportive living environment for their loved ones. This community will not only help individuals with disabilities thrive, but it will also empower them to contribute meaningfully to the broader community. As we celebrate the past 30 years of success with our current programs, we look forward to creating this integrated pocket neighborhood where individuals with disabilities can continue to develop their independence, find purpose, and live fulfilled lives. To learn more about ACCESS and this proposed development, please visit our website at wwv<<.accessciroupiric.or viliaoe or scan the QR code below. We respectfully request your consideration of our zoning application, and we look forward to discussing this project further. Thank you for your time and attention. Sincerely, Tammy Simmons, M.S., CCC-SLP Executive Director ACCESS Learn more about the proposed ACCESS Village development.