HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-0029
To Whom it May Concern:
I would like to officially state my opposition to the rezoning of the property located at 3179 N
Old Wire Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72703. Currently zoned RA; I object to this rezoning or any other
future proposed rezoning. Reasons for my objection fall under the consideration for
infrastructure, safety, animal (domestic) welfare and an overall interruption of existing zoning
usages.
Development of this magnitude would not be supported by the current roadways in and out of the
area. We understand development and progress will take place, but it needs to be done so in a
responsible and timely manner. Growth in Fayetteville has far outpaced its ability to allow for
safe and reasonable commute throughout it. This is evidenced by an influx in traffic accidents
due to roadways that haven’t adapted to the increase of traffic caused by the increase in
dwellings. Changing the zoning to allow for 8 dwellings per acre will only increase the
infrastructural load that isn’t currently being met. Old Wire Rd and contributary/distributary
roads are not yet ready to handle the increase.
Another consideration is safety and the existing zoning usages. Properties all around are zoned
RA. On either side of this property is agriculture production. There is a breeding horse
operation to the north, and cattle farms on the east and west. Additionally, there are hay
operations, sod farms and small homesteads within the vicinity. A neighborhood in this area
presents a potential danger; especially for people moving into a subdivision-type setting that
have no knowledge of animal husbandry – what would they do when cows and horses get out?
While it’s the responsibility of the owners to keep and maintain proper fencing, risk of animal
escape is still present. This leads directly into animal welfare.
The presence of neighborhood people adds stress to the animals. We understand people like to
approach the fence “to see and pet the animals.” While this seems harmless it triggers animals’
flight responses. Dogs present a problem as well when they get out to chase the livestock.
Again, the owner has a responsibility to keep their pets enclosed, but escape remains a risk and
dogs like to chase animals or bark at them as they try to graze on adjacent fields creating
unwanted stress. Horses and cattle being raise for a specific purpose have very specific dietary
requirements and while it may seem harmless to feed the animals treats it may be averse or even
harmful/toxic to their diet potentially harming the animals. Further, people may be harming
themselves from being kicked, bucked, or bitten by animals that are unpredictable. This is why
subdivisions exist where they do, and agriculture areas are separate – as it should remain.
Thank you for concern and consideration,