HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-339 (31)
CityClerk
From:Colene Gaston <colenegaston@outlook.com>
Sent:Tuesday, August 6, 2024 4:37 PM
To:Agenda Item Comment
Cc:Stafford, Bob; Jones, D'Andre; Moore, Sarah; Wiederkehr, Mike; Berna, Scott; Bunch,
Sarah; Turk, Teresa; Hertzberg, Holly; Roger Montgomery
(rcmontgomerymd@gmail.com)
Subject:Agenda Item C.8 RZN-2024-0029 (3179 N. Old Wire Road)
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Dear Mayor Jordon and Members of the Fayetteville Planning Commission:
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the appeal of the denial by the Planning Commission of the
rezoning request for the 13.65 acres at 3179 N. Old Wire Road. We live approximately three-tenths of a
mile east of the subject property. We oppose the requested rezoning from Residential-Agricultural (R-A)
to Residential Single-Family, Eight Units per Acre (RSF-8).
We recognize that the agenda for tonight’s Council meeting is very full. We hope, however, you have had
an opportunity to, at least quickly, review the many comments and signed petitions in opposition to
the requested rezoning that were submitted in writing and made in person to the Planning
Commission. To the best of our knowledge, there have been no public comments in favor of the
requested rezoning.
A primary concern expressed in the comments is that the current public infrastructure in the area of
the requested rezoning is not sufficient for up to an additional 109 dwelling units. There already are
very real traffic safety and water service issues. The proposed development would compound those
problems. No less of a concern for many area residents is the incompatibility of the proposed
rezoning with the surrounding area. Contrary to the findings of staff in City Memo 2024-339, the
proposed rezoning does NOT “provide a logical transition in density from the higher density development
to the northwest \[the Ciel Senior Living community\] and the lower density to the south and east.”
Please take into consideration the following:
The streets in this area are predominately two-lane rural roads without shoulders. There
are no sidewalks or bike lanes. Old Wire Road just southwest of the proposed rezoning has
a blind curve. A few tenths of a mile east of the proposed rezoning on Old Wire is another
dangerous curve. There have been multiple accidents at these curves.
The intersection of Old Wire and Skillern Roads also is dangerous. Cars approaching from
the east on Skillern cannot be seen from Old Wire Road (and often are speeding, as
Oakland-Zion Road to Skillern Road to Crossover Road has become a bypass for those
wishing to avoid the traffic congestion at the intersection of Mission Boulevard and
Crossover Road (Highway 265)).
At peak hours, which are expanding, cars are backed-up in all directions from the
intersection of Old Wire Road and Crossover Road. The backup on Old Wire Road at times
extends west to the stoplight at the intersection with Old Missouri Road.
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There have been frequent water line breaks in this area. The most recent break occurred
yesterday along Old Wire Road near the subject property and resulted in nearby residences
being without water for many hours. We have been without water at our house at least
three times this summer. City staff has been commendable in responding to the line
breaks, but nonetheless it is a persistent problem.
The issue of insufficient water pressure in the area east of Crossover Road is well-
documented. This is not only an inconvenience. It could also be a public health
threat. We again acknowledge the professional efforts of City water managers and staff to
address the water supply issue, but the fact remains that it will take substantial time and
significant resources to solve the problems.
The finding of City staff that the proposed rezoning is compatible with the surrounding area
relies solely on the proximity of the Ciel senior-living facility accessed from Crossover
Road. Because of the topography of the area and the current road layout, the senior-living
facility isn’t visible from the nearby rural residences and neighborhoods and doesn’t
change the character of the area. It also is a quiet and peaceful place with little traffic. The
proposed rezoning with a connection through the Ciel facility to Crossover Road would not
only disrupt the senior-living community, but it would negatively alter the character of the
surrounding area.
The rural character and open space of this area has long provided ecosystem services for
the City. That would be lost in a jump from R-A to RSF-8 zoning. The current ecosystem
services provided by this lightly developed and agricultural land have a true economic
value, which is becoming increasingly rare as Fayetteville continues to grow.
Thank you for your consideration,
Colene Gaston and Roger Montgomery
3270 N. Rom Orchard Road
Fayetteville, AR 72703
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