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Home My WebLink AboutOrdinance 6944Page 1 113 West Mountain Street Fayetteville, AR 72701 479) 575-8323 Ordinance: 6944 File Number: 2025-2270 AN ORDINANCE TO REZONE THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN REZONING PETITION RZN 2025-48 FOR APPROXIMATELY 26.7 ACRES LOCATED SOUTH OF NORTH MARKS MILL LANE IN WARD 3 FROM RSF-4, RESIDENTIAL SINGLE-FAMILY, 4 UNITS PER ACRE AND UC, URBAN CORRIDOR TO P-1, INSTITUTIONAL BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS: Section 1: That the City Council of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas hereby changes the zone classification of the property shown on the map (Exhibit A) and the legal description (Exhibit B) both attached to the Planning Department’s Agenda Memo RSF-4, Residential Single-Family, 4 Units Per Acre and UC, Urban Corridor to P-1, Institutional. Section 2: That the City Council of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas hereby amends the official zoning map of the City of Fayetteville to reflect the zoning change provided in Section 1. PASSED and APPROVED on December 16, 2025 Approved: Molly Rawn, Mayor Attest: Kara Paxton, City Clerk Treasurer 7KLV SXEOLFDWLRQ ZDV SDLG IRU E\WKH LW\OHUN 7UHDVXUHU RI WKH LW\RI D\HWWHYLOOH UNDQVDV PRXQW 3DLG 3URSRVHG 3323/$5 67 6+67 5 1 5 6 5 5 9 0 67 2 9 5 2 1& 8& 56) 5HJLRQDO LQN LJK FWLYLW\ 5HVLGHQWLDO LQN LOOVLGH LOOWRS 2YHUOD\LVWULFW 7UDLO 3URSRVHG 3ODQQLQJ UHD D\HWWHYLOOH LW\LPLWV ORVH 8S 9LHZ 5=1 1 0$5.6 0,//1 HHW 6XEMHFW 3URSHUW\ RQH 3URSRVHG 3 56) 8& 7RWDO DF XUUHQW EXHIBIT A TRACT "A", AS PER PLAT RECORD 2024-000225626 IN THE OFFICE OF THE CIRCUIT CLERK AND EX- OFFICIO RECORDER OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, ARKANSAS, BEING PART OF THE NE 1/4 OF THE SW 1/4 OF SECTION 3, TOWNSHIP 16 NORTH, RANGE 30 WEST, WASHINGTON COUNTY ARKANSAS, MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF THE NE 1/4 OF THE SW 1/4 OF SAID SECTION 3, SAID POINT BEING A 2" ALUMINUM CAP STAMPED PS 1005; THENCE ALONG THE WEST LINE THEREOF S03°00'13"W 176.40 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF SAID TRACT "A", SAID POINT BEING A 1/2" IRON WITH PS 1005 CAP; THENCE ALONG THE NORTH LINE THEREOF S87°18'12"E 289.44 FEET TO A 1/2" IRON WITH PS 1005 CAP; THENCE ALONG SAID NORTH LINE N03°02'01"E 176.44 FEET TO THE NORTH LINE OF THE NE 1/4 OF THE SW 1/4 OF SAID SECTION 3 ON THE NORTH LINE OF SAID TRACT "A", SAID POINT BEING A 5/8" IRON WITH PS 1642 CAP; THENCE ALONG SAID NORTH LINE S87°18'41"E 299.51 FEET TO THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID TRACT "A", SAID POINT BEING A 1/2" IRON WITH PS 1005 CAP; THENCE ALONG THE EAST LINE THEREOF S02°50'50"W 1193.95 FEET TO THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID TRACT "A", SAID POINT BEING A 1/2" IRON WITH PS 1005 CAP; THENCE ALONG THE SOUTH LINE THEREOF S37°52'11"W 150.73 FEET TO A 1/2" IRON; THENCE ALONG SAID SOUTH LINE N87°31'44"W 506.15 FEET TO THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE NE 1/4 OF THE SW 1/4 OF SAID SECTION 3 AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SAID TRACT "A", SAID POINT BEING A 2" ALUMINUM CAP STAMPED PS 1005; THENCE ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID TRACT "A" THE FOLLOWING FIVE COURSES: THENCE N03°00'13"E 485.23 FEET TO THE SOUTH LINE OF DEED RECORD 2016-00026988, SAID POINT BEING A 1/2" IRON WITH PS 1005 CAP; THENCE ALONG SAID SOUTH LINE S86°38'24"E 21.47 FEET TO THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF DEED RECORD 2016-00026988, SAID POINT BEING A 5/8" IRON; THENCE ALONG EAST LINE THEREOF N01°59'23"E 122.76 FEET TO THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF DEED RECORD 2016-00026988, SAID POINT BEING A 3/4" PIPE; THENCE ALONG NORTH LINE THEREOF N86°54'20"W 19.30 FEET TO A 1/2" IRON WITH PS 1005 CAP; THENCE LEAVING SAID NORTH LINE N03°00'13"E 534.82 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, CONTAINING 16.52 ACRES, MORE OR LESS AND SUBJECT TO ANY AND ALL EASEMENTS OF RECORD OR FACT. AND PART OF TRACT "B", AS PER PLAT RECORD 2024-000225626 IN THE OFFICE OF THE CIRCUIT CLERK AND EX-OFFICIO RECORDER OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, ARKANSAS, BEING PART OF THE W 1/2 OF THE SW 1/4 OF SECTION 3, TOWNSHIP 16 NORTH, RANGE 30 WEST, WASHINGTON COUNTY ARKANSAS, MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF THE NE 1/4 OF THE SW 1/4 OF SAID SECTION 3, ON THE EAST LINE OF SAID TRACT "B", SAID POINT BEING A 2" ALUMINUM CAP STAMPED PS 1005; THENCE ALONG THE WEST LINE THEREOF S03°01'22"W 129.90 FEET TO THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID TRACT "B", SAID POINT BEING A 5/8" IRON WITH PS 1532 CAP; EXHIBIT B THENCE ALONG THE NORTH LINE THEREOF N87°17'46"W 270.41 FEET TO THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF SAID TRACT "B", SAID POINT BEING A 1/2" IRON; THENCE ALONG THE WEST LINE THEREOF N02°42'14"E 155.40 FEET TO A MAG NAIL; THENCE LEAVING SAID WEST LINE N87°17'46"W 256.04 FEET TO A 1/2" IRON WITH PS 1005 CAP; THENCE N13°35'18"E 177.82 FEET TO THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID TRACT "B", SAID POINT BEING A 1/2" IRON WITH PS 1005 CAP; THENCE ALONG SAID SOUTH LINE S87°17'15"E 494.65 FEET TO THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID TRACT "B", SAID POINT BEING A 1/2" IRON WITH PS 1005 CAP; THENCE ALONG THE EAST LINE THEREOF S03°00'13"W 200.05 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, CONTAINING 3.01 ACRES, MORE OR LESS AND SUBJECT TO ANY AND ALL EASEMENTS OF RECORD OR FACT. AND PART OF THE SE OF THE SW OF SECTION 3, TOWNSHIP 16 NORTH, RANGE 30 WEST, WASHINGTON COUNTY, ARKANSAS, AND BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED FOLLOWS, TO-WIT: BEGINNING AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF SAID 40-ACRE TRACT, AND RUNNING THENCE SOUTH 3S.9 RODS; THENCE EAST 31.17 RODS; THENCE NORTH 35.9 RODS; THENCE WEST 31,17 RODS TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. ALSO PART OF THE SE OF THE SW OF SECTION 3, TOWNSHIP 16 NORTH, RANGE 30 WEST, WASHINGTON COUNTY, ARKANSAS, AND BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED FOLLOWS, TO-WIT: BEGINNING AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID LAST DESCRIBED TRACT, AND RUNNING THENCE EAST 4 1/3 RODS THENCE SOUTH 20 FEET; THENCE WEST 4 1/3 RODS; THENCE NORTH TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. ALSO PART THE SE OF THE SW OF SECTION 3, TOWNSHIP 16 NORTH, RANGE 30 WEST, WASHINGTON COUNTY, ARKANSAS, AND BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED FOLLOWS, TO-WIT: BEGINNING AT A POINT WHICH IS 9 CHAINS EAST OF THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SAID FORTY ACRE TRACT, AND RUNNING THENCE NORTH 126 FEET; THENCE IN A SOUTHWESTERLY DIRECTION TO THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID FORTY ACRE TRACT TO A POINT 87 FEET WEST OF THE BEGINNING POINT; THENCE EAST 87 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE ARKANSAS MEETING OF DECEMBER 16, 2025 CITY COUNCIL MEMO 2025-2270 TO: Mayor Rawn and City Council THRU: Keith Macedo, Chief of Staff Jonathan Curth, Development Services Director FROM: Jessica Masters, Planning Director SUBJECT: RZN-2025-0048: Rezoning (N. MARKS MILL LN/RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL, 368): Submitted by CRAFTON TULL for property located SOUTH OF N. MARKS MILL LANE. in WARD 3. The property is zoned RSF-4, RESIDENTIAL SINGLE-FAMILY, FOUR UNITS PER ACRE and UC, URBAN CORRIDOR, and contains approximately 26.7 acres. The request is to rezone the property to P-1, INSTITUTIONAL. RECOMMENDATION: City Planning staff and the Planning Commission recommend approval of a request to rezone the subject property as described and shown in the attached Exhibits `A' and `B'. BACKGROUND: The subject property is in central Fayetteville, east of College Avenue and south of where N. Marks Mill Lane terminates. Totaling approximately 26.7 acres, the property is zoned RSF-4, Residential Single -Family, 4 Units per Acre and UC, Urban Corridor, and is within the Hillside/Hilltop Overlay District. The site is almost entirely covered with tree canopy and has an approximately 23% slope upward as the property moves eastward away from N. College Avenue. Request: The request is to rezone the subject property from RSF-4, Residential Single -Family, 4 Units per Acre, and UC, Urban Corridor, to P-1, Institutional. Public Comment: Staff and the Planning Commission received comments in support of and in opposition to the request. Those in support value the centralized location for a potential school and appreciate the school district's proposed design. Some in support regarded the school's centralized location as an environmental net benefit, arguing that placing a school in the center of town would reduce vehicle miles traveled and overall emissions. Those in opposition issued concerns with the environmental implications of building a school facility on a tree -covered hillside, including erosion, stormwater runoff, and removal of significant tree canopy and negative effects to wildlife. Opposition also reflects concerns about traffic patterns and adequacy of existing street networks. Land Use Compatibility: Staff finds the requested rezoning to be compatible with the surrounding area and current land uses. The property in question encompasses approximately 26 acres which fronts the 71-B Corridor to the west, and transitions into a residential neighborhood as it moves eastward. RSF-4 zoning allows for single-family residential uses where P-1 would allow for institutional uses such as schools, parks, and government facilities. More broadly, while the applicant intends to use this property for a public school, P-1 would be the appropriate zoning district to apply to this site if it were to be used for parks purposes, or other Mailing address: 113 W. Mountain Street www.fayetteville-ar.gov Fayetteville, AR 72701 community -oriented uses such as hospitals or community centers. Under the current zoning allowances, the RSF-4 portion of the site could be built to an overall density of 4 units per acre, or up to 92 single-family dwelling units. The UC portion could be constructed with an unspecified density allowance and up to 8 stories in building height. The lot widths, areas, and building height requirements in P-1 are compatible as well. While RSF-4 has a maximum building height of 3 stories, P-1 allows for a maximum building height of 6 stories. Given the property's slope, a 6-story structure would likely need to be built into the hillside for structural reasons, so a 6-story building is not likely to overpower either N. College Avenue or the surrounding residential neighborhood. The City of Fayetteville's zoning code governs story height by building code requirements, which state that a story is measured having its finished floor surface entirely above grade plane. The Hillside Hilltop Overlay District also affects this property; this overlay is meant to protect development outcomes along hillsides by requiring additional tree preservation and engineered footings for structures to help avoid foundational issues in the future. Further, while the property is currently within a floodplain and there is a protected stream on site, these details are evaluated and reviewed for compliance at the time of development. Tree preservation requirements are also reviewed for at the time of development. Land Use Plan Analysis: Staff finds the proposed rezoning to be consistent with the goals in City Plan 2040. A rezoning from RSF-4 to P-1 contributes to City Plan 2040 goal #3, in that it helps promote a compact, complete, and connected development throughout the area by affording the ability to develop additional amenities and services rather than the existing designation. Building schools, parks, and other facilities closely to residential areas promotes walkability and desirability for residents and families and aligns with the City's goals for infill. These anchor institutions can also be catalysts for other types of nearby, compatible development, as opposed to citing these facilities in peripheral areas. Given the City's recent initiative to rezone the 71-B Corridor to a zoning designation that allows for residential uses, staff finds that this location for a school or other institutional use could help promote the type of development goals that the City intends for the overall corridor. CITY PLAN 2040 INFILL MATRIX: City Plan 2040's Infill Matrix indicates a score of 5-9 for this site. The following elements of the matrix contribute to the score: • Adequate Fire Response (Station #2, 138 W. North Street) • Near Sewer Main (N. College Ave., Marks Mill Lane, E. Ash Street) • Near Water Main (N. College Ave., Marks Mill Lane, E. Ash Street) • Near Public School (Woodland Jr. High) • Near City Park (Gregory Park) • Near Paved Trail (Old Wire Sidepath Trail) • Near ORT Bus Stop (N. College and Poplar) • Appropriate Future Land Use (City Neighborhood, west side of site) • Near 71 B Corridor (Adjacent to N. College Avenue) DISCUSSION: At the October 27, 2025 Planning Commission meeting, a vote of 7-1-1 forwarded this item to the City Council with a recommendation of approval. Commissioner Payne made the motion with Commissioner McGetrick offering the second. (Commissioner Payne was opposed and Commissioner Cabe recused). Commissioners in support of the rezoning request found that it was compatible with surrounding land uses and consistent with overarching City goals. More specifically, Commissioners argued that an institutional zoning district in this location was likely the best outcome for a difficult piece of property to develop. In response to public comment, Commissioners conferred with the City Attorney's office and City staff regarding enforcement of private Mailing address: 113 W. Mountain Street www.fayetteville-ar.gov Fayetteville, AR 72701 covenants, factors for consideration when looking at a rezoning request, and what development -level details should be expected of an applicant at this time in the process. Recognizing that public improvements (such as street improvements or necessary traffic studies) would be discussed and determined at the time of a development proposal, Commissioners supported the request to change the zoning at this location. Commissioner Payne, who opposed the request, found that there were too many environmental concerns with the physical nature of the site and could not support it. Thirty members of the public spoke at the meeting, with 18 opposed, and 12 in favor. Four members of the public who were in favor were members of the Fayetteville Public School Board. Public comments are summarized above, and written comments are attached to the staff's packet. BUDGET/STAFF IMPACT: N/A ATTACHMENTS: 3. Staff Review Form, 4. Exhibit A, 5. Exhibit B, 6. Planning Commission Staff Report, 7. Additional Information - FPS Letter Mailing address: 113 W. Mountain Street www.fayetteville-ar.gov Fayetteville, AR 72701 - City of Fayetteville, Arkansas 113 West Mountain Street Fayetteville, AR 72701 Legislation Text (479) 575-8323 File #: 2025-2270 AN ORDINANCE TO REZONE THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN REZONING PETITION RZN 2025-48 FOR APPROXIMATELY 26.7 ACRES LOCATED SOUTH OF NORTH MARKS MILL LANE IN WARD 3 FROM RSF-4, RESIDENTIAL SINGLE-FAMILY, 4 UNITS PER ACRE AND UC, URBAN CORRIDOR TO P-1, INSTITUTIONAL BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS: Section 1: That the City Council of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas hereby changes the zone classification of the property shown on the map (Exhibit A) and the legal description (Exhibit B) both attached to the Planning Department's Agenda Memo RSF-4, Residential Single -Family, 4 Units Per Acre and UC, Urban Corridor to P-1, Institutional. Section 2: That the City Council of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas hereby amends the official zoning map of the City of Fayetteville to reflect the zoning change provided in Section 1. Page 1 Jonathan Curth Submitted By City of Fayetteville Staff Review Form 2025-2270 Item ID 11/18/2025 City Council Meeting Date - Agenda Item Only N/A for Non -Agenda Item 10/31/2025 DEVELOPMENT REVIEW (630) Submitted Date Division / Department Action Recommendation: RZN-2025-0048: Rezoning (N. MARKS MILL LN/RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL, 368): Submitted by CRAFTON TULL for property located SOUTH OF N. MARKS MILL LANE in WARD 3. The property is zoned RSF-4, RESIDENTIAL SINGLE- FAMILY, FOUR UNITS PER ACRE and UC, URBAN CORRIDOR, and contains approximately 26.7 acres. The request is to rezone the property to P-1, INSTITUTIONAL. Budget Impact: Account Number Fund Project Number Project Title Budgeted Item? No Total Amended Budget $ - Expenses (Actual+Encum) $ - Available Budget - Does item have a direct cost? No Item Cost $ - Is a Budget Adjustment attached? No Budget Adjustment $ - Remaining Budget V20221130 Purchase Order Number: Previous Ordinance or Resolution # Change Order Number: Approval Date: Original Contract Number: Comments: (je&4CITY OF 440a� FAYETTEVILLE ARKANSAS PLANNING COMMISSION MEMO TO: Fayetteville Planning Commission FROM: Jessie Masters, Planning Director MEETING DATE: October 27, 2025 Updated with final results SUBJECT: RZN-2025-0048: Rezoning (N. MARKS MILL LN/RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL, 368): Submitted by CRAFTON TULL for property located SOUTH OF N. MARKS MILL LANE. The property is zoned RSF-4, RESIDENTIAL SINGLE-FAMILY, FOUR UNITS PER ACRE and UC, URBAN CORRIDOR, and contains approximately 26.7 acres. The request is to rezone the property to P-1, INSTITUTIONAL. RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends forwarding RZN-2025-0048 to City Council with a recommendation of approval. RECOMMENDED MOTION: "1 move to forward RZN-2025-0048 to City Council with a recommendation of approval." BACKGROUND: The subject property is in central Fayetteville, east of College Avenue and south of where N. Marks Mill Lane terminates. Totaling approximately 26.7 acres, the property is zoned RSF-4, Residential Single -Family, 4 Units per Acre and UC, Urban Corridor, and is within the Hillside/Hilltop Overlay District. The site is almost entirely covered with tree canopy and has an approximately 23% slope upward as the property moves eastward away from N. College Avenue. Surrounding land uses and zoning are depicted in Table 1. Table 1: Surrounding Land Uses and Zoning Direction Land Use Zoning North Single -Family Residential UC, Urban Corridor; NC, Neighborhood Conservation South Single -Family Residential RSF-4, Residential Single -Family, Four Units per Acre East Single -Family Residential RSF-4, Residential Single -Family, Four Units per Acre West Commercial UC, Urban Corridor Request: The request is to rezone the subject property from RSF-4, Residential Single -Family, 4 Units per Acre, and UC, Urban Corridor, to P-1, Institutional. Public Comment: To date, staff has received public comment both in support of an opposition to this request. Those in support value the centralized location for a potential school. Those in opposition have major concerns with the environmental implications of building a school facility on a tree -covered hillside, including erosion, stormwater runoff, and removal of significant tree canopy and negative effects to wildlife. Opposition also reflects concerns about traffic patterns and adequacy of existing street networks. Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Paqe 1 of 53 INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: Streets: The subject area has street frontage along North College Avenue. North College Avenue is an improved Regional Link — High Activity Street with asphalt paving, sidewalk, curb, and gutter. The subject area has street frontage along East Ash Street. East Ash Street is a partially improved Residential Link Street with asphalt paving and open ditches. The subject area has street frontage at the end of N. Marks Mill Lane, which is a partially improved Residential Link Street with asphalt paving and open areas at the end of the street. Any street improvements required in these areas would be determined at the time of the development proposal. Any additional improvements or requirements for drainage will be determined at time of development. Water: Public water is available to the subject area. An existing 8-inch water main is present along N. College Avenue. An existing 8-inch water main is present along E. Ash Street, and an existing 8-inch water main is present at the end of North Marks Mill Lane. Sewer: Sanitary sewer is available to the subject area. An existing 6-inch sewer main is present along N. College Avenue. An existing 6-inch sewer main is present along E. Ash Street and along the East side of the subject property. An existing 8-inch sewer main is present at the end of N. Marks Mill Lane and along the North side of the subject property. There are known wet weather sewer capacity issues identified in the City's 2021 Sewer Master Plan that appear in the system approximately 6,500 linear feet downstream of this property. Drainage: Portions of this site are located within the Hillside -Hilltop Overlay District. Portions of the site along N. College Avenue are also located within a FEMA floodplain, contain a protected stream and there are hydric soils present. Engineered footing designs will be required at the time of building permit submittal, as well as grading, erosion control and tree preservation plans. A floodplain development review will be required at the time of permit or plan submittal. This will restrict the type of development and impact in flood zones; and may require additional documentation such as flood studies or elevation certificates depending on the type of development. If a development impacts a floodplain, those impacts may require review and approval from FEMA. Streamside Protection Zones generally consists of a protected area on each side of a stream or creek. This "protected area" is meant to preserve woody vegetation and natural areas along stream corridors to improve/protect stream health. At a minimum, it will be 50ft wide as measured from the top of bank but depending on the shape and extents of the floodway, it could be substantially more. Certain construction activities such as trails and some utilities are allowed in these zones, but in general, improvements such as parking lots or buildings are prohibited. Hydric soils are a known indicator of wetlands. However, for an area to be classified as wetlands, it may also need other characteristics such as hydrophytes (plants that grow in water), and shallow water during parts of the year. Hydric Soils can be found across many areas of Fayetteville, including valleys, floodplains, and open prairies. It's important to identify these natural resources during development, so when these soils are identified on a property, further environmental studies will be required at the time of development. Before permits can be issued for the Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Paqe 2 of 53 property a statement/report from an environmental professional must be provided summarizing the existence of wetlands on the property. If this statement/report indicates that wetlands may be present on site, a USACE Determination of Jurisdictional Wetlands will be required at the time of development submittal. Fire: Fire apparatus access and fire protection water supplies will be reviewed for compliance with the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code at the time of development. Station 2, located at 138 W North St, protects this site. The property is located approximately 1.1 miles from the fire station with an anticipated drive time of approximately 3 minutes using existing streets. The anticipated response time would be approximately 5.2 minutes. The Fire Department response time is calculated based on the drive time plus 1 minute for dispatch and 1.2 minutes for turn -out time. Within the City Limits, the Fayetteville Fire Department has a response time goal of 6 minutes for an engine and 8 minutes for a ladder truck. Police: The Police Department did not comment on this request. Tree Preservation: The proposed zoning district, P-1, Institutional, requires 25% minimum canopy preservation. RSF-4, Residential Single -Family, 4 Units per Acre requires 25% minimum canopy preservation and UC, Urban Corridor requires 20% minimum canopy preservation. CITY PLAN 2040 FUTURE LAND USE PLAN: The City Plan 2040 Future Land Use Plan designates the property within the proposed rezone as City Neighborhood and Residential Neighborhood Areas. Residential Neighborhood Areas are primarily residential in nature and support a wide variety of housing types of appropriate scale and context: single-family, duplexes, rowhouses, multifamily and accessory dwelling units. Residential Neighborhood encourages highly connected, compact blocks with gridded street patterns and reduced building setbacks. It also encourages traditional neighborhood development that incorporates low -intensity non-residential uses intended to serve the surrounding neighborhoods, such as retail and offices, on corners and along connecting corridors. This designation recognizes existing conventional subdivision developments which may have large blocks with conventional setbacks and development patterns that respond to features of the natural environment. Building setbacks may vary depending on the context of the existing neighborhood. City Neighborhood Areas are more densely developed than residential neighborhood areas and provide a mix of non-residential and residential uses. This designation supports the widest spectrum of uses and encourages density in all housing types, from single-family to multi -family. Non-residential and commercial uses are primarily located at street intersections and along major corridors. Ideally, commercial uses would have a residential component and vary in size, variety and intensity. The street network should have a high number of intersections creating a system of small blocks with a high level of connectivity between neighborhoods. Building setbacks and landscaping are urban in form with street trees typically being located within the sidewalk zone. CITY PLAN 2040 INFILL MATRIX: City Plan 2040's Infill Matrix indicates a score of 5=9 for this site with a weighted score of 11. The following elements of the matrix contribute to the score: • Adequate Fire Response (Station #2, 138 W. North Street) Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Paqe 3 of 53 • Near Sewer Main (N. College Ave., Marks Mill Lane, E. Ash Street) • Near Water Main (N. College Ave., Marks Mill Lane, E. Ash Street) • Near Public School (Woodland Jr. High) • Near City Park (Gregory Park) • Near Paved Trail (Old Wire Sidepath Trail) • Near ORT Bus Stop (N. College and Poplar) • Appropriate Future Land Use (City Neighborhood, west side of site) • Near 71 B Corridor (Adjacent to N. College Avenue) FINDINGS OF THE STAFF A determination of the degree to which the proposed zoning is consistent with land use planning objectives, principles, and policies and with land use and zoning plans. Finding: Land Use Compatibility: Staff finds the requested rezoning to be compatible with the surrounding area and current land uses. The property in question encompasses approximately 26 acres which fronts the 71-113 Corridor to the west, and transitions into a residential neighborhood as it moves eastward. RSF-4 zoning allows for single-family residential uses where P-1 would allow for institutional uses such as schools, parks, and government facilities. More broadly, while the applicant intends to use this property for a public school, P-1 would be the appropriate zoning district to apply to this site if it were to be used for parks purposes, or other community -oriented uses such as hospitals or community centers. Under the current zoning allowances, the RSF-4 portion of the site could be built to an overall density of 4 units per acre, or up to 92 single-family dwelling units. The UC portion could be constructed with an unspecified density allowance and up to 8 stories in building height. The lot widths, areas, and building height requirements in P- 1 are compatible as well. While RSF-4 has a maximum building height of 3 stories, P-1 allows for a maximum building height of 6 stories. Given the property's slope, a 6-story structure would likely need to be built into the hillside for structural reasons, so a 6-story building is not likely to overpower either N. College Avenue or the surrounding residential neighborhood. The City of Fayetteville's zoning code governs story height by building code requirements, which state that a story is measured having its finished floor surface entirely above grade plane. The Hillside Hilltop Overlay District also affects this property; this overlay is meant to protect development outcomes along hillsides by requiring additional tree preservation and engineered footings for structures to help avoid foundational issues in the future. Further, while the property is currently within a floodplain and there is a protected stream on site, these details are evaluated and reviewed for compliance at the time of development. Tree preservation requirements are also reviewed for at the time of development. Land Use Plan Analysis: Staff finds the proposed rezoning to be consistent with the goals in City Plan 2040. A rezoning from RSF-4 to P-1 contributes to City Plan 2040 goal #3, in that it helps promote a compact, complete, and connected development throughout the area by affording the ability to Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Paqe 4 of 53 develop additional amenities and services rather than the existing designation. Building schools, parks, and other facilities closely to residential areas promotes walkability and desirability for residents and families and aligns with the City's goals for infill. These anchor institutions can also be catalysts for other types of nearby, compatible development, as opposed to citing these facilities in peripheral areas. Given the City's recent initiative to rezone the 71-B Corridor to a zoning designation that allows for residential uses, staff finds that this location for a school or other institutional use could help promote the type of development goals that the City intends for the overall corridor. 2. A determination of whether the proposed zoning is justified and/or needed at the time the rezoning is proposed. Finding: Staff finds there is sufficient justification to rezone the property from RSF-4 to P-1. This request will allow for the development of institutional uses in the area. Schools and other cultural and recreational facilities are a vital service and while not strictly residential, are a necessary neighborhood amenity. 3. A determination as to whether the proposed zoning would create or appreciably increase traffic danger and congestion. Finding: A rezoning from RSF-4 to P-1 has the potential to increase traffic to this location, though not necessarily in a way that is significantly worse than how the property could be developed under its current zoning entitlement. The property has access to three street frontages, which can help deconcentrate and diffuse traffic for development. It is worth noting that institutional uses, such as churches or schools, can have more concentrated traffic patterns than a residential district would, and any necessary street improvements to off -set those challenges would have to be borne by the developer. 4. A determination as to whether the proposed zoning would alter the population density and thereby undesirably increase the load on public services including schools, water, and sewer facilities. Finding: The P-1 zoning district does not permit by -right residential uses and is therefore unlikely to increase the population density in this area. The overall property has access to existing water and sanitary sewer as well as fully - improved streets. Any development on this site will be responsible for increasing sewer, water, and street capacity as needed. As for the project's impact on school capacity, the proposal is a response to increasing attendance in the Fayetteville Public School District. 5. If there are reasons why the proposed zoning should not be approved in view of considerations under b (1) through (4) above, a determination as to whether the proposed zoning is justified and/or necessitated by peculiar circumstances such as: a. It would be impractical to use the land for any of the uses permitted under its existing zoning classifications; b. There are extenuating circumstances which justify the rezoning even though there are reasons under b (1) through (4) above why the proposed Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Paqe 5 of 53 zoning is not desirable. Finding: N/A RECOMMENDATION: Planning staff recommends forwarding RZN-2025-0048 to City Council with a recommendation of approval. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: Required Date: October 27, 2025 O Tabled I Motion:Payne ISecond: McGetrick jVote: 7-1-1 (Payne opposed, Cabe recused). BUDGET/STAFF IMPACT: None YES M Forwarded O Denied with a recommendation of approval. ATTACHMENTS: • Unified Development Code o §161.07 District RSF-4, Residential Single -Family - Four (4) Units Per Acre o §161.36 Urban Corridor o §161.32 District P-1, Institutional • One Mile Map • Close -Up Map • Current Land Use Map • Future Land Use Map • Request Letter • Long -Range Planning Memo • Public Comment UPDATED 10/28/2025 161.07 District RSF-4, Residential Single -Family - Four (4) Units Per Acre (A) Purpose. The RSF-4 Residential District is designed to permit and encourage the development of low density detached dwellings in suitable environments, as well as to protect existing development of these types. (B) Uses. (1) Permitted Uses. Unit 1 City-wide uses by right Unit 8 Single-family dwellings Unit 41 Accessory dwellings Unit 46 Short-term rentals Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Paqe 6 of 53 (2) Conditional Uses. Unit 2 City-wide uses by conditional use permit Unit 3 Public protection and utility facilities Unit 4 Cultural and recreational facilities Unit 5 Government facilities Unit 9 Two-family dwellings Unit 12a Limited business Unit 24 Home occupations Unit 36 Wireless communications facilities Unit 44 Cluster Housing Development (C) Density. Single-family dwellings Two (2) family dwellings Units per acre 4 or less 7 or less (D) Bulk and Area Regulations. Single-family Two (2) family dwellings dwellings Lot minimum width 70 feet 80 feet Lot area minimum 8,000 square feet 12,000 square feet Land area per 8,000 square feet 6,000 square feet dwelling unit Hillside Overlay 60 feet 70 feet District Lot minimum width Hillside Overlay 8,000 square feet 12,000 square feet District Lot area minimum Land area per 8,000 square feet 6,000 square feet dwelling unit (E) Setback Requirements. Front Side Rear 15 feet 5 feet 15 feet (F) Building Height Regulations. Building Height Maximum 1 3 stories (G) Building Area. On any lot the area occupied by all buildings shall not exceed 40% of the total area of such lot. Accessory ground mounted solar energy systems shall not be considered buildings. (Code 1991, §160.031; Ord. No. 4100, §2 (Ex. A), 6-16-98; Ord. No. 4178, 8-31-99; Ord. No. 4858, 4-18-06; Ord. No. 5028, 6-19-07; Ord. No. 5128, 4-15-08; Ord. No. 5224, 3-3-09; Ord. No. 5312, 4-20-10; Ord. No. 5462, 12-6-11; Ord. No. 5921, §1, 11-1-16; Ord. No. 5945, §8, 1-17-17; Ord. No. 6015, §1(Exh. A), 11-21-17; Ord. No. 6245, §2, 10-15- 19; Ord. No. 6427, §§l (Exh. C), 2, 4-20-21) Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Paqe 7 of 53 Editor's note(s)—Ord. No. 6820, §1, adopted December 4, 2024, determines that Ordinance 6427 (Sunset Clause), Ordinance 6625 (extending Sunset Clause) and Ordinance 6710 (extending the Sunset Clause) be amended so that Ordinance 6427 and all amendments to Code Sections ordained or enacted by Ordinance 6427 shall automatically sunset, be repealed and become void on July 1, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. unless prior to that time and date the City Council amends this ordinance to repeal or further amend this sunset, repeal and termination section. 161.36 Urban Corridor (A) Purpose. The Urban Corridor District is designed to provide a mix of commercial uses and housing along corridors that provide multi -modal transportation options. The district encourages walkable commercial, residential, and mixed -use developments in urban form that enhance function, economic vitality, and appearance along major urban thoroughfares. (B) Uses. (1) Permitted Uses. Unit 1 City-wide uses by right Unit 4 Cultural and recreational facilities Unit 5 Government facilities Unit 10 Three- and Four -Family Dwellings Unit 13 Eating laces Unit 14 Hotel, Motel, and Amusement Facilities Unit 16 Shopping Goods Unit 19 Commercial Recreation, Small Sites Unit 24 Home occupations Unit 25 Offices, studios, and related services Unit 26 Multi -family dwellings Unit 34 Liquor Stores Unit 40 Sidewalk Cafes Unit 41 Accessory Dwellings Unit 45 Small scale production Unit 46 Short-term rentals Note: Any combination of the above uses is permitted upon any lot within this zone. Conditional uses shall need approval when combined with pre -approved uses. (2) Conditional Uses. Unit 2 City-wide uses by conditional use permit Unit 3 Public protection and utility facilities Unit 8 Single -Family Dwellings Unit 9 Two -Family Dwellings Unit 17 Transportation trades and services Unit 18 Gasoline Service Stations and Drive-Thru Restaurants Unit 20 Commercial Recreation, Large Sites Unit 21 Warehousing and Wholesale Unit 28 Center for Collecting Recyclable Materials Unit 29 Dance Halls Unit 32 Sexually Oriented Business Unit 35 Outdoor Music Establishments Unit 36 Wireless communication facilities Unit 38 Mini -Storage Units Unit 42 Clean Technologies Unit 43 Animal Boarding and Training Unit 44 Cluster Housing Development Unit 48 Private dormitories (C) Density. None. Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Paqe 8 of 53 (D) Bulk and Area Regulations. (1) Lot Width Minimum. None. (2) Lot Area Minimum. None. (E) Setback Regulations. Front A build -to zone that is located between the front property line and a line 30 feet from the front property line. Side and rear: None Side or rear, when contiguous to 15 feet a single-family residential district: (F) Minimum Buildable Street Frontage. 50% of lot width. (G) Building Height Regulations. Building Height Maximum 8 stories (Ord. No. 6793, § 1, 9-17-24; Ord. No. 6810, §1, 11-19-24; Ord. No. 6879, §2, 5-20-25) 161.32 District P-1, Institutional (A) Purpose. The Institutional District is designed to protect and facilitate use of property owned by larger public institutions and church related organizations. (B) Uses. (1) Permitted Uses. Unit 1 City-wide uses by right Unit 4 Cultural and recreational facilities Unit 5 Government facilities Unit 46 Short-term rentals (2) Conditional Uses. Unit 2 City-wide uses by conditional use permit Unit 3 Public protection and utility facilities Unit 26 Multi -family dwellings Unit 36 Wireless communications facilities Unit 42 Clean technologies (C) Density. None. (D) Bulk and Area Regulations. None. (E) Setback Regulations. Front 30 feet Front, if parking is allowed between the right-of-way and the building 50 feet Side 20 feet Side, when contiguous to a residential district 25 feet Rear 25 feet Rear, from center line of public alley 10 feet Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Paqe 9 of 53 (F) Height Regulations. There shall be no maximum height limits in P-1 Districts, provided, however, if a building exceeds the height of two (2) stories, the portion of the building that exceeds two (2) stories shall have an additional setback from any boundary line of an adjacent residential district. The amount of additional setback for the portion of the building over two (2) stories shall be equal to the difference between the total height of that portion of the building, and two (2) stories. (G) Building Area. On any lot the area occupied by all buildings shall not exceed 60% of the total area of such lot. Accessory ground mounted solar energy systems shall not be considered buildings. (Code 1965, App. A., Art. 5(XI); Ord. No. 2603, 2-19-80; Ord. No. 2621, 4-1-80; Ord. No. 1747, 6-29-70; Code 1991, §160.042; Ord. No. 4100, §2 (Ex. A), 6-16-98; Ord. No. 4178, 8-31-99; Ord. No. 5073, 11-06-07; Ord. No. 5195, 11-6- 08; Ord. No. 5312, 4-20-10; Ord. No. 5800, §1(Exh. A), 10-6-15; Ord. No. 5945, §§5, 7, 1-17-17; Ord. No. 6015, §1(Exh. A), 11-21-17; Ord. No. 6245 , §2, 10-15-19; Ord. No. 6521 , §8, 1-18-22) Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Paqe 10 of 53 RZN-2025-0048 One Mile View C-2 I -I ' ®r, I L N. MARKS MILL LN 0 0.13 0.25 0.5 Miles Subject Property IP —%ST� 1 I ot - i ORTH i i �CS SYCA ORE ST RSI� 4 W W P-t O � i M\SS%ON 6 Neighborhood Link � Regional Link -High Activity - Unclassified Residential Link - ❑ �- Planned Neighborhood Link - - EM Planned Residential Link Shared -Use Paved Trail — — Trail (Proposed) I_ Fayetteville City Limits ----� Planning Area ---- - ___ Planning Area Fayetteville City Limits g annlnq Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Paqe 11 of 53 RZN-2025-0048 N . MARKS MILL LN Close Up View � NC firJ A ELM ST Subject Property R-0 Ui � RSF 4 W J J O POPLAR'ST - - - U_ Proposed P-1 Gi m m z w 00 m N w J � W v w / x L ASH ST NORTH Zone Current Proposed P-1 0.0 26.5 Regional Link - High Activity RSF-4 23.2 0.0 Residential Link UC 3.1 0.0 Hillside -Hilltop Overlay District Feet - Trail (Proposed) 0 105 210 420 630 840 ~Planning Area _ ! Fayetteville City Limits 1 -3,400 Total 26.5 ac Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Pape 12 of 53 RZN-2025-0048 N. MARKS MILL LN Current Land Use NORTH ti Single -Family Residential a r 4 Commercial W J O POPLAR STD:0, Regional Link - High Activity Residential Link - - - Trail (Proposed) ' ry Planning Area Fayetteville City Limits Subject Property Feet 0 112.5 225 450 1:3,600 675 AwlFi� Aa Single -Family Residential i 4 dr _ 'H,ST FEMA Flood Hazard Data too -Year Floodplain Floodway October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Pape 13 of 53 RZN-2025-0048 Future Land Use N. MARKS MILL LN w City Neighborhood `--__-.----am Civic Institutional CAMORE ST Civic and Private Open Space Non -Municipal Government Neighborhood Link Regional Link - High Activity Unclassified Residential Link 7 1 Planned Neighborhood Link Md Planned Residential Link i� �� Planning Area _ _� Fayetteville City Limits — — Trail (Proposed) I I I I i I I I Subject Property I , I , J Jeesidential N is hborhood Feet 0 305 610 1,220 1:10,000 ORTH ral City Neighborhood Civic Institutional Civic and Private Open Space Industrial Natural Non -Municipal Government 1,830 2,440 Residential Neighborhood Rural Residential Urban Center October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Page 14 of 53 aCCrafton Tull ® architecture I engineering I surveying September 17th, 2025 City of Fayetteville Development Services 125 W Mountain Street Fayetteville, AR 72701 Re: Rezoning Request for Parcels 765-13438-000, 765-13436-001, and 765-13516-001 Attn: Planning Staff Dear Ms. Masters, 300 North College, Suite 317 Fayetteville, AR 72701 479.455.2207 craftontull.com On behalf of our client, Fayetteville School District # 1, we are submitting the attached application to rezone the above-refenced parcels from RSF-4 and UC to P-1. These are parcel numbers 765-13438-000, 765-13436-001, and 765-13516-001. The intent of rezoning these parcels is to accommodate public institutions. Fayetteville Public Schools (FPS) seeks to proactively update its system -wide feeder patterns for improved student experience and greater facility parity between schools across the district. This approach also supports the following City Plan 2040 goals: 3.1 Make appropriate infill and revitalization our highest priorities. o Cost savings of utility and road infrastructure that already exists in the core of the city. ■ All utility infrastructure is readily available to the site. ■ Infill prioritzation score ranges from 3-9 across the site, averaging around 6 for the entire site. Ong Commission ctober 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Paqe 15 of 53 300 North College, Suite 317 aw� Fayetteville, Crafton Tull 47 479.455.2207 ° architecture I engineering I surveying craftontull.com o Promote the densest development around logical future transit stops. ■ Site entry sits on College Avenue, a High Activity Regional Link, with multiple nearby existing Ozark Regional Transit stops. ■ Supports the City's Future Land Use Plan by activating the 71-B Corridor and proposed City Neighborhood running north -south through central Fayetteville. POPLAR TRAIL CONNECTION TO II AV87_— FUTURE LAND USE iAm— • 3.2 Discourage suburban sprawl. o Direct capital improvements that encourage and support infill and revitalization. ■ A school encourages the City's desired community character along College Avenue and reduces car travel • 3.3 Make traditional town form the standard. o Prepare a transit -worthy community. ■ Locating cultural institutions that are visited daily, like a Junior High School, on this transit -served corridor further develops College Avenue as a multimodal community thoroughfare. o Increase the viability of businesses by leveraging the economic performance of appealing environments that are mixed -use, walkable, and integrated with green space. ■ The school's placement at the eastern termination of Poplar Avenue, especially with its future planned trail extension, expands the "economic development ning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Pace 16 of 53 Crl) Crafton Tull V® architecture I engineering I surveying 300 North College, Suite 317 Fayetteville, AR 72701 479.455.2207 craftontull.com catalyst... in mid -town around Poplar Street"' of the Greenway and City trail network. O POPLAR TRAIL CONNECTION TO GREENWAY Cr m� O� Q TRAIL NETWORK ■ The school's position as a mid -point node between two planned Tier 2 centers will act as an anchor institution for redevelopment along 71-B and promote an active, mixed use community main street. GROWTH CONCEPT MAP 4 C PROPOSED NEW HwYI • RAMAYJR.HIGH A weds: lstl, St - - Paved Trail �`�: _ City Limits F - - - - J' e Tier 1 Center •Tier 2 Center--------------------- - i • Special District Tier 3 Center i High activity Corridor ...... Transit Corridor Miss 1:120,000 0 1 2Miles -- g _a Park Planning Area EnduringGreen Network %' 71 : o z 4 Kilometers 1 Fayetteville City Plan 2040, p.32. mi�� Im"Wr 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Paqe 17 of 53 300 North College, Suite 317 aw� Fayetteville, Crafton Tull 47 479.455.2207 ° architecture I engineering I surveying craftontull.com o Aggregate employment into mixed -use centers with amenities. ■ The school's need for faculty and staff will create valuable employment opportunities in Fayetteville's central corridor. • 3.4 We will grow a livable transportation network. o Community design should precede and outrank traffic planning. ■ Locating schools near neighborhoods and active transportation networks makes it possible for students and staff to have shorter car trips or use alternative transportation options. More importantly, it connects the school to residential and commercial areas in a way that makes it a part of the community fabric. P-1 zoning will serve as a transitional zone between the commercial UC zoning to the west and the residential zoning to the east. This change in land use aligns with the City's Climate Action Plan by reducing car miles traveled' and the 71-B Corridor Plan that encourages mixed -uses along College Avenue and a multimodal transportation network. The plan notes that "Poplar is the most direct and comfortable route from the Midtown segment of College to the Razorback Greenway.113 Rezoning these centrally located parcels to P-1 supports the district's educational and community goals while furthering the City's planning goals. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Steve Flickinger (FPS) at steve.flickinger@fayar.net or 479-444-3098 or Wes Burgess (Crafton Tull) at wes.burRess(@craftontull.com or 479-636-4838. Sincerely, Trent Woessner, P.E. Civil Project Engineer Crafton Tull & Associates, Inc. ' Ashlea Milborn, via E. McKinnon. (2025, 31 Aug). "Officials: Due dili gence done for Ramay site." NWA Democrat Gazette. https://edition.nwaonline.com/article/286495804335963. 3 71-B Corridor Master Plan, p.82. ion 025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Paqe 18 of 53 L Champion Dr � irk , i / / / / / / / / / i i / SITE / RSF-4 � v P / / / / > z o E Ash St v 7 J Qj 0 L RSF-4 s Z L0 150 300 600 ft I Z -- i Z — E E na St 1 1 1 1 The data contained herein was compiled from various sources for the sole use and benefit of the City of Fayetteville Geographic Information System Hillside/Hilltop Overlay District and the public agencies it serves. Any use of the data by anyone other than the City of Fayetteville is at the sole risk of the user; and by acceptance of a J this data, the user does hereby agree to indemnify the City of Fayetteville J Enduring Green Network and hold the City of Fayetteville harmless from and without liability for any qu SiteExhibit or Ramay Rez �ctions, cost for damages of any nature, including the city's cost of cif asserted by user or by another arising from the use of this data. NC The City of Fayetteville makes no express or implied warrantees with reference to the data. No word, phrase, or clause found herein shall be orp Fayetteville, AR construed to waive that tort immunity set forth under Arkansas law. RSF-4 Created: 9/12/2025 Credits: City of Fayetteville, AR UC Map Author: October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Pace 19 of 53 _CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE STAFF MEMO ARKANSAS TO: THRU: FROM: MEETING DATE: SUBJECT: Jessica Masters, Planning Director Britin Bostick, Long Range Planning/Special Projects Manager Kylee Cole, Long Range & Preservation Planner October 27, 2025 Long Range Planning Comments Regarding RZN-2025-0048 BACKGROUND: The applicant, Crafton Tull on behalf of Fayetteville Public Schools, requests to rezone approximately 26.7 acres from RSF-4, Residential Single -Family, 4 Units Per Acre and UC, Urban Corridor to P-1, Institutional. City Plan 2040 and the 71 B Corridor Plan are both relevant when evaluating this request. The Climate Action Plan and its predecessor, the Energy Action Plan, are also applicable. City Plan 2040 (2020): City Plan 2040 includes several relevant plan goals and objectives: • Goal 1 — We will make appropriate infill and revitalization our highest priority. 0 3.1.2 — Recognize the benefits and cost savings of utility and road infrastructure that already exists in the core of the city... (p.23) 0 3.1.3 — Convert shopping centers and commercial corridors to mixed -use centers by adding residences, offices and lodging (p.23) 0 3.1.4 — Promote the densest development around logical future transit stops (p.24) • Goal 2 — We will discourage suburban sprawl. • Goal 3 — We will make compact, complete, and connected development the standard. 0 3.3.3 Increase the viability of businesses by leveraging the economic performance of appealing environments that are mixed -use, walkable, and integrated with green space (p. 32) 0 3.4.9 Expand and interconnect the sidewalk and trail system at the neighborhood, citywide, and regional levels (p. 39) • Goal 5 — We will assemble an enduring green network. 0 3.5.2 Strategically plan for and acquire land that can be incorporated into the Enduring Green Network (p. 41) 0 3.5.3 Promote conservation easements and alternative development patterns that encourage efficient use of land (p. 41) On its adoption in early 2020, City Plan 2040 carried forward goals from prior comprehensive plans and organized them into six primary goals. The goals were meant to focus the City's efforts on appropriate infill that furthers a variety of transportation options, supports the creation of affordable housing, and limits the amount of land consumed by development on the City's periphery, often termed "suburban sprawl". Increasing density within the existing city limits and limiting the annexation of additional land has therefore been the lens through which a multitude Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Page 20 of 53 of decisions have been made over the last five plus, and that increase in density includes more than just residential development. While City Plan 2040 does not address school sites or campus planning with a great degree of detail, it does offer goals to balance in the consideration of development requests, particularly rezonings, or changes to the city's land use patterns. 718 Corridor Plan: The 71B Corridor Plan does not directly address either future public school sites or the development of large institutional sites along or adjacent to the corridor, and instead focuses primarily on transportation, housing, and retail frameworks. The plan does include discussion of and preference for mixed use development. It also points to the creation of transportation nodes, alternative transportation routes, and the need to create housing opportunities along the corridor that support transit options. The subject property is largely outside of the corridor study area, which focused on properties abutting or on streets connecting to College Avenue. The plan does also contemplate green space interspersed with development in response to the Energy Action Plan adopted in 2018. The 71B Corridor Plan states, "This does not imply that existing buildings should never be replaced. Free-standing commercial buildings built during an earlier period can be very inefficient, and the plan also proposes replacement and redevelopment of inefficient or uneconomic buildings with new development at higher density and, under current city codes, higher efficiency."' Other significant plan recommendations and illustrations include redesigning parking lots to increase efficiency and reduce impermeable area, rethinking intersections and interchanges to reduce pavement and introduce a variety of functional green spaces from neighborhood squares, accessible large-scale spaces at the Fulbright interchange, and greenways along trails and drainage corridors. All of these create important opportunities for both stormwater management and increasing tree cover. The plan's street design guides for 71 B and associated streets also envision extensive use of street trees and landscaping." Page 120 of the 71B Corridor Plan also states an Energy Action Plan goal to "Achieve 40% tree canopy coverage by 2030" with the goal stated above as a direct response to the tree canopy percentage identified. The plan continues to offer a statement in support of reducing vehicle miles traveled, a component of greenhouse gas emissions, "The vision of corridor urbanism ultimately is to show a practical way to achieve mixed use urban corridors that uses the land use inefficiency inherent in commercial strips as a resource to build quality living environments, placing residents within easy walking or biking distance from the goods, services, and attractions offered by these corridors. If achieved, this concept reduces the number of short- and medium -distance auto trips that people now make by default."2 In 2024, City Council rezoned sections of the 71 B Corridor area from a mixture of primarily commercial -only zoning to UC, Urban Corridor which facilitates a mixture of commercial and residential uses and implements several objectives outlined in the 71B Corridor Plan. Much of the property subject to this request was outside of the area identified for rezoning to UC, but the area directly abutting College Avenue was rezoned as part of the larger initiative. A rezoning to facilitate institutional uses on the periphery of the 71 B Corridor may further advance these goals and objectives, including the development of new residential uses along the corridor. DISCUSSION: Historic Landscape: Much discussion about the historic landscape and role of natural resource conservation in Fayetteville has emerged via this request. Although the presence of a 20+ acre stand of trees ' 71B Corridor Plan, 120. 2 718 Corridor Plan, 121. Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Page 21 of 53 near the center of the city may present an image of a pristine forest, historical accounts suggest otherwise. In fact, historical accounts remark that the first white settlers to Fayetteville weren't met with pristine forests, but hills "bare of timber, and... covered with a luxuriant growth of grasses, which afforded excellent pasturage for buffaloes and other herbivorous animals." 3 As the area became increasingly settled and farmed, natural occurrences like fire that maintained the prairie were controlled, stands of trees were planted or seeds were spread naturally, and the area became increasingly forested. Well into the late -nineteenth century, the landscape of Fayetteville looked very different than it does today, with significantly less tree canopy, more open pasture, and, of course, fewer buildings. Figure 1. View to the southwest from Mount Sequoyah, ca. 1890. By the mid -twentieth century, Fayetteville's landscape had evolved to something that would be nearly unrecognizable to those who came before. As cars became cheaper and more available, the landscape of cities changed dramatically, including Fayetteville, particularly along State Highway 71/College Avenue. Development along the corridor was increasingly auto oriented with large parking lots, increasing width, and uses that catered to regional rather than neighborhood needs. The subject property, at least the portion directly adjacent to College Ave., has a history as the former location of a residence and several businesses including Cliff's Dairy Mart, a miniature golf course, and the Cliffside Trailer Park between approximately 1950 and 1990.4 Especially as the city experiences increasing development, maintaining a healthy urban forest is a priority for Fayetteville's residents. As outlined in the 71B Corridor Plan and former 3 Goodspeed, History of Benton, Washington, Carroll, Madison, Crawford, Franklin, and Sebastian Counties, Arkansas, County (Chicago: The Goodspeed Publishing Company: 1889), 149. https://www.google.com/books/edition/History of Benton Washington Carroll Mad/zFWOFccemgAC?hl =en&gbpv=1, accessed October 20, 2025. 4 Anthony J. Wappel and Dennis L. Garrison, On the Avenue: An Illustrated History of Fayetteville's US Highway 71B, (Fayetteville, AR: Anthony J. Wappel, 2015), 231. Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Paqe 22 of 53 Energy Action Plan, later replaced by the Climate Action Plan, there is a goal for 40% tree canopy citywide by 2030. According to Urban Forestry Management Plan this number was at 39.4% in 2019.5 Strategic parkland acquisition, annexation, private conservation efforts (land trusts), and development requirements have contributed to ensuring that Fayetteville's urban forest areas are part of our future. Standards for developments require that parkland dedication, tree canopy preservation, and mitigation of lost trees are evaluated during the development process, which helps advance climate and urban forestry goals as development occurs. The following series of aerial images illustrate the subject property's evolution from 1941 to 2025. The photos show a dynamic landscape that includes sparse areas of canopy cover, a mobile home/RV park, and evidence of convenience or social trails through the site. 1941 Aerial ll 5 71 B Corridor Plan, 120. Urban Forestry Management Plan, 9. Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Page 23 of 53 Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Page 24 of 53 Zoning History: In June 1970, City Council adopted the first "modern" zoning map of Fayetteville. Since that time, the subject area has been designated for low -density single-family development. This zoning designation was consistent for decades, including through the updates to the General Plan in the early 2000s and the new zoning map adopted in 2003. This zoning map had been amended hundreds of times over the preceding thirty-three years, and at any point ecologically sensitive areas or areas identified for conservation could be set aside, typically by changing to R-A designation (as it was the de -facto conservation and parks district for many years). Since the subject properties were privately owned until August 20246 and no requests to downzone the property were filed, the City did not initiate this process. FT City Plan 2040 and Future Land Use Plan: This area is designated as both City Neighborhood and Residential Neighborhood areas, and there are no areas designated as Natural or Civic and Private Open Space. City Neighborhood areas are intended to serve the residents of Fayetteville and are "more densely developed than residential neighborhood areas and provide a mix of non-residential Neighborhood areas are primarily residential in nature but emphasizes in, uses." Residential using "principles of 6 One parcel (765-13436-001) is still under private ownership according to Washington County Assessor records as of October 21, 2025. Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Paqe 25 of 53 traditional residential urban design to create compatible, livable and accessible neighborhoods."' A critical component of livable and accessible neighborhoods are vital public services like schools, childcare, and small businesses that support those living in the area. Further, when these services are supported by existing infrastructure like water, sewer, streets, and trails it reduces costs to developers and taxpayers. Prioritizing creating complete and connected neighborhoods in areas where infrastructure already exists provides better outcomes for citizens, reduces dependency on vehicles via alternative transit options, minimizes public investment in infrastructure costs, and supports Goals 1, 2, 3, and 4 of City Plan 2040. As discussed above, the subject area has not been identified for land conservation. This includes on the Enduring Green Network Map. The map was a result of the 2010 Fayetteville Natural Heritage Association study, which evaluated "floodplains, riparian corridors, parks and trails, and land identified as having high ecological value." Only a small portion of the property directly abutting College Avenue is included in the Enduring Green Network Map. Importantly, this map and concept was never intended to be a regulatory tool. Rather, it is intended to inform land use recommendations and guide discussions on parkland acquisition, trail corridors, and land conservation.$ Conclusions: .6 - A level of expectation setting is always - necessary when evaluating rezoning requests, o particularly in cases where there are concerns c11 about a specific natural or historic resource. To - be clear, no zoning district mandates the conservation or preservation of natural or vG6 u.� historic resources. Under the current zoning, a ' RSF-4 requires 25% minimum canopy and UC requires 20%. This would not change under the requested P-1 designation which similarly requires 25% canopy. The only zoning district with significantly higher minimum canopy is CCR, at 80%, but written into that particular zoning district is the expectation that it would be voluntarily initiated by the property owner. The proposed P-1 district would still permit the active conservation management of the site and would not "save" trees so much as encourage land management for a healthy forested ecosystem. This report will defer to the Urban Forestry team in making a determination about the health and priority of trees on the site. While trees may be lost with any type of development, in many ways, a P-1 designation that intends to create a public school may be the ideal partner for best -practice land management. Opportunities to re-establish and manage not only the tree canopy, but also the understory, shrub layer, and herb layer, exist school through outdoor and environmental education, outdoor classrooms, and service projects that would benefit young learners. Similarly, the city's park system is primarily zoned P-1, the same zoning district as that requested, which facilitates stewardship of publicly owned lands, including those with substantial tree canopies. City Plan 2040, 130. 8 City Plan 2040, 40-41. Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Page 26 of 53 The 71B Corridor Plan outlined the 71B area as an "opportunity" to evolve into "an urban environment with greater vitality and lower impact." More specifically, by offering a mixture of businesses and destinations (including schools) 71B has the capacity to be an ideal place for people to live. Additionally underused land or vacant land provides major opportunities "for new and different development and connections," like a school that would transition from low density residential uses to the more intense mixed -use developments that may one day line the corridor.' Placing key services strategically near what the city envisions as a new center of urban development will capitalize on existing infrastructure and elevate vacant land to its highest and best use. Values for tree canopy, natural resources, climate resilience, and natural beauty are strong in Fayetteville and merit consideration, as do goals for walkability, compact development, and revitalization. While it is ideal for these values and goals to be aligned, there are circumstances, particularly as the city grows, where alignment does not occur, and in which a balancing of competing values and goals must be evaluated. In 2017 nine guiding principles were captured as the city looks toward the year 2050: • Diverse, Growing Local Economy - Pathways to Prosperity • Naturally Beautiful City • Ecosystem Preservation • Well -Maintained City Infrastructure and Facilities • Safe and Fun City in which to Live • Greater Ease of Transportation Mobility • Financially Sustainable City Government • Quality Public Schools • Educational, Research and Healthcare Excellence Those nine guiding principles also offer context in which to evaluate this proposal. Urban forests, the protection of hillsides, and the maintenance of our natural beauty are rightly a component of our desired future, as are well maintained infrastructure, fiscal sustainability, quality public schools, and educational excellence. While the proposed rezoning in itself does not create any of these outcomes, it does set the stage for future outcomes that may occur under the zoning constraints. Recommendation: On the balance of considerations, long range planning staff recommends approval of this request finding that the request is supported by currently adopted plans and policies and stated City goals. 9 718 Corridor Plan, 68. Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Paqe 27 of 53 Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 From: Jason Smith <iason.edward.smithCcbgmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 20, 2025 12:49 PM To: Planning Shared <planning()fayetteville-ar.gov> Subject: support for RZN-2025-0048 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Fayetteville. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Just wanted to reach out and voice my support for the new Ramay Jr High school location. We currently live in the center of the City of Fayetteville and our son buses to JLC across town. The central location looks so much better both for our kids and for parents to be involved at the school more easily. I have seen some loud opposition to cutting of the trees there, while little to no opposition in the developments going in on Old Wire and Old Missouri Roads. Thanks, Jason Smith 408 E Lafayette From: Sarah Rack <sarah.rack(a_gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 20, 2025 10:00 AM To: Planning Shared <planning(a)fayetteville-ar.gov> Subject: Support for RZN-2025-0048, Land for Ramay Junior High CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Fayetteville. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Planning Commissioners - I am writing to express my strong support for the zoning change RZN-2025-0048 to allow for the development of the new Ramay Junior High in the heart of Fayetteville. This school represents a critical investment in the future of our city —one that aligns directlywith Fayetteville's Vision 2050 Guiding Principles. Building Ramay in this central location supports: • A diverse, growing local economy by ensuring equitable access to quality education across our community. • The preservation of a naturally beautiful city through thoughtful planning and responsible land use. • Well -maintained infrastructure and facilities that meet the needs of our growing population. • A safe, vibrant community where families can live, learn, and thrive. • Quality public schools that serve as cornerstones of educational excellence and opportunity. Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Paqe 28 of 53 Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 Locating this junior high in the heart of the city strengthens our neighborhoods, reduces transportation barriers, and demonstrates Fayetteville's continued commitment to smart, sustainable growth. Thank you for your consideration and for your leadership in ensuring Fayetteville remains a city where every child has access to exceptional educational opportunities close to home. Warm regards, Sarah Rack Fayetteville Resident and Public School Supporter -----Original Message ----- From: Leslie Reeves <lesliereeves05C�_gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2025 4:32 PM To: Planning Shared <planningafayetteville-ar.gov> Subject: RZN-2025-0048 Rezoning Land for Ramay Junior High School CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Fayetteville. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. City of Fayetteville Planning Commissioners, Knowing that you must not communicate among yourselves I have blind -copied you. I hope I typed all of the email addresses correctly. First, I want to thank you for your service to the City of Fayettevile -for the long hours you must often put in, and for listening to the citizens of our city. I rotated off the Planning Commission a number of years ago now, and hadn't anticipated either coming to speak before you, or sending you an email advocating for or against something before you. But here I am! I want to encourage you to approve sending the rezoning for the new Ramay Junior High to the City Council with a recommendation that they approve it. It's difficult to rezone property knowing that trees will be removed. But the choice is almost always between density and sprawl. And I believe that the values of our city - and the best alternative for the Planning Commission and City Council - is infill. I don't envy you the decision before you, but I trust that you will endure the input and make a good decision. Sincerely, Leslie (Belden) Reeves From: D Neely <dgn.edensgreen@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, October 11, 2025 1:26 PM To: Rawn, Molly <molly.rawn@fayetteville-ar.gov>; john.mulford@fayar.net Cc: Macedo, Keith <kmacedo@fayetteville-ar.gov>; tim.hudson@fayar.net; justin.eichmann@fayar.net; Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Paqe 29 of 53 Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 keaton.smith@fayar.net; ivone.hudson@fayar.net; tracey.pomeroy@fayar.net; katrina.osborne@fayar.net; nika.waitsman@fayar.net; alan.wilbourn@fayar.net; kfreeman@connect-advisors.com; emckinnon@nwaonline.com; Bunch, Sarah <sarah.bunch@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Berna, Scott <scott.berna@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Jones, D'Andre <dandre.jones@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Stafford, Bob <bob.stafford@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Moore, Sarah <sarah.moore@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Jones, Monique <monique.jones@fayetteville-ar.gov>; jeff.pummill@gmail.com; glpatterson01 @gmaiL.com; staceybuff@gmail.com; grimsleygraham@gmail.com; darlinton.imhanzuaria@gmail.com; alexmauroner@gmail.com; spencer.vicki@gmail.com; mmbritain@gmail.com; Andrew Dominick <andrew.dominick@marshalltown.com>; Brink, Andrew <andrew.brink@fayetteville-ar.gov>; aholeyfield@impactpolicystrategies.com; Payne, Brad <brad.payne@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Gulley, Fred <fred.gulley@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Madden, Mary <mary.madden@fayetteville-ar.gov>; McGetrick, Mary <mary.mcgetrick@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Cabe, Matthew <matthew.cabe@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Werner, Nick <nick.werner@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Masters, Jessica <jmasters@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Long Range Planning <LongRangePLanning@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Carlo Bertani <carlo.bertani@maersk.com>; hannah.ashh <hannah.ashh@gmail.com>; jnparrish54 <jnparrish54@gmail.com>; joedona@gmail.com; shirleykatharine8 <shirleykatharine8@gmail.com>; tas <tas@biodesicstrategies.com>; foresterfox51 <foresterfox51 @gmail.com>; gharrison@fayetteville-ar.gov; Bostick, Britin <bbostick@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Turk, Teresa <teresa.turk@fayetteville-ar.gov>; kkellam@uark.edu; Hunter.Adkisson@prismds.co; jennyb@prismds.co; Nierengarten, Peter <pnierengarten@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Douglas, Bethany <bdouglas@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Curth, Jonathan <jcurth@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Masters, Jessica <jmasters@fayetteville-ar.gov>; gharton@nwaonline.com; dustin@fayettevilleflyer.com; stacy@fayettevilleflyer.com; news@knwa.com; news@kfsm.com Subject: Aquatic Recreation Center and "New" Ramay Project CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Fayetteville. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hello, Mayor Rawn and Dr John! (Cc: FPS Board, City of Fvl Admin/Staff/Boards/Commissions, Contractors, Fayetteville Flyer, KNWA, KFSM, NWADG, KUAF, KPSQ) Thanks to responses I've received from Mike Wiederkehr and Scott Berna, I better understand why bond proposals are not the proper funding mechanisms for housing AND have an enlightened perspective regarding public input supporting the Aquatic Recreation Center. On another topic, so much about the "New" Ramay Project .... Considering the potential dramatic negative impact in the N College Urban Corridor from large-scale construction on an unstable hill slope, unforeseen drainage issues, inadequate routes for traffic, site SAFETY and ADA accessibility limitations, as well as COST OVERRUNS wasting tax dollars ... the FPS District and City should give the PUBLIC the same opportunity to provide input as was the case for the Aquatic Recreation Center* (see Scott Berna email excerpt below). ALL ASPECTS of the plan for the "New" Ramay Hill -Slope Site are WHOLLY INAPPROPRIATE. So much about the "New" Ramay plan has been mis-handled, forced, and out of proper sequence that it has given ever more members of the general public (who are becoming aware of the plans ... over 1100 Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Page 30 of 53 Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 on change.org and still counting) the sense that the FPS Board and the City decided to push re -zoning and the project approval through sometime in 2024. Far better would be to use the Old Woodland site for building the "New" Ramay. STUDENTS could lead a RE -GREENING INITIATIVE to design and plant a native botanical landscape on the Old Woodland property. This would give students life-long pride in CREATING A NEW GREEN OASIS OF NATIVE SPECIES AND SAVING THE HILLSIDE URBAN FOREST for use as a STEAM Outdoor Classroom/Gym/Lab. Another better site could be acquired for a middle -school with a smaller foot -print requiring less acreage and NO FOOTBALL FIELD ON ATREE-DENUDED SLOPE. Where there's a will there's a way for the FPS Board, the City, and local non-profit(s) to collaborate on saving the Ash/N College Urban Forest property (possibly putting it into a conservation easement). Everybody WINS in this scenario. IMHO & Cheers! Dot Neely/Fayetteville Resident-UAF M.S. Geology -Environmental Educator *On Oct 10, 2025, at 6:12 PM, Berna, Scott <scott.berna@fayetteville-ar.gov> wrote: " In regards to the aquatic center, for over a year, the City has taken the time to really listen to Fayetteville residents about what they want in a new aquatic and recreation center. Starting August 1, 2024, we launched an extensive community engagement campaign. o Online and surveys, pop-up events, and public meetings were designed specifically to reach people where they already spend their time. o Over a nine -month window, two online surveys* through Speak Up Fayetteville drew more than 6,500 views and 2,854 participants. o City staff also hosted tables at First Thursday, Movie in the Park, and the Yvonne Richardson Community Center's Back -to -School Night, and met residents at Wilson Park Pool to hear from families and swimmers directly. o Together with social media, email, and Parks and City newsletter outreach, those City -led efforts directly reached an estimated 75,000 residents. o Local television and digital coverage, including stories from 4029 News and the Fayetteville Flyer, expanded widespread community awareness to drive participation. Sent from my iPhone On Oct 10, 2025, at 6:12 PM, Berna, Scott <scott.berna@fayetteville-ar.gov> wrote: Dot, Thank you for reaching out on this issue. We don't always agree but I do appreciate your input. Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Page 31 of 53 Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 I do want to push back a little on one of your comments. The administration is working every day on the housing issue and just because we feel this bond issue is not the right vehicle to fund housing does NOT mean we are "TONE DEAF". Multiple staff members work on this daily and the Mayor has hired a new Housing Officer to focus on this exact issue. I might add the Housing Officer spoke Tuesday night and publicly stated this bond with its water and sewer infrastructure requests does in fact improve our ability to build housing. In my time on council we have approved well over a million dollars to agencies who help the underserved. Just in the last couple of months the Mayor and city council have approved $450000.00 towards improving housing to the underserved. We have another item coming before us on the next council agenda that talks about housing as well as workforce training which I personally think is a critical component too improving someone's future. In regards to the aquatic center, for over a year, the City has taken the time to really listen to Fayetteville residents about what they want in a new aquatic and recreation center. Starting August 1, 2024, we launched an extensive community engagement campaign. Online and surveys, pop-up events, and public meetings were designed specifically to reach people where they already spend their time. Over a nine -month window, two online surveys* through Speak Up Fayetteville drew more than 6,500 views and 2,854 participants. City staff also hosted tables at First Thursday, Movie in the Park, and the Yvonne Richardson Community Center's Back -to -School Night, and met residents at Wilson Park Pool to hear from families and swimmers directly. Together with social media, email, and Parks and City newsletter outreach, those City -led efforts directly reached an estimated 75,000 residents. Local television and digital coverage, including stories from 4029 News and the Fayetteville Flyer, expanded widespread community awareness to drive participation. What staff heard was clear and consistent: people want a year-round aquatic and recreation center that serves everyone —families, lap swimmers, seniors, and kids learning to swim. They asked for a space that brings indoor and outdoor features together, with places to play, exercise, and relax. In every type of feedback session, residents overwhelmingly said they support building a modern, multi -use facility that Fayetteville can be proud of for decades to come. *3,000 views and 1,545 participants in the first round, and 3,600 views and 1,309 participants in the second. Again thank you for reaching out and expressing your opinion. You clearly have a passion for Fayetteville and for that I applaud you. Scott From: D Neely <dgn.edensgreen@gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, October 9, 2025 5:31 PM To: Moore, Sarah <sarah.moorePfayetteville-ar.gov>; Stafford, Bob <bob.staffordCa)fayetteville-ar.gov>; Jones, D'Andre <dandre.jonesCcbfayetteville-ar.gov>; Berna, Scott <scott.bernaCcbfayetteville-ar.gov>; Bunch, Sarah <sarah.bunch(�bfayetteville-ar.gov>; Turk, Teresa <teresa.turkPfayetteville-ar.gov>; Jones, Monique <monique.jonesC@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Rawn, Molly <molly.rawnC@fayetteville-ar.gov> Cc: keith.macedoCa)fayetteville-ar.gov<keith.macedoC�fayetteville-ar.gov> Subject: Tues Oct 7 Bond Proposal Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Paqe 32 of 53 Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Fayetteville. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Mayor Rawn and City Council Members (Cc: Keith Macedo): The overall proposal is sound ... However; it is REALLY TONE-DEAF to designating $60 million for an Aquatic Recreation Center in Lewis Park before funding affordable housing, especially after all of the City Pronouncements in Support of Low -Middle Income Housing, Calls for Public Input, Special Housing Task Force Problem -Solving Efforts/etc ... Fayetteville needs homes for workers who contribute to community creativity and economic viability ... Endeavor to persevere and do the next right thing, y'all ... Yours, Citizen Dot Sent from my iPhone Sent from my iPad From: Colley Bailey <colley.baileyCa)gmail.com> Sent: Thursday, October 9, 2025 11:25 AM To: Planning Shared <plannin @fayetteville-ar.gov> Subject: Support for RZN-2025-0048, Land for Ramay Junior High CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Fayetteville. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Planning Commission Members, I am writing to express my support for the proposed rezoning of the hillside land in Fayetteville, AR, for the development of Ramay Junior High. This new school will provide valuable educational opportunities in a well thought out new facility for our students. It will allow them to thrive educationally amongst nature and give them an appreciation of green spaces. Many of us believe that investing in our local schools is essential for the future of our children and community. I respectfully ask you to consider the importance of this project and to support the approval of the rezoning to make Ramay Junior High a reality. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Colley Bailey, Principal Broker, LoneRock Realty 479-777-3379 (work cell) 479-856-9422 (personal cell) Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Paqe 33 of 53 Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 https://www.LoneRockHomeTeam.com/ 649 E Huntsville Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72701 From: amanda bailey <amanda.bailey32C0gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 10:09 AM To: Planning Shared<planning(a)fayetteville-ar.gov> Subject: Support for RZN-2025-0048, Land for Ramay Junior High CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Fayetteville. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Planning Commission Members, I am writing to express my support for the proposed rezoning of the hillside land in Fayetteville, AR, for the development of Ramay Junior High. This new school will provide valuable educational opportunities in a well thought out new facility for our students. It will allow them to thrive educationally amongst nature and give them an appreciation of green spaces. After reading the breakdown of the 2040 City Plan, it seems like this school is aligned with Fayetteville's growth goals. The school has been so intentional, and thoughtful about ecological issues, with their design and accompanying studies for that design. I feel like this school won't be the eyesore that some others think it will be. I believe that it will blend beautifully with the surrounding trees and give the kids that attend there such an amazing place to attend Junior High. Many of us believe that investing in our local schools is essential for the future of our children and community. I respectfully ask you to consider the importance of this project and to support the approval of the rezoning to make Ramay Junior High a reality. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Amanda Bailey -----Original Message ----- From: Paige Goodman Wolven <paigelorrabethCa gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 6:30 PM To: Planning Shared <planningCd)fayetteville-ar.gov> Subject: Support of RZN - 2025-0048 Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Page 34 of 53 Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Fayetteville. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hello, I'm emailing to voice my support of the rezone of the land for the future Ramay build. The proposed school right in the center of town would be a great thing for our city. Paige From: D Neely <dgn.edensgreen@gmaiL.com> Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 1:03 PM To: John Mulford <john.mulford@fayar.net> Cc: tim.hudson@fayar.net; justin.eichmann@fayar.net; keaton.smith@fayar.net; ivone.hudson@fayar.net; tracey.pomeroy@fayar.net; katrina.osborne@fayar.net; nika.waitsman@fayar.net; alan.wilbourn@fayar.net; kfreeman@connect-advisors.com; emckinnon@nwaonline.com; Rawn, Molly <molly.rawn@fayetteville- ar.gov>; Bunch, Sarah <sarah.bunch@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Berna, Scott <scott.berna@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Jones, D'Andre <dandre.jones@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Stafford, Bob <bob.stafford@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Moore, Sarah <sarah.moore@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Jones, Monique <monique.jones@fayetteville-ar.gov>; jeff.pummiLL@gmail.com; g1patterson01 @gmail.com; staceybuff@gmail.com; grimsleygraham@gmail.com; darlinton.imhanzuaria@gmail.com; alexmauroner@gmail.com; spencer.vicki@gmail.com; mmbritain@gmail.com; Andrew Dominick <andrew.dominick@marshalltown.com>; Brink, Andrew <andrew.brink@fayetteville-ar.gov>; aholeyfield@impactpolicystrategies.com; Payne, Brad <brad.payne@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Gulley, Fred <fred.gulley@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Madden, Mary <mary.madden@fayetteville-ar.gov>; McGetrick, Mary <mary.mcgetrick@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Cabe, Matthew <matthew.cabe@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Werner, Nick <nick.werner@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Masters, Jessica <jmasters@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Long Range Planning <LongRangePlanning@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Carlo Bertani <carlo.bertani@maersk.com>; hannah.ashh <hannah.ashh@gmail.com>; jnparrish54 <jnparrish54@gmail.com>; joedona@gmaiL.com; shirleykatharine8 <shirleykatharine8@gmaiL.com>; tas <tas@biodesicstrategies.com>; foresterfox51 <foresterfox51 @gmail.com>; gharrison@fayetteville-ar.gov Subject: Ash-N College School Site Conservation Easement Collaboration CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Fayetteville. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hello, Dr John! (Cc: FPS Board, City of Fvl Admin/Staff/Boards/Commissions) Y'alL will be in over your heads on the hillside site. Just trying to save the FPSD, City, and tax payers exorbitant expense and problems yet to be encountered. Urban forests are irreplaceable ... There are other better site options for school construction. I have a respected 501(c)(3)non-profit ready to collaborate and combine resources with FPSD and the City on a Conservation Easement for the Ash/N College junior high site. Do the right thing ... Preserve Fayetteville's Enduring Green Network ... Cheers! Dot Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Paqe 35 of 53 Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 Sent from my iPhone On Sep 29, 2025, at 10:06 AM, John Mulford <john.mulfordCc0fayar.net> wrote: Thank you, Dot. Both emails have been received. As I watch these videos I things of two things: 1. 1 am excited about how we can improve this type of runoff that currently exists for our neighbors to the west of us due to the condition of the site and lack of runoff mitigation strategies on the site. Our design team has given great care in coming up with a plan that will keep more water onsite and lead to slower runoff during heavy remains. 2. For this family on Walnut, with their home being further south than where our property is located, I don't know that they will benefit from our site improvements. But, I am hopeful that they will. Storm water runoff continues to be a top focus for our design team and we remain committed to improving the situation over what currently exists. John Mulford, Ed.D. Superintendent Fayetteville Public Schools 479-444-3000 iohn.mulfordCa)favar.net "Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do:" - John Wooden On Fri, Sep 26, 2025 at 4:53 PM D Neely <dgn.edensgreen@gmail.com> wrote: Greetings Dr. John! (Cc: FPS Board Members, Alan Wilbourn, Kelly Freeman, Edward McKinnon) A new friend on the Walnut segment of the Sycamore -Walnut -Ash hill sent two videos of the Tuesday 9/23/2025 storm runoff from the slope behind her recently purchased home. Video #2 is attached with this email. Video #1 was sent previously in a separate email due to file size. As you are now aware, the New Ramay hillside site is a "Pandora's Box" of problems which development will unleash at great expense to the FPSD, City, business owners on adjacent downslope properties, and resident Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Page 36 of 53 Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 tax payers. Building Ramay anew on the current Woodland property and securing a smaller parcel on level -to -gently sloping ground is a better, more affordable way forward. The best scenario for the 20+ hillside acres is for the FPS Board to partner with the City and a respected local non-profit (TBA) to place the site into a Conservation Easement, in keeping with the City's 2040 Master Plan, Hillside and Tree Preservation Ordinances, and the Climate Action Plan. Placed in a Conservation Easement, the site would effectually preserve and extend the City's Enduring Green Network north of the Brooks -Hummel Preserve. The wooded slope will provide an essential green -buffer between planned intensive infill development along the N College Urban Corridor and neighborhoods to the east. I can get with each of you individually at your convenience to talk more about issues with the proposed hillside site and partnering to place it in a Conservation Easement, if you like. Cheers! Dot P.S. Please check through your FPS Email Inbox for my email of 7/26/2025 with attached information re: the New Ramay Site. From: Amylou Wilson <hattiemcneil@hotmail.com> Sent: Sunday, September 28, 2025 7:48 PM To: Payne, Brad <brad.payne@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Gulley, Fred <fred.gulley@fayetteville-ar.gov>; JGarlock@fayetteville-ar.gov; Madden, Mary <mary.madden@fayetteville-ar.gov>; McGetrick, Mary <mary.mcgetrick@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Cabe, Matthew <matthew.cabe@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Castin, Nick <nick.castin@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Werner, Nick <nick.werner@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Masters, Jessica <jmasters@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Wonsower, Donna <dwonsower@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Hyke, Bliss <ehyke@fayetteville-ar.gov>; gharrison@fayetteville-ar.gov; Hopkins, Mirinda <mhopkins@fayetteville- ar.gov>; Tamijani, Zak <ztamijani@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Frank, Wes <wfrank@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Bostick, Britin <bbostick@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Olson, Leif <lolson@fayetteville-ar.gov> Subject: Against Rezoning/New Ramey School CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Fayetteville. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I am against the rezoning of land the school board has purchased for the new Ramey Junior High. We can do better than this! I've worked in the water sector and this is a disaster in the making. Mr. Bayyari is correct in his assessment as a developer in the letter to the editor printed in the newspaper recently. Please do not allow this to happen. Amy (Amylou) Wilson 1833 E. Applebury Drive Fayetteville, AR Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Page 37 of 53 Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 hattiemcnei[Photmail.com From: Masters, Jessica Sent: Friday, September 26, 2025 4:49 PM To: 'Lana Harris' <lanalharris08@gmail.com> Subject: RE: Question regarding proposed Ramay Jr. High site Lana, Thank you for your questions; it's what we're here for, so I don't mind answering them. Yes, the school district recently submitted their request to rezone the property in question, and I've attached their documents for your consideration. The rezoning item will be heard by Planning Commission on October 27 at a meeting which will begin at 5:30 PM. The variance that was approved recently was for a separate matter, and does not take the property's zoning into account. Geotechnical borings are a typical, due diligence process that is often done on a property where no clearing is involved, so no permits are involved or necessary from the City. In that particular matter, a grading permit was required because of the amount of clearing the developer required given the level of geotechnical work they were planning on doing. However, in order for them to obtain that permit, code requires that typically a large-scale development has already been approved. Since a large-scale development has NOT yet been approved, (nor, as you've mentioned, has the property been rezoned yet), the developer sought a variance to that standard so that they could begin that site analysis work. You are correct that the developer has not yet obtained a grading permit in relation to that variance, but it is my understanding they are still working through that process. So, the test results won't necessarily be a part of the rezoning, but it sounds like many Commissioners will be interested to hear if that information will be ready yet. The applicant has not provided it, nor is it a typical requirement of any rezoning item, though I would anticipate that the question will arise, and perhaps the developer will have more information at the time of the rezoning hearing. Let me know if I can be of further assistance. Jessie Jessie Masters, AICP Planning Director Development Services City of Fayetteville, Arkansas (479) 575-8239 www.favettevi[Le-ar.gov Website I Facebook I Twitter I Instagram I YouTube CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE ARKANS ARKANSAS Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Page 38 of 53 Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 From: Lana Harris <lanalharris08@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, September 26, 2025 12:11 PM To: Masters, Jessica <jmasters@fayetteville-ar.gov> Subject: Question regarding proposed Ramay Jr. High site CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Fayetteville. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Good afternoon, Jessie, I hope you're doing well. I hate to bug you with questions, but I'm struggling to fully understand all of the moving parts and pieces to the Ramay Jr. High site rezoning process. I believe the school district has submitted their application for rezoning for the 19.7 acre parcel, as well as the 7-acre parcel to the south, which they have under contract. Can you help me understand how the variance approval impacts the rezoning decision? I thought the variance approval for boring was so the school district could conduct their geotechnical tests to determine if the site is suitable for a school. Since they haven't even applied for their grading permit yet, I would assume that means they haven't completed any of their testing. Wouldn't those test results be necessary prior to the planning commission voting on rezoning? I was under the impression, based on conversation by commissioners at the meeting where they approved the variance, that the rezoning wouldn't be considered until the boring results were presented. Many of the commissioners discussed how the results of the boring tests would impact their decisions on rezoning, which is why I'm a bit confused. I'd appreciate any insight or clarification you could give me around this. If it would be easier to explain via phone call or an in -person meeting, I'm more than happy to do either. Thank you so much for your help. I hope you have a great weekend. Sincerely, Lana Harris 479-445-8002 LanaLharris08@gmail.com From: John Mulford <john.mulford@fayar.net> Sent: Monday, August 18, 2025 3:49 PM To: Andrea Fournet <andreafournet@gmail.com> Cc: Masters, Jessica <jmasters@fayetteville-ar.gov>; jeff.pummill@gmail.com; glpatterson01 @gmail.com; Andrew Dominick <andrew.dominick@marshalltown.com>; mmbritain@gmail.com; alexmauroner@gmail.com; grimsleygraham@gmail.com; staceybuff@gmail.com; tomdeerel3@yahoo.com; tod.yeslow@yeslow-law.com; spence r.vicki@gmail.com; Brink, Andrew <andrew.brink@fayetteville-ar.gov>; bpayne51@gmail.com; Fredgulleyl@gmail.com;wesinfay@gmail.com; mmadden86@hotmail.com; Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Page 39 of 53 Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 Mjmcgetr@gmail.com; cabe.arch@gmail.com; ncastin@gmail.com; werner.nickc@gmail.com Subject: Re: Urgent: Parking & Traffic at current Woodland Campus and possible new Ramay Campus CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Fayetteville. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hello, Andrea. I will do my best to provide answers to the questions you have presented. Please keep in mind that many of the things asked will be navigated during the Design Development phase of the project. Up to this point, Schematic design is the only thing that has occurred as we investigate how a building will best fit on the site while minimizing the footprint and saving as many significant trees as possible. The Schematic design is on hold until we know whether or not the rezoning will move forward and whether or not the additional 7 acres to the south will be available to be used for placement of school facilities. Thar said, I think we need to distinguish a key difference between the current Woodland site and the proposed Ramay site. When Woodland was built roughly 70 years ago, the district was much smaller and the site was on the west edge, if not outside of town. There were no houses or businesses around it. And as is typical, after the school was constructed, other developments popped up around it. Additions were made to this site as the district grew, leaving limited room for parking. Currently, Woodland Junior high has roughly 170 designated parking spaces. Outside of these parking spaces, the small driveways are often used for additional parking along the curbs during things like open house and ball games. While these drives do provide some additional parking, it is limited because the drives are relatively small and were not designed to serve in that way at the time the building was built. It is also important to note that Woodland currently serves about 800 students, as does the current Ramay. With a new feeder pattern set to take effect August 2027, a third junior high will be added, which will be done by converting John L Colbert Middle school to a junior high, and the current Woodland building will become a middle school. By doing so, and using current enrollment data and projections, the middle school to be housed there and Ramay Junior High would each have about 600 students. Given all that background, one of the things we have at the top of our design focus is the need for sufficient parking onsite for the new Ramay. Unlike the current Woodland, there isn't a parking lot at a neighboring church that is easily accessible, nor are their bordering streets immediately adjacent to the school that people can park along. When you consider the neighborhoods that are close by, they still aren't immediately adjacent like the current Woodland, which I believe will greatly reduce the amount of people who will try to park in neighborhoods like Summit Place and walk. With all that said, below (in purple) are the response we have at this time: Follow -Up Questions 1. Capacity— How many parking spaces will the possible new Ramay campus include? - As you know, the City of Fayetteville has parking maximums. It is my understanding from our design team that our maximum number of actual designated parking spaces allowed is around 200. That said, the ability to park at least 350 cars onsite is the target we are currently working toward. To accomplish this, we are designing the road around the school to be wide enough to allow for parallel parking during evening and special events. Using our current schematic design, we estimate roughly another 130- Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Page 40 of 53 Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 140 cars can park on the side of the drive. All that said, it is still early in the design process and design aspects must go through city planning. Additionally, our approach to parking is to avoid a large parking lot, so we haven't yet hit the target of 200 actual parking spaces, but we are getting there. Based on the current Schematic Design, we feel confident we will be able to accommodate 300 cars between the actual spots and the drive, but will continue to work toward 350. With an anticipated 600 student enrollment, we believe this will be sufficient parking. 2. Event Load — How many attendees are projected for an open house? - Open house is a hard thing to predict, but would easily be the event during which the most vehicles would be present. What makes it unique is ALL staff are present, plus families on top of that. Unlike an athletic event, during which minimal staff are present. And even for those who do attend, not all are there at the same time. For the junior high level, we estimate between 50-65% of students/families attend. Then within that number, we have families with multiple kids at the building and parents coming at different times. So looking ahead, with an enrollment of 600 students, we would anticipate 300-400 students/families might attend. If needed, we can stagger open house, which some of our buildings that have limited parking already do. Additionally, if needed, we could have staff park at the current woodland site on open house night and shuttle them back and forth. 3. Infrastructure Plan — Will additional parking be built to meet that need? - I think this question is answered above. 4. Traffic Flow — How will gridlock on the hillside and in adjacent neighborhoods be prevented? - We have to keep in mind that 800 students are already flowing to the current Woodland campus, many of which come from the east and/or south. Once that building becomes a middle school and the new Ramay opens, there will be 1200 students between the two of them, a net increase of 400 students. Several of these additional students will be the same families who have multiple kids in grades 5-8, so their car would be going that way already to drop off their middle school child. Assuming the district does not purchase the additional 7 acres to the south, we expect there to be little noticeable difference between the amount of school -related cars traveling those roads then vs. now. The key difference will be traffic between the two campuses. And, with an intersection being added, that should allow for ease of flow between the two sites. As a reminder, that intersection was already in the city plans prior to the district purchasing the land. As for the new Ramay site, the driveway that circles the building should be more than sifficient to keep cars off of College during parent drop-off and pick-up. Now, if the district purchases the additional 7 acres, an additional traffic study will be conducted to see how that Ash Street access could/should be best used. Of course, the city will have a big part in determining that as well. 5. Alternate Transport— If buses/shuttles are planned, how will they be scheduled and incentivized? - This location allows for potential partnerships with the city around public transportation due to its Location to existing routes. We would have to collaborate with the city about how we might collaborate to provide more options for families beyond district run bus routes. We already have about 45-50% of students who ride our own buses, which is strong participation. The development of this site would also allow the trail to connect from Poplar to Ash. Now, I know it would be uphill coming from the west, but it would provide a safe crossing at College that would at least provide the opportunity for more students to walk or cycle to school. I also feel it provides a walkable/bikeable opportunity for students who live to the east that really isn't available now. Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Page 41 of 53 Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 6. Timeline- When will the community be informed of the finalized traffic and parking plan? -As referenced above, many of those details will be finalized as part of the Design Development phase. We will not ask the Design Team to start on that phase unless the property is rezoned. However, the Schematic Design will give us a pretty firm idea of how traffic and parking will flow. One key piece outstanding is that additional 7 acres. We are hoping to know one way or the other on that property very soon. Our Design Team will be presenting an update at the August 28th board meeting. John Mulford, Ed.D. Superintendent Fayetteville Public Schools 479-444-3000 iohn.mulford@fayar.net "Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do:' - John Wooden On Mon, Aug 18, 2025 at 7:57 AM Andrea Fournet <andreafournet(@_gmail.com> wrote: Dear Dr. Mulford, The Woodland Junior High open house on August 14, 2025, created severe traffic congestion and a dangerous parking shortage. Cars overflowed into neighborhoods, businesses and onto lawns. It was unsafe. Woodland admin and staff were clearly unprepared for the number of families attending. Many people parked in the huge parking lot owned by the church on Green Acres Rd and walked on level flat sidewalks to get to the Woodland campus. I am very concerned the same —or worse —will occur at the new Ramay campus on the hillside. With limited on -site parking, open houses could easily draw over 500 cars, leading to bottlenecks on the hill and spillover into nearby neighborhoods. Parents will not rely on buses or bikes, and many will find alternative routes — parking up and down the streets in the Summit Place neighborhood to the north, walking through woods, and creating hazards. They sure won't park at the bottom of the hillside and walk up the switch back! What is the district's concrete plan to prevent this? Will a parking lot be built to handle open house attendance, or will we see a repeat of Woodland? This is not a minor inconvenience —it is a safety issue for students, families, and the community. Advance planning is essential. Follow -Up Questions 1. Capacity- How many parking spaces will the possible new Ramay campus include? 2. Event Load - How many attendees are projected for an open house? 3. Infrastructure Plan - Will additional parking be built to meet that need? 4. Traffic Flow - How will gridlock on the hillside and in adjacent neighborhoods be prevented? 5. Alternate Transport- If buses/shuttles are planned, how will they be scheduled and incentivized? 6. Timeline - When will the community be informed of the finalized traffic and parking plan? I look forward to your detailed response. Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Page 42 of 53 Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 Sincerely, Andrea Fournet ARKANSIAS YOGA &THERAPY CENTER All we have is emails. ANDREA FOURNET,C-IAYT CEO/Founder ® 479-521-9642 V yogalady@aryoga.com 1949 N Green Acres Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72703 ® www.aryoga.com Brink, Andrew andrew.brink(@fayetteville-ar.gov McGetrick, Mary mart'.mcgetrick@fayetteville-ar.gov Madden, Mary mary.madden@fayetteville-ar.gov Payne, Brad brad.payne fayetteville-ar.gov Gulley, Fred Fred.Gulley@fayetteville-ar.gov Werner, Nick nick.werner@fayetteville-ar. ov Castin, Nick Nick.Castin@fayetteville-ar.gov Cabe, Matthew Matthew.CabeC&fayetteville-ar.gov Ashlyn Holeyfield ashlyn.holeyfield(a)fayetteville-ar.gov Thankyou Mirinda Hopkins Development Coordinator Planning Division City of Fayetteville 479-575-8267 Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Page 43 of 53 Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 CITY OF W90 FAYETTEVILLE ARKANSAS From: Nancy Harris <nanghar@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 7, 2025 4:08 PM To: Planning Shared <planning(o)fayetteville-ar.gov> Subject: can you give me the individual contact info for planning commission members CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Fayetteville. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. this is in regard to the project to build a new Ramay on the hill. Thanks, Nancy Harris Fyi and apologies that I just realized you were not included. The attachment more than the email appears to be the substance of the public comment. Jonathan Curth, AICP Development Services Director Development Services Department City of Fayetteville, Arkansas j c u rt h (cbfayettevi lle-a r. gov 479.575.8308 Website l Facebook l Twitter l Youtube -----Original Message ----- From: Mayor <MayorCg)fayetteville-ar.gov> Sent: Monday, September 22, 2025 1:10 PM To: Curth, Jonathan <jcurth@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Rutherford, Blake <blrutherford(«)fayetteville-ar.gov>; Ziegler, Gracie<gziegler(a)fayetteville-ar.gov>; Macedo, Keith <kmaced o(@fayetteville-ar.gov> Subject: FW: Letter RE Selected Site for Ramay Junior High Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Page 44 of 53 Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 This was sent tome, council, planning commissioners, and Peter's team. I am simply making you aware. I had not yet heard school security/student safety used as an argument against this site so that was a new one. Mayor Molly Rawn City of Fayetteville, Arkansas Mayor@fayetteville-a r. gov (479) 575-8330 -----Original Message ----- From: Dawn Fisher <dawn fisher@fastmail.fm> Sent: Sunday, September 21, 2025 5:28 PM To: Brink, Andrew <andrew.brink@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Payne, Brad <brad.payne a fayetteville-ar.gov>; Gulley, Fred <fred.gutley@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Madden, Mary <mary. mad den(@fayetteville-ar.gov>; McGetrick, Mary <mary.mcgetrick@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Cabe, Matthew <matthew.cabe@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Castin, Nick <nick.castin@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Werner, Nick <nick.werner@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Berna, Scott <scott.berna@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Bunch, Sarah <sarah.bunch@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Mayor <Mayor('Ofayetteville-ar.gov>; Turk, Teresa <teresa.turk@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Jones, Monique <monique.jones@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Jones, D'Andre <dandre.jones@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Wiederkehr, Mike <mike.wiederkehr@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Moore, Sarah <sarah.moore@fayetteville-ar.gov>; robe rt. staff o rd @)fayettevi l le -a r. gov Cc: Nierengarten, Peter<pnierengarten@fayettevilte-ar.gov>; Olson, Leif <lolson@fayetteville-ar.gov> Subject: Letter RE Selected Site for Ramay Junior High CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Fayetteville. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Good evening, I submit to members of the Planning Committee and to the Mayor and City Council Members, with a cc. to two Planning Committee staff members, regarding the proposed site for the Ramay Junior High School. Parts of this have been communicated to the Environmental Action Committee, and parts to the Fayetteville Public Schools Superintendent and Board members. (Three minutes doesn't seem to cover much when I'm before an august board for the first time in my life, and public speaking is not my strength.) However, I hope you will consider with some weight what I have given much of my thought to since I heard about FSB plans to build on this site and all the implications that followed as a result of my conversations and queries. Since then, though my background in education gives me to understand the motivations of the school board, I really must express my concerns about this proposal and what I feel to be very real and LIKELY negative outcomes, should the school be built on the site as proposed. Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Page 45 of 53 Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 I am not certain I have all e-mail addresses correct, but if any return as "undeliverable;' I will try to deliver by alternate means (via hard copy directly to City Hall). Thank you in advance for your time and consideration. With regards, Dawn Fisher, 848 E. Peel St. Fayetteville, AR 72703 Dawn Fisher dawn fisher(@fastmail.fm From: Dawn Fisher, 848 E. Peel St., Fayetteville, 72703 To: Mayor Molly Rawn City Council Members: Robert Stafford, D'Andre Jones, Sarah Moore, Mike Wiederkehr, Scott Berna, Sarah Bunch, Teresa Turk, Monique Jones City Planning Committee Members: Andrew Brink, Brad Payne, Fred Gulley, Mary Madden, Mary McGetrick, Matthew Cabe, Nick Castin, Nick Werner, CC: Peter Nierengarten Leif Olson September 21.2025 I have already communicated by letter (7.17.25) to the members of the Environmental Action Committee and to the Superintendent and members of the Fayetteville Public Schools in person (8.29.25) regarding FPS plans to build a junior high school on the hill between Township and Ash, to the east of College. I write to you not as an expert, but as an observer, a reader, an inquisitive person who has an interest in promoting what is good for the community (children, residents, and taxpayers) of the city of Fayetteville and the FP School District, and admittedly taking the position that what is good for preserving the natural environment is good for humans who share the space, the air, the resources. This is not the best site for a school, nor is a school the best use of this site. This steep wooded hillside is NOT CURRENTLY ZONED for a school facility. It is also in the City's Hillside/Hilltop Overlay District, which protects fragile natural areas from development. Dr. Mulford has admitted that the location is ideal; the site is not. Wes Burgess, Crafton Tull representative, said he could "make it happen," that the facility CAN be built FOR A PREMIUM: Development costs are estimated to be three times that of building on flat land. Also, Dr. Mulford initially estimated that the design could preserve up to 50% of the trees/coverage (but that 50% coverage assumed successful purchase of an additional parcel to the south); after further design work, Burgess assured the board that with creative design, "We will have to retain a minimum of 25% of that wooded area ... we want to preserve as much wooded area as possible... so I think we'll be able to do that. "I have heard since that time more qualifying comments regarding that aspiration. Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Page 46 of 53 Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 This "Big Beautiful Building" in the woods is a conceptual idea, of opportunities, collaboration, a spectacular space... presented in renderings, projections, and promises. The renderings are actually very seductive. I wish it could be so. But wishing does not make it so. The question has been asked, "Can we build it?" Probably. The appropriate question here is: "SHOULD we build it?" Should we build the thing if what we value most about that thing cannot be manifest? ...If we harm what we say we value? And if it comes at great cost AND great risk? (This brings to my mind the lesson in The Gift of the Magi.) What example of nature appreciation are we to our children when we cut down the trees and impose a 4-story structure and lines of traffic for access and egress to hundreds every day? It is counter -intuitive to talk about using multiple strategies to mitigate the damage done to the hillside and to prevent downhill flooding and erosion caused by this imposition... and when the base of the only in -and -out access for the public, and the traffic light/crosswalk ... is in a floodway? (Not a flood zone, but a FLOODWAY.) Wes Burgess, Crafton Tull representative plainly laid it out: It will cost a PREMIUM. He estimated that development will cost an estimated THREE TIMES that of developing flat land before the school is even built. Some experienced local builders and objective geologists with specialties in the soils and hydrogeology/geohydrology of the area suspect that this may be only a PORTION of the additional cost... (to the taxpayers, mind you). Governmental entities have the power of the purse and tools of law to pursue public goals for the public good. As we have seen, our political culture has pressed into service laws to expedite specific goals not necessarily "of, by, and for the people," and even challenged some of those boundaries which are set into place to protect the public from the urgent impulses of those who might not have the same long-term view that their predecessors did when establishing safeguards. So it is to be expected that these cultural changes translate into the public being in general more skittish and skeptical, and for it to scrutinize decisions that elected officials make. Though inconvenient, or a seeming nuisance, this can be a good thing in the decision -making process. I would also gather that City and FPS counciliboards and staff have close working relationships and history of cooperation and collaboration. I do hope that does not translate (in this case) into one overlooking violations or making accommodations that they wouldn't for other requests of equal merit. That, in truth, might translate into double -charging tax -payers for both additional cost of the school plus the ultimate cost of additional street and infrastructure improvements necessary to accommodate the building and maintenance of, and access to the school. .�11_ ! u • �] 71��11 r y[�11 C�] 7.�L��[�Iij ZK�h►f.Yi� �1 i[�I�� Assaults on school children are becoming all too common. They happen not just INSIDE, but AROUND the school and grounds. We value our children and our neighborhoods. Safety is paramount. "One way in, one way out. Surrounded by woods." Ask any school safety specialist if this is a good combination. Years ago, when the Dalai Lama visited, an initial plan included lodging our honored guests in a peaceful inn in the woods very near the University of Arkansas campus. When the Special Agents of Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) of the State Department did their site visit to inspect arrangements, they nixed this plan immediately: One way in, one way out, woods all around. An invitation to disaster. I am not saying that there will be stalkers in the woods targeting our children/students. But Superintendent Mulford is promoting this site as walkable and bike -able. Is it? And is it safe? Last month's UA assault and RazALERT was a hoax. But will the next assault be? With predictable accuracy, one knows when our children will be on established paths surrounded by woods. Can the school board provide that surround which is promoted as an asset Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Page 47 of 53 Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 for science exploration and appreciation of nature, and still provide the safe, accessible environment for those whose safety and well-being we so value? OR, after construction is complete, will it even still be the forest surround and habitat envisioned and marketed? MANY other issues remain unresolved as the School Board goes ahead with its plans: In this particular case, and with the selected parcels, the goals of infill and 'incorporating greenways in the city seem to be incompatible. Previous -mentioned concerns don't BEGIN to address the logistical challenges of evacuation in the event of severe weather or other emergency. Nor does it address the hazardous alternate route sometimes suggested through the Ash/Walnut/Sycamore route/corridor. It would be an engineer's or bus -driver's nightmare, let alone a parent's on a slippery day ... Dr. Mulford responded to the "what if' question that school would be called off on inclement weather days. But this hill is a different situation. The option I imagine the City resorting to is designate one of the now -quiet residential streets to serve as a collector and take a straight shot to the top of the hill from Old Wire. Has this been discussed as a back-up plan? The neighbors want to know in advance, not after -the -fact. When asked about how the traffic lights on College will affect traffic at the Poplar intersection, Dr. Mulford simply replied something to the effect that "sometimes during the day better, sometimes not." Many businesses along College below this site already suffer from the down -slope water and residuals after a rain event. In addition, several businesses are "adult" in nature. There are no prohibitions against their existence since they precede the building of the school, but if the school is built, it will affect their ability to sell their location to other similar businesses. Certainly, infill where it makes sense. It doesn't make sense on this slope, with its geohydrology and the constraints of our already imposed development. Take a lesson from the cities around Seattle, Washington where builders in their hubris built on steep hillsides, only to see their structures buried by the super -saturated hillsides behind them; or losing deep footings as eroding land around them gave way. Just as there is a human community, there is a forest community. When there is loss, the whole experiences that loss; we experience loss, whether it is of the forest itself, or of what it offers us: clean air, a climate buffer, a natural habitat for those who were here before us and who now struggle to survive because of our human -centric priorities. There is an intelligence in nature. We dominate and manipulate at our own peril. The trees, in THEIR Natural State, help make our burgeoning community not just livable, but outstanding. I am not blind to the stated needs of FPS to establish and ensure completion of their in -progress "feeder pattern" of student cohorts, and to make it a fait-accompli. They have searched for options, found one they are invested in (with our tax dollars): land, development and architecture/design fees, contracts... This site seems to be the lynchpin, the hill not to be given up. The truth is, school enrollments are NOT increasing (even though the City's population is). Changing demographics, private schools and home -schooling are taking some of the pressure off; there's no rush. I urge the City Planning Department, which I understand is short on engineers, to take ITS time to consider carefully the request from FPS to change the zoning and for the Planning Department and City Council to encourage them to seek other options. I know that the EAC has offered to help with FSB efforts to consider other options, and there may be potential stakeholders interested in participating in a plan that could enable the school board to recoup some of their investment, should they reconsider other options. I apologize for the length of this. It comes with my hope for a positive resolution, whatever that may be. Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Page 48 of 53 Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 Respectfully yours, Dawn Fisher From: Andrea Fournet <andreafournet@gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 7:35 AM To: Carlo Bertani <carlo.bertani(a)maersk.com>; Nathan Walker <nathan-walker(a)outlook.com>; Bethany Douglas <bedouglasl7(a)gmail.com>; lames Parrish <jnparrish54(a)gmail.com>; foresterfox5l (Dgmail.com <foresterfox51(Ebgmail.com>; Scott, John <6scott60fayetteville-ar.gov>; Kate Shirley <shirleykatharine8(a)gmail.com>; Thomason, Willa <wthomason(@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Tas Zinck (tas@biodesicstrategies.com) <tas(cbbiodesicstrategies.com>; Hannah Ash <hannah.ashh(��mail.com> Subject: Future Ramay Junior High school location CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Fayetteville. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Members of the Fayetteville Urban Forestry Advisory Board, I am writing to urgently bring to your attention a deeply troubling situation. The Fayetteville School District is advancing plans to construct a new junior high school and football field atop one of our city's last undeveloped hillsides — an approximately 18-acre old -growth hardwood forest just east of College Avenue. Disturbingly, the district has moved forward without first seeking the city's required zoning approvals, without adequately addressing hillside and drainage protections, and without meaningful solutions to critical traffic concerns, given there is currently only one point of public access, (emergency exit doesn't count). Public funds have already been spent to purchase the land and commission architectural plans, even though this project would permanently destroy an irreplaceable urban forest. This forest has quietly served our community for generations — stabilizing the hillside, protecting our watershed, cooling and purifying the air, sheltering wildlife, and providing immeasurable beauty to Fayetteville. At a time when our community and nation are investing heavily in climate resilience, it is unthinkable to pursue a project that echoes the destructive development practices of the past. It is 2025. We have better knowledge and better tools. We must uphold higher standards. Fayetteville is nationally recognized for environmental stewardship and smart, sustainable growth. Allowing this project to proceed without full public transparency, compliance with city ordinances, and an exhaustive exploration of alternatives would represent a significant failure of governance and vision. This hillside is not simply a hardwood forest; it is a vital natural asset. Its loss would be irreversible, leaving a permanent scar on our landscape and, I believe, casting a lasting shadow on the legacy of current city leadership. Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Page 49 of 53 Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 I respectfully urge you to intervene, enforce all applicable regulations, and explore every possible avenue to protect this forested hillside. Our responsibility is not just to today's residents, but to future generations. Thank you for your attention and service to our community. Let's help keep Fayetteville Shay by preserving our long existing hardwood forests, like this one, in tack. Sincerely, Andrea Fournet Fayetteville Resident and Business Owner Andrea Fournet, C-IAYT CEO/Founder-AYC Arkansas Yoga and Therapy Center Good morning, Andrea, I appreciate you reaching out to express your concerns about this project, and I will do my best to address them. However, I would recommend that you reach out to the Planning Commission and City Council representatives as they will ultimately be the ones to vote on this development. • Disturbingly, the district has moved forward without first seeking the city's required zoning approvals, without adequately addressing hillside and drainage protections, and without meaningful solutions to critical traffic concerns, given there is currently only one point of public access, (emergency exit doesn't count). As of now, this project has not been submitted to the City for formal review. When the applicant submits plans for this project, it will be processed as a large-scale development and will be reviewed by planning, urban forestry, engineering, building safety, fire, and any other applicable departments to ensure the plans adhere to our City's municipal code. This review will include assessment of the plans adherence to zoning regulations, hillside and drainage protections, traffic considerations, and appropriate locations of ingress/egress. • Fayetteville is nationally recognized for environmental stewardship and smart, sustainable growth. Allowing this project to proceed without full public transparency, compliance with city ordinances, and an exhaustive exploration of alternatives would represent a significant failure of governance and vision. Because this project will be processed as a large-scale development, review comments and staff determinations will be heard at Tech Plat, a public meeting with the applicant, and at Planning Commission, a public hearing. This process ensures public transparency throughout the development of the project. If staff determine that any aspect of the plans do not comply with City ordinances, the project will be tabled until changes are made to bring the plans into compliance. • This hillside is not simply a hardwood forest; it is a vital natural asset. Its loss would be irreversible, leaving a permanent scar on our landscape and, I believe, casting a lasting shadow on the legacy of current city leadership. Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Page 50 of 53 Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 This parcel is zoned RSF-4 which, per §167.04(C) Table 1, requires 25% minimum canopy preservation. Because the parcel is in the Hillside/Hilltop Overlay District (HHOD), the percent minimum canopy requirement must be increased by 5% to a total requirement of 30%. This is the maximum percent minimum canopy requirement outlined in UDC §167. Additionally, land located within the HHOD is subject to additional grading and erosion control requirements administrated by engineering. • 1 respectfully urge you to intervene, enforce all applicable regulations, and explore every possible avenue to protect this forested hillside. While the Urban Forestry Advisory Board may issue opinions on development projects, the administration of Code is the responsibility of staff, and final decisions are made by Planning commissioners and City Council members. Again, I recommend that you voice your concerns to the Planning Commission, City Council, and the Mayor, as well as UFAB and staff. Please let me know if you have any questions or want to discuss this further. Thanks! Willa Willa Thomason, M.S. Urban Forester Development Services City of Fayetteville, Arkansas (479) 444-3486 Website I Facebook I Twitter I Instagram I YouTube CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE ARKANSAs Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Page 51 of 53 PUBLIC COMMENT The Fayetteville Youth Advisory Council writes to formally recommend against the rezoning of parcel #765-13438-000, which is currently owned by the Fayetteville Public School District. After discussion and careful consideration, the YAC voted 8-0 on May 29, 2025 in favor of forwarding this letter to the City Council and the Planning Commission. The YAC determines that this land is unsuitable for development, and urges the City Council to consider the following: 1. The soil on this land is key in controlling water flow, disrupting and compacting it during construction increases the likelihood of floods onto N. College Ave. and the businesses below parcel #765-13438-000. 2. The accessibility to the school in proposed plans is highly limited, with one official road, and one `emergency' road. The official road stems off of N. College, and the traffic congestion due to the proposed school and the revamped middle school (formally Woodland Jr. High) would greatly increase. In the situation of bad weather or emergency, getting in and out of the school would be difficult, and a potential danger to the students. 3. Parcel #765-13438-000 is a densely forested slope, any construction would be difficult and destructive of its ecological systems. As one of few areas of dense, native vegetation and wildlife left in Fayetteville, the YAC deems it important to protect the nature of this land as much as possible. Furthermore, the Fayetteville Youth Advisory Council urges the Fayetteville Public School District to utilize this land for alternative, non-destructive stewardship and educational opportunities. The YAC also encourages the FPS District to pursue the purchase and development of underutilized land, such as unused parking lots, for the building of the new Ramey school. This decision will affect hundreds of Fayetteville's youth, and the YAC feels a deep responsibility to advocate for the safest and most sustainable route in regards to the development of the new schools. We respectfully ask the FPS to consider alternative locations that would better meet the schools goals of safety and would cause minimal harm to the ecosystems and environment surrounding it. We appreciate the work of the City Council and Planning Commission and thank you for your attention to our concerns. The YAC welcomes the opportunity to discuss this further as decisions are made, and remains committed to finding solutions that best reflect the interests of Fayetteville's Youth. Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Paqe 52 of 53 PUBLIC COMMENT Bland, Justin From: Andrea Fournet <andreafournet@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, September 22, 2025 4:32 PM To: Brown, Chris; Bland, Justin; Moore, Sarah; Wiederkehr, Mike Subject: Traffic study for proposed Ramay Junior High site Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Completed CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Fayetteville. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hello Chris and Justin, Could the City conduct its own traffic safety study for the proposed Ramay Junior High site off College Avenue? The City has done so before —such as for the Zion Road project —when line -of -sight and turning safety were in question. This site raises even greater concerns: students crossing five lanes of traffic, and two left-hand turns off College on to Poplar from both directions. Left turns across multiple lanes are among the most dangerous traffic movements for pedestrians, bikes, scooters, wheelchairs, and cars and relying solely on the school district's consultants may risk overlooking that. Many recent developments on major arterials avoid this hazard by allowing only right-in/right-out access. Will the City require similar protections here? And how will the College Avenue entrance be made ADA accessible for students walking or using a wheelchair from neighborhoods west of the site? Will the continuation of Poplar be a city maintained road or private maintained by our public school system? Thank you for your time concerning this project. Best regards, Andrea [H] Planning Commission October 27, 2025 RZN-2025-0048 (RAMAY JR. HIGH SCHOOL) Paqe 53 of 53 Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 UPDATED 10/28/2025 From: Drew Conner <drewconner1022@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 27, 202510:31 AM To: Planning Shared <planning ubfayetteville-ar.gov> Cc: Brink, Andrew <andrew.brink@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Holeyfield, Ashlyn <ashLyn. holeyfield@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Payne, Brad <brad.payne@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Gulley, Fred <fred. gulley@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Madden, Mary <mary.madden@fayetteville-ar.gov>; McGetrick, Mary <mary.mcgetrick@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Cabe, Matthew <matthew.cabe0fayetteville-ar.gov>; Castin, Nick <nick.castin0fayetteville-ar.9ov>; Werner, Nick <nick.wernerOfayetteville-ar.gov> Subject: SUPPORT the New Ramay Junior High Plan CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Fayetteville. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Commissioners, I am a Root Elementary parent, I live in the Summit Place neighborhood next to the proposed Ramay build site, and I want to express my support for the new Ramay project. I have attended a community discussion with Dr. Mulford, learned the facts, and agree that the site is centrally located within the proposed Ramay feeder pattern, is environmentally responsible, and is a much needed upgrade for our children and community. I understand that you are having a planning commission meeting todayto listen to members of the community regarding the new Ramay proposal. I am unable to attend, but hope that this email is read with as much weight as an in -person 3 minute speaking session. For what it's worth, I recently applied for the vacant school board position ... and while I wasn't chosen ... the process was amazing because it gave me the opportunity to meet my neighbors. The application process had me canvassing my neighborhood for signatures. The new Ramay build project was on top of everybody's mind ... with 80+%very much on board with this project. I get the impression that the very loud minority of those who are against the project are simply uninformed with complaints not rooted in fact. For those who have attended engagement meetings and understand how much time, effort, and research that has already gone into this new school proposal, this project is a'no-brainer'. Thank you for your time and attention. Drew Conner (479) 283-6602 497 E. Ozark View Drive Fayetteville, AR 72703 Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 From: Elizabeth Bainbridge <bainbridge.e@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 27, 20251:02 PM To: Tamijani, Zak <ztamijani@fayetteville-ar.gov> Subject: Plan for Ramay junior high CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Fayetteville. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hi Zach, this is Elizabeth. I'm really concerned about the risk for significant traffic congestion on Ash/Walnut/sycamore to the extent that we may have trouble getting to work or having emergency vehicles come to our neighborhood. Further, if we can't get out of our neighborhood to the west and have to go out the back way to old wire, I believe old wire will also be congested to the extent that it will be very difficult for us to get out of our neighborhood. Now that the new piece of land is in the process of being purchased, they took out the exit on the opposite northside and put two exit entrances on our street our side of the street I'm not thrilled about the school being built and ruining the woods near my house but I can accept it. What I cannot accept is blacks and blocks of backed up traffic in my neighborhood. What can the planning commission do to protect our neighborhood? Elizabeth Bainbridge, LLC, MA, CCC-SLP Speech Language Pathologist Note: The information in this email may be privileged and confidential and protected from disclosure. If the reader of this email is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, copying or other use of this email is strictly prohibited. If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender immediately by email and delete the material from any computer. From: Jason Smith <iason.edward.smith(a)gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 20, 2025 12:49 PM To: Planning Shared <planning@fayetteville-ar.gov> Subject: support for RZN-2025-0048 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Fayetteville. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Just wanted to reach out and voice my support for the new Ramay Jr High school location. We currently live in the center of the City of Fayetteville and our son buses to JLC across town. The central location looks so much better both for our kids and for parents to be involved at the school more easily. I have seen some loud opposition to cutting of the trees there, while little to no opposition in the developments going in on Old Wire and Old Missouri Roads. Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 Thanks, Jason Smith 408 E Lafayette From: Sarah Rack <sarah.rackCa_gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 20, 2025 10:00 AM To: Planning Shared <planning@fayetteville-ar.gov> Subject: Support for RZN-2025-0048, Land for Ramay Junior High CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Fayetteville. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Planning Commissioners - I am writing to express my strong support for the zoning change RZN-2025-0048 to allow for the development of the new Ramay Junior High in the heart of Fayetteville. This school represents a critical investment in the future of our city —one that aligns directlywith Fayetteville's Vision 2050 Guiding Principles. Building Ramay in this central location supports: • A diverse, growing local economy by ensuring equitable access to quality education across our community. • The preservation of a naturally beautiful city through thoughtful planning and responsible land use. • Well -maintained infrastructure and facilities that meet the needs of our growing population. • A safe, vibrant community where families can live, learn, and thrive. • Quality public schools that serve as cornerstones of educational excellence and opportunity. Locating this junior high in the heart of the city strengthens our neighborhoods, reduces transportation barriers, and demonstrates Fayetteville's continued commitment to smart, sustainable growth. Thank you for your consideration and for your leadership in ensuring Fayetteville remains a city where every child has access to exceptional educational opportunities close to home. Warm regards, Sarah Rack Fayetteville Resident and Public School Supporter -----Original Message----- Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 From: Leslie Reeves <1esliereeves05Cc_gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2025 4:32 PM To: Planning Shared <planning@fayetteville-ar.aov> Subject: RZN-2025-0048 Rezoning Land for Ramay Junior High School CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Fayetteville. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. City of Fayetteville Planning Commissioners, Knowing that you must not communicate among yourselves I have blind -copied you. I hope I typed all of the email addresses correctly. First, I want to thank you for your service to the City of Fayettevile - for the long hours you must often put in, and for listening to the citizens of our city. I rotated off the Planning Commission a number of years ago now, and hadn't anticipated either coming to speak before you, or sending you an email advocating for or against something before you. But here I am! I want to encourage you to approve sending the rezoning for the new Ramay Junior High to the City Council with a recommendation that they approve it. It's difficult to rezone property knowing that trees will be removed. But the choice is almost always between density and sprawl. And I believe that the values of our city - and the best alternative for the Planning Commission and City Council - is infill. I don't envy you the decision before you, but I trust that you will endure the input and make a good decision. Sincerely, Leslie (Belden) Reeves From: D Neely <dgn.edensgreen@gmail.com> Sent: Saturday, October 11, 2025 1:26 PM To: Rawn, Molly <molly.rawn@fayetteville-ar.gov>; john.mulford@fayar.net Cc: Macedo, Keith <kmacedo@fayetteville-ar.gov>; tim.hudson@fayar.net; justin.eichmann@fayar.net; keaton.smith@fayar.net; ivone.hudson@fayar.net; tracey.pomeroy@fayar.net; katrina.osborne@fayar.net; nika.waitsman@fayar.net; alan.wilbourn@fayar.net; kfreeman@connect-advisors.com; emckinnon@nwaonline.com; Bunch, Sarah <sarah.bunch@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Berna, Scott <scott.berna@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Jones, D'Andre <dandre.jones@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Stafford, Bob <bob.stafford@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Moore, Sarah <sarah.moore@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Jones, Monique <monique.jones@fayetteville-ar.gov>; jeff.pummill@gmail.com; g1patterson01 @gmail.com; staceybuff@gmail.com; grimsleygraham@gmail.com; darlinton.imhanzuaria@gmail.com; alexmauroner@gmail.com; spencer.vicki@gmail.com; mmbritain@gmail.com; Andrew Dominick <andrew.dominick@marshalltown.com>; Brink, Andrew <andrew.brink@fayetteville-ar.gov>; aholeyfield@impactpolicystrategies.com; Payne, Brad <brad.payne@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Gulley, Fred <fred.gulley@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Madden, Mary <mary.madden@fayetteville-ar.gov>; McGetrick, Mary <mary.mcgetrick@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Cabe, Matthew <matthew.cabe@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Werner, Nick <nick.werner@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Masters, Jessica <jmasters@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Long Range Planning <LongRangePlanning@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Carlo Bertani <carlo.bertani@maersk.com>; hannah.ashh Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 <hannah.ashh@gmail.com>; jnparrish54 <jnparrish54@gmail.com>; joedona@gmail.com; shirleykatharine8 <shirleykatharine8@gmail.com>; tas <tas@biodesicstrategies.com>; foresterfox51 <foresterfox51 @gmail.com>; gharrison@fayetteville-ar.gov; Bostick, Britin <bbostick@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Turk, Teresa <teresa.turk@fayetteville-ar.gov>; kkellam@uark.edu; Hunter.Adkisson@prismds.co; jennyb@prismds.co; Nierengarten, Peter <pnierengarten@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Douglas, Bethany <bdouglas@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Curth, Jonathan <jcurth@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Masters, Jessica <jmasters@fayetteville-ar.gov>; gharton@nwaonline.com; dustin@fayettevilleflyer.com; stacy@fayettevilleflyer.com; news@knwa.com; news@kfsm.com Subject: Aquatic Recreation Center and "New" Ramay Project CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Fayetteville. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hello, Mayor Rawn and Dr John! (Cc: FPS Board, City of Fvl Admin/Staff/Boards/Commissions, Contractors, Fayetteville Flyer, KNWA, KFSM, NWADG, KUAF, KPSQ) Thanks to responses I've received from Mike Wiederkehr and Scott Berna, I better understand why bond proposals are not the proper funding mechanisms for housing AND have an enlightened perspective regarding public input supporting the Aquatic Recreation Center. On another topic, so much about the "New" Ramay Project .... Considering the potential dramatic negative impact in the N College Urban Corridor from large-scale construction on an unstable hill slope, unforeseen drainage issues, inadequate routes for traffic, site SAFETY and ADA accessibility limitations, as well as COST OVERRUNS wasting tax dollars ... the FPS District and City should give the PUBLIC the same opportunity to provide input as was the case for the Aquatic Recreation Center* (see Scott Berna email excerpt below). ALL ASPECTS of the plan for the "New" Ramay Hill -Slope Site are WHOLLY INAPPROPRIATE. So much about the "New" Ramay plan has been mis-handled, forced, and out of proper sequence that it has given ever more members of the general public (who are becoming aware of the plans ... over 1100 on change.org and still counting) the sense that the FPS Board and the City decided to push re -zoning and the project approval through sometime in 2024. Far better would be to use the Old Woodland site for building the "New" Ramay. STUDENTS could lead a RE -GREENING INITIATIVE to design and plant a native botanical landscape on the Old Woodland property. This would give students life-long pride in CREATING A NEW GREEN OASIS OF NATIVE SPECIES AND SAVING THE HILLSIDE URBAN FOREST for use as a STEAM Outdoor Classroom/Gym/Lab. Another better site could be acquired for a middle -school with a smaller foot -print requiring less acreage and NO FOOTBALL FIELD ON ATREE-DENUDED SLOPE. Where there's a will there's a way for the FPS Board, the City, and local non-profit(s) to collaborate on saving the Ash/N College Urban Forest property (possibly putting it into a conservation easement). Everybody WINS in this scenario. Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 IMHO & Cheers! Dot Neely/Fayetteville Resident-UAF M.S. Geology -Environmental Educator *On Oct 10, 2025, at 6:12 PM, Berna, Scott <scott.bernaftfayetteville-ar.gov> wrote: " In regards to the aquatic center, for over a year, the City has taken the time to really listen to Fayetteville residents about what they want in a new aquatic and recreation center. Starting August 1, 2024, we launched an extensive community engagement campaign. o Online and surveys, pop-up events, and public meetings were designed specifically to reach people where they already spend their time. o Over a nine -month window, two online surveys* through Speak Up Fayetteville drew more than 6,500 views and 2,854 participants. o City staff also hosted tables at First Thursday, Movie in the Park, and the Yvonne Richardson Community Center's Back -to -School Night, and met residents at Wilson Park Pool to hear from families and swimmers directly. o Together with social media, email, and Parks and City newsletter outreach, those City -led efforts directly reached an estimated 75,000 residents. o Local television and digital coverage, including stories from 4029 News and the Fayetteville Flyer, expanded widespread community awareness to drive participation. Sent from my iPhone On Oct 10, 2025, at 6:12 PM, Berna, Scott <scott.bernaPfayetteville-ar.gov> wrote: Dot, Thank you for reaching out on this issue. We don't always agree but I do appreciate your input. I do want to push back a little on one of your comments. The administration is working every day on the housing issue and just because we feel this bond issue is not the right vehicle to fund housing does NOT mean we are "TONE DEAF". Multiple staff members work on this daily and the Mayor has hired a new Housing Officer to focus on this exact issue. I might add the Housing Officer spoke Tuesday night and publicly stated this bond with its water and sewer infrastructure requests does in fact improve our ability to build housing. In my time on council we have approved well over a million dollars to agencies who help the underserved. Just in the last couple of months the Mayor and city council have approved $450000.00 towards improving housing to the underserved. We have another item coming before us on the next council agenda that talks about housing as well as workforce training which I personally think is a critical component too improving someone's future. In regards to the aquatic center, for over a year, the City has taken the time to really listen to Fayetteville residents about what they want in a new aquatic and recreation center. Starting August 1, 2024, we launched an extensive community engagement campaign. Online and surveys, pop-up events, and public meetings were designed specifically to reach people where they already spend their time. Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 Over a nine -month window, two online surveys* through Speak Up Fayetteville drew more than 6,500 views and 2,854 participants. City staff also hosted tables at First Thursday, Movie in the Park, and the Yvonne Richardson Community Center's Back -to -School Night, and met residents at Wilson Park Pool to hear from families and swimmers directly. Together with social media, email, and Parks and City newsletter outreach, those City -led efforts directly reached an estimated 75,000 residents. Local television and digital coverage, including stories from 4029 News and the Fayetteville Flyer, expanded widespread community awareness to drive participation. What staff heard was clear and consistent: people want a year-round aquatic and recreation center that serves everyone —families, lap swimmers, seniors, and kids learning to swim. They asked for a space that brings indoor and outdoor features together, with places to play, exercise, and relax. In every type of feedback session, residents overwhelmingly said they support building a modern, multi -use facility that Fayetteville can be proud of for decades to come. *3,000 views and 1,545 participants in the first round, and 3,600 views and 1,309 participants in the second. Again thank you for reaching out and expressing your opinion. You clearly have a passion for Fayetteville and for that I applaud you. Scott From: D Neely <d_gn e_den_gmaiLcom> reen Sent: Thursday, October 9, 2025 5:31 PM To: Moore, Sarah <sarah.moore@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Stafford, Bob <bob.stafford@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Jones, D'Andre <dandre.jones(cbfayetteville-ar.gov>: Berna, Scott <scott.berna@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Bunch, Sarah <sarah.bunchCa)fayetteville-ar.gov>; Turk, Teresa <teresa.turkCa)fayetteville-ar.gov>; Jones, Monique <monique.jonesCa)fayetteville-ar.gov>; Rawn, Molly <molly.rawn@fayetteville-ar.gov> Cc: keith.macedoC@fayetteville-ar.gov <keith.macedoCO)fayetteville-ar.gov> Subject: Tues Oct 7 Bond Proposal CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Fayetteville. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Mayor Rawn and City Council Members (Cc: Keith Macedo): The overall proposal is sound ... However; it is REALLY TONE-DEAF to designating $60 million for an Aquatic Recreation Center in Lewis Park before funding affordable housing, especially after all of the City Pronouncements in Support of Low -Middle Income Housing, Calls for Public Input, Special Housing Task Force Problem -Solving Efforts/etc ... Fayetteville needs homes for workers who contribute to community creativity and economic viability ... Endeavor to persevere and do the next right thing, y'all ... Yours, Citizen Dot Sent from my iPhone Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 Sent from my iPad From: Colley Bailey <colley.bailey(a)gmaiLcom> Sent: Thursday, October 9, 2025 11:25 AM To: Planning Shared <planning(a)fayetteville-ar.gov> Subject: Support for RZN-2025-0048, Land for Ramay Junior High CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Fayetteville. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Planning Commission Members, I am writing to express my support for the proposed rezoning of the hillside land in Fayetteville, AR, for the development of Ramay Junior High. This new school will provide valuable educational opportunities in a well thought out new facility for our students. It will allow them to thrive educationally amongst nature and give them an appreciation of green spaces. Many of us believe that investing in our local schools is essential for the future of our children and community. I respectfully ask you to consider the importance of this project and to support the approval of the rezoning to make Ramay Junior High a reality. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Colley Bailey, Principal Broker, LoneRock Realty 479-777-3379 (work cell) 479-856-9422 (personal cell) https://www.LoneRockHomeTeam.com/ 649 E Huntsville Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72701 From: amanda bailey <amanda.bailey32Pgmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 10:09 AM To: Planning Shared <planningCa)fayetteville-ar.gov> Subject: Support for RZN-2025-0048, Land for Ramay Junior High CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Fayetteville. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Planning Commission Members, Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 I am writing to express my support for the proposed rezoning of the hillside land in Fayetteville, AR, for the development of Ramay Junior High. This new school will provide valuable educational opportunities in a well thought out new facility for our students. It will allow them to thrive educationally amongst nature and give them an appreciation of green spaces. After reading the breakdown of the 2040 City Plan, it seems like this school is aligned with Fayetteville's growth goals. The school has been so intentional, and thoughtful about ecological issues, with their design and accompanying studies for that design. I feel like this school won't be the eyesore that some others think it will be. I believe that it will blend beautifully with the surrounding trees and give the kids that attend there such an amazing place to attend Junior High. Many of us believe that investing in our local schools is essential for the future of our children and community. I respectfully ask you to consider the importance of this project and to support the approval of the rezoning to make Ramay Junior High a reality. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Amanda Bailey -----Original Message ----- From: Paige Goodman Wolven <paigelorrabeth(a)gmaiL.com> Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 6:30 PM To: Planning Shared <planning@fayetteville-ar.gov> Subject: Support of RZN - 2025-0048 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Fayetteville. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hello, I'm emailing to voice my support of the rezone of the land for the future Ramay build. The proposed school right in the center of town would be a great thing for our city. Paige From: D Neely <dgn.edensgreen@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 1:03 PM To: John Mulford <john.mulford@fayar.net> Cc: tim.hudson@fayar.net; justin.eichmann@fayar.net; keaton.smith@fayar.net; ivone.hudson@fayar.net; tracey.pomeroy@fayar.net; katrina.osborne@fayar.net; nika.waitsman@fayar.net; alan.wilbourn@fayar.net; kfreeman@connect-advisors.com; emckinnon@nwaonline.com; Rawn, Molly <molly.rawn@fayetteville- Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 ar.gov>; Bunch, Sarah <sarah.bunch@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Berna, Scott <scott.berna@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Jones, D'Andre <dandre.jones@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Stafford, Bob <bob.stafford@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Moore, Sarah <sarah.moore@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Jones, Monique <monique.jones@fayetteville-ar.gov>; jeff.pummill@gmail.com; g1patterson01 @gmail.com; staceybuff@gmail.com; grimsleygraham@gmail.com; darlinton.imhanzuaria@gmail.com; alexmauroner@gmail.com; spencer.vicki@gmail.com; mmbritain@gmail.com; Andrew Dominick <andrew.dominick@marshalltown.com>; Brink, Andrew <andrew.brink@fayetteville-ar.gov>; aholeyfield@impactpolicystrategies.com; Payne, Brad <brad.payne@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Gulley, Fred <fred.gulley@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Madden, Mary <mary.madden@fayetteville-ar.gov>; McGetrick, Mary <mary.mcgetrick@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Cabe, Matthew <matthew.cabe@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Werner, Nick <nick.werner@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Masters, Jessica <jmasters@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Long Range Planning <LongRangePlanning@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Carlo Bertani <carlo.bertani@maersk.com>; hannah.ashh <hannah.ashh@gmail.com>; jnparrish54 <jnparrish54@gmail.com>; joedona@gmail.com; shirleykatharine8 <shirleykatharine8@gmail.com>; tas <tas@biodesicstrategies.com>; foresterfox51 <foresterfox51 @gmail.com>; gharrison@fayetteville-ar.gov Subject: Ash-N College School Site Conservation Easement Collaboration CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Fayetteville. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hello, Dr John! (Cc: FPS Board, City of Fvl Admin/Staff/Boards/Commissions) Y'all will be in over your heads on the hillside site. Just trying to save the FPSD, City, and tax payers exorbitant expense and problems yet to be encountered. Urban forests are irreplaceable ... There are other better site options for school construction. I have a respected 501(c)(3)non-profit ready to collaborate and combine resources with FPSD and the City on a Conservation Easement for the Ash/N College junior high site. Do the right thing ... Preserve Fayetteville's Enduring Green Network ... Cheers! Dot Sent from my iPhone On Sep 29, 2025, at 10:06 AM, John Mulford <john.mulford@fayar.net> wrote: Thank you, Dot. Both emails have been received. As I watch these videos I things of two things: 1. 1 am excited about how we can improve this type of runoff that currently exists for our neighbors to the west of us due to the condition of the site and lack of runoff mitigation strategies on the site. Our design team has given great care in coming up with a plan that will keep more water onsite and lead to slower runoff during heavy remains. 2. For this family on Walnut, with their home being further south than where our property is located, I don't know that they will benefit from our site improvements. But, I am hopeful that they will. Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 Storm water runoff continues to be a top focus for our design team and we remain committed to improving the situation over what currently exists. John Mulford, Ed.D. Superintendent Fayetteville Public Schools 479-444-3000 john.mulford@fayar.net "Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do:" - John Wooden On Fri, Sep 26, 2025 at 4:53 PM D Neely <dgn.edensgreen@gmail.com> wrote: Greetings Dr. John! (Cc: FPS Board Members, Alan Wilbourn, Kelly Freeman, Edward McKinnon) A new friend on the Walnut segment of the Sycamore -Walnut -Ash hill sent two videos of the Tuesday 9/23/2025 storm runoff from the slope behind her recently purchased home. Video #2 is attached with this email. Video #1 was sent previously in a separate email due to file size. As you are now aware, the New Ramay hillside site is a "Pandora's Box" of problems which development will unleash at great expense to the FPSD, City, business owners on adjacent downslope properties, and resident tax payers. Building Ramay anew on the current Woodland property and securing a smaller parcel on level -to -gently sloping ground is a better, more affordable way forward. The best scenario for the 20+ hillside acres is for the FPS Board to partner with the City and a respected local non-profit (TBA) to place the site into a Conservation Easement, in keeping with the City's 2040 Master Plan, Hillside and Tree Preservation Ordinances, and the Climate Action Plan. Placed in a Conservation Easement, the site would effectually preserve and extend the City's Enduring Green Network north of the Brooks -Hummel Preserve. The wooded slope will provide an essential green -buffer between planned intensive infill development along the N College Urban Corridor and neighborhoods to the east. I can get with each of you individually at your convenience to talk more about issues with the proposed hillside site and partnering to place it in a Conservation Easement, if you like. Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 Cheers! Dot P.S. Please check through your FPS Email Inbox for my email of 7/26/2025 with attached information re: the New Ramay Site. From: Amylou Wilson <hattiemcneil@hotmail.com> Sent: Sunday, September 28, 2025 7:48 PM To: Payne, Brad <brad.payne@fayetteviIle -ar.gov>; Gulley, Fred <fred.gulley@fayetteville-ar.gov>; 1Garlock@fayetteville-ar.gov; Madden, Mary <mary.madden@fayetteville-ar.gov>; McGetrick, Mary <mary.mcgetrick@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Cabe, Matthew <matthew.cabe@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Castin, Nick <nick.castin@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Werner, Nick <nick.werner@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Masters, Jessica <jmasters@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Wonsower, Donna <dwonsower@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Hyke, Bliss <ehyke@fayetteville-ar.gov>; gharrison@fayetteville-ar.gov; Hopkins, Mirinda <mhopkins@fayetteville- ar.gov>; Tamijani, Zak <ztamijani@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Frank, Wes <wfrank@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Bostick, Britin <bbostick@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Olson, Leif <lolson@fayetteville-ar.gov> Subject: Against Rezoning/New Ramey School CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Fayetteville. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. I am against the rezoning of land the school board has purchased for the new Ramey Junior High. We can do better than this! I've worked in the water sector and this is a disaster in the making. Mr. Bayyari is correct in his assessment as a developer in the letter to the editor printed in the newspaper recently. Please do not allow this to happen. Amy (Amylou) Wilson 1833 E. Applebury Drive Fayetteville, AR hattiemcneilC«>hotmail.com From: Masters, Jessica Sent: Friday, September 26, 2025 4:49 PM To: 'Lana Harris' <lanalharris08@gmail.com> Subject: RE: Question regarding proposed Ramay Jr. High site Lana, Thank you for your questions; it's what we're here for, so I don't mind answering them. Yes, the school district recently submitted their request to rezone the property in question, and I've attached their documents for your consideration. The rezoning item will be heard by Planning Commission on October 27 at a meeting which will begin at 5:30 PM. The variance that was approved recently was for a separate matter, and does not take the property's zoning into account. Geotechnical borings are a typical, due diligence process that is often done on a property where no clearing is involved, so no permits are involved or necessary from the City. In that particular matter, a grading permit was required because of the amount of Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 clearing the developer required given the level of geotechnicaI work they were planning on doing. However, in order for them to obtain that permit, code requires that typically a large-scale development has already been approved. Since a large-scale development has NOT yet been approved, (nor, as you've mentioned, has the property been rezoned yet), the developer sought a variance to that standard so that they could begin that site analysis work. You are correct that the developer has not yet obtained a grading permit in relation to that variance, but it is my understanding they are still working through that process. So, the test results won't necessarily be a part of the rezoning, but it sounds like many Commissioners will be interested to hear if that information will be ready yet. The applicant has not provided it, nor is it a typical requirement of any rezoning item, though I would anticipate that the question will arise, and perhaps the developer will have more information at the time of the rezoning hearing. Let me know if I can be of further assistance. Jessie Jessie Masters, AICP Planning Director Development Services City of Fayetteville, Arkansas (479) 575-8239 www.favetteviL[e-ar.gov Website i Facebook i Twitter I Instagram I YouTube CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE ARKANS ARKANSAS From: Lana Harris <lanalharris08(sbgmail.com> Sent: Friday, September 26, 2025 12:11 PM To: Masters, Jessica <jmastersC�fayetteville-ar.gov> Subject: Question regarding proposed Ramay Jr. High site CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Fayetteville. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Good afternoon, Jessie, I hope you're doing well. I hate to bug you with questions, but I'm struggling to fully understand all of the moving parts and pieces to the Ramay Jr. High site rezoning process. I believe the school district has submitted their application for rezoning for the 19.7 acre parcel, as well as the 7-acre parcel to the south, which they have under contract. Can you help me understand how the variance approval impacts the rezoning decision? Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 I thought the variance approvaIf or boring was so the school district could conduct their geotechnicaI tests to determine if the site is suitable for a school. Since they haven't even applied for their grading permit yet, I would assume that means they haven't completed any of their testing. Wouldn't those test results be necessary prior to the planning commission voting on rezoning? I was under the impression, based on conversation by commissioners at the meeting where they approved the variance, that the rezoning wouldn't be considered until the boring results were presented. Many of the commissioners discussed how the results of the boring tests would impact their decisions on rezoning, which is why I'm a bit confused. I'd appreciate any insight or clarification you could give me around this. If it would be easier to explain via phone call or an in -person meeting, I'm more than happy to do either. Thank you so much for your help. I hope you have a great weekend. Sincerely, Lana Harris lanalharris08@gmaiLcom From: John Mulford <john.mulford@fayar.net> Sent: Monday, August 18, 2025 3:49 PM To: Andrea Fournet <andreafournet@gmail.com> Cc: Masters, Jessica <jmasters@fayetteville-ar.gov>; jeff.pummill@gmaiLcom; glpatterson01 @gmail.com; Andrew Dominick <andrew.dominick@marshalltown.com>; mmbritain@gmail.com; alexmauroner@gmaiLcom; grimsleygraham@gmaiLcom; staceybuff@gmaiLcom; tomdeere13@yahoo.com; tod.yeslow@yeslow-law.com; spence r.vicki@gmaiLcom; Brink, Andrew <andrew.brink@fayetteville-ar.gov>; bpayne51@gmaiLcom; Fredgulley1@gmail.com;wesinfay@gmaiLcom; mmadden86@hotmail.com; Mjmcgetr@gmaiLcom; cabe.arch@gmaiLcom; ncastin@gmaiLcom; werner.nickc@gmaiLcom Subject: Re: Urgent: Parking & Traffic at current Woodland Campus and possible new Ramay Campus CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Fayetteville. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hello, Andrea. I will do my best to provide answers to the questions you have presented. Please keep in mind that many of the things asked will be navigated during the Design Development phase of the project. Up to this point, Schematic design is the only thing that has occurred as we investigate how a building will best fit on the site while minimizing the footprint and saving as many significant trees as possible. The Schematic design is on hold until we know whether or not the rezoning will move forward and whether or not the additional 7 acres to the south will be available to be used for placement of school facilities. Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 Thar said, I think we need to distinguish a key difference between the current Woodland site and the proposed Ramay site. When Woodland was built roughly 70 years ago, the district was much smaller and the site was on the west edge, if not outside of town. There were no houses or businesses around it. And as is typical, after the school was constructed, other developments popped up around it. Additions were made to this site as the district grew, leaving limited room for parking. Currently, Woodland Junior high has roughly 170 designated parking spaces. Outside of these parking spaces, the small driveways are often used for additional parking along the curbs during things like open house and ball games. While these drives do provide some additional parking, it is limited because the drives are relatively small and were not designed to serve in that way at the time the building was built. It is also important to note that Woodland currently serves about 800 students, as does the current Ramay. With a new feeder pattern set to take effect August 2027, a third junior high will be added, which will be done by converting John L Colbert Middle school to a junior high, and the current Woodland building will become a middle school. By doing so, and using current enrollment data and projections, the middle school to be housed there and Ramay Junior High would each have about 600 students. Given all that background, one of the things we have at the top of our design focus is the need for sufficient parking onsite for the new Ramay. Unlike the current Woodland, there isn't a parking lot at a neighboring church that is easily accessible, nor are their bordering streets immediately adjacent to the school that people can park along. When you consider the neighborhoods that are close by, they still aren't immediately adjacent like the current Woodland, which I believe will greatly reduce the amount of people who will try to park in neighborhoods like Summit Place and walk. With all that said, below (in purple) are the response we have at this time: Follow -Up Questions 1. Capacity— How many parking spaces will the possible new Ramay campus include? - As you know, the City of Fayetteville has parking maximums. It is my understanding from our design team that our maximum number of actual designated parking spaces allowed is around 200. That said, the ability to park at least 350 cars onsite is the target we are currently working toward. To accomplish this, we are designing the road around the school to be wide enough to allow for parallel parking during evening and special events. Using our current schematic design, we estimate roughly another 130- 140 cars can park on the side of the drive. All that said, it is still early in the design process and design aspects must go through city planning. Additionally, our approach to parking is to avoid a large parking lot, so we haven't yet hit the target of 200 actual parking spaces, but we are getting there. Based on the current Schematic Design, we feel confident we will be able to accommodate 300 cars between the actual spots and the drive, but will continue to work toward 350. With an anticipated 600 student enrollment, we believe this will be sufficient parking. 2. Event Load — How many attendees are projected for an open house? - Open house is a hard thing to predict, but would easily be the event during which the most vehicles would be present. What makes it unique is ALL staff are present, plus families on top of that. Unlike an athletic event, during which minimal staff are present. And even for those who do attend, not all are there at the same time. For the junior high level, we estimate between 50-65% of students/families attend. Then within that number, we have families with multiple kids at the building and parents coming at different times. So looking ahead, with an enrollment of 600 students, we would anticipate 300-400 students/families might attend. If needed, we can stagger open house, which some of our buildings that have limited Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 parking already do. Additionally, if needed, we could have staff park at the current woodland site on open house night and shuttle them back and forth. 3. Infrastructure Plan — Will additional parking be built to meet that need? - I think this question is answered above. 4. Traffic Flow— How will gridlock on the hillside and in adjacent neighborhoods be prevented? - We have to keep in mind that 800 students are already flowing to the current Woodland campus, many of which come from the east and/or south. Once that building becomes a middle school and the new Ramay opens, there will be 1200 students between the two of them, a net increase of 400 students. Several of these additional students will be the same families who have multiple kids in grades 5-8, so their car would be going that way already to drop off their middle school child. Assuming the district does not purchase the additional 7 acres to the south, we expect there to be little noticeable difference between the amount of school -related cars traveling those roads then vs. now. The key difference will be traffic between the two campuses. And, with an intersection being added, that should allow for ease of flow between the two sites. As a reminder, that intersection was already in the city plans prior to the district purchasing the land. As for the new Ramay site, the driveway that circles the building should be more than sifficient to keep cars off of College during parent drop-off and pick-up. Now, if the district purchases the additional 7 acres, an additional traffic study will be conducted to see how that Ash Street access could/should be best used. Of course, the city will have a big part in determining that as well. 5. Alternate Transport — If buses/shuttles are planned, how will they be scheduled and incentivized? - This location allows for potential partnerships with the city around public transportation due to its location to existing routes. We would have to collaborate with the city about how we might collaborate to provide more options for families beyond district run bus routes. We already have about 45-50% of students who ride our own buses, which is strong participation. The development of this site would also allow the trail to connect from Poplar to Ash. Now, I know it would be uphill coming from the west, but it would provide a safe crossing at College that would at least provide the opportunity for more students to walk or cycle to school. I also feel it provides a walkable/bikeable opportunity for students who live to the east that really isn't available now. 6. Timeline — When will the community be informed of the finalized traffic and parking plan? - As referenced above, many of those details will be finalized as part of the Design Development phase. We will not ask the Design Team to start on that phase unless the property is rezoned. However, the Schematic Design will give us a pretty firm idea of how traffic and parking will flow. One key piece outstanding is that additional 7 acres. We are hoping to know one way or the other on that property very soon. Our Design Team will be presenting an update at the August 28th board meeting. John Mulford, Ed.D. Superintendent Fayetteville Public Schools 479-444-3000 6ohn.mulford@fayar.net "Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do:" - John Wooden Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 On Mon, Aug 18, 2025 at 7:57 AM Andrea Fournet <andreafournet@gmail.com> wrote: Dear Dr. Mulford, The Woodland Junior High open house on August 14, 2025, created severe traffic congestion and a dangerous parking shortage. Cars overflowed into neighborhoods, businesses and onto lawns. It was unsafe. Woodland admin and staff were clearly unprepared for the number of families attending. Many people parked in the huge parking lot owned by the church on Green Acres Rd and walked on level flat sidewalks to get to the Woodland campus. I am very concerned the same —or worse —will occur at the new Ramay campus on the hillside. With limited on -site parking, open houses could easily draw over 500 cars, leading to bottlenecks on the hill and spillover into nearby neighborhoods. Parents will not rely on buses or bikes, and many will find alternative routes — parking up and down the streets in the Summit Place neighborhood to the north, walking through woods, and creating hazards. They sure won't park at the bottom of the hillside and walk up the switch back! What is the district's concrete plan to prevent this? Will a parking lot be built to handle open house attendance, or will we see a repeat of Woodland? This is not a minor inconvenience —it is a safety issue for students, families, and the community. Advance planning is essential. Follow -Up Questions 1. Capacity- How many parking spaces will the possible new Ramay campus include? 2. Event Load - How many attendees are projected for an open house? 3. Infrastructure Plan - Will additional parking be built to meet that need? 4. Traffic Flow - How will gridlock on the hillside and in adjacent neighborhoods be prevented? 5. Alternate Transport- If buses/shuttles are planned, how will they be scheduled and incentivized? 6. Timeline - When will the community be informed of the finalized traffic and parking plan? I look forward to your detailed response. Sincerely, Andrea Fournet I ARKANSASYOGA & THERAPY CENTER ANDREA FOURNET,C-IAYT CEO/Founder ® 479-521-9642 u yogalady@aryoga.com 1949 N Green Acres Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72703 www.aryoga.com Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 All we have is emails. Brink, Andrew andrew.brink(aOfayetteville-ar.gov McGetrick, Mary mar)tmcgetrick@fayetteville-ar.gov Madden, Mary mary.madden@fayetteville-ar.gov Payne, Brad brad.payne(afayetteville-ar.gov Gulley, Fred Fred.Gulley(a)fayetteville-ar.gov Werner, Nick nick.werner@fayetteville-ar.gov Castin, Nick Nick.Castin@fayetteville-ar.gov Cabe, Matthew Matthew.Cabe(@fayetteville-ar.gov Ashlyn Holeyfield ashlyn.holeyfield(«)fayetteville-ar.gov Thankyou Mirinda Hopkins Development Coordinator Planning Division City of Fayetteville 479-575-8267 CITY OF WOO FAYETTEVILLE ARKANSAS From: Nancy Harris <nanghar(q)gmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, October 7, 2025 4:08 PM To: Planning Shared <planning(a)fayetteville-ar.gov> Subject: can you give me the individual contact info for planning commission members CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Fayetteville. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. this is in regard to the project to build a new Ramay on the hill. Thanks, Nancy Harris Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 Fyi and apologies that I just realized you were not included. The attachment more than the email appears to be the substance of the public comment. Jonathan Curth, AICP Development Services Director Development Services Department City of Fayetteville, Arkansas j curth(@fayetteviLLe-ar.gov 479.575.8308 Website l Facebook l Twitter l Youtube -----Original Message ----- From: Mayor <MayorC@fayetteville-ar.gov> Sent: Monday, September 22, 2025 1:10 PM To: Curth, Jonathan <jcurthC@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Rutherford, Blake <blrutherford(a)fayetteville-ar.gov>; Ziegler, Gracie<gzieglerC@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Macedo, Keith <kmacedo(a)fayetteville-ar.gov> Subject: FW: Letter RE Selected Site for Ramay Junior High This was sent to me, council, planning commissioners, and Peter's team. I am simply making you aware. I had not yet heard school security/student safety used as an argument against this site so that was a new one. Mayor Molly Rawn City of Fayetteville, Arkansas Mayor@fayetteviLte-ar.gov (479) 575-8330 -----Original Message ----- From: Dawn Fisher <dawn fisher(o)fastmail.fm> Sent: Sunday, September 21, 2025 5:28 PM To: Brink, Andrew<andrew.brinkC�fayetteville-ar.gov>; Payne, Brad <brad. payneafayettevitle-ar.gov>; Gulley, Fred<fred. gulleyCEbfayetteville-ar.gov>; Madden, Mary <mary.maddenPfayettevitle-ar.gov>; McGetrick, Mary Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 <mary.mcgetrick(a)fayetteville-ar. ov>; Cabe, Matthew <matthew.cabe(a)fayetteville-ar.gov>; Castin, Nick <nick.castinPfayetteville-ar.gov>; Werner, Nick <nick.werner(a)fayetteville-ar.gov>; Berna, Scott <scott.berna(a)fayetteville-ar.gov>; Bunch, Sarah <sarah.bunchPfayetteville-ar.gov>; Mayor <Mayor@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Turk, Teresa <teresa.turk(a)fayetteville-ar.gov>; Jones, Monique <monique.jones@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Jones, D'Andre <dandre.jones@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Wiederkehr, Mike <mike.wiederkehr@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Moore, Sarah <sarah.moore@fayetteville-ar.gov>; robert.stafford@fayetteville-ar. ov Cc: Nierengarten, Peter<pnierengartenPfayetteville-ar.gov>; Olson, Leif <lolson(@fayetteville-ar.gov> Subject: Letter RE Selected Site for Ramay Junior High CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Fayetteville. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Good evening, I submit to members of the Planning Committee and to the Mayor and City Council Members, with a cc. to two Planning Committee staff members, regarding the proposed site for the Ramay Junior High School. Parts of this have been communicated to the Environmental Action Committee, and parts to the Fayetteville Public Schools Superintendent and Board members. (Three minutes doesn't seem to cover much when I'm before an august board for the first time in my life, and public speaking is not my strength.) However, I hope you will consider with some weight what I have given much of my thought to since I heard about FSB plans to build on this site and all the implications that followed as a result of my conversations and queries. Since then, though my background in education gives me to understand the motivations of the school board, I really must express my concerns about this proposal and what I feel to be very real and LIKELY negative outcomes, should the school be built on the site as proposed. I am not certain I have all a -mail addresses correct, but if any return as "undeliverable;' I will try to deliver by alternate means (via hard copy directly to City Hall). Thank you in advance for your time and consideration. With regards, Dawn Fisher, 848 E. Peel St. Fayetteville, AR 72703 Dawn Fisher dawn fisherPfastmail.fm From: Dawn Fisher, 848 E. Peel St., Fayetteville, 72703 To: Mayor Molly Rawn Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 City Council Members: Robert Stafford, D'Andre Jones, Sarah Moore, Mike Wiederkehr, Scott Berna, Sarah Bunch, Teresa Turk, Monique Jones City Planning Committee Members: Andrew Brink, Brad Payne, Fred Gulley, Mary Madden, Mary McGetrick, Matthew Cabe, Nick Castin, Nick Werner, CC: Peter Nierengarten Leif Olson September 21.2025 I have already communicated by letter (7.17.25) to the members of the Environmental Action Committee and to the Superintendent and members of the Fayetteville Public Schools in person (8.29.25) regarding FPS plans to build a junior high school on the hill between Township and Ash, to the east of College. I write to you not as an expert, but as an observer, a reader, an inquisitive person who has an interest in promoting what is good for the community (children, residents, and taxpayers) of the city of Fayetteville and the FP School District, and admittedly taking the position that what is good for preserving the natural environment is good for humans who share the space, the air, the resources. This is not the best site for a school, nor is a school the best use of this site. This steep wooded hillside is NOT CURRENTLY ZONED for a school facility. It is also in the City's Hillside/Hilltop Overlay District, which protects fragile natural areas from development. Dr. Mulford has admitted that the location is ideal; the site is not. Wes Burgess, Crafton Tull representative, said he could "make it happen," that the facility CAN be built FOR A PREMIUM: Development costs are estimated to be three times that of building on flat land. Also, Dr. Mulford initially estimated that the design could preserve up to 50% of the trees/coverage (but that 50% coverage assumed successful purchase of an additional parcel to the south); after further design work, Burgess assured the board that with creative design, "We will have to retain a minimum of 25% of that wooded area ... we want to preserve as much wooded area as possible... so I think we'll be able to do that. "I have heard since that time more qualifying comments regarding that aspiration. This "Big Beautiful Building" in the woods is a conceptual idea, of opportunities, collaboration, a spectacular space... presented in renderings, projections, and promises. The renderings are actually very seductive. I wish it could be so. But wishing does not make it so. The question has been asked, "Can we build it?" Probably. The appropriate question here is: "SHOULD we build it?" Should we build the thing if what we value most about that thing cannot be manifest? ...If we harm what we say we value? And if it comes at great cost AND great risk? (This brings to my mind the lesson in The Gift of the Magi) What example of nature appreciation are we to our children when we cut down the trees and impose a 4-story structure and lines of traffic for access and egress to hundreds every day? It is counter -intuitive to talk about using multiple strategies to mitigate the damage done to the hillside and to prevent downhill flooding and erosion caused by this imposition... and when the base of the only in -and -out access for the public, and the traffic light/crosswalk ... is in a floodway? (Not a flood zone, but a FLOODWAY.) Wes Burgess, Crafton Tull representative plainly laid it out: It will cost a PREMIUM. He estimated that development will cost an estimated THREE TIMES that of developing flat land before the school is even built. Some experienced local builders and objective geologists with specialties in the soils and hydrogeology/geohydrology of the area suspect that this may be only a PORTION of the additional cost... (to the taxpayers, mind you). Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 Governmental entities have the power of the purse and tools of law to pursue public goals for the public good. As we have seen, our political culture has pressed into service laws to expedite specific goals not necessarily "of, by, and for the people," and even challenged some of those boundaries which are set into place to protect the public from the urgent impulses of those who might not have the same long-term view that their predecessors did when establishing safeguards. So it is to be expected that these cultural changes translate into the public being in general more skittish and skeptical, and for it to scrutinize decisions that elected officials make. Though inconvenient, or a seeming nuisance, this can be a good thing in the decision -making process. I would also gather that City and FPS council/boards and staff have close working relationships and history of cooperation and collaboration. I do hope that does not translate (in this case) into one overlooking violations or making accommodations that they wouldn't for other requests of equal merit. That, in truth, might translate into double -charging tax -payers for both additional cost of the school plus the ultimate cost of additional street and infrastructure improvements necessary to accommodate the building and maintenance of, and access to the school OTHER IMPORTANT FACTORS FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION: Assaults on school children are becoming all too common. They happen not just INSIDE, but AROUND the school and grounds. We value our children and our neighborhoods. Safety is paramount. "One way in, one way out. Surrounded by woods." Ask any school safety specialist if this is a good combination. Years ago, when the Dalai Lama visited, an initial plan included lodging our honored guests in a peaceful inn in the woods very near the University of Arkansas campus. When the Special Agents of Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) of the State Department did their site visit to inspect arrangements, they nixed this plan immediately: One way in, one way out, woods all around. An invitation to disaster. I am not saying that there will be stalkers in the woods targeting our children/students. But Superintendent Mulford is promoting this site as walkable and bike -able. Is it? And is it safe? Last month's UA assault and RazALERT was a hoax. But will the next assault be? With predictable accuracy, one knows when our children will be on established paths surrounded by woods. Can the school board provide that surround which is promoted as an asset for science exploration and appreciation of nature, and still provide the safe, accessible environment for those whose safety and well-being we so value? OR, after construction is complete, will it even still be the forest surround and habitat envisioned and marketed? MANY other issues remain unresolved as the School Board goes ahead with its plans: In this particular case, and with the selected parcels, the goals of infill and incorporating greenways in the city seem to be incompatible. Previous -mentioned concerns don't BEGIN to address the logistical challenges of evacuation in the event of severe weather or other emergency. Nor does it address the hazardous alternate route sometimes suggested through the Ash/Walnut/Sycamore route/corridor. It would be an engineer's or bus -driver's nightmare, let alone a parent's on a slippery day ... Dr. Mulford responded to the "what if' question that school would be called off on inclement weather days. But this hill is a different situation. The option I imagine the City resorting to is designate one of the now -quiet residential streets to serve as a collector and take a straight shot to the top of the hill from Old Wire. Has this been discussed as a back-up plan? The neighbors want to know in advance, not after -the -fact. When asked about how the traffic lights on College will affect traffic at the Poplar intersection, Dr. Mulford simply replied something to the effect that "sometimes during the day better, sometimes not." Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 Many businesses along College below this site already suffer from the down -slope water and residuals after a rain event. In addition, several businesses are "adult" in nature. There are no prohibitions against their existence since they precede the building of the school, but if the school is built, it will affect their ability to sell their location to other similar businesses. Certainly, infill where it makes sense. It doesn't make sense on this slope, with its geohydrology and the constraints of our already imposed development. Take a lesson from the cities around Seattle, Washington where builders in their hubris built on steep hillsides, only to see their structures buried by the super -saturated hillsides behind them; or losing deep footings as eroding land around them gave way. Just as there is a human community, there is a forest community. When there is loss, the whole experiences that loss; we experience loss, whether it is of the forest itself, or of what it offers us: clean air, a climate buffer, a natural habitat for those who were here before us and who now struggle to survive because of our human -centric priorities. There is an intelligence in nature. We dominate and manipulate at our own peril. The trees, in THEIR Natural State, help make our burgeoning community not just livable, but outstanding. I am not blind to the stated needs of FPS to establish and ensure completion of their in -progress "feeder pattern" of student cohorts, and to make it a fait-accompli. They have searched for options, found one they are invested in (with our tax dollars): land, development and architecture/design fees, contracts... This site seems to be the lynchpin, the hill not to be given up. The truth is, school enrollments are NOT increasing (even though the City's population is). Changing demographics, private schools and home -schooling are taking some of the pressure off; there's no rush. I urge the City Planning Department, which I understand is short on engineers, to take ITS time to consider carefully the request from FPS to change the zoning and for the Planning Department and City Council to encourage them to seek other options. I know that the EAC has offered to help with FSB efforts to consider other options, and there may be potential stakeholders interested in participating in a plan that could enable the school board to recoup some of their investment, should they reconsider other options. I apologize for the length of this. It comes with my hope for a positive resolution, whatever that may be. Respectfully yours, Dawn Fisher From: Andrea Fournet <andreafournetftmail.com> Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2025 7:35 AM To: Carlo Bertani <carlo.bertani(@maersk.com>; Nathan Walker <nathan-walker(@outlook.com>; Bethany Douglas <bedouglasl7C)gmail.com>; James Parrish <inparrish54@gmail.com>; foresterfox51@gmail.com <foresterfox51 @gmail.com>; Scott, John <iscott@ fayetteville-ar.gov>; Kate Shirley <shirleykatharine8Pgmail.com>; Thomason, Willa<wthomasonPfayetteville-ar.gov>; Tas Zinck (tasPbiodesicstrategies.com) <tasCubbiodesicstrategies.cor >; Hannah Ash <hannah.ashhC«gmai1.com> Subject: Future Ramay Junior High school location CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Fayetteville. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 Dear Members of the Fayetteville Urban Forestry Advisory Board, I am writing to urgently bring to your attention a deeply troubling situation. The Fayetteville School District is advancing plans to construct a new junior high school and football field atop one of our city's last undeveloped hillsides — an approximately 18-acre old -growth hardwood forest just east of College Avenue. Disturbingly, the district has moved forward without first seeking the city's required zoning approvals, without adequately addressing hillside and drainage protections, and without meaningful solutions to critical traffic concerns, given there is currently only one point of public access, (emergency exit doesn't count). Public funds have already been spent to purchase the land and commission architectural plans, even though this project would permanently destroy an irreplaceable urban forest. This forest has quietly served our community for generations — stabilizing the hillside, protecting our watershed, cooling and purifying the air, sheltering wildlife, and providing immeasurable beauty to Fayetteville. At a time when our community and nation are investing heavily in climate resilience, it is unthinkable to pursue a project that echoes the destructive development practices of the past. It is 2025. We have better knowledge and better tools. We must uphold higher standards. Fayetteville is nationally recognized for environmental stewardship and smart, sustainable growth. Allowing this project to proceed without full public transparency, compliance with city ordinances, and an exhaustive exploration of alternatives would represent a significant failure of governance and vision. This hillside is not simply a hardwood forest; it is a vital natural asset. Its loss would be irreversible, leaving a permanent scar on our landscape and, I believe, casting a lasting shadow on the legacy of current city leadership. I respectfully urge you to intervene, enforce all applicable regulations, and explore every possible avenue to protect this forested hillside. Our responsibility is not just to today's residents, but to future generations. Thank you for your attention and service to our community. Let's help keep Fayetteville Shay by preserving our long existing hardwood forests, like this one, in tack. Sincerely, Andrea Fournet Fayetteville Resident and Business Owner Andrea Fournet, C-IAYT CEO/Founder-AYC Arkansas Yoga and Therapy Center Good morning, Andrea, Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 I appreciate you reaching out to express your concerns about this project, and I will do my best to address them. However, I would recommend that you reach out to the Planning Commission and City Council representatives as they will ultimately be the ones to vote on this development. • Disturbingly, the district has moved forward without first seeking the city's required zoning approvals, without adequately addressing hillside and drainage protections, and without meaningful solutions to critical traffic concerns, given there is currently only one point of public access, (emergency exit doesn't count). As of now, this project has not been submitted to the City for formal review. When the applicant submits plans for this project, it will be processed as a large-scale development and will be reviewed by planning, urban forestry, engineering, building safety, fire, and any other applicable departments to ensure the plans adhere to our City's municipal code. This review will include assessment of the plans adherence to zoning regulations, hillside and drainage protections, traffic considerations, and appropriate locations of ingress/egress. • Fayetteville is nationally recognized for environmental stewardship and smart, sustainable growth. Allowing this project to proceed without full public transparency, compliance with city ordinances, and an exhaustive exploration of alternatives would represent a significant failure of governance and vision. Because this project will be processed as a large-scale development, review comments and staff determinations will be heard at Tech Plat, a public meeting with the applicant, and at Planning Commission, a public hearing. This process ensures public transparency throughout the development of the project. If staff determine that any aspect of the plans do not comply with City ordinances, the project will be tabled until changes are made to bring the plans into compliance. • This hillside is not simply a hardwood forest; it is a vital natural asset. Its loss would be irreversible, leaving a permanent scar on our landscape and, I believe, casting a lasting shadow on the legacy of current city leadership. This parcel is zoned RSF-4 which, per §167.04(C) Table 1, requires 25% minimum canopy preservation. Because the parcel is in the Hillside/Hilltop Overlay District (HHOD), the percent minimum canopy requirement must be increased by 5% to a total requirement of 30%. This is the maximum percent minimum canopy requirement outlined in UDC §167. Additionally, land located within the HHOD is subject to additional grading and erosion control requirements administrated by engineering. • 1 respectfully urge you to intervene, enforce all applicable regulations, and explore every possible avenue to protect this forested hillside. While the Urban Forestry Advisory Board may issue opinions on development projects, the administration of Code is the responsibility of staff, and final decisions are made by Planning commissioners and City Council members. Again, I recommend that you voice your concerns to the Planning Commission, City Council, and the Mayor, as well as UFAB and staff. Please let me know if you have any questions or want to discuss this further. Thanks! Willa Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 Willa Thomason, M.S. Urban Forester Development Services City of Fayetteville, Arkansas (479) 444-3486 Website i Facebook_1 Twitter I Instagram I YouTube CITY OF OAF) RAYETTEVILLE ARKANSAS From: Andrea Fournet <andreafournet@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 27, 2025 3:36 PM To: Masters, Jessica <jmasters@fayetteville-ar.gov> Subject: Re: Photos for my 3 minute talk at Planning Commission 10/27/25 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Fayetteville. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Thank you so much! Just as long they all get shown Andrea Fournet, C-IAYT CEO/Founder - AYC Arkansas Yoga and Therapy Center, Inc. On Mon, Oct 27, 2025 at 3:30 PM Masters, Jessica <jmastersCa)fayetteville-ar.gov> wrote: Andrea, I will have them shown, but I cannot guarantee that they will be timed up as you specified below. Thank you! Jessie Masters, AICP Planning Director Development Services City of Fayetteville, Arkansas (479) 575-8239 www.fayetteviL[e-ar.gov Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 Website i Facebook i Twitter I Instagram I YouTube CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE ARKANSAS From: Andrea Fournet <andreafournetPgmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 27, 2025 2:36 PM To: Masters, Jessica <imasters@fayetteville-ar.gov> Subject: Re: Photos for my 3 minute talk at Planning Commission 10/27/25 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Fayetteville. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. So how will they get shown? Andrea Fournet, C-IAYT CEO/Founder - AYC Arkansas Yoga and Therapy Center, Inc. On Mon, Oct 27, 2025 at 2:33 PM Masters, Jessica <imastersC�fayetteville-ar.gov> wrote: Andrea, I will have the photos available; I just don't have the opportunity to create a timed slideshow today. Thankyou, Jessie Jessie Masters, AICP Planning Director Development Services City of Fayetteville, Arkansas (479) 575-8239 www.fayetteviL[e-ar.gov Website i Facebook_1 Twitter I Instagram I YouTube riry rr .� FAYETTEVILLE ARKANSAS From: Andrea Fournet <andreafournet@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 27, 2025 1:12 PM To: Masters, Jessica <Imasters@fayetteville-ar.gov> Subject: Re: Photos for my 3 minute talk at Planning Commission 10/27/25 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Fayetteville. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 Thank you for letting me know. I will have to pass on showing my photos as I don't have time before tonight's meeting. Wish I had known before the weekend. Media services will do this for me for the City Council meeting. Best, Andrea I ARKANSAS YOGA & THERAPY CENTER ANDREA FOURNET,C•IAYT CEO/Founder ® 479-521-9642 IM yogalady@aryoga.com 1949 N Green Acres Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72703 www.aryoga.com On Mon, Oct 27, 2025 at 12:39 PM Masters, Jessica <imasters(a)fayetteville-ar.gov> wrote: Andrea — I unfortunately do not have the capacity to create a powerpoint presentation for you, but I am happy to share one. If you could please create a powerpoint presentation or otherwise that compiles all of these I am happy to share it. Many thanks, Jessie Jessie Masters, AICP Planning Director Development Services City of Fayetteville, Arkansas (479) 575-8239 www.fayettevi[Le-ar.gov Website i Facebook i Twitter i Instagram i YouTube CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE ARKANS ARKANSAS Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 From: Andrea Fournet <andreafournetPgmail.com> Sent: Monday, October 27, 2025 12:36 PM To: Masters, Jessica <jmasters(a)fayetteville-ar.gov> Subject: Fwd: Photos for my 3 minute talk at Planning Commission 10/27/25 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Fayetteville. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Sending the 8 photos again ARKANSASYOGA & THERAPY CENTER ANDREA FOURNET,i 1 CEO/Founder ® 479-521-9642 V yogalady@aryoga.com 1949 N Green Acres Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72703 ® www_aryoga.com Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 Compiled Public Comment RZN-2025-0048 Tw rOF 4i if 10* FA jw+� +' �• t S 1'' w '. 1'- r �}• r. .�s �i 4 .ram: - yy • kw.. �a _ t "l•.c• 7- al'• t.'��' � ',*t ^. °' � .!r ice, �r~ � •.'. � �t '" ,1�' i � - E� r • Y l � �c1... t t v.�.,ti" jot LF s• �� Jf�t�.� 1�' (•,w� � _ .tom '!tif. ��I '�"i � � �T I� t .• �•4�/,` , • • • fit' � • t `t � iR � '� � � !Z .y �• `. .. \'�,' ;_ •` >". fit'-�fq'+L ,� \"-1� • �.. y � 2• i rt c� �`.` }y��l�� •.Y y ` }�• i•• � .1h y� �,A. i n �Atl •. r. \ - J� a -! .•,t �♦ yam. /�.�"�(�/�1 �!� '_ � ._ tv 4. o • ?, I+ k ' ( I yY W, Bland, Justin From: Andrea Fournet <andreafournet@gmail.com> Sent: Monday, September 22, 2025 4:32 PM To: Brown, Chris; Bland, Justin; Moore, Sarah; Wiederkehr, Mike Subject: Traffic study for proposed Ramay Junior High site Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Completed CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Fayetteville. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Hello Chris and Justin, Could the City conduct its own traffic safety study for the proposed Ramay Junior High site off College Avenue? The City has done so before —such as for the Zion Road project —when line -of -sight and turning safety were in question. This site raises even greater concerns: students crossing five lanes of traffic, and two left-hand turns off College on to Poplar from both directions. Left turns across multiple lanes are among the most dangerous traffic movements for pedestrians, bikes, scooters, wheelchairs, and cars and relying solely on the school district's consultants may risk overlooking that. Many recent developments on major arterials avoid this hazard by allowing only right-in/right-out access. Will the City require similar protections here? And how will the College Avenue entrance be made ADA accessible for students walking or using a wheelchair from neighborhoods west of the site? Will the continuation of Poplar be a city maintained road or private maintained by our public school system? Thank you for your time concerning this project. Best regards, Andrea [H] The Fayetteville Youth Advisory Council writes to formally recommend against the rezoning of parcel #765-13438-000, which is currently owned by the Fayetteville Public School District. After discussion and careful consideration, the YAC voted 8-0 on May 29, 2025 in favor of forwarding this letter to the City Council and the Planning Commission. The YAC determines that this land is unsuitable for development, and urges the City Council to consider the following: 1. The soil on this land is key in controlling water flow, disrupting and compacting it during construction increases the likelihood of floods onto N. College Ave. and the businesses below parcel #765-13438-000. 2. The accessibility to the school in proposed plans is highly limited, with one official road, and one `emergency' road. The official road stems off of N. College, and the traffic congestion due to the proposed school and the revamped middle school (formally Woodland Jr. High) would greatly increase. In the situation of bad weather or emergency, getting in and out of the school would be difficult, and a potential danger to the students. 3. Parcel #765-13438-000 is a densely forested slope, any construction would be difficult and destructive of its ecological systems. As one of few areas of dense, native vegetation and wildlife left in Fayetteville, the YAC deems it important to protect the nature of this land as much as possible. Furthermore, the Fayetteville Youth Advisory Council urges the Fayetteville Public School District to utilize this land for alternative, non-destructive stewardship and educational opportunities. The YAC also encourages the FPS District to pursue the purchase and development of underutilized land, such as unused parking lots, for the building of the new Ramey school. This decision will affect hundreds of Fayetteville's youth, and the YAC feels a deep responsibility to advocate for the safest and most sustainable route in regards to the development of the new schools. We respectfully ask the FPS to consider alternative locations that would better meet the schools goals of safety and would cause minimal harm to the ecosystems and environment surrounding it. We appreciate the work of the City Council and Planning Commission and thank you for your attention to our concerns. The YAC welcomes the opportunity to discuss this further as decisions are made, and remains committed to finding solutions that best reflect the interests of Fayetteville's Youth. To: Fayetteville Planning Commission CC: Fayetteville Mayor Rawn, Fayetteville City Council Subject: Rezoning Case RZN-2025-0048 My name is Jeff Pummill and I'd like to enter comments into record regarding the Rezoning Case RZN-2025-0048, requesting rezoning of the property located on N. Marks Mill Ln from RSF-4 and UC to P-1. First, while I am the Chair of the city's Environmental Action Committee, I need to make it clear that the following comments are mine as a citizen of Fayetteville and not related to my participation in EAC. In fact, I abstained from signing the EAC letter regarding this matter ... not because their focused assessment was invalid (it's accurate given their scope of interest afforded by their mission statement), but rather because this situation has a LOT more "moving parts" than a simple thumbs up — thumbs down vote can capture! I'm not suggesting FPS handled things appropriately in this situation... far from it given the recent parking deck saga that caused so much angst in the community. One would've assumed that FPS would've taken away some "lessons learned" on that one and been more inclusive in their search for a suitable site for the Jr High in question. Such a development is critical to the future of the city and a unified approach should've been explored to ensure "fit and function" with Fayetteville's explosive growth and 2040 roadmap. Yet, here we are once again. On the positive side, while the proposed site is a terrible location for ANY sort of development, I certainly give credit to FPS for doing an outstanding job of hiring architectural firms that specialize in environmental awareness and climate sensitivity! If one were to develop the site as FPS is planning to do, then you'd be hard pressed to do a better job of architecting a more thorough and environmentally conscious plan. With that, I'm sure you all will agree when you are presented with the detailed presentation that's been making the rounds (I've seen it twice myself). I believe even FPS agrees that the proposed site is a stretch when it comes to development. The EAC letter accurately describes in their bulleted points all of the concerns of developing ANY infrastructure there.... it's not just the Jr High that isn't a suitable fit for the space. Housing would be equally unsuitable, and possibly more so as once owners purchase a home, they have great latitude in what they can do with their lot. At least the school could probably be held to a higher standard of maintaining certain environmental attributes that best reflect the direction of the city's Climate Action Plan for example. In addition, FPS has recently added a Sustainability Director and there are ongoing discussions about using these new developments to teach students about the environment, sustainability, etc. There may even be opportunities to partner with FPS to carve off and re -designate small plots of these larger parcels with the new CCR zoning which is designed to preserve green spaces in perpetuity within the city! The design even incorporates a "loop" around the school for cars to stage for pickup/drop-off thus avoiding a situation where they shut down a lane of N College! Long story short here... ideally, I too would prefer that the property in question be preserved in its pristine state and protected by a zoning like the new CCR option! But we have to face the stark reality that to do so would require another entity to purchase the property from FPS, AND be willing to request such a zoning. While there is talk of a 501c3 and other ventures, I have yet to see a briefcase with $3-4 million dollars contained within. And what if it were to happen?!? We're still left with the original dilemma of where to expand our public schools! Fayetteville is currently at a population of around 106,000 people and projection for 2050 is 170,000. Some of us that have debated future growth suspect the 2050 number is short by about 80,000 people due to things like cost of real estate elsewhere, climate driven events making it impossible to insure property, etc. This all said, even the current plan for the two new Jr High's plus the conversion of one of the old Jr High sites to a magnet school will still likely leave us short of capacity for the future. Summary: • Is the proposed site unsatisfactory due to a plethora of environmental concerns: YES! • Is it likely that the site is strategically the best from a distribution perspective: YES! • Will refusal by P.0 and C.C. to allow the build be legally challenged: YES! To be successful, this whole thing needs the blessings and commitment of many entities. Should this come to fruition, it will require MANY departments for it to function effectively. There should be ironclad assurances all around to ensure that everyone is committed to the best outcomes for the future of Fayetteville. Jeff Pummill Ward 3 To: Fayetteville Planning Commission CC: Fayetteville Mayor Rawn, Fayetteville City Council Subject: RZN 2025-0048 Pursuant to our mission, the Environmental Action Committee (EAC) is submitting this letter to the Planning Commission to voice our concern about the Rezoning Case RZN-2025-0048, re- questing rezoning of the property located on N. Marks Mill Ln from RSF-4 and UC to P-1. The EAC was created in September 1995 "to address environmental concerns, promote a safe and healthy environment, and maintain the natural beauty of the environment within the City." To this end, committee members have made a commitment to diligently "research and recommend climate mitigation strategies that the community can implement to reduce green- house gas emissions and minimize the negative consequences of climate change" in Fayet- teville. The Climate Action Plan recently approved by the City outlines our recommendations for the future. With this in mind, we are appealing to the Planning Commission to reject rezoning of the prop- erty of land identified by the School District for building a new Ramay Junior High School east of College Avenue. The EAC has come to the conclusion that constructing the school on this site would be in opposition to the City's stated environmental goals. The site, which lies within the Hilltop -Hillside Overlay District, is densely forested with steep slopes and presents significant geologic and ecological challenges. Committee concerns, based on EAC research, discussions with geologic and environmental professionals, and in- put from community members, include: • Loss of an almost complete, undisturbed forest in a central location instrumental to the City achieving its goal of climate resilience. • Loss of historic urban forest acreage instrumental to carbon sequestration which would take decades to replace. • Damage to an existing biodiverse ecosystem caused by removal of the forest canopy. • Impacts of disturbing soils composed of Fayetteville Shale and expansive clays that are prone to instability, especially on an 18% hillside slope, would pose risks to the hill- side's structural integrity, underground utilities, and slope stability. • Probability that disturbance of this currently stable hillside and its vegetative cover will magnify the potential for increased stormwater runoff, erosion, and drainage complica- tions along College Avenue. • Unassessed springs and seeps on the site which are likely to magnify the impact of disturbance. Although it is regrettable that the School District invested in this site prematurely, before the Zoning Commission had the opportunity to consider all the aspects of rezoning request, the EAC stands steadfast in its conclusion that building on the site would present seriously nega- tive environmental and geological impacts. Glenda Patterson — EAC Vice Chair Darlington Imhanzuaria Stacey Buff Thomas Deere Margaret Britain Vicki Spencer Alexander Mauroner Teresa Turk — City Council Liason Additional Information Received Date Received: 12/01 /2025 M M/D D/YYYY Time: 3:42 PM 00:00 (AM/PM) From: Robert Rhoads, Attorney with Hall Estill Name & Title To: City Council Name & Title Agenda Meeting Date: 12/02/2025 MM/DD/YYYY Civic Clerk Number: 2025-2270 Ex. 2025-994 Forwarded to City City Attorney's Office and Department Attorney's Office and Head were included in correspondence. Department Head FAYETTEVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS December 1, 2025 Mayor Molly Rawn City Council City of Fayetteville RE: RZN-2025-0048 Ramay Junior High Dear Mayor and Council: I write this letter to respond to some of the things that were brought up at the last council meeting and since that meeting. In order to forgo another long presentation tomorrow evening, I thought it might be a better use of everyone's time to send this letter. At tomorrow night's Council meeting I'll indicate that we do not have another presentation and quickly introduce members of our design team to answer any of your questions that I cannot answer. I also have encouraged all the people that got up and spoke on our behalf to not repeat what they said two weeks ago but instead show their support in mass. Many others have reached out to us who did not speak last meeting, and they still may want to voice their support. We're also asking that this not be tabled but be voted on at this meeting, and in support of that request I'm sending you our timetable from Crafton TulI, which indicates that waiting another 2 or 4 weeks could impact our building schedule and delay any August 2028 opening. I will also tell you we have not received any bona fide offer to buy our property, but even if we do, it is not for sale because of limited land options in this feeder pattern and the short timetable previously discussed. I've also attached a short report from our engineering firm, GTS, where they tell you that the site has already been examined, and this site is perfectly suitable. The second round of bore testing is only meant to determine what type of foundations to construct and to guide that design. Further included is a traffic report from TEC, Inc. which again tells you that the way we have designed this, traffic will not be detrimental to the City. The school can operate efficiently and safely with only one ingress and egress from College Ave. as we have designed the areas around the school to include multiple car queuing lanes. But if the City does allow us to make use 21417000.1:017118.00001 Robert K. Rhoads From: Robert K. Rhoads Sent: Monday, December 1, 2025 12:09 PM To: Robert K. Rhoads Subject: RE: Ramay Construction approval timeline From: Wes Burgess <Wes.Burgess@craftontull.com> Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2025 8:14 AM To: Trent Woessner <Trent.Woessner@craftontull.com>; Robert K. Rhoads <rrhoads@hallestill.com> Cc: Kelly Freeman <kfreeman@connect-advisors.com>; John Mulford <john.mulford@fayar.net>; Connor Threet <Connor.Threet@craftontull.com>; Nathan Becknell <nbecknell@tecusa.com>; alan.wilbourn@fayar.net Subject: Ramay Construction approval timeline This message was sent from outside the organization. Please do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the source of this email and know the content is safe. Here is the current timeline for Ramay based on required City approvals: 11118125 First CC Meeting 12102125 Second City Council meeting for rezone (assume approved at this meeting) 12117125 First LSD Resubmittal 12131125 Tech Plat (assume 1 more tabling to address remaining comments) 1114126 2Id Tech Plat (forwarded to PC) 21912615T PC meeting for LSD (assume tabled) 2123126 2"d PC meeting for LSD (assume approved) 312126 Apply for Grading Permit 4115126 Grading Permit Conditional Approval Letter Received 511126 Issued Grading Permit (begin construction) 711128 Construction Complete, ready for School Move in (26 month construction timeline) It will be critical to meet the timeline above in order to open the school in 2028. Clark initially had 28 months for construction, so we are already 2 months behind, which will need to be made up along the way. If we can manage not to be tabled at Tech Plat and Planning Commission that will gain back a much needed month. The bottom line is that we really need City Council to vote for the Rezone on 12-2. Thanks! Wes Burgess, AIA, LEED AP Vice President I Architecture t, C ra fton Tull Office: 479-636-4838 1 Direct: 479-878-2452 1450 E. Zion Road, Suite 9 1911 North Shiloh Drive Licensed: Fayetteville, Arkansas 72704 Arkansas a Arizona = Kansas - Kentucky GTS, In c. Office: (479) 521-7645 Louisiana - Missouri o New Mexico G. t.ch�i� la T-G. se.�r�.. www.gtsconsulting.net Ohio • Oklahoma o Texas November 25, 2025 Fayetteville Public Schools 1000 West Bulldog Boulevard Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701 c/o: Mr. Wes Burgess, AIA LEED AP (Crafton Tull) RE: City Council Concerns Proposed New School Development North Marks Mill Lane, Fayetteville, Arkansas Mr. Burgess, Per your request, the purpose of this letter to address concerns raised during the November 18, 2025 Fayetteville City Council meeting regarding a rezoning of the property located between Marks Mill Lane and E Ash St which is being considered for development of Ramey Junior High School. The specific concerns addressed in this letter are: 1. Anticipated suitability of soils on this property. 2. Comparison of the school development to residential foundation problems. 3. Timeline for completion of GTS's current supplemental report. The information and opinion presented in this letter are derived from borings performed in 2014 under GTS Project No. 14-15175 to prepare preliminary geotechnical engineering recommendations for general development of foundations, floor slabs, and mass grading/subgrade preparation for a planned new subdivision. That document is referenced below: • A 39 pages report titled "Geotechnical Engineering Report — Residential Structures, Sanitary Sewer Route", dated October 23, 2014, and prepared by GTS, Inc. under GTS Project No. 14-15175. Specifically, this report provides the results of the subsurface exploration, laboratory testing and Geotechnical engineering analysis performed for the previously planned new Marks Mill Lane Extension. Suitability of Soils Based on the subsurface conditions encountered in the 2014 soil borings, the native soils are suitable for supporting typical foundation loads associated with school construction. Shallow foundations should bear on native, stiff to very stiff clay soils, medium dense to dense sand or gravel -based soils (Stratum II), and/or tested and approved, new select fill bearing on the described native soils. Additionally, deep foundations bearing in native shale may be an alternative depending on actual loads provided during the final design process. Geotechnical Engineering 1 Construction Materials Testing I Environmental Due Diligence Fayetteville Public Schools City Council Concerns North Marks Mill Lane, Fayetteville, Arkansas GTS, Inc. Page 2 of 2 G—f—hnicel d T-fing Sorvicss Current Residential Foundation and Groundwater Issues During the council meeting on November 18, several residents that live within close proximity of the proposed development reported foundation movement and groundwater issues affecting their homes. Slopes, fat clays, and groundwater are all issues present on this site. These conditions are common throughout areas in Fayetteville and do not preclude development. A key distinction must be made between residential construction practices and those used for public or commercial development. In our experience, most residential construction, especially older residential developments, does not involve comprehensive geotechnical, civil, or structural engineering design. As a result, common issues such as expansive clays, slope movement/instability, or groundwater are not adequately addressed. Timeline for Completion of Current Geotechnical Investigation GTS is scheduled to be on site to begin our field exploration between November 261h and December 3`d. We have budgeted for 2 '/z weeks of field exploration. Approximately 3 weeks after the field exploration is complete, we will issue the final Geotechincal Report. Barring any lost days due to weather or Holidays, we plan on having a completed Geotechnical Engineering Report by the first week of January 2026. Sincerely, G TS, Inc. Ge011chnicul d Tinting S—i cs. David Berry, P.E. President/Principal Engineer Geotechnical Engineering I Construction Materials Testing I Environmental Due Diligence goSUMMARY November 24, 2025 SUBJECT: Ramay Junior High School Traffic Impact Analysis LOCATION: East of the intersection of College Avenue and Poplar Street Fayetteville, Arkansas SUMMARY TEC was requested to conduct a traffic impact analysis on a proposed junior high school in Fayetteville, Arkansas. A report was completed on February 19, 2025 prior to a southern expansion of the site. An exclusive access to the site was proposed at the intersection of College Avenue and Poplar Street. The analysis concluded that signalization of the intersection is currently necessary and will continue to be necessary upon completion of the school. The single intersection would be expected to operate at acceptable levels -of -service. A second preliminary traffic impact analysis was conducted on October 27, 2025 for an additional site access to Ash Street. The preliminary results concluded that a drive on Ash Street would be expected to operate at acceptable levels -of -service with either option of all -way stop or drive only stop. Signalization of the intersection of College Avenue and Poplar Street is still currently necessary and continues to be necessary with the additional access to Ash Street. A third complete report is currently underway to revise the preliminary report. The preliminary calculations and recommendations are considered conservatively high in trips generated, particularly on Ash Street, and final recommendations are likely to stay the same or potentially reduce in magnitude. The proposed site plan for the school includes sufficient storage for estimated dismissal queuing. The location of the proposed drive to Ash Street on the western side of the site is not predicted to conflict with dismissal queuing. Current calculations indicate signalization of the intersection of College Avenue and Poplar Street is necessary regardless of an additional access to Ash Street. Also, site access to Ash Street improves capacity calculations overall but is not necessary for acceptable capacity function of traffic at the site. Forth A-55 Account #: NWCL5004205 Company: CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE-CLERKS OFFI 113 W MOUNTAIN FAYETTEVILLE, AR 72701 Ad number #: 563752 PO #: Matter of. Ord. 6944 AFFIDAVIT • STATE OF ARKANSAS ECEIVE 12/26/2025 C -Y OF FAYETTEV LLE CITY CLERK'S CFFICE 1, Maria Hernandez -Lopez , do solemnly swear that I am the Legal Clerk of the NWA Democrat Gazette, a daily newspaper printed and published in WASHINGTONBENTON county, State of ARKANSAS; that I was so related to this publication at and during the publication of the annexed legal advertisement in the matter of Ord. 6944 Pending in the court, in said County, and at the dates of the several publications of said advertisement stated below, and that during said periods and at said dates, said newspaper was printed and had a bona fide circulation in said County, that said newspaper had been regularly printed and published in said county, and had a bona fide circulation therein for the period of one month before the date of the first publication of said advertisement; and that said advertisement was published in the regular daily issues of said newspaper as stated below. And that there is due or has been paid the NWA Democrat Gazette for publication the sum of $92.72. (Includes $0.00 Affidavit Charge). NWA Democrat Gazette 12121125; NWA nwaonline.com 12121125 Legal Clerd State of ARKANSAS, County of Sebastian , Subscribed and swom to before me on this 22nd day of December, 2025 NOT Y PUBLIC BR p S ti .�� JAG •��SS i Ong F ��' '�'% a� PUB\-\G o.Q ,ro •��'�iigN�C 0 UIN-mot \��\ Ordinance: 6944 File Number: 2025-2270 AN ORDINANCE TO REZONE THE PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN REZONING PETITION RZN 2025- 4E FOR APPROXIMATELY 26.7 ACRES LOCATED SOUTH OF NORTH MARKS MILL LANE IN WARD 3 FROM RSF-4, RESIDEN- TIAL SINGLE-FAMILY, 4 UNITS PER ACRE AND UC, URBAN COR- RIDOR TO P-1, INSTITUTIONAL BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE,ARKANSAS: Section 1: That the City Council of the City of Fayet- teville, Arkansas hereby changes the zone classification of the property shown on the map (Exhibit A) and the legal de- scription (Exhibit B) both at- tached to the Planning Department's Agenda Memo RSF-4, Residential Single -Fam- ily, 4 Units Per Acre and UC, Urban Corridor to P-1, Institu- tional. Section 2: That the City Council of the City of Fayet- teville, Arkansas hereby amends the official zoning map of the City of Fayetteville to reflect the zoning change provided in Sec- tion 1, PASSED and APPROVED on December 16, 2025 Approved: Molly Hawn, Mayor Attest: Kara Paxton City Clerk Treasurer This publication was paid for by the City Clerk -Treasurer of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas. Amount Paid: $92.72 December 21, 2025 563752