HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-08-23 Minutes•
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE
PLANNING COMMISSION
A regular meeting of the Planning Commission was held on August 23, 1999 at 5:30 p.m. in
Room 219 of the City Administration Building, 113 W. Mountain, Fayetteville, Arkansas.
ITEMS CONSIDERED ACTION TAKEN
Approval of Minutes
VA99-11: Coleman, pp411
AD99-17: Wedington Place Apt, pp401
AD99-18: Doe's Eat Place, pp 484
AD99-19: Nelm's Auto Park, pp248/249
RZ99-18: Fochtman, pp209
RZ99-19: Fochtman, pp209
RZ99-20: Fochtman, pp209
RZ99-21: Fochtman, pp209
RZ99-22: Fochtman, pp209
RZ99-23: Fochtman, pp209
LSD99-21: Bank of Fayetteville, pp401
RZ99-24: Robertson, pp439
RZ99-25: Robertson, pp439
• RZA99-2: Zamberletti, pp100
RZ99-26: Zamberletti, pp100
RZA99-3: DeWeese/Schmidt, pp474
RZ99-27: DeWeese/Schmidt, pp474
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MEMBERS PRESENT
Don Bunch
Bob Estes
Lorel Hoffman
Sharon Hoover
Phyllis Johnson
Don Marr
Conrad Odom
Loren Shackelford
Lee Ward
STAFF PRESENT
Tim Conklin
Janet Johns
Ron Petrie
Brent Vinson
Dawn Warrick
Approved
Approved
Approved
Approved
Approved
Denied
Denied
Denied
Denied
Denied
Denied
Approved
Denied
Approved
Approved
Approved
Approved
Approved
on consent
on consent
on consent
on consent
on consent
MEMBERS ABSENT
None
STAFF ABSENT
Kim Hesse
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Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
August 23, 1999
Page 2
CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of August 9, 1999 minutes.
VA99-1I: EASEMENT VACATION
COLEMAN, PP401
This item was submitted by Curtis and Kathryn Coleman for property located at 2922
Whippoorwill Lane. The property is zoned R-1, Low Density Residential, and contains
approximately .29 acres. The request is to vacate a portion of a 20 foot utility easement along the
north property line.
AD99-17• ADMINISTRATIVE ITEM
WEDINGTON PLACE APTS, PP401
This item was submitted by Bruce Adams for property located at lot 4 of Wedington Place
Addition. The property is zoned R-2, Medium Density Residential and contains approximately
7.73 acres. The request is for a waiver from Section 5.4.3 of the City's Drainage Criteria Manual
to allow a building setback of less than 100 feet from a permanent water feature and also to
accept the use of a permanent lake in lieu of the dry detention pond.
AD99-18• ADMINISTRATIVE ITEM
DOE'S EAT PLACE PP484
This item was submitted by Jim Huson for property located at 316 W. Dickson Street. The
request is for a waiver of 4 parking spaces in the C-3 zoning district.
AD99-19: ADMINISTRATIVE ITEM
NELM'S AUTO PARK, PP248/249
This item was submitted by Audy Lack of Miller, Boskus, & Lack on behalf of Nelm's Auto
Park for property located at the northeast corner of the I-540 and Hwy 112 intersection. The
request is for a variance from Section 161.21(D)(7) of the Unified Development Ordinance
concerning site lighting requirements for a development within the Design Overlay District.
Committee Discussion
Johnson: I will call to order the August 23, meeting of the Fayetteville Planning
Commission. I see we have all Commissioners in their places tonight. We have several items on
the Consent Agenda in addition to approval of the minutes. Is there anyone on the Commission
who would like to pull from the Consent Agenda any of these items? Seeing none, is there
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Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
August 23, 1999
Page 3
anyone in audience who would request that we discuss any one of these items and pull it from the
Consent Agenda. Seeing none then, we will vote on the Consent Agenda consisting of 5 items.
Roll Call
Upon roll call, the Consent Agenda was approved with a unanimous vote of 9-0-0.
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Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
August 23, 1999
Page 4
RZ99-18: REZONING
FOCHTMAN, PP209
This item was submitted by Dave Jorgensen of Jorgensen & Associates on behalf of Earl
Fochtman for property located west of Hwy 112 and east of Deane Solomon. The property is
zoned A-1, Agricultural and contains 18.06 acres. The request is to rezone the property to C-1,
Neighborhood Commercial.
Dave Jorgensen was present on behalf of the request.
Staff recommended denial of the proposed C-1 zoning based on the findings included as a part of
the staff report.
RZ99-19: REZONING
FOCHTMAN, PP209
This item was submitted by Dave Jorgensen of Jorgensen & Associates on behalf of Earl
Fochtman for property located west of Hwy 112 and east of Deane Solomon. The property is
zoned A-1, Agricultural and contains 23.35 acres. The request is to rezone the property to R -O,
Residential Office.
Dave Jorgensen was present on behalf of the request.
Staff recommended denial of the proposed R -O zoning based on the findings included as part of
the staff report and they recommended denial of the other rezoning requests. Staff would support
a request to rezone the property with a mixture of residential zoning and R -O along Hwy 112.
RZ99-20: REZONING
FOCHTMAN, PP209
This item was submitted by Dave Jorgensen of Jorgensen & Associates on behalf of Earl
Fochtman for property located west of Hwy 112 and east of Deane Solomon. The property is
zoned A-1, Agricultural and contains 12.59 acres. The request is to rezone the property to R-2,
Medium Density Residential.
Dave Jorgensen was present on behalf of the request
Staff recommended denial of the proposed R-2 zoning based on the findings included as part of
the report and they recommended denial of the other rezoning requests. Staff would support a
request to rezone a portion of the property as R-2 with a mixture of other residential zoning and
R -O along Hwy 112.
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Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
August 23, 1999
Page 5
RZ99-21: REZONING
FOCHTMAN, PP209
This item was submitted by Dave Jorgensen of Jorgensen & Associates on behalf of Earl
Fochtman for property located west of Hwy 112 and east of Deane Solomon. The property is
zoned A-1, Agricultural and contains 13.03 acres. The request is to rezone the property to C-1,
Neighborhood Commercial.
Dave Jorgensen was present on behalf of the request.
Staff recommended denial of the proposed C-1 zoning based on the findings included as part of
the staff report.
RZ99-22: REZONING
FOCHTMAN, PP209
This item was submitted by Dave Jorgensen of Jorgensen & Associates on behalf of Earl
Fochtman for property located west of Hwy 112 and east of Deane Solomon. The property is
zoned A-1, Agricultural and contains 13.05 acres. The request is to rezone the property to I-1,
Heavy Commercial/Light Industrial.
Dave Jorgensen was present on behalf of the request.
Staff recommended denial of the proposed I-1 zoning based on the findings included as part of
the staff report.
RZ99-23: REZONING
FOCHTMAN, PP209
This item was submitted by Dave Jorgensen of Jorgensen & Associates on behalf of Earl
Fochtman for property located west of Hwy 112 and east of Deane Solomon. The property is
zoned A-1, Agricultural and contains 26.14 acres. The request is to rezone the property to C-2,
Thoroughfare Commercial.
Dave Jorgensen was present on behalf of the request.
Staff recommended denial of the proposed C-2 zoning based on the findings included as part of
the staff report.
• Commission Discussion
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Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
August 23, 1999
Page 6
Johnson: This property is currently zoned A-1. We've had an opportunity to look at this
and talk about this on several occasions recently. A portion of these rezonings came before the
Commission some time back and then at our last meeting these rezonings were before us in the
form they are tonight. We only had 6 commissioners present and since it takes 5 positive votes
to pass a rezoning, the applicant decided to pull these from our agenda since we had a small
group of commissioners that evening. So, it's back tonight. It's a total of 106 acres. We have
discussed the tract as a whole so this evening, I want most of the discussion to be about
individual tracts because there are individual rezonings that are requested.
Conklin: RZ99-18 is a 18.06 acre tract along Highway 112 in the northeast comer and the
request is from A-1 to C-1. RZ99-19 immediately to the west of this is 23.35 acres; residential -
office is being requested. RZ99-20 is a request for R -O, so their proposal would have C-1 along
Hwy. 112 on 18 acres, R -O on 23 acres and then behind that R-2 on 12.59 acres. Immediately
south of that is RZ99-21. They are requesting C-1 zoning on 13.03 acres. If the Commission
would like to follow along with the request, page 2.18 illustrates the 6 rezoning being requested
on the 106 acre tract. For the area labeled tract 2 which adjoins the Research and Technology
Park, they are requesting 1-1, heavy commercial/light industrial zoning on 13.05 acres. Along
Hwy. 112 to the east, RZ99-23 is a 26.14 acre tract of land requested to be C-2 zoning. Staff has
• recommended denial on all 6 requests due to the fact that the overall request is inconsistent with
the land use plan and that it is not Justified or needed at this time. If there are any further
questions, I will be happy to answer them.
Johnson: Let me turn to the applicant and ask -- you may have something to say about the
overall plan if you like but I'd like most of the discussion this evening to focus on individual
tracts because that is how we have to vote.
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Jorgensen: My name is Dave Jorgensen and I represent the applicant, Earl Fochtman on this
and also Buddy Peoples. If you recall, we brought this before the Planning Commission in May.
We tabled it at that time and decided to come back with a new proposal. On page 4 of my copy
of the report from the planning staff, they have a comparison of the rezonings. If you'll refer to
that.
Vinson: Page 2.3.
Jorgensen: In May of 1999, we had originally requested C-1 zoning on 16.8% of the total
acreage. C-2 zoning was 9.3%, 1-1 was 9%, residential none, and then in August of 1999, which
is basically this latest request, we moved to 29% of the total tract as C-1, 24% C-2, 12.3% of the
total tract was 1-1 and 33% or almost 34% is residential. The reason for the revision is to
conform to what we thought we were hearing from the Planning Commission in that they seemed
to prefer what was referred to as a commercial node in that area. I think everybody in general
agreed that the property in this vicinity does not exactly lend itself to residential. That's the
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Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
August 23, 1999
Page 7
reason for the low amount of residential. We have asked for a portion of that to be R -O and
another portion of the property to be R-2. We felt that it didn't fit in very well with the
surrounding area, that being C-2 immediately to the east of Highway 112 and I-1 to the south of
our property. In fact, the entire south is bordered by I-1. The property to the west is A-1 and to
the north is A-1. I have talked to Mr. and Mrs. Benedict who own the property to the north.
Naturally, they are not real happy about this. They do agree that it's not R-1 property. They
would like to see a buffer zone between this property and theirs which may take place if the
owners are able to rezone this property and purchase it and then it will be coming before the
Planning Commission for large scale development. The property immediately to the northeast
and east is all C-2 so we thought it would fit in fairly well with this area also. We also show our
collector street passing through this property from the east to the west in order to connect
Highway 112 with Salem Road to the west.
Johnson: 1 have a question of staff. The page that was disseminated tonight, page 2.21, I
believe is the first page I have seen that shows West Salem extended all the way through this
property as a collector. Let me ask whether or not the applicant did this or whether the staff did
and if so, what to make of that?
Vinson: That is a reflection of the master street plan.
Johnson: As presently shown?
Vinson: Yes, it is.
Johnson: And it presently dies at Hwy. 112 and does not go further east on the master street
plan?
Vinson: That is correct.
Johnson: Initial questions of Mr. Jorgensen? Let me ask if there are those in the audience
who would address -- I usually allow discussion from the audience on all of this tract and then
nothing on the individual tracts, but I really think that probably is not the fair way to go. Let's
move on to the first rezoning that is before us which is tract 6 or RZ99-18. Look back at your
map and tract 6 is the southeastern most tract that is proposed to be rezoned to C-2. It consists of
26 acres.
Public Comment on Item #RZ99-18
Kit Williams was present on behalf of Marti and Dale Benedict who are adjoining property
owners.
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Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
August 23, 1999
Page 8
Williams: I would like to first note that we support the Fayetteville Planning Department's
recommended denial of this rezoning and all of these rezonings for the reasons that they stated.
We would even go further than that. Certainly we feel that this initial tract that we're talking
about and all these tracts are inconsistent with the 2020 General Plan which was approved by this
Planning Commission after numerous public hearings, much time, and much public comment.
Then that planning document which took years to do and lots of city money also, was referred to
the City Council where additional hearings were held and it was approved unanimously by the
City Council and their resolution adopting this was signed by Mayor Hanna in the December of
1995. I think a lot of work went into that. There was a lot of call for trying to make sure that the
roads of Fayetteville will be such that we could all be provided for in the future and this was a
guiding plan -- not written in stone -- but certainly something that you should take a lot of
consideration in. That is one of the objections that the Planning Department has that none of
these rezonings are consistent with the 2020 Plan. We certainly agree with that. The second
point that the Planning Department made is that additional commercial land is simply not needed
in Fayetteville. I think that is very clear. There is a tremendous amount of undeveloped, already
zoned commercial land. I think that's another violation of our 2020 Plan. We are supposed to
direct our commercial development into the places that is going to be best for Fayetteville. You
don't do that if you allow just speculative rezoning anywhere a property owner wants to put
commercial land. There is much undeveloped commercial land throughout Fayetteville and I
think it would be far better planning to continue to emphasize this land and not to allow such
speculative rezoning as we have here. Now a third consideration that the Planning Department
looked at and they found that the proposed rezonings would not create or appreciably increase
traffic danger or congestion. We realize this is on Highway 112, a state highway, however,
across the street from this particular development is going in a major new commercial
development, Nelm's Auto Park. I understand also that across the street, the State Highway
Department at some point in time might even be doing some development there, so there is going
to be a lot of traffic there and certainly 106 acres with a requested R-2 zoning in some and
commercial on the other and some industrial will create a tremendous amount of traffic and I
think that is another consideration that you should think about. Finally, there was a fourth
consideration where it talks about not undesirably increasing the load on public services. I
wonder about that. I know that in the last 2 years when I was on the City Council, and before
that we looked at rezonings very carefully -- major rezonings like this -- this is over 100 acres --
because we are facing a crisis with our sewer plant. We had reached capacity and we still are.
There has not been a vote by the citizens to build a new sewer plant. The bonds are going to be
used for financing. Obviously, even once there is a go ahead, assuming there is a go head for a
new sewer plant, it would take years to construct and to make this sewer plant effective so it can
relieve the burden that we now face with the restrictive capacity that we have Therefore, I think
any rezoning that comes to you -- any major rezoning -- you should look at it very, very carefully
to see whether is it real essential and unique to Fayetteville and I think that at this point in time
with the restricted sewer capacity that we have, that persons seeking rezonings really have a
higher standard than in other times. In other times, with plenty of capacity, I don't think they
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Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
August 23, 1999
Page 9
should be held to such a high standard but at this point in time I know that in the last 2 years
when I was on the City Council we looked at every significant rezoning and this certainly is one
being over 100 acres, on whether this provides something unique to Fayetteville. Something that
would be very advantageous. 1 imagine that the Planning Commission is doing that and I urge to
you continue doing that. I think in this particular case, this is not anything specific and unique
for Fayetteville. This is what I would term a speculative rezoning. It's got a lot of commercial.
It's got the type of residential which I think is inappropriate for this area, R-2, which are
apartments pretty much on the edge of town in an area that is mainly agricultural. If you look at
the zoning map, you'll see agricultural around more than half of this land. One final
consideration 1 would like you to make on this is that it adjoins the new technology park. This is
a park that has been developed over the years that the citizens through their city government have
invested a lot of time and money in trying to develop and make attractive so we can attract high
technology clients that would provide the kind of jobs that Fayetteville needs to maintain itself at
a high economic level. Therefore, since this adjoins that particular property, we need as the city
and you are representing us as a planning commission need to be very careful that the land that's
going to be immediately adjoining our technology park is going to be very compatible, attractive
type of development so that when we bring someone in from silicone valley or wherever to try to
get them to locate in Fayetteville, Arkansas, that they will look out and see something that is a
desirable location, that is pretty and is somewhere that they want to invest their money and locate
their business. I think this particular rezoning is not such a project. I'm afraid I have talked
about all of these. I'm sorry. I didn't know how to break it out. For those reasons, I won't be
discussing each one. I hope that you would not approve this rezoning. I don't think it's needed.
It's in violation of the 2020 Plan. I just don't think it's good for Fayetteville. Are there any
questions? Thanks.
Johnson: Look at page 2.18, this is the northeastern tract of 18 acres that is proposed to be
rezoned to C-1. Then if you'll look at the new page 2.21, you'll see that it is cut almost in half
from east to west by the master street plan street. The tract numbering confused me. We'll start
with RZ99-18 which is tract numbered 6. Let me ask if there are others in the audience who
would address this tract which is 18 acres rezoned to C-1.
Perry Butcher, residing at 3412 Deane Solomon Road was present.
Butcher: I have lived on Deane Solomon Road for 5 years. I'm interested in the
development of the property around this. I feel that the area is agriculture. I apologize. I, too,
am looking at this as a whole but I will be specific. The area is basically a swamp down through
the valley and we begin to come off the swamp down at the west end already. If you would
watch the foundations when they built those houses and the school out there, a lot of extra
attention and effort -- I don't think that they'll last a long time. The school, I think, will be all
right. The homes over a period of time will show the effects of where they are building. That
would be true of almost anything down through that valley, roads included. If you'll look at
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Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
August 23, 1999
Page 10
Deane Solomon you'll see that the road is sloughing off on each side. It's dangerous at both
ends and this proposal will create traffic on that street. At the north end, you take your life in
your hands every time you pull in or out of Deane Solomon. There are two 90 degree corners
that are halfway down there. At the south end, you cannot get enough clearance for cars coming
left to look like and know that you've got good clearance. It's a very dangerous intersection.
Although this won't empty directly onto Deane Solomon, it's a step toward that happening. I
feel as has been suggested here -- is one of my problems, too -- we have the technical park and
we're talking about putting in something that in a way might be competing with that park and
we've got a lot of money, time, and effort put into that and I think we ought to see that that's
developed and brought forward rather than letting people build around it and take away from
what is being designated for that. We also already have some industrial area down in there like
where the trucks are going there for their station -- is that ABC? Then we'll have a lot of traffic
added to from the Nelm's car lot and that's all car traffic. So, I think there will be a lot of added
traffic there. I do not feel that there is enough residential people living in that area that they need
to have a lot of commercial facilities out there. We're not that far away from what is convenient
to us. We have a sparse number of people living out there. I think most of the people are that
way because that's they way they thought that would be. To start putting apartments into the
area and making it more dense is different than a use that has been shown by your planning and 1
• think that all of these things kind of go against the grain. I do like progress. I have to. I feel
progress is right. I think it has to occur at the right places and the right time is a very important
factor. This is a pretty good size development as to how much of it will be developed quickly, it
may lay there and languish for many years and it waits for the people to catch up with it. I don't
know that it's a really necessary project in that location. Thank you very much.
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Johnson: Thank you. Are there others in the audience who would address us on the
rezoning 99-18, the 18 acres in the northeast corner to go to C-1?
Further Discussion on Item #RZ99-18
Hoffman: I'll say a few comments and then I'll try to keep it short. In general, I think that
the Planning Commission is responsible to ensure and take into account the needs of the City and
of the residents. I don't feel that this development in general does either. I have a concern about
competing with the industrial park. I also have a concern about the hodge podge of commercial
zonings proposed. So, I'm inclined to not do any of the proposed rezonings presently.
Odom: I hate to admit this but I agree with what all Kit said and it used to be I was on the
Commission with Kit and he used to do all the talking and I just never got to say very much and
that holds true again today. I will try not to repeat what he said I am against this proposal
primarily because it does not meet the criteria of the 2020 General Land Use Plan. That plan was
adopted in 1995 and often times this Commission refers to that document as a simple guideline
and that it's not set in stone. However, I think that is -- I have used that language in the past, too
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Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
August 23, 1999
Page 11
-- however, I feel that is not giving the 2020 Plan the proper weight that it deserves. I feel that
there are reasons why you tend to do that. I think some of it is because, perhaps, all of us are not
as familiar with the plan as we should be. The 2020 Plan does have a long history. I'm not
going to go into great detail and Kit sort of touched on it in his presentation but I think it is
important to know that it is a document that is the work of numerous years of study and effort not
only by the City Council and Planning Commission but the citizens of Fayetteville with their
public input. In the beginning of the 2020 Plan document, there is a procedural history that
outlines the number of meetings that took place to create that document and I would encourage
you to go back and review those if you have not. I had forgotten about that and in reading this
weekend was surprised about how long that process took and how careful everyone was in the
consideration. So, simply to refer to the document as a guideline in my estimation does not do
justice to all the work that was done. Currently, Phyllis Johnson and myself were present on the
Planning Commission at the time that the City adopted that document. I would encourage all
Planning Commissioners, including myself, I hadn't looked at it in depth in some time, to go
back and review it in detail. There are many specific and general goals that the plan attempts to
accomplish and I feel that those are self evident and I don't want to go into those in great detail at
this time. However, it is clear that the overall purpose of the plan is to make sure that
Fayetteville develops in a controlled manner without reducing the quality of life that we've all
come to enjoy. Specifically, regarding this application, it is important to note that the land use
map in this area is designated as residential. Now you have said a lot over the past several
meetings as to whether or not this area could be or should be or ever will be residential but the
fact remains that the general land use plan has marked it as residential. I know many of you feel
as I do that if you look at this application, common sense tells you that it looks commercial in
nature. Certainly using your common sense is something that we all must do and often times it is
the most appropriate in rending the decisions that we make on a day to day basis as well as
members of the Planning Commission. However, let's not forget that common sense was used
throughout the entire process of adopting the general land use plan. The general land use plan is
an holistic view of the development of the entire City of Fayetteville and not specific tracts. I
think that is why you can see the discrepancy of a common sense approach to develop an area as
commercial when in the land use plan it is not designated as such. Further, the general land use
plan encourages commercial nodes. It has several areas within this realm of development that
are designed as commercial nodes. For instance, the intersection once completed of Truckers
Drive and Deane Solomon Road was noted as a community commercial area to be developed.
Nowhere in the general land use plan does it say that commercial development is recommended
along major or minor arterials. That map was developed in an effort to allow development in the
future but maintain the quality of life and to prevent certain aspects of development that we find
undesirable and encourage aspects of development that we put a priority on. Therefore, I implore
you to remember that when we are looking at one particular tract, we must also remember that
there is a plan in place for the City of Fayetteville as whole. To ignore that plan as a whole,
discredits those who have worked so hard to see it's implementation and ultimately jeopardize
the quality of life that we have here in Fayetteville. Not only does this development not fit in
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Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
August 23, 1999
Page 12
with the criteria of the land use plan, it is also apparent from the statistical guidelines that we are
way ahead on commercial development acreage in Fayetteville. The general land use plan
indicates that by the year 2020, we will need an additional 1,098 acres of both commercial and
industrial and that applies from 1995 to the year 2020. I don't have specific numbers as to how
much has been passed since 1995 but 1 know of one development by the Northwest Arkansas
Mall which alone has in excess of 300 acres and I was for that. But, that is nearly one-third of
the amount of acreage that is required by that plan by the year 2020. Further, there are many
areas that are zoned commercial and continue to be undeveloped. Further, the plan comments
that the population will have increased by 32,000 and we would need an additional 13,000
residential units of which 50.8% need to be multi -family dwellings. There isn't a multi -family
dwelling within a half mile of this project and while I certainly believe that there won't be multi-
million dollar homes built right next to the industrial park, I do think the developer could find
multi -family dwelling units very desirable in this area. I find a note with regard to what we need
and what we have is that the general land use plan indicated in 1995 that at current we have for
the next 25 years adequate industrial and research facilities. So, as it stands now, the plan
indicates that we have enough industrial and research zonings. Now we all have opinions on
where developments or housing additions should go and so forth. There are 9 of us here and
there are 9 different opinions. The one nice thing that we have that can bring us together is this
document so that we can work in the community together. If we discount these findings, we
discount all the hard work and many hours again that went into making this document. Can this
document be wrong? Yes, it can be wrong but corrections should be made through the policy
makers which is the City Council, not the Planning Commission. Further, this plan is coming up
for review, I believe, in the year 2000. Is that right, Tim?
Conklin: That's correct.
Odom: Lastly, I'd like to make a couple of comments with regard to some recent
quotations that have come into the paper about our planning staff. I don't think any remarks
were made toward the staff in ill will. I know that I have not always in the past agreed with the
staff. I, however, think it is important to make a couple of observations. First and foremost it is
within our bylaws that we make specific findings as to whether or not a certain area meets our
land use plan. The staff is required to make those finding for us and report to us We've had
some criticism with regard to their recommendations. It's important to note that their
recommendations aren't just recommendations, they are more findings with regard to whether or
not they meet the plan. It's important not to criticize them for making those findings and
recommendations not only because it's unfair but it sets up a bad precedent. We don't have and
we don't want their opinion with regard to how they feel a development should develop. This is
setting policy which is something that they don't need and we don't want. Therefore, I
encourage everyone to keep in mind with regard to the staff's recommendations that they are
simply doing their job. If they look up on the land use plan and the area is marked as residential,
they may feel it ought to be commercial, but fortunately they are forbidden to give us that
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Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
August 23, 1999
Page 13
opinion. I'm going to be voting against and those are comments for every one of these requests.
I know that is not what you wanted to do, but I don't want to make those feelings known on each
and every point.
Commission Discussion on Item #RZ99-18
Johnson: All right. Are there other commissioners who want to address this first rezoning
which is the C-1 at the northeast?
Ward: This property really does lend itself strictly to commercial along 112 highway.
We have regional commercial across the street from it. It's the highest and best use for this
property and it is definitely not residential. It is definitely commercial. There is a need out on
Hwy. 112 for commercial property. Everything across the road there is pretty much developed
now. It doesn't make sense to try to keep this pasture land. That is only taking away the
property rights of the owner. That whole strip along 112 highway should be zoned be C-2, not
Just C-1 like we're asking for here. Those are my thoughts. The 2020 plan is a plan. It's not the
bible. It's not something that has to be followed. Things have changed dramatically in the last
24 months/36 months as far as the growth and what potentially is going to be there. My opinion
is that this property does meet it and we do need commercial out there on 112 and we do need to
rezone this property to C-1 or C-2 along there. That's the highest and best use for it.
Johnson: Other commissioners who want to address this rezoning. One observation I had is
that so far as I know, this sheet that we were given as we arrived tonight, page 2.21, is the first
sheet that has shown the master street plan street. I hope we are more careful about that in future
because in my mind that makes a difference in how we might consider this property. The
northernmost 3 tracts are cut by this master street plan street, that is the extension of W. Salem
and I believe because of that that you can make an argument within the confines of the 2020 plan
and the general plan in the guidelines that we use that this tract 99-18 of 18 acres which is
proposed to be rezoned to C-1 indeed does fit in. We would allow for a commercial node, that is
it is split pretty much down the middle by the master street plan street. We know that it might
move but we know in general it will cut through that particular 18 acre tract very probably. We
try to avoid strip commercial. This tract which is before us does do what we say we want to do
which is to provide a node which this could well be. I do think that a case can be made for this
particular rezoning. Other comments on this one?
Hoffman: In regard to the C-1 proposed zoning, taken on its own merits, I agree with you.
However, we are looking at a very large tract of land and I feel it imperative that the Planning
Commission consider not just that we are going to say rezone 1 tract to C-1 and then deny the
rest of them, I think that it's real important that we keep in mind that this will be coming back
before us either before or after the 2020 plan has been revised. I think it's important to view this
in context. Yes, we do have a collector street going through here. What's going to happen on
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Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
August 23, 1999
Page 14
down the other 2 tracts? I don't see that we are given a clue on that. I still don't see the reason
to rezone one small portion of the large tract shown when the other portions are so clearly
unacceptable and outside of the confines of this 2020 plan. So, therefore, taking the one C-1
zoning out of context, I can't support it without seeing a more conducive master plan.
Johnson: Thank you. I think that can be a catch 22 and I think the applicant may have felt
like he's gotten into a bit of a catch 22 because indeed we asked for a proposal on the entire 106
acres. It's my sense there's no proposal to rezone the whole acreage that would pass the
Commission. 1 think that there may be a bit of a double bind that we perhaps helped get that
applicant in. So far as 99-19 immediately west, also a master street plan street, that is proposed
to rezone to R -O; 99-20, the westernmost which is just over 12.5 acres is proposed to be rezoned
R-2. It seems to me that those 2 proposed rezonings number one, do comply with the 2020 plan.
They are both proposed to be residential. They seem to me to comply with what the staff has
said it thinks is in general a good idea which is to buffer the commercial rezonings with the
residential and to step down from R -O and then to R-2 and so I do believe on those 3 tracts that a
strong argument can be made that they do comply with the 2020 plan and common sense as
applied to RZ99-18 which sits on Hwy. 112 and is across from the drive in theater and the other
C-2 property across the street. I guess the reason I feel that we must take each of these and of
course, you vote as you wish and if you vote against one of them that may cause you to vote
against every one of them. We have before us 6 rezonings. I don't see that we can in fairness go
against some that are appropriate just because number 6 isn't but that's my view.
Ward: This is neighborhood commercial, C-1. It's not C-2. They are asking for that out
there on basically a major arterial road I feel like there is a need for it because across the street
all along Hwy. 112, there is nothing left out there.
MOTION on Item #RZ99-18
Ward: I'll move for approval of RZ99-18.
Johnson: Is there a second?
Marr: Second.
Johnson: We have the motion by Commissioner Ward, seconded by Commissioner Marr to
approve the rezoning 99-18 which is the 18.06 acres from A-1 to C-1. It's the northeastern most
tract. Is there additional discussion of this motion to approve?
Hoffman: I'd like to try to make myself clear. I go back to the last time we heard this in
May and I think there was a general sense at that time that we consider the entire back tract as
residential with the front and I thought that we had achieved a certain amount of consensus on
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Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
August 23, 1999
Page 15
that. I reluctantly will not be voting for the C-1 because I don't feel that we have the contiguous
residential view that we had discussed back in May.
Johnson: Other comments?
Estes: Very briefly, I have served on this Commission for less than 2 years so I come
with very little institutional history. I was not a member of this Commission when the 2020 plan
was adopted. As I view this, there has been ample discussion that the 2020 plan required
residential use of this property. If you set that aside, and I'm not saying that we're ignoring it if
you vote for the proposed rezoning. I'm simply suggesting that we set the 2020 plan aside which
is what we must do for approving each of these proposed rezonings then I think we have ignored
a very important planning document with no viable alternative in place and I am troubled by that.
I will vote against each of the rezoning requests for those reasons.
Johnson: Other comments?
Hoover: I am in agreement with Commissioner Estes. I also believe that the amount of
commercial zoning that we have in the north part of town here is quite adequate. Any more
would be irresponsible. I think it's a misconception that only commercial property can be along
highways. There are other cities that successfully have residential neighborhoods along
highways and then at their major intersections are commercial which I believe is what our land
use plan is trying to do. I'll be opposed to all of this zoning.
Johnson. That raises a question in my mind that I would like to raise to staff. What other
C-1 zoning is there in this area?
Conklin: I'm not aware of any C-1 zoning in this area around 112.
Johnson: Or even a bigger area I can't think of anywhere close. Perhaps across the bypass
but I'm trying to recall any C-1. The mall of course is not C-1. So, to me, the argument that
there is way too much C-1 out there is not persuasive because I couldn't find it.
Conklin: There is no C-1 shown on the 1 mile diameter zoning map on page 2.20.
However, the general plan does designate a commercial node at Truckers Drive and Deane
Solomon Road for the future.
Johnson: Thanks. Other comments or questions? We have before us the motion to approve
RZ99-18 which is to rezone to C-1, the 18.06 acres.
Roll Call on Item #RZ99-18
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Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
August 23, 1999
Page 16
Upon roll call, the motion failed with a vote of 4-5-0. Commissioners Johnson, Marr,
Shackelford, and Ward voted for the motion and Commissioners Bunch, Estes, Hoffman,
Hoover, and Odom voted against the motion.
Johnson: The motion fails on a vote of 4 in favor and 5 opposed. The Council has final
determination of all rezonings and this vote can be appealed.
Commission Discussion on Item #RZ99-19
Johnson: The next item is RZ99-19 which is the tract immediately west. It is proposed to
rezone 23.25 acres from A-1 to R -O. Let me ask whether there is anyone in the audience who
wants to direct comments to this particular tract.
Public Comment on #RZ99-19
Williams. I'd like to reiterate that we are opposed to the residential zoning also. This is
residential office which could allow other things and my clients Marti and Dale Benedict who
adjoin this particular property oppose any rezoning on this. Thank you.
Johnson: Is there any else in the audience who would address this rezoning to R -O.
Further Discussion on Item #RZ99-19
Marr: Since the agenda session back in May I have struggled with how to approach
understanding the importance of the 2020 plan. Understanding it is a 1995 best guess of where
things will be. I also am concerned that when we have an opportunity as a City to be able to
direct development -- I look at this as a major transportation center possibility. I look at it as
whether to be a mixed use or whether it should be industrial. I, too, was not on the Commission
at that time the general land use plan was adopted. 1 look at it as being able to go into an office
complex off of a strip type of environment and have businesses. So, I have a lot of mixed
feelings about it. When I listen to the argument of residential being a directive of the 2020 plan,
it makes it also that if I choose to have that as my "all means document" to not be able to support
that development in other tracts. I don't think it's our job if we go to the plan to say we don't
want to look at anything unless it's all this way because the applicant certainly has a right in my
opinion to bring land as they see fit. The same way, I would probably vote against it on this
residential office simply because I also with my first vote believe that it is an opportunity to gear
and direct the commercial planning in what I feel would be a future potential transportation
artery and development. All the way across there is regional commercial, so, those are my
comments if people want to know why I'm up here voting.
• MOTION on Item #RZ99-19
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Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
August 23, 1999
Page 17
Marr: I would like to move that RZ99-19 be denied.
Johnson: Is there a second?
Estes: Second.
Johnson: We have a motion by Marr, seconded by Estes to deny RZ99-19 which is to
rezone 23.3 acres to R -O. Is there further discussion?
Shackelford: With page 2.21 showing the collector running through this property, I really feel
that with that road it could be a commercial node which is what we strive for when we vary from
the 2020 plan. I believe that tract 6, A-1 to C-1, and this tract which would be R -O would be a
buffer zone away from that. I think about the next being R-2 and if it would serve that. I
believe, in my opinion, we're somewhat punishing the applicant when we disagree with some
other tracts and 1 think we should be looking at it on a tract by tract basis. I think if you believe
the commercial node is a viable solution here, I think you should support tract 5 and 1 will at this
point.
Johnson: Other comments on this rezoning?
Odom:
the denial.
I have a question of staff. You recommended denial but I don't fully understand
Conklin: The recommendation for denial on all the rezonings was based on the fact that we
do not support the commercial or industrial zoning up front and that to have a portion of the
property zoned R -O surrounded by A-1, we do not feel like that was in the best sense of planning
to rezone that professional office in the middle of A-1 zoning. We did support R -O zoning along
Hwy. 112 and we would prefer to see R -O zoning in that location and not in the center of this
property.
Johnson: What would you prefer to see at this tract?
Conklin: We talked about different types of residential uses that possibly could be back
behind the R -O. For example, like the R-2 zoning which is further to the west as a part of a
transition down to either single family or duplex type zonings.
Johnson: On this tract then which is 23 acres, are you saying that you think R-2 would be
appropriate for this tract or do you oppose any rezoning since the tract RZ99-18 wasn't rezoned
in a way that you believe is appropriate? Do you oppose this rezoning for that reason?
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Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
August 23, 1999
Page 18
Conklin: When we looked at the entire 106 acres, if it were to be rezoned residential -office
along Highway 112, we would like to see some type of transition back behind that. Therefore,
staff recommended denial on the R -O and the R-2 that go further back to the west. We would
prefer to see some type of multi -family closer to Highway 112 and as we go back further to the
west have some lower density residential development.
Johnson: Are there any other questions or comments on this particular tract? If not then, we
have the before us the motion to deny RZ99-19 which is to rezone to R -O this 23 acres so we'll
vote on the motion to deny.
Roll Call on Item #RZ99-19
Upon roll call, the motion passed with a vote of 6-3-0. Commissioners Marr, Odom, Bunch,
Estes, Hoffman, and Hoover voted for the motion and Commissioners Shackelford, Ward, and
Johnson voted against.
Commission Discussion on Item #RZ99-20
Johnson: That brings us to RZ99-20. This is just over 12 5 acres and this is proposed to be
rezoned to R-2. Is there discussion or motions on this tract?
MOTION on Item #RZ99-20
Hoffman: I'll make a motion to deny RZ99-20.
Johnson: Is there a second?
Odom: I'll second.
Johnson: We have a motion by Commissioner Hoffman, seconded by Commissioner Odom
that we deny RZ99-20 which is Just over 12.5 acres on the northwestern most part of this
property that is proposed to be rezoned to R-2. Is there discussion? This is a different rezoning
but I think we have seen this particular horse and we've talked about this horse for every
direction so it doesn't offend me if we don't all have to talk again. Are you ready to call the
question on this? Okay. We have before us the motion to deny RZ99-20.
Roll Call for Item #RZ99-20
Upon roll call, the motion passed with a vote 6-3-0. Commissioners Marr, Odom, Bunch, Estes,
Hoffman, and Hoover voted for the motion and Commissioners Shackelford, Ward and Johnson
voted against the motion.
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Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
August 23, 1999
Page 19
Johnson: Rezoning 99-20.fails. That is to say it was denied on a vote of 6-3.
Commission Discussion on Item #RZ99-21
Johnson. This is just over 13 acres and proposed to be rezoned to C-1. This is over on the
west edge. Does anyone want to address this rezoning which is 13 acres to C-1? Are there
motions or discussion?
Hoffman: I would like to just ask staff another question. What would be a good procedure
to relook at the 2020 plan when we have a specific problem or issue such as this prior to the
scheduled review? Can that be revisited?
Conklin: I know of 2 cities in Arkansas that currently allow developers to bring general
plan amendments forward to the Planning Commission prior to rezonings. That allows the
Planning Commission to make recommendations on the general plan and discuss it with City
Council. That is the method that the City of Little Rock and the City of Maumelle use.
Developers and the Planning Commission are able to take a look at the general plan, make
recommendations, and take it before the City Council.
Hoffman: So do they have a public hearing?
Conklin: That's correct and they ke p them separate. They don't allow the general plan
amendment to go along with the rezoning. You have to look at the policy, make a
recommendation to the Planning Commission, and go to the City Council and have them vote on
that and after the Council makes that decision then they allow the rezoning to come forward.
Hoffman: Thanks. As much as I agree with the amount of work that was put into this
general plan -- it took a great deal of thought -- it's not etched in stone so we should be able to
deal with areas such as this in a more positive manner.
MOTION on Item #RZ99-21
Hoffman: With that, I'll make a motion to deny RZ99-21.
Johnson: Is there a second?
Hoover: I'll second that.
Johnson: We have the motion by Commissioner Hoffman being seconded by
Commissioner Hoover to deny 99-21 which is to rezone 13 acres to C-1. Is there discussion?
The motion is to deny.
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Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
August 23, 1999
Page 20
Roll Call on Item #RZ99-2J
Upon roll call, the motion passed with a vote of 8-1-0. Commissioners Odom, Shackelford,
Ward, Bunch, Estes, Hoffman, Hoover, and Johnson voted for the motion and Commissioner
Marr voted against.
Johnson: The motion to deny carries on a vote of 8-1.
Commission Discussion on Item #RZ99-22
Johnson: The next tract is 99-22. It's 13.05 acres to rezone to I-1. Is there discussion from
the audience on this rezoning? Are there motions or discussion?
Ward: What's the difference between I-1 and 1-2?
Conklin: 1-1 is going to allow heavy commercial type uses. I-2 you'll have more
manufacturing type uses such as facilities emitting odors, anything that could negatively impact
surrounding businesses would be put in I-2 manufacturing uses.
Johnson: I think there's a discrepancy in a couple of our maps. This map, the new one
tonight at page 2.21 doesn't tell what the rezoning is immediately south of this tract. Is that an
error so that the technology park comes up and adjoins this property?
Conklin: On 2.21, you're looking at the future land use plan.
Johnson: It's the zoning that I'm asking you about.
Conklin: Zoning of that is currently 1-1.
Johnson: So the city's high tech park does adjoin to the south?
Conklin: That is correct.
Johnson: Is there a motion on this tract?
Marr: This is one zoning that I do not support and I don't think we should be
encouraging industrial development adjacent to our technology park.
MOTION on Item #RZ99-22
Marr. I would like to move that we deny RZ99-22.
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Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
August 23, 1999
Page 21
Johnson: Is there a second?
Estes: I'll second.
Johnson: The motion is by Commissioner Marr and the second is by Commissioner Estes to
deny this rezoning. Is there discussion of the motion to deny?
Odom: I want the record to reflect that I'm voting to deny based on the general land use
plan indicating that there is currently enough industrial land that we have now.
Johnson: Any other discussion of the motion?
Shackelford: I would like the record to also show that I believe we could develop a commercial
node out of this. I think tracts 4, 5, 6, and 1 would support that. I think tracts 2 and 3 do not. I
think tract 2 which is the I-1 zone would be in direct conflict with the city's industrial park. That
is why I have voted against the last rezoning and I'll vote against this one as well.
Johnson: Thanks. Other comments? We have before us the motion to deny this tract which
is to rezone to I-1.
Roll Call for Item #RZ99-22
Upon roll call, the motion passed with a unanimous vote of 9-0-0.
Commission Discussion on Item #RZ99-23
Johnson: We're now back to Highway 112 with 26 acres proposed to be rezoned to C-2. Is
there anyone in the audience who wants to discuss this proposed rezoning? Are there motions?
MOTION on Item #RZ99-23
Ward: I'll make a motion that we approve RZ99-23.
Johnson: Is there a second to that?
Shackelford: I'll second that.
Johnson: We have a motion by Commissioner Ward and seconded by Commissioner
Shackelford that we approved rezoning 99-23 which is 26 acres to C-2. Is there discussion of
this motion to approve this rezoning?
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Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
August 23, 1999
Page 22
Roll Call on Item #RZ99-23
Upon roll call, the motion failed with a vote of 3-6-0. Commissioners Marr, Shackelford, and
Ward voted for the motion and Commissioners Odom, Bunch, Estes, Hoffman, Hoover, and
Johnson voted against.
Johnson: This rezoning failed with 3 members for the rezoning and 6 members opposed.
The net effect is that the Commission recommended denying all of these rezonings. The Council
will have final say if the applicant takes it to that level.
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Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
August 23, 1999
Page 23
LSD99-21: LARGE SCALE DEVELOPMENT
BANK OF FAYETTEVILLE, PP401
This item was submitted by Roger Trotter of Development Consultants, Inc. on behalf of Bank of
Fayetteville for property located at Lot 2, Wedington Place Addition. The property is zoned C-2,
Thoroughfare Commercial and contains approximately 1.00 acre.
Roger Trotter, John Alan Lewis, Gary Gartner, and Shahin Riahi were present on behalf of the
request.
Staff recommended approval subject to the following conditions:
1. Planning Commission determination of a waiver request from the Design Overlay District
requirements of 250 feet between an intersection and the closet curb cut, and for
minimum spacing of 200 feet between cub cuts. A cub cut is proposed approximately
150 feet north of the intersection of Wedington Drive and Steamboat Drive An access
easement has been dedicated to provide access to this lot as well as to the lot to the north.
This easement is located approximately 60 feet north of the proposed curb cut. The
owner of the property to the north has submitted a letter requesting that any action taken
in regard to this curb cut location will not preclude him from using the dedicated access
easement for development of adjacent properties.
2. Planning Commission determination of compliance with Commercial Design Standards.
Request for rear setback variance must be decided by the Board of Adjustment. The
applicant shall submit the property application and materials in order to have this request
placed on an upcoming agenda. This must be resolved prior to the issuance of a building
permit for this project.
(This item was removed because the setback variance issue was resolved and all fees
were refunded.)
4. Payment of $14,033.25 (for 225 feet of road frontage times 14 feet in width times $4.455
per square foot) towards the Wedington widening project.
5. All Plat Review and Subdivision comments.
6. Staff approval of final detailed plans, specifications and calculations for grading,
drainage, water, sewer, fire protection, streets, sidewalks, parking lots and tree
preservation. The information submitted for the plat review process was reviewed for
general concept only All public improvements are subject to additional review and
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Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
August 23, 1999
Page 24
approval All improvements shall comply with the City's current requirements.
7. Large scale development approval is valid for one calendar year
8. Prior to the issuance of a building permit the following are required. grading and drainage
permits and completion of all required improvements or the placement of a surety with
the City as required by §158.01. All improvements necessary to serve the site and protect
public safety must be completed, not just guaranteed, prior to the issuance of a Certificate
of Occupancy.
Commission Discussion
Johnson. There is a waiver that the Commission must deal with asking for waiving of the
requirement of 250 feet between and intersection and the nearest curb cut and the distance we are
looking at this curb cut is 150 feet north of the intersection of Wedington and Steamboat.
Commercial Design Standards apply to this development and this large scale would have to be
found in compliance. There are setback variances that would have to approved by the Board of
Adjustment. Let me ask whether the applicant has seen these conditions of approval and whether
or not the applicant has agreed to all 8 of the conditions of approval.
Trotter. We agreed with items 2 through 8.
Johnson: Let me turn to the staff and see what you have to tell us about anything we need to
know on this particular large scale.
Conklin: Condition number 3 can be removed. They do not need a variance from the north
setback. That is considered a side setback under C-2 zoning reducing that requirement to 0.
That's a correction. This is a proposal for a 3,372 square foot branch bank facility located in
Wedington Place. Staff feels the curb cut distance will not be problem. Clary Development, Inc.
wanted to make sure that the 50 foot access easement to the north of this site will allow them to
have a drive that will connect across the back of those lots to provide access to those businesses,
that granting this curb cut will not prevent them from providing that common access drive on the
north side of this lot. Staff does recommend approval.
Johnson: Do you have anything to add, Mr. Trotter?
Trotter: You have the drawing in front of you and we're simply asking for a waiver from
the 250 foot distance required by the design overlay district. If there are any questions, I'll be
happy to answer.
Johnson: Thank you, very much. Are there any questions for Mr. Trotter?
Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
August 23, 1999
Page 25
Hoffman: I can go ahead and brief you on the subdivision committee. We found this
parking lot and driveway plan better than what was previously submitted to us. We questioned
the city's traffic engineer who also agreed with that point. We found specifically that the
commercial design standards had been met. I think you have some elevations in your packet that
do show a triangular shaped building in the brick and that is going to be a part of the unified
development design for the center. We talked about that. I do have a question for Dawn. Do we
have Kim Hesse's landscaping approval? We did not get that at agenda session. Has she
approved a landscaping plan for this development?
Warrick: She requested revisions at the plat review meeting which are reflected in this plan.
She required that the trees along Wedington Drive be moved further away from the water line
that runs adjacent to the street.
Hoffman: Have you made those changes?
Trotter. Yes.
Hoffman: I think we were willing to be compensatory in the lot limitations because in the
original plat, the condition had denied access to Wedington from the front lots.
MOTION
Hoffman: I'll move approval of LSD99-21.
Odom: Second.
Johnson: We have the motion by Commissioner Hoffman, seconded by Commissioner
Odom to approve LSD99-21.
Public Comment
None
Roll Call
Upon roll call, the motion passed with a unanimous vote of 9-0-0.
Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
August 23, 1999
Page 26
RZ99-24: REZONING
ROBERTSON, PP439
This item was submitted by Dave Jorgensen of Jorgensen & Associates on behalf of Butch
Robertson for property located south of Wedington Road. The property is zoned A-1,
Agricultural and contains 2.05 acres. The request is to rezone the property to C-1, Neighborhood
Commercial.
Dave Jorgensen and Bruce Robertson were present on behalf of the request.
Staff recommended denial of the requested rezoning from A-1 to C-1 based on the findings
included in the staff report.
Commission Discussion
Johnson: The request is to rezone to commercial and the next rezoning is by the same
applicant, the property is not contiguous. Staff recommends denial of the requested rezoning on
this 2.05 acres. Staff, do you want to explain your reasons for recommending denial of this
rezoning.
Conklin: Staff is recommending denial of this rezoning from A-1 to C-1. This is not
located at a commercial node. In January of this year, the city did rezone property for this same
applicant at Rupple and Wedington further to the east and that was approved by the City Council.
This property is west of Meadowlands Drive and is located between a church and what used to
be, I believe, a Mr. Burger office building. It's a Quonset hut. Staff feels that C-1 zoning is not
justified or needed at this time.
Johnson: Does the applicant want to address us on this rezoning?
Jorgensen: I represent the applicants Butch Robertson and Hayden Mcllroy on this project.
As was pointed out, the request is to rezone from A-1 to C-1. With the activity and all of the
businesses and growth out in that area, we thought it would be appropriate to request this
rezoning to C-1. We realize that the planning staff does have a document, the 2020 Plan, that
they wish to abide by and I suppose if I worked in the planning department, I'd probably be
recommending the same thing to go with the 2020 Plan.
Public Comment
None.
Further Commission Discussion
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Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
August 23, 1999
Page 27
Estes: I have a question of staff. Is there C-1 property that is located to the west of this
property? My memory is that there is an intersection to the west and there is some undeveloped
C-1. Am I confused?
Conklin: To the east there is currently property zoned C-1 at Rupple and Wedington Road
intersection.
Estes: How about to the west?
Conklin: There is no C-1 zoning. Refer to page 13.11.
Estes: Is there developed C-1 property to the east?
Conklin: It is currently undeveloped.
Johnson: All of the C-1, the 3 tracts on the highway east of this tract are all undeveloped?
Conklin: Excluding the E -Z Mart that is on the northwest corner of Rupple and Wedington.
• Johnson: So everything on the south side of Wedington is undeveloped. Are there
questions from Commissioners?
Ward: Will the new 5 lane road be out to this part at the time it opens?
Conklin: Yes. I believe the road will go out to 54th Street.
Johnson: The 5 lane will go all the west to 54th?
Conklin: I'm not positive. It may be Meadowlands Drive. I'm sorry. I'm not sure exactly
where it's going to end. It's going to be 4 lanes and 5 lanes at different sections starting from the
bypass. I don't have that information.
Vinson: I believe it's 5 lane from Rupple Road to the bypass.
Conklin: I don't believe it goes past Rupple Road.
Robertson: The 5 lane goes to Rupple Road and the 4 lane goes to Meadowlands Drive. The
corner of Meadowlands Drive is currently zoned R -O. Then you have the quonset hut and I'm
not sure what the zoning is on the quonset hut --
• Vinson: It's C-1.
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Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
August 23, 1999
Page 28
Robertson: It's C-1 which would be next door.
Johnson: Is Meadowlands just to the east of this tract?
Robertson: No, ma'am. The quonset hut is in between Meadowlands.
Johnson: I don't mean it joins but I mean it's near by.
Robertson: You have Meadowlands Drive. The southwest comer of Meadowlands is zoned
R -O. The next is C-1 which is the quonset hut and then there is the 2.05 acres which is currently
A-1 and we're requesting C-1. Then there is the church parking lot and the church immediately
to the west. The 4 lane will go all the way to Meadowlands Drive.
Johnson: Does the church's property extend all the way from your property west to 46th
Street?
Robertson: I don't know. They have 4 acres there. I'm not sure how far it goes to the west or
what the exact frontage is on that.
Johnson: Staff, do you know?
Vinson: Yes, it does.
Johnson: So, west of this tract is the church and it's built.
Vinson: Yes.
Johnson: All right, thanks Mr. Robertson. Discussion? Motions?
Ward: I personally see nothing wrong with the C-1 zoning. They're asking for
neighborhood commercial which limits it tremendously from C-2. Mr. Robertson already has a
lot of other R -O land out there on Wedington Drive. 16 West is a major state highway. I don't
see that being zoned or used for anything else except neighborhood commercial. There are lots
and homes in there. There is a need for neighborhood commercial. There is nothing west of that
at all as far as I know. Most of the commercial to the east has already been sold off.
MOTION
Ward: I move to approve RZ99-24.
• Johnson: Is there a second to the motion? I'll second the motion. The motion was by
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Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
August 23, 1999
Page 29
Commissioner Ward, seconded by the chair that we rezone this tract from A-1 to C-1. The
reason for my second is I'm not sure of the benefit that there is to having one 2 acre tract along
this entire stretch there on Wedington that is A-1. It could become residential but with
everything else either being R -O or C-1 or a church, I think the logic of having one 2 acre site as
residential on this side of the highway, that logic really escapes me. Is there any other discussion
on the motion to rezone.
Hoffman: I want to go on record for this. I'm generally in favor of adding commercial
zoning in this neighborhood but typically we've done this at intersections and I feel that this is
too intense of a zoning not to be on an intersection because when it's developed, we will have a
traffic problem in and out of the site. I think that an R -O designation would be more appropriate
because it would allow for some limited neighborhood services without the heavier commercial
traffic that would be generated by C-1 zoning.
Johnson: Other discussion or comments?
Roll Call
Upon roll call, the motion failed with a vote of 2-7-0. Commissioners Ward and Johnson voted
for the motion and Commissioners Marr, Odom, Shackelford, Bunch, Estes, Hoffman, and
Hoover voted against.
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Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
August 23, 1999
Page 30
RZ99-25: REZONING
ROBERTSON, PP439
This item was submitted by Dave Jorgensen of Jorgensen of Associates on behalf of Butch
Robertson for property located west of Rupple Road and east of Meadowlands Subdivision. The
property is zoned A-1, Agricultural and contains 17.40 acres. The request is to rezone the
property to R-1.5, Moderate Density Residential.
Dave Jorgensen and Butch Robertson were present on behalf of the request.
Staff recommended approval of the requested rezoning from A-1 to R-1.5 based on the findings
in the staff report.
Commission Discussion
Johnson: Tim do you have rationale for your recommendation to approve this rezoning?
Conklin: Staff has recommended approval of the rezoning from A-1 to R-1.5. It is adjacent
• to Meadowlands Subdivision which part of it was developed as R-1.5. To the east, it is adjacent
to an R-2 zone which was approved in January of this year This is located on the west side of
Rupple Road and it will be extended per the Master Street Plan. There has been discussion
regarding a new youth center and if you'll look at page 14.9 you see the proposed location of the
youth center. Our general plan does recommend a mix of residential uses and therefore, staff
does recommend approval.
•
Johnson: This is pretty straight forward. Mr. Jorgensen, do you have anything to add to the
staff's presentation?
Jorgensen: Nothing other than in this case, we happen to agree with the staff comments.
Public Comment
None.
MOTION
Odom. I'll move approval of rezoning 99-25.
Johnson: Is there a second?
Bunch: Second.
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Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
August 23, 1999
Page 31
Johnson: I have the motion by Commissioner Odom, seconded by Commissioner Bunch to
approve RZ99-25. Is there discussion of the motion?
Roll Call
Upon roll call, the motion passed with a unanimous vote of 9-0-0.
Johnson: The rezoning is recommended to the Council.
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Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
August 23, 1999
Page 32
RZA99-2: ANNEXATION
ZAMBERLETTI, PP100
This item was submitted by Michele Harrington, attorney on behalf of Valerie M. Zamberletti for
property located on County Road 92 (Zion Road.) The property is in the planning growth area
and contains approximately 34.72 acres. The request is to annex the subject property into the
City of Fayetteville.
Micki Harrington was present on behalf of the request.
Staff recommended approval of the requested annexation based on the findings included in the
staff report.
Commission Discussion
Johnson: On page 15.1, is this correctly numbered? RZA, is that for annexation?
Conklin: Yes, that is correct.
• Johnson: I believe that this property along one entire line does adjoin the city all along the
west. It adjoins which subdivision?
•
Conklin: That's Stonewood Subdivision to the west.
Johnson: Does it adjoin the city on the south?
Conklin: It only joins the city limits on the west side.
Johnson: Would you explain the staff's rationale for recommending this annexation to the
city?
Conklin: This is approximately a 35 acre annexation. It does have approximately 190 feet
of frontage along Zion Road. The county judge did approve the Order of Annexation on August
17, 1999. We also included in your packet on page 15.20, a new map showing Stonewood
Subdivision in the preliminary plat that was approved. It does provide access through 2 streets to
this property. Stonewood Subdivision currently is under development and would allow for
future connections into this 35 acres. Staff has recommended approval and annexing this
property in the City of Fayetteville would require them to comply with our subdivision
regulations which provides for fire protection, street lights, park land dedication, water and
sewer.
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Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
August 23, 1999
Page 33
Johnson: I have a question about the drawing on page 15.19. The area that is not a part of
this acreage along Zion Road, what are those buildings in essence to help me get oriented?
Conklin: Those are single family homes on large lots.
Harrington: Good evening. I don't really have anything else to add. The property across from
this is owned by Youth Bridge, I believe. There are residential houses on the corner there but it
is a residential use even though it is a Youth Bridge owned property on the comer where Zion
turns to the east. Everything else there is single family. We hope that you will support the
request for annexation.
Public Comment
Mark Foster, the developer of Stonewood Subdivision, was present to address the commission.
Foster: I'm not for this.
Johnson: Now you realize this is an annexation.
Foster: Yes. I don't think there's a need to annex more. If they annex it they are going to
develop it. I think that would create too many lots in one spot.
Johnson: At this point, we are limiting the discussion to the annexation of the 34 acres into
the City. You need to give us insight into that. Do you have the subdivision to the west?
Foster: I just brought it through the approval process last month.
MOTION
Marr: I would like to recommend approval of RZA99-2.
Hoffman: Second.
Johnson: We have the motion by Commissioner Marr and the second by Commissioner
Hoffman to approve annexation RZA99-2. Is there discussion of the motion to annex?
Roll Call
Upon roll call, the motion passed with a unanimous vote of 9-0-0.
Johnson: The recommendation to Council is approved with a vote of 9 to 0.
Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
August 23, 1999
Page 34
RZ99-26: REZONING
ZAMBERLETTI, PP100
This item was submitted by Michele Harrington, attorney on behalf of Valerie M. Zamberletti for
property on County Road 92 (Zion Road.) The property is in the planning growth area and
contains approximately 34.72 acres. The request is to rezone from A-1, Agricultural to R-1, Low
Density Residential.
Micki Harrington was present on behalf of the request.
Staff recommended approval of the proposed R-1 zoning based on the findings included as part
of the staff report.
Committee Discussion
Johnson: This is the rezoning on the same tract that was recommended for annexation to the
Council. The request to rezone is from A-1 to R-1, low density residential. The staff has
recommended approval. Staff will you give us your rationale behind your recommendation to
approve this proposed rezoning?
Conklin: Staff is recommending approval of the R-1 zone immediately west of and
adjoining Stonewood Subdivision. This borders approximately 1,200 feet along that boundary.
R-1 is consistent with the existing zoning inside the city of Fayetteville and therefore staff is
recommending approval.
Johnson: Ms. Harrington, you represent the applicant on this property, too?
Harrington: Yes, ma'am.
Johnson: Do you have anything to add other than to be available to our questions
Harrington: No. It's obvious from the approval of the plat that the streets were stubbed out to
the east and those streets would access this property and it will be a very comparable
development with the size of lots and the size of houses as an appropriate development for this
area. It's very similar in nature to the rest of the area.
Johnson: Initial questions?
Hoffman: How many lots can be supported on this?
Conklin: R-1 allows 4 units per acre Typically in low density residential development
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Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
August 23, 1999
Page 35
we're seeing about 2 to 3 units per acre. That would be about 140 units.
Harrington: There will not be that many because larger lots than that are anticipated here. We
will not be doing the minimum lot sizes and it will likely be 85 lots or less.
Hoffman: 85. Okay, thanks. I ask that question because I do want to remind everybody that
we are close to capacity on our sewer plant and should this be approved, I don't think you are
guaranteed utility availability.
Johnson: That might have been a reason for it to stay in the county.
Harrington: It is my understanding from Mr. Crosson that normal growth would continue
including this type of development and it's relatively small compared to some of the other things
that you look at.
Johnson: The last time I guess I was at a Subdivision Committee meeting where this kind
of thing was discussed, we had sort of gotten into the business of warning developers of new
property that you proceed at your own risk and if a development stalls because we don't have
adequate sewer facilities, then you suffer along with all the rest of the folks who are trying to
develop. It's a heads up in case a worst case scenario comes to pass.
Public Comments
None.
MOTION
Marr: I would like to recommend approval of RZ99-26.
Johnson: Is there a second?
Odom. I'll second.
Johnson: We have the motion by Commissioner Marr, seconded by Commissioner Odom
that we approve RZ99-26 of the 34.72 acres to R-1. Any concerns or questions about this
proposed rezoning?
Roll Call
Upon roll call, the motion passed with a unanimous vote of 9-0-0.
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Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
August 23, 1999
Page 36
Johnson: The rezoning carried on a vote of 9 to 0 so the Planning Commission recommends
the rezoning and it will go forward to the Council for final action.
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Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
August 23, 1999
Page 37
RZA99-3: ANNEXATION
DEWESSE/SCHMIDT, PP474
This item was submitted by Michele Harrington, attorney on behalf of John DeWeese and Mike
Schmidt for property located west of Double Springs Road. The property is in the planning
growth area and contains approximately 47.98 acres. The request is to annex the subject property
into the City of Fayetteville.
Michele Harrington was present on behalf of the request.
Staff recommended approval of the request annexation based on the findings included in the staff
report.
Commission Discussion
Conklin: The applicant originally came to the City with a subdivision in our growth area.
At that time, staff checked our regulations and determined that being adjacent to our city limits,
we required them to put in curb and gutter, storm drainage, and more urban type infrastructure
than would be required for a subdivision that does not adjoin our city limits. Based on that,
when they came through the technical plat review process, they withdrew their subdivision
request and petitioned to annex into the City of Fayetteville. Once again, if annexed into the City
of Fayetteville, they come under more stringent subdivision regulations which will require fire
protection, street lights, park land dedication or money in lieu and staff has recommended
approval. It does have approximately 200 feet of common boundary with our city limits and is
located on Double Springs Road.
Johnson: Where does it touch the city limits? To the east on Double Springs?
Conklin: It's going to be touching our city limits if you refer to page 18.6, it will be right in
the center of the tract.
Johnson: You mean 17.6 or 18.6?
Conklin: 17.6. The city limit line is the thicker dotted line right in the center part of the
north boundary.
Johnson: So, it only touches a small portion.
Conklin: Once again, our staff encouraged them to annex into the City of Fayetteville in
order to develop their subdivision under urban subdivision standards.
Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
August 23, 1999
Page 38
Johnson: Do you see any draw backs from the staff's point of view to this annexation?
Conklin: I think it benefits the city and the citizens anytime we have a development that
adjoins our city limits, for them to come in and provide water, sewer, fire protection, police
protection, and become part of our city.
Johnson: Do you have anything to add, Ms. Harrington?
Harrington: I'm representing John DeWeese and Mike Schmidt. 1 don't think I have anything
further to add because Tim explained it very well. We ask you to support this annexation.
Public Comment
None.
MOTION
Ward: I'll make a motion that we approve RZA99-3 for annexation.
Johnson: Is there a second?
Bunch: Second.
Johnson: We have the motion by Commissioner Ward, the second by Commissioner Bunch
that we approve RZA99-3.
Roll Call
Upon roll call, the motion passed with a unanimous vote of 9-0-0.
Johnson: The proposed annexation does get a positive vote of 9 to 0 and it will go forward
to the Council for its action.
Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
August 23, 1999
Page 39
RZ99-27: REZONING
DEWEESE/SCHMIDT, PP474
This item was submitted by Michele Harrington, attorney on behalf of John DeWeese and Mike
Schmidt for property west of Double Springs Road. The property is in the planning growth area
and contains approximately 47.98 acres. The request is to rezone from A-1, Agricultural to R-1,
Low Density Residential.
Michele Harrington was present on behalf of the request.
Staff recommends approval of the proposed R-1 zoning based on the findings included in the
staff report.
Commission Discussion
Johnson: This is related to RZA99-3. This is a request to rezone from A-1, Agricultural to
R-1, Low Density Residential. The staff has recommended this. The reason being, I take it,
since the whole idea was to subdivide this tract and the City feels like it does better when a
subdivision is on it's border that it be brought into the city so that the more stringent city
requirements apply and the greater city services that are available. Tim, what do you have to add
to your positive recommendation for this rezoning.
Conklin: Once again, this is an opportunity to develop this land under our urban
subdivision regulations. Once again, they get city services plus we get streets to city standards,
street lights, and the other things that go along with those more stringent standards. We did
recommend approval
Johnson: I don't recall that we've mentioned yet but I believe that at agenda session on
Thursday, you told us that you had spoken with the City of Farmington and the City of
Farmington has no opposition to this annexation coming into the City of Fayetteville. I should
have brought that out on the previous vote.
Conklin: I did speak with the City of Farmington. Actually, this developer did approach
the City of Farmington about possibly being within their city. They were not contiguous with
their city limits. They are contiguous with the city limit of Fayetteville. Therefore, they chose to
come into Fayetteville.
Public Comment
None.
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Minutes of Planning Commission Meeting
August 23, 1999
Page 40
MOTION
Shackelford:
Johnson:
Hoffman:
I'll make a motion to approve RZ99-27 to rezone this.
Is there a second?
I'll second that with the same admonition about utility availability.
Johnson: First, let me restate the motion which is for approval of this rezoning 99-27
moved by Commissioner Shackelford and seconded by Commission Hoffman. Is there
discussion?
Hoffman: For the record, utility availability is a subject of concern.
Roll Call
Upon roll call, the motion passed with a unanimous vote of 9-0-0.
Johnson. The motion carried with a vote of 9 to 0 so that we recommend the rezoning to the
Council which has final say on rezonings as well.
Meeting adjourned at 7:18 p.m.