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07 JUL 09.doc CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JULY 9, 2007 7:00 P.M. - 8:50 P.M. OPENING REMARKS: The Planning Commission of the City of Jacksonville, Arkansas met in a called session on July 9, 2007. Vice Chairman Brannen opened the meeting at approximately 7:00 p.m. expressing appreciation to those in attendance. ROLL CALL: Commissioners Emma Knight, Bart Gray Jr., Chad Young, Susan Dollar, John Herbold, Tom Evans, and Alderman Howard answered ROLL CALL. Vice Chairman Brannen also answered ROLL CALL and declared a quorum. Chairman Traylor was absent. PRESENT (8), ABSENT (1). Others present for the meeting were Acting City Engineer Jay Whisker, Mr. Tommy Bond, petitioners, and press. APPROVAL AND/OR CORRECTION OF MINUTES: Commissioner Brannen moved, seconded by Commissioner Howard that the minutes of 22 May 2007 Regular Planning Commission meeting be approved as presented. MOTION CARRIED. PUBLIC HEARING(S): a. CONDITIONAL USE 2311 Green Acres Road daycare facility in R-1 Vice Chairman Brannen opened the public hearing at approximately 7:01 p.m. Petitioner was not present to represent item of business. Vice Chairman Brannen closed the public hearing at approximately 7.02 p.m. b. REZONING Bellevue Subdivision PH IV from R-1A to R-2 Mr. Tommy Bond of Bond Engineering stated that he is representing Mr. Clint Skiver the developer of Bellevue Subdivision. He noted the passage of a recent ordinance that would allow the mixed-use of single-family and multi-family. Acting City Engineer Whisker noted that the surrounding area has a mixed use of single-family homes, duplexes, and a small number of apartments. Vice Chairman Brannen opened the public hearing at approximately 7:07 p.m. In response to a question posed by Commissioner Young, Mr. Bond related a rezoning to R-2 would allow either single-family or duplexes to be built. 1 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JULY 9, 2007 7:00 P.M. - 8:50 P.M. He noted that R-1 or R-1A would not allow for multi-family. Commissioner Gray moved, seconded by Commissioner Herbold to recommend the rezoning of the Bellevue Subdivision PH IV from R- 1A to R-2 to the City Council. MOTION CARRIED. c. REZONING Foxwood Gardens/Loop Road and Northeastern Avenue from R-0 to R-2. Mr. Bond stated that the proposed development would be known as Foxwood Gardens, explaining that after speaking with Acting City Engineer Whisker the developer is requesting to change his request from R-2 to R-1. He stated that the intention of the developer is to build single-family housing not multi-family. He went on to explain that the developer is proposing to build single-family garden style homes, adding that the lots are proposed to be 60’ X 100’. He stated that the developer is requesting to reduce the setbacks to better fit the garden home- style development. He added that the homes would be between 1500 and 2500 square feet. He stated that the concept idea is that it would be a gated community, explaining that there would be a second exit strictly for emergencies. He noted that the developer is proposing to build a lake in the area. He noted that the same design concept was approved in 2002. Vice Chairman Brannen opened the public hearing at approximately 7:11 p.m. Acting City Engineer Whisker clarified that the request is for single-family homes, explaining that the request from R-0 to R-1 changes the lot size from 70’ X 120’ to 60’ X 100’. Mr. Tommy Bond stated that the developer feels there is a demand for this type of development, relating that two were built in the West Haven area in Cabot and both were well received. He went on to say that most of the buyers have been older people who wanted a nicer home but did not want a lot of yard work. He explained that the development is planned for nicer upscale homes. Mr. Charles Evans of 1801 Steeple Chase stated that he has not decided if he is against the development, explaining that he came with a group of residents that are interested in hearing what is being proposed. He stated that he had heard the development would be zero clearance lots with 1500 square foot homes. He noted that the development would consist of 81 lots, also noting 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JULY 9, 2007 7:00 P.M. - 8:50 P.M. that it would only have one entrance for ingress and egress on Foxwood Drive. He stated that it would be a lot of traffic to be directed to Foxwood Drive, which is already a busy street. Mr. Dan Brockman, 1300 Foxwood Drive, stated that he would like to know the exact square footage of the homes. He added that Mr. Bond had stated between 1500 and 2500, noting that there is quite a bit of difference in dollar value. He related traffic concerns on Foxwood Drive with speeders, saying that if additional traffic is added on a dead-end corner he feels there will be catastrophes. He stated that his house is valued at $250,000 and does not want to see low value homes that would lower the value of his property. Mr. Bond answered that he felt the size of the homes would be dictated by market demands, saying that he felt some buyers would want larger homes while others may want smaller. He stated that construction costs are approximately $125.00 per square foot, saying that the value of the homes would be between $175,000 to $250,000 or $300,000. Mr. Don Hall, 1513 Foxwood, stated that his home is located next to the proposed street, adding that when he purchased the home he was aware there might be a street constructed in the future. He stated that his main concern would be traffic noting that the school children catch the bus on that street. He stated that it is a busy street with children walking up and down the sidewalks on that side of the street. He stated that his biggest opposition would be the one-street concept. In response to a comment posed by Mr. Charles Evans of 1801 Steeple Chase, Chairman Brannen explained that the purpose of tonight’s meeting is to decide the issue of rezoning, adding that specific development plans have not been submitted. He stated that this is not a matter of anyone being in a hurry. Mr. Charles Evans stated that he is concerned about the varied size of the homes, saying that he could not understand someone wanting to purchase a home of 2500 square feet next to a 1500 square foot home. He asked if the residents would be able to see in writing what the proposed plans for development are. He then questioned why an entrance for ingress and egress could not be off Loop Road. Chairman Brannen explained that the Planning Commission would make a recommendation to the City Council. 3 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JULY 9, 2007 7:00 P.M. - 8:50 P.M. In response to a question posed by Mr. Will Jones of 110 Foxcrest, Mr. Bond stated that the developer is proposing to develop a main entrance on Foxwood Drive where the street is stubbed out, adding that it would be gated. He then related that the other entrance would be an emergency entrance, which would not necessarily be open to anyone except emergency vehicles. He related that the emergency entrance would be located where Steeple Chase crosses and where the ditch is located. In response to a question posed by Mr. Charles Siegismund of 1400 Foxwood, Chairman Brannen stated that this is not the same type of development that was proposed and denied at the end of Main Street. He stated that he is not against garden style homes, noting that the same type of development in Little Rock is costing as much as $400,000. He noted that those homes started at $150,000 10 to 15 years ago and have increased in value. He stated that the homes in Little Rock feature alleys behind the homes for parking and that is where the garbage is picked up. He stated that he did not feel a 1500 square foot house would be conducive to this area. Mr. Cornelius Dargan of 1224 Foxwood stated that he is opposed to the proposal and questioned if the noise pollution would be addressed with the railroad. He stated that he would like to know how far back the trees would be cut down. Acting City Engineer Whisker stated that the noise issue has not been addressed, explaining that the request would be similar to a buffer strip between the back of the lots and the railroad track. He noted that there are homes currently in Foxwood that back up to the railroad tracks with a 10’ to 20’ tree barrier. Mr. Jesse Sexton of 101 FoxRun Cove stated that once the property is rezoned the property is changed and that is the main issue. Mr. Gordon Koops of 1612 Foxwood Drive stated concerns for the utilities for a high-density area. He stated that there are 6” waterlines in that area where the water would have to come from. He stated that with 81 units off that line, the Fire chief would require on any given day that 1000 gallons per minute flow be maintained to fight a fire. He stated that he feels the waterline would fail that test. He stated that he is not sure if there would be adequate sewer for the area. He suggested that the water and sewer be taken into account before the property is rezoned. 4 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JULY 9, 2007 7:00 P.M. - 8:50 P.M. Chairman Brannen closed the public hearing at approximately 7:31 p.m. Acting City Engineer Whisker stated that the rezoning would strictly address the size of lots, adding that the size of the houses, the cost of houses, and additional streets are addressed at the time of the preliminary plat. He then explained that the bill of assurance would address the size of homes and the number of access streets would be addressed at the time of the preliminary plat. He stated that the difference between the current zoning of R-0 and the proposed zoning of R-1 is a smaller lot, which equates to approximately 10 to 15 more homes. He then answered that the development does not touch Loop Road, which would make it infeasible for an entrance from Loop Road. In response to a comment posed by a member of the audience, Acting City Engineer Whisker stated that regarding the lot size and size of the homes, the developer is requesting 20’ front and rear yard setbacks. He stated that the idea is to have more house on less lot. There were concerns from audience members that smaller homes would lower their property values. Mr. Bond related that there has been a request for this type of housing in Jacksonville, clarifying that these homes would not be common wall housing. He stated that they would be single-family homes. In response to a question posed by Commissioner Young, Mr. Bond answered that the garden homes in Cabot are basically 1200 square foot. Commissioner Knight noted that those homes cost between $190,000 to $290,000, adding that those are among the most desirable housing in Cabot because of the safety and security measures. Ms. Katie Beak stated that traffic from Foxwood Drive onto Northeastern is difficult when school is taking in, adding that there is a policeman there every morning to help traffic from Foxwood Drive onto Northeastern. She stated that in the mornings and afternoons the area requires someone to direct traffic. Discussion ensued that in 2002 the developer presented the same development plan to the Planning Commission, which was approved but the developer did not follow through with plans to rezone and develop. 5 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JULY 9, 2007 7:00 P.M. - 8:50 P.M. In response to a question posed by Commissioner Herbold, Acting City Engineer Whisker related that the difference between developing the property under the current zoning and the proposed rezoning is 10 to 15 homes. Commissioner Dollar noted that if developed as typical single- family housing there would probably be more vehicles, whereas a development geared toward retirees would have generally fewer vehicles per household. Acting City Engineer Whisker stated the traffic on Foxwood Drive and Northeastern at peak times is an issue, saying that he is planning to research options regardless of whether or not the proposed subdivision comes to fruition. Commissioner Young stated he felt garden homes would be a good fit for Jacksonville, adding that however he feels this area might present a tight squeeze regarding garden homes as large as 3,000 square feet. He stated that he would like to see some additional information regarding the design concept of the homes. Commissioner Young moved, seconded by Commissioner Dollar to deny the request to rezone. Commissioner Gray pointed out that it has been stated that Jacksonville needs to offer different housing concepts within the community. He related that garden homes, not zero lot line homes, are being proposed. He pointed out that the concept of garden homes cannot move forward without a rezoning, adding that he believes the community would be well served if this concept is properly designed and built. He stated that he would vote against the motion to deny; saying that he supports the concept of some garden homes in the community and neighborhood. He added that he is not sure if this is the concept that the Planning Commission would agree to be developed but without a rezoning, there would be no opportunity for any development of garden homes. Commissioner Herbold pointed out that if the request is denied it would be a year before the petitioner could resubmit a request to rezone. Commissioner Evans clarified that the motion before the Planning Commission is not a vote to approve the proposed plan but a vote to approve or deny the concept of garden homes in the City of Jacksonville. He added that the concept is something that the 6 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JULY 9, 2007 7:00 P.M. - 8:50 P.M. Planning Commission has believed for some time would work if properly designed. He stated that if the rezoning is approved the Planning Commission would have ample opportunity to steer the development plans so that the majority of the community will be pleased with the outcome. He stated that the rezoning is the issue at hand but is not the final say in how the concept would be developed. Commissioner Knight stated that in her position she has seen many residents move to Cabot for the gated communities and security it offers. She then pointed out that an area in Pennpointe is the perfect example of a garden home community. She related that she would like to see the same type of development for this area, saying that retirees should have an area that affords a quality style of home. Commissioner Dollar stated that she would be in favor of the higher-end garden homes. She added that she could also see a need in the community for moderate garden homes as well, pointing out that some residents do not want a large lot to maintain. Commissioner Young pointed out that the rezoning is primarily to address the size of the lot for single-family development. He noted that the R-0 lot is 70’ X 12’ and the R-1 lot is 60’ X 100’, adding that the lots in Pennpointe are larger than 60’ X 100’. Mr. Bond asked if the Commission would consider tabling the item for one month and allow the developer to bring back additional information and ideas. Commissioner Young moved, seconded by Commissioner Dollar to amend the motion to table the item of business until the next regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting. MOTION CARRIED. REQUEST TO APPROVE PLATS: a. FINAL PLAT Bellevue Subdivision PH IV Mr. Bond stated that he felt all issues had been addressed and now the area has been rezoned to allow a mix of single-family and duplex development. He noted that asphalt has been bonded, explaining that the weather has deterred that progress. Acting City Engineer Whisker agreed, saying that the bond would cover the costs of the sidewalks and asphalt as required. He then answered that the water and sewer has been completed. 7 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JULY 9, 2007 7:00 P.M. - 8:50 P.M. Commissioner Gray moved, seconded by Commissioner Herbold to recommend approval of the Final Plat of Bellevue Subdivision PH IV to the City Council subject to the completion of improvements. MOTION CARRIED. b. PRELIMINARY & FINAL PLAT Garrett Subdivision 214 Southeastern Mr. Jason Garrett stated that he is proposing a one-lot subdivision on Southeastern, adding that he is requesting a waiver of sidewalks, curb and gutter because currently there are none in the area. Acting City Engineer Whisker stated that the property is currently a metes and bounds description and the City is asking for the property to be platted in order to obtain the 25’ road right-of-way. He noted that there is an existing sidewalk on the property, further explaining that there was a mobile home on the property and now Mr. Garrett is requesting to build a site built home. He stated that water and sewer are already on the property and Mr. Garrett is requesting a waiver of curb and gutter on 60’ across the front of his property because there is no curb and gutter in that area of Southeastern. Commissioner Knight moved, seconded by Commissioner Young to approve the Final Plat of the Garrett Subdivision as requested. In response to a question posed by Commissioner Gray, Acting City Engineer Whisker stated that the City has no objections, noting that it would be unreasonable to ask Mr. Garrett to develop curb and gutter when the area has none. He stated that the owner would either seek a rezoning to replace the mobile home or build a site built dwelling if the plat is approved. At this time, MOTION CARRIED. c. SKETCH PLAT Edinburgh Subdivision Mr. Bond stated that he is representing Mr. Jim Peacock, owner of the property. He noted that plans were submitted three years ago, noting that the original road plan showed a road that started on Edinburgh and looped back to Martin Street, adding that would still be the plan for this proposal. He noted that the sketch plat before the Planning Commission is the first phase. He stated that there is a zoning division down the middle of Edinburgh Street, explaining that the north side of the Street is zoned multi-family and the property south is zoned single- family. He added that the developer is not proposing to change the zoning of the property. 8 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JULY 9, 2007 7:00 P.M. - 8:50 P.M. Acting City Engineer Whisker agreed that the zoning was divided by Edinburgh Street, noting that an ordinance recently adopted by the City Council allows for single-family development in multi- family zoning. He noted that the property zoned for multi-family is zoned R-3. He stated that it is obvious, because of flood plain reasons, that the street would be developed as a loop street as shown. He related that the street needs to come in and connect all the way around to where the apartments are located on Martin Street. Acting City Engineer Whisker clarified that the property north of Edinburgh Street and east to the railroad track and north to the ditch has not been rezoned and has held the zoning of R-3 even before the year 2000. He then clarified that the request of the property owner is continue development of the street beginning where it dead-ends on Edinburgh going to Martin Street so that he can develop the proposed Subdivision. He explained that the lots numbered 1 through 11 to the south would have to be developed as single-family, adding that since the numbering is different for the north side lots it is his assumption that the developer is proposing to build a different type of housing. In response to a comment from Mr. Bond, Acting City Engineer Whisker clarified that last Thursday evening the City Council adopted an ordinance that allowed higher classifications of residential zoning to be constructed in lower residential classifications. He explained that this would allow single- family homes to be built in multi-family zoning, i.e. if the property is zoned R-3, houses or duplexes could be built, the developer would not be restricted to just building apartments. In further clarification, Acting City Engineer Whisker stated that the developer has not presented any plans of development; he has only asked to lot the property as shown and build the street. Mr. Bond stated that when the plans were drawn the ordinance was not in affect, but the developer chose to plat the multi-family zoning as duplex. Acting City Engineer Whisker stated that his issues of concern would be the access from Edinburgh for the number of lots being proposed, and the access easement between lots 9 and 12 on the north side of Edinburgh. He went on to say that he has particular concern with lots 10 and 11 regarding the 30’ access drive with no turnaround. 9 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JULY 9, 2007 7:00 P.M. - 8:50 P.M. Commissioner Gray questioned if the developer would be amenable, given the opportunities of the recent ordinance, to developing the property as R-0 more in line with the rest of the neighborhood. Mr. Bond stated that he had not discussed that option with the property owner, explaining that the only proposal discussed was to fit the current zoning. Commissioner Gray stated that the concentration of housing would be a concern regarding the current traffic of the area. He stated that personally he would be more comfortable with single- family such as exists currently on Edinburgh Street. Commissioner Knight suggested that Mr. Bond discuss changes with the developer and return to the Commission with those possibilities, noting concern specifically with lots 9, 10, 11, and 12. She then included the density factor regarding the traffic as a negotiation concern. Chairman Brannen stated that if the developer were amenable, he would like to see the R-3 area rezoned to R-1. Given earlier discussion regarding possible directions for the development, Chairman Brannen requested a motion to table until next month. Commissioner Knight moved to table the sketch plat offering the developer an opportunity to return with further possibilities for the continued construction of single-family and access considerations. Members of the audience requested an opportunity to speak. Mr. Richard Olsen, president of the Stonewall property owners association and resident of 613 East Martin Street, stated that he and other Stonewall property owners were not aware of the issue until last Tuesday. He stated that they had no information regarding a public hearing, offering them no prior notification. He issued concerns for Edinburgh Lane, noting that the road is barely wide enough to support two cars passing, mentioning situations with a car parked on the street. He went on to say that the Street is being proposed as a feeder street for roughly nineteen duplexes minimum plus the eleven single-family homes, adding that with market conditions the single-family homes would probably be similar to what is currently in Stonewall. He noted that it has not been indicated if the duplexes would be rental or 10 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JULY 9, 2007 7:00 P.M. - 8:50 P.M. individually sold. He stated that he would like to echo the concerns earlier by the Foxwood residents, saying that the Street is a limited access street the way it is being proposed. He stated that counting the duplexes there would be a minimum of 88 vehicles on that Street with no alternate access availability. He added that square footage for the homes has not been discussed. He mentioned concerns for property values, adding that he was informed that there are other ways to access the area. He noted that Stonewall is a dense area, noting that there are 503 homes in the Subdivision. He then issued concerns for the noise barrier noting that some of the homes would back up to the railroad tracks. He questioned the construction of the culdesac being in the existing flood plain. He asked that the Commission address those issues. Ms. Lisa Nickerbocker of 708 Nottingham Cove stated that her family had recently moved to Jacksonville declining to move to Cabot because of traffic concerns. She stated that Stonewall would not be the only area affected, noting that Collenwood backs up to the area of trees that would have to be cut down. She stated that deer live in the woods that come into the Subdivision. She related that after the retirement community was constructed off Martin they were not able to get an extra stop sign regarding the traffic. She stated concerns for the road not being wide enough, adding that children live in the area and there are no sidewalks. Mr. John Williams of 607 Martin Street stated that he chose Stonewall because of the amenities favorable to raising his family. He explained that he has five children and from a police officer’s perspective he is able to offer that radar is run off Martin Street because of speeding and increased traffic concerns. He stated that if a development of this nature were approved he would be moving out of Jacksonville. He stated that for him this is about the children, admonishing the Commission should a child be hit by a car after the development is built because of the pedestrian child traffic going to the pool. He stated that he believes this is about money, understanding that Mr. Peacock has made a good living from real estate development but added that he does not want “a knife stuck in his back” to help Mr. Peacock make money. Mr. William’s neighbor across the street stated that he has an 86-year-old mother in law that lives with his family and walks in the neighborhood every day. He stated that he has a shotgun and a 30-alt six, adding God help the Commission if she is hit. He 11 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JULY 9, 2007 7:00 P.M. - 8:50 P.M. noted that with that being said, he himself is guilty of doing 40 mph on Martin Street, posing the question of how fast traffic that does not live within the Subdivision is traveling. He noted that there are duplexes on the other end of Martin Street across North First Street and he is not impressed with the way those properties have degraded. He stated that he did not want to see that happen in their neighborhood, especially since he has just invested $12,000 in modifications to his home. Ms. Deirdre Lawrence of 709 Edinburgh stated that her property is located next to the proposed development and questioned the size of barrier that would be established to keep people from trespassing onto her property. She stated that Edinburgh Street is not big enough for traffic to be going up and down the road regarding 80 to 90 extra vehicles. Commissioner Knight offered that because of these concerns she had suggested that Mr. Bond consult with the property owner and return with additional options regarding the development of the property including possibilities of widening the Street. Mr. Jim Gann of 704 Edinburgh stated that he is the first house turning onto Edinburgh, saying that single-family could be tolerated but duplexes to him are the same as the others on south James Street, calling them “crack filled” and saying that is what would be behind his house. Commissioner Evans questioned and Chairman Brannen concurred that the Commission has already recommended that Mr. Bond meet with the property owner to consider single-family for the R-3 zoned area and return with further options. Mr. Frank Kennedy of 710 Nottingham stated that he spends a lot of time working on his house, and the proposed development is adjacent to his property. He noted that the plat for review is only 1/3 of the entire property which would run from Edinburgh all the way back to Martin, adding that in total it would be more like 90 units. He then noted that there are no plans for a park, questioning where the children would play. He stated that currently there is a problem with other children coming across the railroad tracks and hanging out by the pool, adding that the houses along the way have been burglarized. He related that the development of duplexes would be adjacent to the retirement community, which is mostly widows, saying that it is too many people in too small of an area. He stated that the area is all flood plain, explaining that during heavy rains the ditches flood out. 12 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JULY 9, 2007 7:00 P.M. - 8:50 P.M. Mr. Jim Moore stated that he is a member of the Stonewall property owners association, saying that he would like the developer to run with additional ingress and egress options. He explained that Edinburgh is only 27’ wide including the curb, adding that Martin Street is 38’ wide as a feeder street. He stated there is the possibility of another entrance in an area right before entering the retirement community, wide enough for the Street to go around. He added that he would like to see that as part of the return proposal from the developer. He then noted that at the end of Collenwood is another possible entrance, adding that Edinburgh Lane does not need to be a feeder street. He asked that the proposal return with additional ingress and egress. He stated that as an underwriter he is aware of the value of various types of housing and what it could do to an upper or middle scale neighborhood. He stated that he would move from Jacksonville if the duplexes were built. Ms. Pat Mosier of 710 Edinburgh stated that the senior residence has flooded so badly that carpet had to be pulled from the units. She stated that she has been in the neighborhood for 21 years and there have always been problems with flooding. She stated that Edinburgh Street was never designed to handle that much traffic. She asked the Commission not to let this mess up what is already built. Commissioner Gray seconded the motion to table the sketch plat offering the developer an opportunity to return next month with further possibilities for the continued construction of (R-0) single-family and access considerations. MOTION CARRIED. In response to comments from audience members, Chairman Brannen clarified that notification for public hearings are advertised in the local paper and posted. Acting City Engineer Whisker further explained that since plats are not public hearings when the agenda is released that is often the first notification of proposals. He then clarified that the property zoned R-3 has been zoned R-3 since before he came to City employment in 2000, adding that the first time plans were presented was Tuesday. He noted that the property was originally zoned R-3 by Ordinance 372, surmising that Ordinance 372 was adopted in the early 70’s as early as 1972. He reiterated that the current zoning of R-3 for apartments has existed for that long, adding that it has not been changed or rezoned. 13 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JULY 9, 2007 7:00 P.M. - 8:50 P.M. Another audience member questioned protocol for establishing that homeowners be notified when changes are being proposed regarding subdivisions. He then stated that the sign posting Foxwood’s rezoning was not clearly visible. Acting City Engineer Whisker stated that notification regarding rezoning is outlined by State law, explaining that some cities do perform notification within a certain parameter of the proposed property. He noted that it would require a change in Ordinance and alderman names and numbers could be obtained from the City Clerk. d. FINAL PLAT Porter’s Subdivision Mr. Bond stated that most of the improvements are established and the developer has posted a bond regarding street improvement issues. Acting City Engineer Whisker stated that there are some minor construction issues and the developer has posted a bond to redo some of the curb that was constructed incorrectly and to asphalt and fix the area at the edge as well as some other minor items. He related that water and sewer are already on the property and Mr. Porter has already purchased water meters and sewer. In response to a question posed by Commissioner Howard, Mr. Bond stated that the contractor has been directed to put holes in the back of the drainage box. Acting City Engineer Whisker stated that it part of the improvements yet to be done, adding that the asphalt needs to run into that to have the water flow properly. He then clarified that the Subdivision consists of eight houses and they share driveways as required by the Planning Commission. Commissioner Howard moved, seconded by Commissioner Young to approve the Final Plat of the Porter Subdivision as presented. MOTION CARRIED. e. PRELIMINARY PLAT Forest Glen Subdivision formally submitted as Nixon Loop Road Subdivision Mr. Bond stated that the preliminary plat following discussions with the Planning Commission during sketch plat phase, adding that the sewer pump station has been submitted to the Wastewater Department. 14 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JULY 9, 2007 7:00 P.M. - 8:50 P.M. Acting City Engineer Whisker stated that there are no issues as far as sewer is concerned, explaining that the development will have a sewer pump at the north end of the Subdivision. He continued that it would pump to the manhole on Gray Street, which avoids the East Pump Station. He stated that the developer is planning to build a 12’ X 2 ½’ box on the south end and a 7’ X 3’ box on the north around the middle section. He added that to take care of the drainage there is other piping coming out of Craft Street. He stated that the only other issue was a sidewalk along Loop Road. He related that he believes the developer has complied with request from the Planning Commission, noting that there are two entrances coming into the Subdivision. He stated there is an access to the south that leads to the First Electric property accessing the additional 40 acres. He then noted that two of the street names would have to be changed, adding that there was also some confusion regarding the subdivision name of Forest Glen regarding the Forest Oak Subdivision. In response to a question posed by Commissioner Young, Mr. Bond stated that there are no plans for a pocket park. He added that the developer would be amenable to setting aside a portion of land for the City to purchase. He then related that the location of a pocket park as previously designated with the Commission was discussed at length with the First Electric manager who expressed concern for liability issues. He added that he had referred the manager to the City Attorney, as the City is held harmless of those liabilities. Acting City Engineer Whisker answered that he had not spoken with the Parks Commission regarding this specific area for a pocket park, but is aware that the Parks Commission does support pocket parks. He added that the Parks Commission would have to review the suggested area for acceptance. He then noted that there is a sidewalk in the area that leads to Murrell Taylor Elementary School, which has a park to the rear. Mr. Bond added that it is the developer’s intention to have a connecting walk that would lead to Murrell Taylor. Commissioner Young stated that he would like a letter from the Parks Commission regarding their position on a pocket park in the Subdivision. Commissioner Young moved, seconded by Commissioner Howard to approve the preliminary plat stipulating that a letter be forthcoming from the Parks Commission regarding pocket park status of the area. MOTION CARRIED. 15 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING JULY 9, 2007 7:00 P.M. - 8:50 P.M. BUILDING PERMIT(S): ADJOURNMENT: Vice Chairman Brannen without objection adjourned meeting at approximately 8:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, _________________________ Susan L. Davitt 16