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07 OCT 01 SP MTG.doc CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS SPECIAL PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 1, 2007 7:00 P.M. - 7:47 P.M. OPENING REMARKS: The Planning Commission of the City of Jacksonville, Arkansas met in special session on October 1, 2007. Chairman Traylor opened the meeting at approximately 7:00 p.m. expressing appreciation to those in attendance. ROLL CALL: Commissioners Art Brannen, Bart Gray Jr., Chad Young, Susan Dollar, John Herbold, Tom Evans, and Alderman Bill Howard answered ROLL CALL. Chairman Traylor also answered ROLL CALL and declared a quorum. PRESENT (8), ABSENT (1). Others present for the meeting were Acting City Engineer Jay Whisker, Mr. Tommy Bond, Alderman Robert Stroud, Mr. Jack Wilson, interested citizens, petitioners, and press. PUBLIC HEARING(S): a. REZONING Foxwood Gardens from R-0 and C-2 to R-1. Chairman Traylor opened the public hearing at approximately 7:02 p.m. Mr. Aaron Robinson of Bond Engineering stated that he is representing Jack Wilson of Woodhaven Homes. He noted that the sketch plat has been revised to incorporate comments made at the previous public hearing. He related that a Power Point presentation has been prepared to offer an idea of the type of homes being proposed for construction. He noted that the development would feature some rear-loading lots as well as front-loading lots. Mr. Jack Wilson facilitated the presentation, saying that the houses being presented are the same type of houses that would be proposed for the 60’ lots. He noted that all the homes would have architectural roofs with all brick, maintenance free exteriors. He added that there would be brick mailboxes and the homes are all energy efficient with R-20 walls, R-25 attics, high-efficiency heat pumps, energy efficient windows, and tank- less water heaters. He stated that the homes would be individual in style. He stated that in addressing requests from the area residents the main entranced has been changed to Loop Road with culdesacs in the area that is zoned commercial. He explained that if the main entrance is off Loop Road, he is requesting the additional rezoning of the commercial area. He stated that 30% of the lots would be rear load and 70% front load, adding that front load lots were designed for the lots that would be adjacent from the rear to the lake. 1 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS SPECIAL PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 1, 2007 7:00 P.M. - 7:47 P.M. In response to a question posed by Commissioner Young, Mr. Wilson answered that the development is proposed to have 20’ setbacks. Mr. Charles Evans of 1801 Steeple Chase stated that following meetings with area residents it was decided that if the developer would be willing to meet five requests they would not oppose the rezoning. He read request #3 from the letter request, “Throughout the construction process, all construction equipment and traffic will be held strictly to and from the Loop Road access; this will help ensure the protection of children who use Foxwood Drive to walk back and forth to Pinewood Elementary; and will help ensure some peace and tranquility to the present neighborhood while construction is on-going; and will serve to protect the present street from the extensive construction damage caused by heavy concrete and material trucks.” He stated that the Planning Commission has the experience to know how much confusion and turmoil that it could cause. Chairman Traylor noted that the letter is on file as part of the record. Mr. Jack Wilson stated that he had read the letter and is willing to meet those request with the exception of item #3, explaining that it is not that he objects but that logistically it would be impossible. He explained that PH I is on the Foxwood end of the Subdivision, adding that the streets would not be accessible and the bridges would not be constructed on the Loop Road side of the development. He stated that short of building a temporary road up to PH I there would not be any access. He stated that he would agree to route all construction through Loop Road as soon as feasible. He then stated that in all fairness it would not be possible in the beginning because the first 10 lots are at the end near Foxwood Drive requiring access from the current streets. In response to a question posed by Chairman Traylor, Mr. Wilson stated that he is willing to meet the other four requests. He then answered that it is his intent to complete the Subdivision in two phases with the first phase consisting of the 10 proposed lots. He stated that this would provide an opportunity to have model homes built while the rest of the Subdivision is being developed. In response to a question posed by Commissioner Howard, Mr. Wilson answered that he believes he would be able to begin using access from Loop Road when the second phase begins. He noted that it would require a bridge and box culvert, which would take a little time to complete. 2 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS SPECIAL PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 1, 2007 7:00 P.M. - 7:47 P.M. He stated that he would make every reasonable effort to bring as much construction traffic as possible from Loop Road, but he cannot begin development with the stipulation that all traffic come from Loop Road at the start of the Subdivision. Commissioner Herbold noted that he had visited the site and witnessed a train that would have cut off traffic to the proposed Loop Road entrance. He commended Mr. Wilson for his concessions to the requirements of the neighborhood. He noted that one requirement was all brick construction, noting that he had viewed several homes through Foxwood that were not all brick. He then noted that the requirement of fencing the entire development was certainly an exception to development requirements. Mr. Wilson stated that he takes a lot of pride in the subdivisions he develops and his subdivisions have gained statewide recognition. He stated that in 2005, Building Arkansas Magazine named his company “Builder of the Year” in a statewide competition. He stated that he has achieved this by keeping good terms with the residents of communities that his company builds in. He stated that this promotes residents as sales people and that is what he is looking for with the Foxwood residents. He stated that he is willing to spend extra money to make the Subdivision nice; adding that he feels Jacksonville needs this type of development. He stated that studies show that the biggest market over the next 20 to 30 years that drive the housing industry will be the active adult population that is growing older. Mr. Larry Burton of 119 Steeple Chase pointed out that most garden home developments are surrounded by a fence and gate. He stated that he has viewed several garden home communities and his Church is considering the development of some garden homes as a retirement community geared toward the 55-plus age group. He related one negative aspect he discovered was that bills of assurances did not protect against housing trailers, boats, utility vehicles, and RV’s from being stored in driveways. He stated that one aspect noticeable in the Otter Creek garden home community was the clutter in the driveways. He recommended that the bill of assurance carry the provision of no vehicular items other than transportation vehicles being stored or parked in driveways. Mr. Bill Albright of 1413 Foxwood asked if Mr. Wilson would be amenable to holding down the construction traffic between 7:00 to 8:30 a.m. and again between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. because of school activity. 3 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS SPECIAL PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 1, 2007 7:00 P.M. - 7:47 P.M. Mr. Dan Broughton of 1300 Foxwood Drive suggested that the developer agree to only use the Foxwood Drive entrance as a last resort. He noted the congestion on Foxwood Drive along with debris and grease spots from the trucks that have already driven down Foxwood Drive. Mrs. Marilyn Burton of Steeple Chase in Foxwood pointed out the frustration for delivery trucks waiting for the school crossings during school letting in or out. She stated that it would be common to wait as much as 20 minutes for school traffic to clear. She stated that the Foxwood entrance should not even be a consideration because of the danger factor, noting that there are too many children on the street and sidewalks. She noted that she has witnessed delivery trucks moving very fast through the neighborhood, saying that these trucks are on a schedule and will not be concerned about the children in the street or area traffic. She stated that this is a major item for discussion. Mr. Wilson stated that there is no one more concerned about kids than he is, saying that every city built happens with construction activity going through the streets. He stated that unfortunately, no residential area is built in one phase and every completed area has to have construction equipment go through in order to gain access to the next phase. He offered that if anyone were to see speeding construction vehicles they should contact the Police Department, saying that it is illegal, dangerous and it needs to be stopped. He stated that if anyone who works for him were arrested because of dangerous driving he would refuse to bond them out of jail. He stated that no one who endangers children would be tolerated on his job sites. Chairman Traylor closed the public hearing at approximately 7:30 p.m. In response to a question from Commissioner Herbold, Acting City Engineer Whisker answered that during the construction phase of Foxwood PH X, he would assume that Foxwood Drive and Northeastern were used as access methods. He then answered that all roads last seven years and that the City has an overlay program to repair City streets, spending $250,000.00 annually. He added that if Foxwood Drive were to be damaged from the construction vehicles the City would be responsible for seeing that the road was repaired. Discussion ensued regarding the requested 20’ setback and the need for a variance, City Attorney Bamburg concurred but 4 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS SPECIAL PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 1, 2007 7:00 P.M. - 7:47 P.M. clarified that the issue before the Commission presently is the rezoning. Commissioner Young noted that issues regarding the bill of assurance would be addressed when the preliminary plat is presented. Commissioner Gray stated that in lieu of no further questions or discussion he would like to make a motion. Commissioner Gray moved, seconded by Commissioner Brannen to recommend the rezoning as requested from R-0 and C-2 to R-1. MOTION CARRIED. REQUEST TO APPROVE PLAT(S): a. REVISED SKETCH PLAT for Foxwood Gardens Mr. Aaron Robinson noted that the traffic circles and rear loading lots have been incorporated into the sketch plat with a divided access from Loop Road. He then offered that there are two open green spaces for park areas. In response to a question posed by Commissioner Young, Mr. Robinson stated that the green areas would be maintained by the Parks Department. He then surmised that the Street Department would maintain the green area within the traffic circles. City Attorney Bamburg questioned if the areas being dedicated as park space is intended to be transferred to the City of Jacksonville for ownership. Mr. Wilson explained that typically if the subdivision is gated those areas would belong to the property owners, adding that if those areas are on public streets; cities ask that those areas be dedicated to the city. He stated that if the city did not want those areas then it could belong to the property owners’ association. He stated that there would be offered lot maintenance and it would not be a problem to maintain the common areas. He added that if those areas belong to the City then they could be used by anyone, which sometimes creates issues. It was noted that all rear-loading lots are adjacent to a 10’ alleyway. Mr. Wilson then answered that the out lot adjacent to lot 24 in Foxwood Gardens would be developed to that same standards as 5 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS SPECIAL PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING OCTOBER 1, 2007 7:00 P.M. - 7:47 P.M. Foxwood Subdivision, answering that he would not be opposed to constructing a sidewalk that would lead from Foxwood Drive to Foxwood Gardens. It was determined that lots 1 & 2 would face the entrance drive from Foxwood Drive but could have a rear load or front load, which would be decided later. He stated that once there is a final layout, all lots with two way opportunities would be clearly designated as either a front or rear load. Commissioner Dollar commended the use of traffic circles, saying that it is a great traffic calming device and aesthetically pleasing. Acting City Engineer Whisker supported the plat saying that he approves of the traffic devices, pointing out that it also allows the Foxwood residents to have another outlet regarding their traffic congestion. He noted that the development would handle water problems from under Northeastern and Foxwood, featuring a water retention pond. He then noted that the out parcels would be developed to Foxwood PH IX standards. Commissioner Herbold moved, seconded by Commissioner Dollar to approve the Revised Sketch Plat for Foxwood Gardens as presented. MOTION CARRIED. ADJOURNMENT: Chairman Traylor without objection adjourned meeting at approximately 7:47 p.m. Respectfully submitted, _________________________ Susan L. Davitt 6