16 JAN 11 CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
JANUARY 11, 2016
7:00 P.M. – 8:47 P.M.
OPENING REMARKS:
The Planning Commission of the City of Jacksonville, Arkansas met in regular session on January 11, 2016. Chairman Moore opened the meeting at approximately 7:00 p.m. expressing appreciation
to those in attendance.
ROLL CALL: Commissioners Patrick Thomas, Jim Peacock, Jr., Scott Scholl, Joe Cummings, Jr., Rick White, Robert Price, and Virgil Healey answered ROLL CALL. Chairman Moore also answered
roll call and declared a quorum. PRESENT (8), ABSENT (1).
Others present for the meeting were City Engineer Jay Whisker, Jody Urqhart, Joan Zumwalt, Tommy Bond, Pat Bond, Annabelle and John Davis, Keith Webber, Art and Rosalie Brannen, Geneva
Healey, Alderman Reedie Ray, Alderman Kenny Elliott, Bart Gray, numerous Foxwood residents, interested citizens, petitioners, and press.
CORRECTION AND/OR APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Commissioner White moved, seconded by Commissioner Peacock to approve the minutes of the December 14, 2015 regularly scheduled meeting as presented. MOTION CARRIED.
PUBLIC HEARING(S): DEVIATION IN AGENDA
c. REZONING a portion of Southern Oaks Country Club to R-3
Chairman Moore opened the public hearing at approximately 7:02 p.m.
Mr. Tommy Bond addressed the Commission explaining that the rezoning consists of approximately 12.14 acres on the northern limits of the Southern Oaks Country Club Golf Course. He explained
that the proposal is to rezone the property for apartments, saying that they are proposing to construct between 50 to 88 units. He then explained that the sole purpose of the proposal
is to keep the Country Club viable. He related that the tenants of the apartments would be members of the Country Club and that their membership dues would be built into the monthly
rental fee. He stated that the complex is being designed and priced to appeal to retirees that could afford to pay higher rental fees regarding the amenities of a swimming pool and
golf course. He emphasized that it is a planned retirement community, developed strictly for retirees. He stated that it would strengthen the Country Club to have 88 additional members,
adding that the complex would be operated in conjunction with the Club. He noted that part of the property being proposed for rezoning is in the floodway and flood plain. He showed
three examples of high-end apartment complexes in Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Maumelle, saying that the proposed apartments would be modeled similar to those. He stated that
it would be one and two bedroom three-story apartments with garages and/or carports renting between $800.00 and $1,200.00 monthly. He then stated that the construction of the apartments
would have little or no impact on the golf course.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
JANUARY 11, 2016
7:00 P.M. – 8:47 P.M.
City Engineer Whisker demonstrated on PowerPoint the location of the floodway, noting that it is approximately 300’ wide. He noted the flood plain area saying that it would take 4 to
6’ of fill to obtain a LOMR (Letter of Map Revision) bringing the elevation up to 260. He reviewed the zoning map noting that the Southern Oaks Country Club and Golf Course are currently
zoned C-1.
Chairman Moore opened the floor for public comment.
John Davis stated that he is a Foxwood resident and a member of the Country Club and is very golf course pro. He mentioned that the proposed plan looks as though it will run through
two of the fairways. He issued concerns for the golf course regarding the development.
Diane Maze of 704 Foxwood stated that she lives directly across from the Southern Oaks Country Club, questioned if the rezoning would affect two vacant lots in the older part of the
Foxwood Subdivision along with citing concerns for the flood zone. She stated that her house is at a 1% chance of flooding, questioning if the development would affect her flood rating
and increase the amount she pays for her flood insurance. She further issued concerns for her property values and stated that to her knowledge FEMA has not been contacted so the developer
does not have approval for this proposed development. She then reiterated her concerns regarding water displacement and area flooding, questioning how close to the Creek the development
is being proposed.
City Engineer Whisker explained that the proposed rezoning area is located on the north side of the Creek on the northern boundary of the Country Club.
Mr. Bond replied that the development would be at least 250’ from the Creek, explaining that they would have to bring in fill to the area located in the flood plain and that FEMA would
have to be notified. He related that letters of “No Rise” would have to be issued to the adjoining property owners. He then offered that one option would be to build the complex
with a parking garage underneath the apartments.
City Engineer Whisker noted that the proposed access to the development is on the west side of the swimming pool area. He detailed the access, showing that it would cross the floodway.
Dan Brown addressed the Commission saying that he is not yet a resident of Foxwood but is about to close on a house in Foxwood that backs up to the golf course. He explained that he
and his wife are retired and Jacksonville was there area of choice when returning to the State. He stated that he bought the house with the understanding that Foxwood Subdivision was
a single-family subdivision. He questioned how this proposed development would benefit the residents
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
JANUARY 11, 2016
7:00 P.M. – 8:47 P.M.
of Foxwood, adding that he can only see how it would benefit the Country Club. He stated that he does not understand how a multi-family development in the middle of a single-family subdivision
would benefit the residents. He stated that he would like to have an answer to that question.
City Engineer Whisker fielded the question, answering that it would depend on many factors, such as the type of plans for development. He stated that there is no definitive answer,
but there are circumstances where a complex could be good for the overall health of the residential community. He stated that it could positively, as well as negatively affect the
property values, reiterating that it all depends on the planning.
It was then explained that the Planning Commission would decide on the issue of rezoning and if it were approved it would be forwarded to the City Council for final action.
Mr. Brown stated that he would like to go on record as adamantly opposing an apartment complex being built in his neighborhood when no one can tell him how it will affect his property
values.
Amanda Brewer of 705 Foxwood stated that she supports the development. She stated that she made a choice to live in Jacksonville, moving her family here from Cabot. She stated that Foxwood
does not have a HOA to support the Country Club, so she is in favor of supporting a high-end retirement complex. She related that she has a background in finance and her studies show
that Jacksonville is 50% transient. She added that without other means there is no way for the Foxwood Subdivision to have security to protect the neighborhood or keep the Country Club
open. She stated that she is going to stay in Jacksonville no matter what the Commission decides to do, but hates to see another neighborhood failing. She stated that this would be
a high-end development and it is important to the Foxwood Subdivision.
Buster Smith of 13 Foxboro Cove related that he is retired from the Army and from real estate. He stated that he is in support of a high-end retirement development because property
values will go down without the Country Club.
Jody Urqhart of 17 Vixen Trail stated that Jacksonville has struggled for many reasons, and there is no definite answer regarding the development. He issued concerns about a bill of
assurance, saying that no one can say for sure how it will affect the property values. It could hurt the property values a little or even more. He questioned how you could guarantee
it would be a high-end development strictly for the elderly. He noted that if the complex has three stories will the elderly have to climb three flights of stairs or will there be
an elevator. He then noted that it would take a letter of
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
JANUARY 11, 2016
7:00 P.M. – 8:47 P.M.
map revision to get part of the property out of the flood plain. He stated that 88 units is a lot to say that it will not have a great impact on the golf course; however, it will have
an impact on the neighborhood.
David Williams of 2 Foxhunt Cove related his experience with rental property, questioning what guarantees there are that the property in later years would not become Section 8 housing
as it falls into disrepair. He questioned if there could be any guarantees that it would remain high-end.
Sharon Green 702 Foxwood Drive stated that she is a 30-year Foxwood resident, questioning if a traffic study had been done. She cited concerns for the traffic and the driveway access
to the proposed apartments. She stated that if this development were allowed to be built, Foxwood would not be a quiet community any longer. She stated that if there were improvements
to the pool and Club’s restaurant more people would join. She stated that 88 units is not a small amount.
Charlie Whited stated that he is not a Foxwood resident but he is a member of the Southern Oaks Country Club and is generally on the golf course six day a week. He reiterated concerns
for the apartments remaining a high-end development, acknowledging that he can understand the importance to the health of the Club and golf course. He then issued concerns regarding
the proposed plans affecting the golf barn, the maintenance building along with the driving range.
Mr. Bond stated that there is plenty of room to relocate the driving range as well the other buildings. He then noted that it would shorten the #4 hole on the golf course. He stated
that flooding issues would be addressed in the design of the facility, reiterating that the only reason to build the complex is to financially support the Country Club. He stated that
as far as concerns regarding it becoming Section 8 housing it would not be in the affordable range for that to happen. He stated that the owners are not going to invest millions of
dollars and have it fall into disrepair and become anything less than high-end. He reiterated that the plan is to develop high-end retirement units that would be attracted to that type
of living. He reiterated that the flooding would be addressed in the design and there will have to be a “no rise” letter, which states that the development will not impact adjoining
properties. He reiterated that the only reason for building the apartments is to financially support the Club; it is not a money scheme by the current owners who rescued the Club through
their financial support. He stated that there are two owners, Mr. Harold Gwatney and Ms. Joan Zumwalt, who have been a part of the Jacksonville business community for 40 plus years.
He stated that the rent would be from $800.00 to $1,200.00 monthly.
With no one else to speak, Chairman Moore closed the public hearing at approximately 7:42 p.m.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
JANUARY 11, 2016
7:00 P.M. – 8:47 P.M.
Commissioner Price noted that in Mr. Bond’s letter to the Commission it states, “a portion of the vacant property is part of the Holland Bottoms Wild Life Management area”.
Mr. Bond explained that the proposed development property adjoins a portion of the Holland Bottoms property.
Commissioner White concurred with City Engineer Whisker that the proposed egress in the area by the pool would continue going across the floodway to the development site. He asked City
Engineer Whisker if it is correct that nothing could be built within the floodway.
City Engineer Whisker concurred, saying that nothing could be built without extensive study, the floodway cannot change, the only thing you can do to a floodway is remove material not
add to it. He cited that if an 8” concrete base were established for a roadway or driveway, you would have to remove the top 8” of soil and then construct the roadway in that exact
same spot to get a “no rise” certificate.
Commissioner White questioned if the egress would have to be an elevated roadway surface in order to go across the floodway.
City Engineer Whisker stated that there is a pipe that crosses in that area, so the egress would also have to cross in that same location.
Mr. Bond clarified that the area being proposed to being built up is north of the ditch, which is north of the floodway. He then answered Commissioner White that the apartments have
not been quantified strictly to any one age group. He added that his perception is that the amount of rent would be more directed at someone 50 plus years old or even 60 year olds.
He stated that Jacksonville has lost a lot of that group in other areas because Jacksonville did not have anything like this for that demographic. He stated that this would appeal
to retired military people who would stay in Jacksonville. He stated that the closest house to one of the structures would be approximately 400 feet.
Commissioner Price questioned if there had been any kind of market analysis performed, ensuring that they would be in demand.
Mr. Bond stated that more of this was financial support for the Club as the aim of the project. He related that before the project is started, a market analysis would be required.
Commission Price stated that he is not sure what the “fill rate” is for apartments in Jacksonville, guessing that people are not standing in line.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
JANUARY 11, 2016
7:00 P.M. – 8:47 P.M.
Mr. Bond stated that of the three apartment complexes he contacted there was no vacancy and limited vacancy. He added that those high-end complexes, although Maumelle and Little Rock
are different from Jacksonville, are well occupied.
In response to a question from Commissioner Thomas, Mr. Bond stated that the swimming pool was open this past summer.
City Engineer Whisker added there was some reconstruction done at the beginning of the summer but the pool opened later in the season.
Commissioner Thomas then questioned what considerations are being given to pass the traffic through the pool parking lot regarding safety of the pool patrons.
Mr. Bond stated that there is an option to have it on the east side of the building through the pro-shop parking area. He then noted that the pool is fenced and the children are not
in the parking area other than going from their car to the pool.
Commissioner Thomas stated that it sounds as if street traffic is being run through a parking lot where children might be going through, adding that it is a safety issue. He then questioned
if there is a bill of assurance on the existing properties.
Mr. Bond responded that there is no bill of assurance on the golf course property. He then stated that the residential area does have a bill of assurance. He then answered that there
is no stipulation that the subdivision is to remain an R-1 subdivision regarding the golf course. He stated that the golf course was never subdivided or recorded as part of the Foxwood
Subdivision.
Commissioner Thomas related that property values are a concern for the residents, pointing out that if the development is a success then he would expect property values would increase
and consequently, if it fails it would also adversely affect property values. He related that he feels this brings it back to a marketing issue. He stated that since the Subdivision
lots are to remain R-1, he feels anyone living in the Foxwood Subdivision would rightfully have the expectation that all the property would be R-1 and that all traffic would only be
that of R-1 property.
Mr. Bond reiterated that the golf course was never part of the Foxwood Subdivision development.
Commissioner Thomas stated that the traffic from the potential development would now be R-3 occupants.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
JANUARY 11, 2016
7:00 P.M. – 8:47 P.M.
Mr. Bond stated that since it is a retirement community, he does not believe that 88 units would generate that much activity.
Commissioner Thomas stated that there is concern about the homeowner’s bill of assurance that he shares with them. He questioned at what point the letter of “No Rise” would be available.
Mr. Bond stated that it would be after the design of the complex.
Commissioner Thomas questioned what the expected rise of a 100-year flood across the passageway would be.
City Engineer Whisker stated that it would be 258 for a 100-year flood event, explaining that they calculated the flood height average with the pipe that is already in the ground. He
then answered that the current elevation of the passageway is 252 or 254.
Commissioner Thomas stated that it would have to be raised to get to the EFE for safe passage.
City Engineer Whisker added unless there is a study, there is no dirt allowed in the floodway area. He continued saying if you are asking if it would have to be raised so that they
could get through a 258 flood, then a study would have to be done regarding a bridge to go over the crossway or completely go over the floodway at an elevation of 258 for the passage
of all the water.
Commissioner Thomas stated that he would foresee a bridge, knowing that no fill can go into that area.
Mr. Bond stated that he believes the area where the pipe is located, is already elevated to 256 or 257. He added that a study would have to show “no rise”.
Commissioner Thomas clarified with Mr. Bond that it could be added to, if it did not produce a rise.
Mr. Bond stated that it would depend on how it is configured.
Commissioner Thomas stated that he is not sure if there is a legal limitation on how much you can rise, but he would expect a rise if something is being added.
Mr. Bond stated that one thing that would offset that would be to create a low place to absorb the rise.
Commission Thomas confirmed with City Engineer Whisker that the current zoning of the property is R-0 single-family and R-3 is the requested zoning to accommodate the development of
multi-family. He then questioned how much of a rise in the flood plain is being proposed to get above the EFE.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
JANUARY 11, 2016
7:00 P.M. – 8:47 P.M.
Mr. Bond responded that City Engineer Whisker had stated that it would be 6 to 7 feet.
Commissioner Thomas questioned if part of the footprint of the building would be in the flood plain and the floodway.
Mr. Bond responded that nothing would be developed in the floodway, only in the flood plain. He then concurred that the southeast corner of the property is in the floodway and that
the building would be in the flood plain.
Commissioner Peacock questioned how emergency services would be available to the development if there were a 100 or 500-year event.
Mr. Bond stated that one option is to build a bridge or to provide for an area where the displaced water could be deposited.
Commissioner Peacock noted that there is a side entrance to his subdivision that has had to be used several times during rain events. He stressed the importance of a safe ingress and
egress regarding emergency services.
Mr. Bond stated that he felt an ingress and egress could be developed to the west, adding there has been a substantial amount of fill placed in the northwest corner of the golf course,
which is well above the EFE now. He related he feels it could be connected and create an access into Northwood Acres.
Mr. Bond assured Commissioner Price that he did not foresee a problem regarding the roads in Foxwood that would be used during construction for heavy equipment. He stated that with
all the construction activity over the last 40 years there has been practically no failures. He stated that the roads are limited to highway loads, which have regularly passed through
the area.
Commissioner White questioned who would be responsible for repairs to the street if a failure did occur.
Mr. Bond stated that it could be an option to have the contractor bond for repairs.
Commissioner Thomas clarified with Mr. Bond that one option was to have a parking garage under the complex in order to get the building above the EFE.
Chairman Moore expressed concern that eventually the complex could turn into a less exclusive development, he then stated that an R-4 zoning for garden homes, townhouses, or condominiums
might be more appropriate to attract retirees without children or young professionals.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
JANUARY 11, 2016
7:00 P.M. – 8:47 P.M.
Mr. Bond replied that an R-4 zoning was considered, noting that the main issue is that it takes substantially more space, which would have a greater impact on the golf course. He stated
that part of the concept was to impact the golf course as little as possible.
Chairman Moore stated that he understands that the golf course is very important for the community; however, he is not in favor of more multi-family housing in Jacksonville. He then
added especially in a subdivision like Foxwood. He stated that he would definitely fight it if that were the case in Stonewall, saying that Foxwood and Stonewall are two very important
subdivisions in Jacksonville. He noted that residents have put in a lot of money to live in Foxwood and he does not think it would be beneficial to the golf course to develop apartments.
He stated that if part of the $800.00 a month rent goes to the Club then it leaves very little to keep the maintenance up on the complex.
Mr. Bond stated that when a developer invest this amount of money and has a 15 or 20-year mortgage they would have a vested interest in maintaining the facility to continue the return
to pay the debt. He added that he does not feel that maintenance would be an issue, adding he feels the clientele would demand that they be properly maintained.
Chairman Moore noted that currently the driving range and the maintenance-building flood badly, questioning where the “catch pond” would be located.
Mr. Bond stated that the exact location has not been addressed yet, adding that the maintenance people at the golf course want more ponds regarding water for the summer to irrigate the
golf course. He stated that it would be a combination of a pond and a retention basin. He then related that there is plenty of room for another pond.
Chairman Moore stated if that area is built up then the water could run into the Country Club building as well as going into the housing area that is close to the development even with
catch ponds.
Mr. Bond assured Chairman Moore that it would be designed so that an excavation that would hold an equal amount of volume in water would offset any fill.
Discussion ensued and Mr. Bond related that there would be a 300 to 400 foot buffer between the other zones and the R-3 zoning. He then agreed that screening the apartments is acceptable.
Commissioner Peacock questioned the feasibility of having a multi-million dollar apartment development in the middle of a floodplain, given that if the Country Club fails, that would
be hard to market. He noted that flood insurance would make the property too expensive to be purchased by an investor.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
JANUARY 11, 2016
7:00 P.M. – 8:47 P.M.
Mr. Bond stated that firstly, they would do a letter of map amendment so that the complex would be out of the flood plain and there would be no issue with flood insurance. Mr. Bond
then answered Commissioner Thomas that the estimated rent would be between $800.00 and $1,200.00 monthly.
Commissioner Thomas questioned if there could be an assurance that the rent would have a minimum by law.
Mr. Bond stated that he is not sure that is something that could be guaranteed.
City Attorney Bamburg clarified that the answer is no.
Commissioner Price stated that there was a lot of information that came out tonight but we do not have the answers, pointing out that it has to do with the market analysis.
Commissioner Healey questioned why the study was not completed before being brought to the Planning Commission. He stated that the study would have provided the answer to many more
questions.
Commissioner Price related that he feels and it seems most of the members of the Commission feel that they need more information before proceeding with a recommendation.
City Engineer Whisker paraphrased that the Commission is looking for a market analysis, a study of the flood plain and floodway, and a traffic study regarding Foxwood Drive and ingress
and egress. He stated that the Planning Commission would better be able to consider the rezoning if those questions had answers.
Mr. Bond asked that the item be tabled pending further research to be provided to the Planning Commission.
Commissioner Thomas moved, seconded by Commissioner Price to table the rezoning of a portion of Southern Oaks Country Club property until further notice from the petitioner. MOTION CARRIED.
RESUME AGENDA:
a. REZONING 405 James Street and 1016 School Drive C-2 to C-3
Chairman Moore opened the public hearing at approximately 8:17 p.m.
Petitioner representative, Mr. Bond pointed out that the property on James Street is the mini-warehouses, explaining that that the School Drive property is adjacent to the rear. He
stated that Terry Bean the owner of the mini-warehouses has a contract to purchase the
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
JANUARY 11, 2016
7:00 P.M. – 8:47 P.M.
property on School Drive to expand his business. He stated that the rezoning would bring the property into compliance with the property zoning for mini-warehouses.
City Engineer Whisker demonstrated on PowerPoint the locations of both properties. He noted that the current mini-warehouse property wraps around the School Drive property. He stated
that the rezoning would correct the current zoning of C-2 for the existing mini-warehouses and rezone the School Drive property regarding his expansion plans.
With no one to speak pro or con, Chairman Moore closed the public hearing at approximately 8:19 p.m.
Commissioner Thomas confirmed with City Engineer Whisker and Mr. Bond that the current zoning of the property is C-2 and the petitioner has already closed on the property. He questioned
if the current property has a conditional use approval, why would they want to rezone if they could get a conditional use.
Mr. Bond stated that if the newly acquired property were developed the petitioner would have to come back, saying that they would prefer to get the entire property zoned to proper zoning.
Commissioner Thomas stated that if they are going to develop the same mini-warehouses, the Planning Commission could grant a conditional use with the current zoning of C-2.
City Engineer Whisker explained that the problem would be that if there were a change in ownership the new owner would have to come back to the Planning Commission to get a new conditional
use.
Commissioner Thomas questioned what assurance there would be that the property would be limited to mini-warehouses if the zoning were changed to C-3.
Mr. Bond stated that any development would have to come before the Planning Commission with a site plan for approval.
City Engineer Whisker demonstrated on PowerPoint that some of the surrounding property is zoned C-4 and R-3.
Chairman Moore pointed out that the current zoning for the property on School Drive is C-1.
Commissioner White moved, seconded by Commissioner Peacock to approve the rezoning of property located at 405 James Street and 1016 School Drive to C-3. MOTION CARRIED.
b. CONDITIONAL USE 1106 South Redmond Road
Chairman Moore opened the public hearing at approximately 8:24 p.m.
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
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No one was present to represent the item of business.
Chairman Moore closed the public hearing at approximately 8:25 p.m.
REQUEST TO APPROVE PLAT(S): a. PRELIMINARY PLAT Graham Woods Subdivision PH I-Board Lots 12-15 and 28-46
Mr. Bond related that the Planning Commission had previously approved the subdivision six or eight years ago, explaining that PH I was finally completed, noting delays due to the widening
of Graham Road. He stated that the developer is now ready to begin with PH I-B, which is the next group of lots to the immediate west of PH I.
City Engineer Whisker stated that phase I-B consist of Lots 12-F through 15-F and 28-F through 46-F. He stated that this is a continuation of the project regarding water and wastewater.
He noted that between the two streets there is a concrete ditch that comes out of the south side in-between the Sunnyside Addition and the subdivisions to the east, there will be an
easement for that area.
Chairman Moore requested clarification regarding the lot numbering and phase numbering.
City Engineer Whisker stated that if the numbering on the preliminary plat is different from the final plat for phase I then the numbering would have to be changed so that the numbering
scheme is consistent and available to go with the remaining two phases.
Mr. Bond stated that as the final plats are recorded the numbering is cleaned up, adding that he would go ahead and clean up the lot numbering before continuing construction. He related
that the gas pipeline is further east, next to Phase I. He went on to say that there is a concrete ditch that was built by the City back in the 70’s and an easement was given to the
City.
Chairman Moore noted an area that is in the flood plain.
Mr. Bond responded that the lots in the flood plain have an F designation. He explained that the lots will be filled and taken out of the flood plain with a letter of map amendment
but they will still carry the F designation.
Commissioner Healey moved, seconded by Commissioner White to approve the Preliminary Plat of Graham Woods Subdivision PH I-Board contingent up the lot and phase numbering being consistent
and cleaned up. MOTION CARRIED.
b. PRELIMINARY PLAT and FINAL PLAT Pulaski Industrial Park Lot 1
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
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Mr. Bond stated that this is a 4-acre tract of property the Chamber Foundation owns and is being sold, adding that the bill of assurance was provided. He stated that the City is selling
the property for business to locate there, adding that the utilities are already in and the street was constructed five years ago.
City Engineer Whisker stated that the property is owned by the City, adding that even if approved by the Planning Commission, the City Council will still have to approve the sale of
the land. He stated that this is to section the property off from a larger 40-acre tract. He stated that the property is south of General Samuels and west of Commerce Drive.
Commissioner Thomas moved, seconded by Commissioner Cummings to approve the Preliminary Plat of Pulaski Industrial Park Lot 1. MOTION CARRIED.
Commissioner White moved, seconded by Commissioner Cummings to approve the Final Plat of Pulaski Industrial Park Lot 1. MOTION CARRIED.
c. FINAL PLAT Lemac Subdivision
Mr. Bond stated that Lemac is a 13-lot subdivision, noting that the Planning Commission first approved it three years ago. He related that the street was already built; the developer
had to put in water and sewer, which was completed approximately 2 months ago. He added that the appropriate Commissions have accepted the water and sewer.
City Engineer Whisker stated that the property was originally zoned for mobile homes and then proposed as a mobile home subdivision and is now being proposed for single-family houses.
Mr. Bond added that the bill of assurance stipulates 1100 square foot homes.
Chairman Moore questioned the zoning of the corner lot to Stanphill and Lemac Drive. He stated that the zoning map states that those two corner lots are R-3.
City Engineer Whisker stated that the zoning is single-family and he would correct the zoning map.
Chairman Moore noted that lots 11 and 12 appear to be adjacent to a natural gas line easement.
Mr. Bond stated that he believes it is lots 12 and 13 that are adjacent to the easement, saying that during the course of submitting
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
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JANUARY 11, 2016
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the plan to the Planning Commission, there is a parcel to the north that is land locked so part of the deal was to provide a 50’ right-of-way to get to that piece of land. He then explained
that the 50’ right-of-way is adjacent to the gas easement.
Chairman Moore stated that if the easement is accepted as a street right-of-way then the City would be responsible for maintaining that area.
City Engineer Whisker explained that when Growing Pines PH II to north was finished they ended up with a section that they did not do to the east that is even with Lot 13 all the way
north on the gas line. They chose to keep the property as an unplatted area. He stated that when it came before the Planning Commission it was decided that access to the property
would be provided but nothing would be constructed.
Discussion ensued and City Attorney Bamburg clarified that the property would remain undeveloped until some development behind the property takes place. He stated that they will not
do anything to further develop that property.
Mr. Bond stated that the purpose is to keep those parcels from being totally land locked. He stated that when the final plat is recorded it would be recorded as a public right-of-way.
City Engineer Whisker stated that the City does not have any plans to develop the street.
City Attorney Bamburg stated that as a street right-of-way it is common for the adjoining property owners to mow the area, but if not then the City would be responsible for keeping the
property mowed.
Chairman Moore noted that there is a storm drain around lots 6 and 7 and a catch pond across the street, questioning if it would be a problem if the City has to replace the pipe.
Mr. Bond clarified that there is no pipe going under the property.
In response to a question from Commissioner Thomas, City Engineer Whisker stated that as he recalled the property was rezoned to R-1A, which is 50’ X 100’. He related that he would
double check the zoning status and correct the zoning map.
Commissioner White moved, seconded by Commissioner Thomas to approve the Final Plat of Lemac Subdivision as requested. MOTION CARRIED.
BUILDING PERMIT(S):
CITY OF JACKSONVILLE, ARKANSAS
REGULAR PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
JANUARY 11, 2016
7:00 P.M. – 8:47 P.M.
GENERAL: DEVIATION IN AGENDA Nomination of 2016 Planning Commission officers and Board of Adjustment volunteers
Commissioner Price moved, seconded by Commissioner Healey to nominate Jim Moore to continue to serve as Planning Commission Chairman and Rick White to continue to serve as Planning Commission
Vice Chairman and Board of Adjustment Chairman. MOTION CARRIED.
Commissioners Virgil Healey and Scott Scholl volunteered to continue to serve as members of the Board of Adjustment serving from the Planning Commission.
ANNOUNCEMENT:
ADJOURNMENT: Chairman Moore without objection, adjourned the meeting at approximately 8:47 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________
Susan L. Davitt