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Minutes for the Land Use Advisory Committee meeting on October 2, 2014
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Members present: Bill Hall (chair), Darren May, Dr. Jim Sanders, Mark Enos, Pamela Alexander, Rusty Trevathan, Carroll Caldwell (arrived at 3:10 p.m.) and Terry Bare.
Members absent: James Dunivan, Steve Smith, Todd Burton, Eric Scarbrough, Jerry Halsey, Jr., Kevan Inboden, Nadine Straitt, Shawnie Carrier and Wixson Huffstetler
City Planner Otis Spriggs announced Mr. Dunivan has stepped down from the committee. He will be replaced by Mr. Joey Roach. Mr. Roach is in attendance, but since his appointment has not been approved by the City Council yet he will not vote on any matters.
Dr. Sanders motioned, seconded by Mr. Bare, to approve the minutes for the September 4, 2014, meeting. All voted aye.
Discussion was held concerning using the Hoyt Model (see attached information) with the proposed Land Use Map. Mr. Spriggs explained he met with Mr. Enos to discuss the Hoyt Model and how they might be able to use it. There are some areas where it would be beneficial, but there are other areas where it would not work. He noted City Engineer Craig Light had some concerns about linking pedestrians and access management to the Hoyt approach. Mr. Spriggs added the wedge approach within the Hoyt Model seems to work and address issues because of the divisions in the five-lane roads. But, the wedges may be a better approach since it doesn’t have to follow arterials; rather, it could be quadrants of major intersections. Mr. Enos agreed the wedge approach works the best. He explained there are multiple centers and business districts, so the wedge approach would work well with that. Further discussion was held concerning the wedge approach with the Hoyt Model. Mr. Spriggs noted that in the areas where development is already built there may need to be an overlay map that is an accessory to the Land Use Map because having too much on one map may be confusing.
Chairman Hall asked how the Hoyt Model would work with the current growth sector approach they’ve already discussed. Mr. Enos stated each wedge is its own growth sector. Mr. Spriggs agreed, adding each wedge has its own characteristics. They don’t have to have a certain width or shape, but they will show connection to certain intersections.
Discussion was then held regarding the current zoning map. Mr. Spriggs stated the Hoyt Model will put dense housing closer to the central area. The Hoyt Model has somewhat been followed over the years without them knowing it. He informed the committee that Mayor Perrin has asked for a draft of the Land Use Map to be done by December 19th.
The committee discussed the area near Kathleen Street around Highland and Commerce. Ms. Alexander had expressed some concern about that area having so much high intensity. Mr. Light recommended having affordable housing in that area due to its proximity to the Industrial Park, which should include multi-family housing. Mr. Bare agreed, adding multi-family and convenience stores should be in that area. Mr. Light explained moderate intensity allows for multi-family, but with a cap of 4 units. Discussion was then held concerning adding verbiage to the Land Use Plan document to include planned mixed use in moderate intensity. Mr. Spriggs noted the plan will be revisited every two years, so it can be changed if needed.
Ms. Alexander motioned, seconded by Mr. Enos, to change the density in the area around Kathleen/Highland/Commerce to moderate intensity (down from high intensity) and to add the language concerning planned mixed uses to moderate intensity. All voted aye.
The committee then looked at E. Johnson and Airport, focusing on the area south of E. Johnson along Airport Road. Discussion was held concerning the area. Chairman Hill stated he thinks it makes sense for the area to be moderate intensity because of its location in relation to Arkansas State, the hospital and other prime destinations. It was decided not to change that area of the map.
Discussion was then held concerning the high intensity swath along Highway 1 South going out of town. Mr. Light noted there is no sewer south of Apt Drive, so he thinks the high intensity swath should be cut off in that area. Ms. Alexander motioned, seconded by Mr. Enos, to replace the high intensity swath along Highway 1 South with moderate intensity south of the intersection of Highway 1 and Caraway Road. She added the node at Harrisburg Road should stay. All voted aye.
The committee discussed Highway 49 South near Collins Road and Wilkinson Drive. Mr. Light stated the node around Valley View Schools is a bad idea because of the school and the traffic problem. Ms. Alexander agreed with Mr. Light and suggested taking that node off the map.
Ms. Alexander motioned, seconded by Mr. Enos, to change the high intensity to moderate intensity along Highway 49 South from the intersection with Highway 226 to Kellers Chapel Road. All voted aye.
Mr. Spriggs then asked where they would like to move the node that is currently near Valley View Schools on the map. The committee agreed to think about it and come back with suggestions at the next meeting.
Chairman Hall suggested electing a vice chair for the committee due to the time constraints. So, if he is unavailable to be at the meeting, then the committee can still meet and conduct business. Ms. Alexander motioned, seconded by Mr. Trevathan, to elect Mr. Enos as vice chair. All voted aye.
Mr. Spriggs stated he would like to reschedule the next meeting to October 20th because he will not be available to meet on October 16th. The committee agreed to meet on October 20th.
Mr. Bare stated sometime in the future he would like to discuss redevelopment areas in the city.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.