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Minutes for the City Council meeting on March 3, 1997
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APPEAL HEARING - An appeal hearing was conducted by Council regarding the rezoning denial by the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission for 4.13 acres located on the southeast corner of Aggie Road and Longhorn Drive. Alpha Gamma Rho Alumni Corporation had petitioned for the appeal. Mr. Robert Finley spoke as the representative for Alpha Gamma Rho, explaining they were asking for the highest and best use of their property. Mr. Finley submitted documentation showing code requirements for Residential 2 zoning, and stated the fraternity property meets Residential 2 requirements. Mr. Finley pointed out that nowhere in the Residential 2 requirements, is traffic a consideration when determining the proper zoning. Mr. Finley stated the 4.13 acres could serve as a buffer zone between ASU property and residential property. Councilman Rorex questioned the need to sell the property as Residential 2 rather than Residential 1. It was explained that Alpha Gamma Rho wishes to move to the ASU campus, and build a new fraternity house. It was recommended by a Realtor, to rezone the property Residential 2 in order to sell the 4.13 acres, and make enough money to build the new fraternity house. Mr. Finley explained Alpha Gamma Rho has no choice but to sell because it cannot get the financial backing to rebuild off campus. In closing, Mr. Finley asked Council to overturn the Metropolitan Area Planning Commissions decision.
Dr. Eugene Smith, former Arkansas State University President was spokesman for residence in opposition to the rezoning of the 4.13 acres. A petition with over three hundred signatures opposing the rezoning was submitted to Council. Dr. Smith began by giving the history of the property, stating it had always been Residential 1. The property was obtained in the early 1970's from Mr. J.P. & Veda Beard who owned a single family house on the 4.13 acres. Alpha Gamma Rho built a room on to the single family ...
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