A large scale development plan was approved for a commercial development by Pat Tobin on Slack Street after several tech review meetings considering the plan. Planning Commission members approved the plan at their regular meeting Tuesday, Jan. 7. The request for a variance for parking was withdrawn by Evan Niehous, landscape architect with Bates and Associates.
"I think they've pretty complied with everything we've asked for," M.J. Hensley, planner, said.
"Pea Ridge has one heck of a Street Department," Zach Hoyt, planner, said praising the work of the crews during the recent snows.
Planners also discussed current city codes and agreed to meet to reevaluate variances and other ordinances governing planning.
"I'd like to look at the overall structure of the ordinances to establish the purpose of each and consider the exceptions. Everything we've got here was put together with limited knowledge on our part. Instead of patching, let's fix it," Hensley said.
"I've worked here with nothing. It's much better than what we used to work with," Dr. Karen Sherman said, adding that she would like to see planners update the large scale development plan. "That's what we're seeing the most of right now."
Hensley said planners needed guidelines from the Fire Department as well. "Why can't the developer find out from the Fire Department what is required?" Hensley asked. "We need something we can go by. I'm tired of going by what their opinion is."
"I think they're trying to do a better job -- Jamie (Fire Chief Jamie Baggett) and his captains -- in a more timely manner," Tony Townsend, building official, said.
"I'd like the department heads to be notified of the meeting on the 15th," Jerry Burton, planner said.
In other business, planners:
• Re-elected Matt Powers as chairman;
• Elected Heather Clark as vice chairman;
• Re-elected Al Fowler as secretary;
• Planned to meet Wednesday, Jan. 15, for a work-study session.
General News on 01/15/2014