Crowders told to reapply

The new owners of the former Blackhawk Stadium applied for a zoning change from Agricultural to Commercial on the advise of city officials, but after a long discussion with Planning Commission members, were advised to reapply for a Residential zone.

"Initially, when we met with Tony (Townsend, building official) and the mayor, they had recommended the C1, which is fine," Lisa Crowder said. "We're not looking to make a lot of money, but we're spending money. Are you saying I'm going to have to send out those 35 letters and spend that $285 again? That's kind of stinky, especially since we're trying to do something good for the city and the community."

A public notice must be published prior to a rezoning public hearing. Townsend said he published the notice in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Letters must also be sent to surrounding landowners notifying them of the request.

Crowder and her husband, Todd, bought the stadium from the Pea Ridge School District in October. They are using it for an event center. She told planners that they have several groups wanting to use the facility including a minor league football team, the city for the mule jump, the Lions and Optimist clubs for a circus.

Neighboring landowner Don Pederson spoke in favor of the rezoning, but asked why C1 was selected. "What are you relying on -- what term in the ordinance -- in order to accomplish what you're seeking to accomplish?"

Planner Heather Clark mentioned a public facility.

After quite a bit of discussion and conferring with the assistant city attorney, Michael Niederbaumer, it was decided that public facilities are in the residential zones.

Concerns expressed were about noise, security and drainage off the back driveway on Greer Street.

Clark and planner Zachary Hoyt asked Niederbaumer about a variance to address concerns, at which point the attorney said that the residential zones allowed for public facilities.

"It's a permitted use," he said, stating that public facilities are listed in all residential zones and does not require a variance or conditional use.

Clark made the motion with M.J. Hensley seconding to not approve the commercial zone and recommend the Crowders resubmit the request for a residential zone.

"I wish would would have known that before," Crowder said.

In other business, the commission approved replacing a mobile home on a lot on Weston Street.

General News on 05/14/2014