Rezone OKd; Plan tabled

A rezone request was approved by Pea Ridge Planning Commission members at the regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday, Nov. 7, following a public hearing.

Representatives from RLP Investments requested rezoning property at 574 Weston St. from R-1 (residential, single family) to C-2 (commercial).

A couple of residents from Nelson Court, located immediately north of the property in question, objected saying that the construction of a storage facility would decrease their property values and complaining about lights shining in their windows from the current business south of the property in question.

Planners, when considering the large scale development plan for the storage facility, requested a vegetative screen between the facility and nearby residences and recommended zero-degree candle lighting. The plan was tabled, as there were many check list items not on the plan.

"You've given us an incomplete set of plans," Dr. Karen Sherman, planner, said, explaining that typically the rezone and the large scale development plans are considered at separate meetings. She said that although planners were recommending the rezone, the final decision is up to the City Council, which rejected their last rezone recommendation.

In other business, planners:

• Approved a variance request for 10-feet rear setback for 1250 Nemett Circle, Priscilla Kline

• Took no action on a variance request for a nine-feet rear setback for 201 Cherry St., Crestwood Homes, as there was no representative present.

• Were introduced to, and questioned, Michael Wilhelm by Mayor Jackie Crabtree who said he was an applicant to fill a vacancy on the Planning Commission and he intended to present him to the City Council for approval.

General News on 11/15/2017