Council agrees to rezone Cooper land

BELLA VISTA — The City Council rezoned land at the Southeast corner of Kingsland Road and Kenilworth Drive at its meeting Monday.

The two acres, owned by Cooper Communities, was rezoned from single-family residential to two-family residential.

Chris Suneson, director of the city’s Community Development Services, said the primary difference in the zoning designations is allowable density. Single family residential allows three homes per acre, while two-family residential allows six.

Council member Doug Fowler said he has been to the property at least four times, and he doesn’t anticipate any problems from the increased density. The impact, he said, appears to be minimal.

“In some regards, it might be argued that it’s a more efficient use of land,” he said.

Additionally, he said, some residents voiced concerns about apartments on the property. While duplexes will be allowed, Fowler said he wanted to clarify apartments wouldn’t be permitted.

Council member Linda Lloyd said rezoning isn’t something anyone in city government takes lightly.

The location, she said, is adjacent to churches and will not be simply stuck into a neighborhood.

“It’s not like it’s stuck out in the middle of an R1 zone,” she said.

The council also passed a proposal regulating temporary portable storage containers and discussed regulations on outdoor lighting.

The council also approved a law enforcement mutual aid agreement with Siloam Springs and creating a reserve fund for property nuisance abatement and trail maintenance and improvement.