Two requests take center stage at public hearing

Planners hear residents’ objections about 13-acre development, permit

ROGERS — Some residents objected to two requests at public hearings at Tuesday’s Planning Commission meeting.

The first hearing concerned a 13-acre development at 4601 S. Champions Drive near Pinnacle Country Club. The other was a permit from the Elks Lodge on 3.78 acres at the northeast corner of Osage Road and Arapaho Drive.

The Champions proposal was a planned unit development for a multi-residential development near the country club.

Bill Watkins, the attorney for the development told commission members residential development with commercial elements are the best use for the property. Watkins said the project is also compatible with a nearby project in the area.

Watkins said planned

unit development is best because the location is a sensitive area and it gives the commission more input than a straight rezoning.

The project includes 342 units of residential in threeand four-story buildings. Commercial units will also be on the site, according to Watkins.

Watkins said the project, which includes two entrances, would no longer be gated and a pond on the site would be accessible to the public. The development also includes a walking trail.

Watkins said only five Pinnacle residents are adjacent to the property.

Watkins said garages on the southern boundary will provide buffer for residents on that border.

Martin and Lisa Porter’s home is 48 yards from one of the planned buildings. Martin Porter spoke against the project. “Arkansas field goal kickers can kick further that that, but not consistently,” he said.

Porter said anyone on the second story or above will be able to see into their home. He said it was a huge intrusion of privacy.

Christy Lamers objected to the project which would be near her home. Lamers doesn’t believe the project is appropriate for the area. “It’s trying to jam a square peg in a round hole,” she said.

Several other people also spoke against the project.

Rogers attorney Don Kendall, who represent the property owner, spoke in favor of the request. Kendall said his client cannot pick and choose the buyer. Kendall said his client is only getting calls for a multi-family use for the property.

Commission Chairman Don Spann said he likes the plan, but is concerned about its impact on the traffic in the area.

Watkins asked the board table the request. He said his client will review the feedback from the meeting and return to the commission.

The commissioners approved Watkins’ request.

The commission also had a public hearing concerning a request by Elks Lodge to have a club on 3.78 acres at the northeast corner of Osage Road and Arapaho Drive. “It’s not like having a bar there, Watkins, who also represents the lodge, said. “It’s a fraternal organization and they have their meetings there.”

Betty Evans, who lives in the area, was against the request. She was concerned about the traffic and didn’t want a bar near her home. “It’s darts, pool and open to midnight,” she said. “It sounds like a bar to me.”

Carole Baker, who lives on Osage Road, said the Elk Lodge event center isn’t appropriate place to put in their neighborhood.

Several other residents also spoke against the Elks’ request.

Besides Watkins, no one else spoke in favor of the Elks’ request.

Planning member Myra Moran, who said she was familiar with the Elks Lodge, said she resented the lodge was being presented as a bar. “How many of you have belonged to the Elks Lodge and how many of you have even been there,” she asked.

Spann said he once belonged and was a officer for the lodge, but he hasn’t been member for 30 years.

The commission voted 5-1 to approve the Elks’ request with operating hours from noon to 11 p.m. daily. Spann was the lone vote against the request. Commissioner Tony Noblin abstained.

Noblin said he was a member of the lodge eight years ago and he though it was appropriate to abstain due to the short time frame.

The development also includes a walking trail.