Commission denies construction storage permit

BENTONVILLE — First Security Bank construction crews will need to find a different location to store material after the Planning Commission denied a permit to use an empty lot at 106 N.W. Third St.

The commission voted 6-0 against the request after hearing from three nearby property owners during the public hearing Tuesday. Commissioner Jim Grider was absent.

First Security Bank is building a branch at 108 S. Main St. where the city’s utility billing drive-through used to be located. It’s about a quarter of a mile south of the lot on 106 N.W. Third St.

Don Wallace, a resident next to the property, said the neighborhood had a terrible experience when the empty lot was used for construction storage when Bentonville Community Church of the Nazarene expanded on the south side of Northwest Third Street last year. He said bright spotlights shone in his home’s windows at early morning hours, a portable toilet was within 10 feet of a resident’s window, heavy equipment moving in and out damaged yard corners, and the noise was loud.

Pam Chrisco, a resident on North Main Street, echoed Wallace’s opposition.

“It’s an inconvenience and an eyesore to the neighborhood,” she said.

The permit was to be valid until Sept. 1. An extension needed the commission’s approval, said Jon Stanley, planner.

Commissioners discussed possible conditions, such as operational hours, to alleviate residents’ concerns, but residents said there wasn’t anything that would turn their opposition into support.

Just because the site was previously used for construction storage doesn’t mean it’s automatically going to be approved for that use again, said Joe Haynie, a planning commissioner.

“This may not be the most ideal location,” said Rod Sanders, a planning commissioner.

The commission approved a permit for Chabad of Northwest Arkansas at 3400 S.E. John Rollow Drive as well as a final plat for Arbor Lane II phase II on Southwest Peachwood Drive.