Planning Commission OKs permit

Property near high school will continue to provide student parking

FAYETTEVILLE — Parking at one property near the high school got the blessing of the Planning Commission to continue as it has for years for at least the rest of the school year.

Commissioners voted 7-0 Monday to grant a permit allowing parking at the southeast corner of West Stone Street and South Buchanan Avenue. The gravel and grass lot immediately east of Fayetteville High School provides parking for 21 students. Commissioners Matt Johnson and Leslie Belden were absent.

The city in August mailed letters to about 50 property owners near the high school reminding them that nonresidential parking in a residential area requires a permit from the Planning Commission. Staff had received complaints about off-site parking for high school students, prompting the letters.

The property the commission considered Monday, however, has not garnered any complaints. Charles and Alona Billingslea have owned it since 2002, but it was used for parking for many years before then as well, according to city documents.

City officials have fielded concerns about student parking since the letters went out. School officials have said in meetings they’re looking into the problem. The high school has 442 student spaces and more than 1,200 juniors and seniors.

Karen Woodward said her daughter parks in the lot owned by the Billingsleas. She worried her daughter would have to enroll in the

virtual academy without a place to park.

“The alternative would be to put her on the Arkansas Razorback campus with a bunch of college kids,” Woodward said.

Some of the commission’s discussion centered around four spaces that cut into the right of way of Buchanan Avenue. Commissioner Ron Autry asked the property owners to look into reorienting the layout so that the four spaces would fit within the lot boundary.

“This has operated for over 40 years with zero violations,” Autry said. “Gosh knows we need more parking area around Fayetteville High.”

The commission can renew the permit after the school year ends.

In a separate matter, commissioners tabled 7-0 an administrative item that suggests a number of code changes for design standards for new subdivisions. Several builders, developers and members of the public spoke on the issue, asking that it be tabled.

Commissioners set a date of Dec. 10 to address the topic again.

The commission also approved changes to its bylaws regarding engagement with the public during meetings. The changes more closely align the commission’s rules with that of the City Council.

Public comment will be limited to three minutes. Language also was added to usher courtesy and respect in all discussions.

Assistant City Attorney Blake Pennington also will now sit with the commission during most meetings, City Attorney Kit Williams said.

NWA Democrat-Gazette/DAVID GOTTSCHALK Vehicles are parked Monday behind 823 and 833 W. Stone St. at the intersection with Buchanan Avenue near Fayetteville High School. The Planning Commission approved a permit for an offsite parking lot at the private property.