Planners OK another look at complex

Second public hearing granted; rezoning was denied by council

ROGERS — A rezoning to allow a new apartment complex to be built will get another chance after being denied by the City Council.

The Planning Commission voted unanimously with commissioner Dennis Ferguson absent Tuesday to allow a second public hearing concerning rezoning 4.2 acres at the southwest corner of South Promenade Boulevard and West Walnut Creek Parkway from highway commercial to residential multifamily. That means the request from TLC Properties will be up for consideration by the Planning Commission and City Council again. The intent of the rezoning is so an apartment complex with 128 units for people 55 and older can be built.

The City Council unanimously denied the request last week, although the Planning Commission recommended approval. Council members expressed concern over the density the rezoning would allow, 31 units per acre, given that once the property is rezoned, there’s nothing prohibiting a different type of housing eventually being built there with the same density.

“During the City Council meeting, the objection

was raised that we couldn’t guarantee over the long haul it would still be age-restricted, and so, in response to that, the applicant is offering a deed restriction to maintain that as part of the deed,” Community Development Director John McCurdy said to the Planning Commission.

McCurdy told the council last week the community development staff didn’t see a reason to deny the request and the development was consistent with the patterns in the surrounding area. He later said this type of housing — apartments — is needed in Rogers.

“We believe there is new information that has come to light that the City Council was unaware of, and we hope to share that with them and have an opportunity to be heard on that,” said Hunter Haynes, a representative for TLC Properties.

Council member Gary Townzen said he voted against the rezoning because the density was too high for the location.

“I would listen again. There can always be new information,” Townzen said.

Council member Jerry Carmichael said he would reconsider the request if it came back to the council with a lower density. He added he was concerned about the lack of green space planned for the property and the property could be rezoned under the premise of being used for an apartment complex for people 55 and older but not restricted to that.

Likewise, council member Buddy Wright said, “If that property sells, it could be used for something we don’t want.”