Rogers Planning Commission OKs batch of rezonings, developments

ROGERS — The Planning Commission approved another batch of rezonings and large-scale developments on Tuesday.

That included a rezoning of 21 acres on South 28th Street, northwest of the Pleasant Grove interchange. Developer Michael Augustine of Alta Terra project wants to build 248 residential units, including single-family homes, townhomes and multi-family apartments on the property west of 28th Street.

Plans for the development have been adjusted since residents spoke against the project at a commission meeting Jan. 4, according to a staff report.

Eighteen people spoke against the development on Jan. 4, citing concerns about the proposed street connecting Alta Terra to the Pleasant Acres Phase I and II subdivisions to the west, the street’s crossing over the greenway, a potential increase in flooding and the potential reduction in value if their neighborhood is no longer a cul-de-sac.

No one spoke against the development Tuesday.

The rezoning keeps the property in the residential multi-family zoning district and includes a revised density concept plan of 12 units per acre for the property, according to the report.

The new plans propose eight more units than the previously approved plans.

Two detention ponds were removed from the proposal and replaced by usable green space and permeable pavers with underground detention, attorney Will Kellstrom said.

Any issues with drainage will be worked out during the large-scale review process, Commissioner Rachel Crawford said.

According to the new conceptual plans, the east-west road connecting West Brooks Ridge and South 28th Street will include a gate between the development and the Pleasant Acres Phase II subdivision to the west, according to the report.

The gate will remain closed, but will be available for Fire Department access, according to the report.

An east-west private road on the south end of the development was also rearranged for the new proposal.

The developer will discuss the details of a stub-out to the south, the internal sidewalk network, drainage and traffic management during the largescale development review, according to the report.

Commissioners voted unanimously in favor of the rezoning. Commissioner John Schmelzle was absent.

In other business, the commission approved construction of a 15,360-squarefoot, two-story building and paved parking on 1.6 acres at the southeast corner of West Northgate Road and South 55th Loop.

The Plaza at Pinnacle Hills development could be used for retail sales, professional offices and restaurant space, according to the report.

Seven commissioners voted to approve the large-scale development. Steve Lane abstained from the vote.