Dryden rezone OKd, Perrin rezone denied

Pea Ridge Planning Commissioners approved one rezone tabled last month while denying a new separate rezone during the Planning Commission meeting on Jan. 2.

Commissioners approved the rezone from R-1 (Low-density residential) to R-3 (High-density residential) for development on West Patton Street while denying a second rezone from R-1 to R-2 (Medium-density residential) for the project at 816 Weston St.

The West Patton Street rezone was originally brought before the commission on Dec. 5 but was tabled because of numerous concerns by area residents.

Hearings were held for both rezones at the January meeting and drew more comments from citizens.

City engineer Robbie Bullis presented a stop sign and traffic signal warrant analysis at the two-way stop at Patton, Weston and Hazelton streets before the Planning Commission adjourned and convened hearings for the rezones.

Based on the study, the intersection does not need either option, Bullis said.

“I recommend that we look at enhancing the intersection,” Bullis said. “Bigger stop signs, maybe a flasher, and make the intersection more visible.”

Dr. Karen Sherman, Planning Commission member, agreed that it was a visibility issue because of having almost gone through the intersection without stopping.

Jessy Heard, one of the main voices of opposition in December, again spoke about the Patton Street rezone.

Heard began by requesting a copy of the traffic study. Sherman told Heard to request the study from the city. She then asked how many units would be in the development.

Barry Cooksey, a developer for the Weston Street project, said there were 44 units.

The problem with the developments is that Patton and Weston Street may not be able to handle the traffic, Heard said. She also said that she walked her daughter to school regularly and the intersection is dangerous.

“We’ve been nearly hit almost four times,” Heard said.

Sidewalks are located on Patton Street but on only one side of the road, Heard said. When Heard attempts to cross the street it is completely backed up because of parents turning in to Pea Ridge Primary and Middle Schools to pick up their children, Heard said.

Heard said people also sit in the middle of the intersection blocking traffic. A lack of police officers and crosswalks also contributes to the problem, Heard said.

After the hearings, the commission reconvened and voted on the rezones. Commissioner Carolyne Wendel said she shares the public’s concerns about traffic and is concerned about the extra 100 to 150 cars on the road.

Commissioner Chris Johnson made a motion to deny the rezone which Wendel seconded. Commissioners voted 4-2 to reject the denial with Johnson and Wendel voting for the denial and Wilhelm, Sherman, Al Fowler and Juan Arriola voting in opposition to the denial.

A second vote was taken and the commission approved the rezone for the Patton Street rezone with a vote of 4-2.

Johnson and Wendel voted against approving the rezone while Wilhelm, Sherman, Fowler and Arriola voted for the rezone.

Commissioners then voted on the Weston Street rezone. In a vote of 3-3 the Weston Street rezone was denied. Wendel, Fowler and Arriola voted for the rezone while Sherman, Johnson and Wendel voted against the rezone.

The motion failed because of the tie vote, said city planning director Jessica Grady.

Commissioners also voted on

the following items:

• Denied the Walnut Hill rezone from R-1 to R-2;

• Approved the largescale development for New Life Church, 815 Weston St.;

• Approved the preliminary plat for the Dove Crossing subdivision on the northwest corner of Dove and Blue Jay roads;

• Approved the updated drainage report, updated drainage change and updated proposed trail for the Yorktown subdivision on Arkansas Highway 72; and

• Approved the updated drainage report and updated proposed sidewalk for the Concord subdivision on State Hwy. 72.