Commission Approves Mobile Home Sales

PRAIRIE GROVE — The site of the former Mid-Continent Concrete Co., at the intersection of Arkansas 170 and U.S. 62, will now be used to sell mobile homes.

The Prairie Grove Planning Commission on Thursday approved the large-scale development plan for the five- acre property on the eastern side of Prairie Grove. The plan was submitted by Don Anderson of Anderson Propane. Anderson plans to lease the property to Pioneer Mobile Homes.

Anderson also requested that the property be rezoned from A-1, agriculture, to B1, business. The planning commission voted to recommend this change to the Prairie Grove City Council. The approval of the large scale development plan is contingent on council approval of the rezoning request.

The commission also directed Anderson to build a small berm to address concerns by Carla Smith, whose property at 10812 Highway 170 is adjacent to the future business.

Smith said her property floods during rain events and requested that the new business not increase run-off to her property.

“We can't take any more water,” Smith said, adding, “I just asked that you grade it where it goes to 62 or someplace else.”

Anderson, who attended the meeting, asked Smith to be on site when the land is graded.

“You be there and show him what you want,” Anderson told Smith “It won't make me a bit of difference. We want you to be happy.”

Kim Hesse with Engineering Design Associates presented the large- scale development plan to the planning commission and she said a drainage study showed that the mobile home business would not increase storm water run-off. Hesse is the one who recommended building a berm to help flooding on Smith's property.

Larry Oelrich, director of public works and administra- tive services, said the widening of U. S. 62 has caused flooding problems along the highway but the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department is not assuming responsibility for the flooding issues.

“I've sent them letters and neighbors have sent them letters but they say their drainage studies show they've only increased runoff by 10 percent,” Oelrich said.

The planning commission's agenda originally included a large-scale development plan for a new Subway restaurant next to Walmart Express. This proposal was postponed until the commission's July meeting.