Commission approves duplexes
Posted on Wednesday, May 17, 2006
BENTONVILLE — Four downtown residents oppose a gift shop on North Main Street, but planning commissioners decided it was too early for a decision anyway.
Joana Garrison plans to buy the Victorian-style house at 306 N. Main St. and open a gift shop there in about three years, according to her representative, Sherry Littrell with Coldwell Banker. "What are we doing here?" Commissioner Tom Rife asked. The permit would only last for three years anyway. In the meantime, Garrison may open a bed and breakfast, Littrell said, but that would require a different permit.
Parking and traffic are primary issues for residents. "That’s where North Main really narrows down," said Pam Chrisco, of 224 N. Main St. "As for adjacent parking, I don’t know what she intends to use."
Garrison needs eight parking spaces and hopes to purchase adjacent property for future parking. "I can’t vote on hopes," Rife said. "(Garrison) wants to promote Bentonville," Littrell said. "It will be a fantastic gift shop like none other in the area."
The commission eventually removed the permit request, saying Garrison should reapply closer to her opening date. "In three years, the crystal ball is a little fuzzy," Rife said. "The neighborhood’s going to change."
In other business, the commission approved a duplex rezoning and subdivision plans for the Cascades subdivision at Windmill and Morning Star roads. The site will hold 114 units, or 57 duplex lots, contingent upon annexation into the city.
The duplex/patio home residential (R-2) rezoning does not meet the city’s Land Use Plan.
In the 4-2 vote, Commissioners Mike Thedford and Jim Stanley voted "no." "We’ve got, in my opinion, too many duplex developments going now," Stanley said after the meeting. "That’s not what was planned for that area — plus it’s not even in the city yet."
Thedford voted no because the planning staff recommended denial, he said.
• The commission also approved plans for a Landers McLarty Nissan dealership on Moberly Lane; a final plat for Woods Creek South, Phase II; and a commercial development on South Walton Boulevard, north of Southeast 34 th Street.
• The commission tabled three items: Straube Business Park; the Oakbrooke subdivision, Phase II; and Fletcher Kia.
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